Category Archives: EdFestivals 2015

All our coverage from the 2015 festivals.

I, Elizabeth (Assembly Roxy, Aug 7-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-31 : 11:45 : 1hr 15mins)

Posted in 4*, Assembly Roxy, EdFestivals 2015, Rated: Nae Bad, Theatre by

I, Elizabeth at Edinburgh Fringe Festival Banner

“Vaughn’s command of the stage is utterly iron-fisted.”

Editorial Rating: 4 Stars Nae Bad

The two hardest things as an actor, at least in my experience, are to memorise your lines and then make to them appear spontaneous and real. To do so without ever losing energy, alone and over a period of a straight hour is nothing short of astounding – and, a feat which Rebecca Vaughn pulls off as Queen Elizabeth nearly effortlessly.
I, Elizabeth is a monologue act pieced together from the Tudor Queen’s assorted letters, poems and private correspondence, and offers a glimpse into the chaotic and rich emotional life behind one of England’s most memorable rulers as presented by the Queen herself.

Vaughn’s character work is undeniably slick: she channels both regality and humility so realistically and so honestly that, even watching from the front, I often forgot I was watching an act at all. And even more impressive was her talent at making irregular, Tudor-style cadence not only make sense to a modern audience, but do it so well that it becomes compelling and, when she wants it to, genuinely funny. Unlike her character’s sometimes shaky political life, Vaughn’s command of the stage is utterly iron-fisted.

But Vaughn’s considerable talent cannot suspend reality by itself, and was aided by a very talented makeup and costume team; the result being a costume with such substance and attention to detail that it wouldn’t have looked out of place in a high-budget period drama. However, just as Vaughn portrayed a partly flawed monarch, so did her performance. Occasionally her emotional energy bordered on the melodramatic, and her tight emotional u-turns sometimes meant that gaps of monologue were lost as the volume increased. And perhaps I’m simply not smart enough to understand it, but some of the tech decisions- particularly a strange, electrical jolting sound to punctuate the monologue – seemed utterly out of place in what was otherwise a very faithful historical recreation, and sometimes completely broke the show’s atmosphere.

Despite these shortcomings, the rest of the show was nothing short of regal. Vaughn should be praised for her unmistakeable dedication to character work. Short of necromancy, it seems she is the woman to call for bringing the long dead back to complex, compelling life.

 

nae bad_blue

Star (blue)Star (blue)Star (blue)Star (blue)

—

Reviewer: Jacob Close (Seen 7 August)

Visit the Assembly Roxy archive.

THIS REVIEW HAS NOT BEEN SUBEDITED

The Very Grey Matter of Edward Blank (Assembly Roxy, 7 – 31 Aug : 17.35 : 55mins)

Posted in 3*, Assembly Roxy, EdFestivals 2015, Rated: Unrated, Theatre by

https://s3.amazonaws.com/assembly_production/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/The-Very-Grey-Matter-of-Edward-Blank-square.jpg

“A potential creative masterpiece whose shortcomings locked it into simply being “alright””

Editorial Rating: 3 Stars

I’m a firm believer that the human mind is one of the most complicated and amazing pieces of organic engineering the world has ever seen. Therefore, a witty, entertaining show exploring its contents is like my personal holy grail; and whilst I nearly found it in The Very Grey Matter of Edward Blank, it fell excruciatingly short of something which could have been incredible.

The show tells the story of its titular, reclusive protagonist as he struggles with his own ill mind in a desperate attempt to identify a voice on an old tape; both helped and hindered by his inner voices, who clown and joke their way through his surprisingly dark existence. A nuanced and creative genius, Blank’s goal takes him into the often nonsensical depths of his own sick psyche, and his inner voices are all along for the ride.

To start with, members of the team whose job relies on hardly noticing their work: a huge congratulations to the set and team, who succeeded in creating an on-stage apartment which was not only visually pleasing, but also functioned very cleverly in some of the most simple yet effective visual trickery I’ve seen in a long time. And similar kudos must go to the costume and makeup which went into the creation of the simultaneously ghoulish and comic “Mister Boo-bag” (whose mime work was worth every second).

With regards to the acting talent on show, Edward Blank’s mad, clowning inner characters all had flashes of utter comic genius, and showed a cohesion in their onstage chemistry which many theatre companies could take lessons from. And especial praise must be given to Sam Redway, who played the eponymous Edward, for managing to play an unstable character who remained endearing, charming and dynamic without fail.

However, this was a show which was constantly leaving me wanting to see more, and unfortunately not in a good way. I often wanted to see more energy and dynamism from most of the inner voices, who were always tantalising close to having the physicality and force to really hammer their characters home, but only occasionally hit the target. And perhaps it was a matter of the (admittedly, very witty) writing, or some fault of the occasional silences or unintended moments of stillness, but the show seemed to have a problem maintaining it’s dramatic momentum. And, even worse, the show ended abruptly with a whimper rather than a bang. I was left feeling like I’d gotten to the last glorious bites of a meal, only to have it slapped out of my hand. Had this show’s world been able to maintain itself with the extra needed force, I would have been hooked. But as it stood, I couldn’t quite get into it.

Would I see Edward Blank again? With a few tweaks, gladly. But despite strong performances and clever writing, the show’s shortcomings often ripped me out of what could have been an utterly engrossing story – and even more frustratingly, it’s weaknesses felt just a draft away from being solved. This was a potential creative masterpiece whose shortcomings locked it into simply being “alright”.

If this returns to Fringe in any altered form, I’ll be the first in line – but until then, Edward Blank left me feeling a little grey.

Star (blue)Star (blue)Star (blue)

—

Reviewer:Jacob Close (Seen 7 August)

Visit the Assembly Roxy  archive.

THIS REVIEW HAS NOT BEEN SUBEDITED

Jurassic Park (Assembly Roxy: 5 – 30 Aug : 18.50 : 1hr)

Posted in 4*, Assembly Roxy, EdFestivals 2015, Rated: Outstanding, Theatre by

“A show with so much heart mine nearly burst”

Editorial Rating: 4 Stars: Outstanding

I was slightly worried, from the name, that this would be one of those overly geeky shows where the actors become a bit self-absorbed in being dinosaurs that they lose the plot – literally. Thankfully, this production strikes a wonderful balance between storytelling, humour and a moving tribute to one of the world’s best loved films.

It really is a show with everything – packed with laughs from start to finish, touching moments of tenderness, dinosaurs, family dramas, a ballad to the triceratops and even a Britney Spears dance break. More importantly, it’s performed with so much energy, love and conviction that one can’t help but be carried along with the fun.

The premise: a father (Terry) and his two children (Noah and Jade) welcome the audience to the village hall for a screening of their favourite family movie (Jurassic Park), as a tribute to Terry’s wife and the children’s mother Madeline, who died a year ago. What follows is a tale of a broken family, love, heartache… and dinsoaurs.

As a piece devised and performed by a Lecoq-trained company, it is understandably very physical, with each of the actors switching between human character, dinosaur and the cast of Jurassic Park with ease and finesse. Moments involving lifts and embodying the larger dinosaurs are particularly impressive, as is the creative use of props – who knew a rucksack could look quite so much like a Tyrannosaurus’s mouth?!

I would have liked to have seen the initial scene (in the village hall) developed throughout and have gotten to know the character of Madeline a bit better, perhaps at the sacrifice of one or two of the scenes involving the film’s reenactment. If any of these are intended to show parallels to the family’s story, the references are too subtle and disjointed to be effective. Some of the transitions between scenes also come across as somewhat forced, but in all other respects this show is hard to fault.

The cast work incredibly hard to deliver an hour of non-stop action, with personalities that really shine: Maria Askew as Jade is the perfect moody teenager, Frode Gjerløw is perhaps most impressive with his array of character changes, while Simon Maeder is just incredibly likeable – even while pretending to be a porn star!

This is a hilarious yet touching tale of one family’s coming to terms with grief through the medium of Jurassic Park, and I give it a roar of approval.

outstanding

StarStarStarStar

—

Reviewer: Steve Griffin  (Seen 6 August)

Visit the Assembly Roxy archive.

THIS REVIEW HAS NOT BEEN SUBEDITED

Jane Austen’s Persuasion: A New Musical Drama (Assembly Rooms, 6 Aug – 9 Aug : 21:30 : 2hr 45)

Posted in 3*, EdFestivals 2015, Other by

“The cast were undeniably talented”

Editorial Rating: 3 Stars

I’m always a bit wary of American troupes performing very British shows in Britain, as I’ve so rarely seen them pulled off well. Unfortunately this production did little to change my mind, although there were some very promising moments.

This presentation billed itself as a new musical drama adaption of one of Austen’s finest works. And while I was expecting (and honestly would have preferred) slightly more Broadway than the Gilbert and Sullivan that was presented, the main fault with this show was something of an identity crisis – trying to force twee Jane Austen into a rather melodramatic and operatic saga just didn’t quite fit.

However – the positives: this is a big budget (by Fringe standards) show with fabulous costumes and incredibly detailed projection on the backdrop to show changes in location, time and weather. The cast were undeniably talented, with some incredibly strong voices on show in both solo and group numbers, and the band were faultless.

The narrative stayed very faithful to the original book, was easy enough to follow without ever feeling clunky, and that should be a feather in the cap to adapter Barbara Landis. The script contained enough detail to properly establish each scene and character in full, even if, at just under three hours (including interval), it’s a bit of a slog.

When it came to the acting though, there was a distinct contrast in styles between some of performers, which didn’t help the sense of jarring between what I think the company were trying to achieve and what we saw. While Jeff Diebold as Captain Wentworth showed great sensitivity to the emotion and style of Jane Austen, Barbara Landis as heroine Anne Elliot and John Boss as her father were perhaps the most guilty of over-theatricalising every line. This would have been great in a full-scale opera or vaudeville, but didn’t work with what should have been a more gentle approach to a British masterpiece.

Putting that to one side, the chorus numbers (in particular Who Could Love Like an Irish Man and A Sailor’s Life) were spectacular – they were performed with vim, energy and an incredible blend of voices. Moments like these brought a sense of contrast to a show that was in many other respects distinctly lacking in light and shade due to severe overacting in the more gentle scenes, which made them all feel somewhat samey in mood.

Overall, this show has a lot of the basics to be fantastic, and while the period music and libretto were not to my personal taste, the bones of this original adaptation were sound and would probably please anyone with a preference to more traditional theatre. Although there were some wonderful moments of character and hilarity, I don’t feel the piece really hung together as an operetta, and stricter, more sensitive direction and more variation in melody and musical style of each number could have helped bring out the layers of Austen’s writing.

Star (blue)Star (blue)Star (blue)

Reviewer: Steve Griffin  (Seen 6 August)

Visit the Assembly Rooms archive.

THIS REVIEW HAS NOT BEEN SUBEDITED

Bonsoir Monsieur Nightfall (Assembly Roxy, 5 Aug – 30 Aug : 22:45 : 1hr)

Posted in 4*, Assembly Roxy, EdFestivals 2015, Music, Rated: Outstanding by

“A voice so deep and gloriously textured you could happily drown in it.”

Editorial Rating: 4 Stars  Outstanding

In French (I’m told) there’s a term “à l’ouest” which, if not taken literally, means a dreamer, or someone “from another planet”. It seems only fitting then that Helenē Clark not only made the long journey west from France to Britain, but is also utterly out of this world.

Taking inspiration from her time out on the streets, Clark’s set was an audial rollercoaster, ranging from almost stingingly raw despair to jubilation and joy. Deeply varied to say the least, but it did so without ever feeling disjointed – owing in large part to Clark’s evocative and smoky singing. She has a voice so deep and gloriously textured you could happily drown in it. Up against a gauntlet of styles ranging from junk guitar to tango, Clark’s range and tone were utterly without fault.

But the mightiest mountains do not stand alone. And whilst the main event was undeniably Clark, full credit must be given to her backing instrumentalists, who all were utterly on point with their performances and energy. Andy Shuttleworth and Dick Playfair especially impressed, the former showing off a beautiful and often mesmerising skill in fingerpicking, and the latter scoring points for utterly blowing me away with the strength and energy of his punchy jazz trumpeteering.

Of course, no show is without shortcomings. Clark’s vocal tone sometimes betrayed her enunciation, meaning that her lyrical work sometimes felt wasted as certain verses were lost to a rumbling growl. And, whilst her stories between songs added substance, they sometimes bordered on good natured but stunted rambling.
But any and all faults were immediately forgiven by the closing number, referred to cheekily by Clarke as their “Calypso Carnival”. It typified what made Bonsoir Monsieur Nightfall so engrossing: never before have I seen a group of musicians so obviously having a blast with their craft, and doing so with such sustain and finesse. Sorrowful, sultry and absurdly fun all in one, ‘Bonsoir Monsieur Nightfall’ never missed a beat.

If you can sit through this show without at least once cracking a smile, I’d recommend getting your pulse checked. This is not one to be missed.

outstanding

StarStarStarStar

—

Reviewer: Jacob Close

Visit the Assembly Roxy archive.

THIS REVIEW HAS NOT BEEN SUBEDITED

Edinburgh: Festival City Explorer Tour (Venue 363, Aug 7-20, 22, 24-31 : 10:00 : 1hr 45mins) (Preview)

Posted in EdFestivals 2015, Previews by

“Really insightful … I found myself asking intelligent questions”

Editorial Rating: Outstanding

Until this preview I’d never been on a walking tour of Edinburgh, despite witnessing what seems like several hundred of them in earnest progress from day to day. It was with some trepidation that I dragged myself to the agreed meeting point on a Sunday morning, for I had no desire for pantomime-esque shouting, spun-out theatricals, or vaguely competent script recitals. Thankfully, Gareth Davies’ Festival City Explorer Tour does not do these.

Photo credit: Malena Astrom

Starting at one end of the Grassmarket, Gareth immediately sets out what to expect and what makes it both interesting and unique compared to louder and more commercial efforts. He introduces it as a tour of two cities – the old, the new; the charming facades, the sordid histories; and the intriguing combinations of the geological and the human that have shaped the city into what it is today. What follows is a fascinating lesson in 101 things you didn’t know you didn’t know about Edinburgh.

At just shy of two hours, and taking in a fair whack of our city, it’s certainly not one for those hoping for a quick stroll. The tour encompasses both new and old town – exploring the stories of their design and build, finishing up on Calton Hill to view it as one whole.

In the old town we learnt about hangings, trade routes, and (yes, ok) a ghostie. As we passed along Mound Place on our way down to Princes Street, Gareth pointed out that not many tours actually venture into the new town. Indeed, the methodology behind his tour is to focus on those parts of the city that don’t feature in the glossy guide books. We spent very little time on the Royal Mile, and instead unearthed many of Edinburgh’s lesser-known treats in sidestreets and wynds, from walkways and vantage points.

What made this tour really special was Gareth’s personable and honest way of talking. He is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about what he does, but without the overblown routines and tired witticisms that you can get from a showman guide, especially in August. During the Fringe no group will number more than 10 people, which I think will help keep it all friendly and informative.

This was in fact a really insightful experience. For one thing it woke me up and for another I found myself asking intelligent questions that I’d never before considered – just how did some of our streets get their names? Remarkable.

Wear a comfortable pair of shoes and bring an open mind – you don’t know what you’ll discover.

Edinburgh: Festival City Explorer Tour runs Monday-Thursday at 10am during the Fringe. Booking is highly recommended.

outstanding

49 +3 Shows to See #EdFringe15

Posted in Dance, EdFestivals 2015, Events, Exhibitions, Music, Previews, Theatre by

It’s been two weeks now since the official programme launch, and we’ve finally made it through all 439 pages, featuring over 3,330 shows. Needless to say we’re VERY excited for what this year’s Fringe has in store.

Being the arts geeks that we are, Alan Brown and I have managed to narrow down a list of 49+3 shows we’re really looking forward to seeing, shared below to help guide your choices.

We haven’t been bribed, cajoled, threatened or in any other way influenced in making our selection, we’re just being honest.

+ Many thanks to Loclan Mackenzie-Spencer and Andrew Strano of Nailed It! for their song in praise of our choices!

So, without further ado…

One from each of the 10 categories:
Cabaret – Nailed It!
Children’s – Dreamkeepers
Comedy – Matt Forde: Get the Political Party Started
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus – Hitch!
Events – Edinburgh Gin’s Night of Literature and Liquor
Exhibitions – Unexpected Excesses
Music – Afropella Night
Musical Theatre – The Bakewell Bake Off: A New Musical
Spoken Word – TES
Theatre – Trans Scripts

My top 10
The Misfit Analysis
La Meute (The Wolf Pack)
Citydash
Brian Molley Quartet – Britunes
Ushers: The Front of House Musical
Poetry Can F*ck Off
Bloody East Europeans
Clickbait
Willy’s Bitches
Smother

Alan’s top 10
Ada
Down & Out in Paris & London
Light Boxes
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour
Picasso stole the Mona Lisa
Scarfed for Life
The Sunset Five
The Titanic Orchestra
Wendy Hoose by Johnny McKnight
What Would Spock Do?

19 other recommendations (including returning favourites from former years)
Bromance
Every Brilliant Thing
Homme | Animal
Can’t Care, Won’t Care
Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel
Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas
The Art of Reduction and the Distillation of Humanity: Whisky Theatre
Jess Robinson: The Rise of Mighty Voice
Chicken
The Jennifer Tremblay Trilogy. Parts 1, 2 & 3
We’re not dogs
The Oxford Gargoyles: Jazz a Capella
UKIP! The Musical
Going Viral
Dorian Gray
Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons
Richard III
My Name is…
The Rape of Lucrece

+3 we both agree on!
Crash
E15
Free for All

Phew – bring on August! If there are any other shows you think should be brought to our attention please get in touch with us at plus3@edinburgh49.com

.

Kind of a BIG Deal – S02E03 – Neil Mackinnon

Posted in EdFestivals 2015, Features, Kind of a BIG Deal by

“I don’t know how to put this…but I’m kind of a big deal.” – Ron Burgundy

In each episode of Kind of a Big Deal you can listen to an exclusive and intimate conversation between our Features Editor and the kind of big deal folk our world-class arts scene attracts – writers, performers, movers and shakers.

Listen again to Kind of a BIG Deal S02E02 ft. Dr Angela Bartie, historian and author of The Edinburgh Festivals: Culture and Society in Post-war Britain HERE.

This week’s conversation is between Dan Lentell and the Head of External Affairs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society

NEIL MACKINNON

Image credit - Dan Lentell

“Any writer or artist that has something to say should have a space here where they can say it.”

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is the organisation that underpins the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Its core value is to promote the Fringe as an open-access arts event – meaning that anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them should be able to perform, with no one person or committee curating the overall programme. The society was formalised in 1958, to support the growing number of performers who came to Edinburgh, who weren’t included in the programme of the Edinburgh International Festival. Among other roles, it provides information to artists, publishes the Fringe programme and operates a central box office.

In this interview Neil discusses some of the history of the Fringe and the journey of the Society over the last 60 years, from audience protests to the changes in ticketing processes as technology becomes more advanced. He also shares his thoughts on the changing landscape of the arts in relation to politics, and just what he does after the festival finishes each year…

Dan Lentell talks to Neil Mackinnon

The jingle is used with the gracious permission of Moving On Theatre’s Laurene Hope Omedal (star of Piaf: Love Conquers All) and is voiced by Edinburgh Nights host Ewan Spence.

This season of Kind of BIG Deal interviews is supported by the good people at the superb Cult Espresso – the coffee lover’s Southside choice.

PLEASE NOTE! If you are subscribed to Edinburgh49‘s emailing list, you may not see embedded audio links in your email alert, but they are on the website. (Promise!)

49 +3 Twitter Accounts You Should Follow This Fringe

Posted in EdFestivals 2015, Features by

twitter

*Contents accurate(ish) at time of publication. If you are the account holder and would like your details updated please contact us.

  1. Edinburgh Fringe  – @edfringe – “Official Twitter feed for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – the largest arts festival in the world. #edfringe 2015 runs 07 – 31 August.”
  1. edintfest – @edintfest – “Edinburgh International Festival. 3 weeks of the best music, theatre, dance & opera. 7-31 August 2015 #EdintFest Tweets usually from Nicola (^N) or Mathias (^M)”
  1. PBH’s Free Fringe – @TheFreeFringe – “The Free Fringe is an entirely voluntary organisation that stages free shows mainly during the Edinburgh Fringe. for more info go to http://freefringe.org.uk.”
  1. Free Fringe Festival – @freefringefest – “The Laughing Horse’s Free Edinburgh Fringe Festival. An annual Extravaganza of Comedy, Theatre, Music, Cabaret and much more in Edinburgh – all for free.”
  1. UoE Festivals – @UoEFestivals – “Official updates from the University of Edinburgh Festivals Office. Festivals, filming locations or cultural events in Edinburgh and need a venue? Talk to us.”

VENUES

  1. Assembly – @AssemblyFest – “Follow us for the latest on #EdFringe 2015 & @YFarber‘s @NirbhayaThePlay on tour. Check out @AssemblyRoxy if you’re #HereAllYear in Edinburgh.”
  1. Assembly Roxy – @AssemblyRoxy – “A historic gem in the Old Town, now run year round by @assemblyfest for events, rehearsals and performances, weddings and corporate hires.”
  1. Assembly Rooms – @ARedinburgh – “Assembly Rooms is Edinburgh’s award-winning multi-purpose venue, reopened in 2012 after a £9.3m restoration. Enquiries: 0131 220 4348 | Owned by @Edinburgh_CC.”
  1. Bedlam Theatre – @bedlamtheatre – “Home to the Edinburgh University Theatre Company.”
  1. C venues – @Cvenues – “C venues is the leading venue for theatre, musicals, international and variety at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”
  1. Church Hill Theatre – @ChurchHillThtr – “The Church Hill Theatre is one of Scotland’s leading non-professional theatres, owned and managed by @Edinburgh_CC.”
  1. Coburg House – @CoburgHouse – “Coburg House Art Studios houses a hub of creativity, which combines designer makers and fine artists with national and international profiles.”
  1. Dance Base – @DanceBase – “A National Centre for Dance in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. Tweets from Comms.”
  1. Dynamic Earth – @ourdynamicearth – “Edinburgh’s Multi Award Winning 5* Visitor Centre, #Eventvenue & #Educationservice. The only centre in the UK dedicated to #PlanetEarth. Visit #dynamicearth.”
  1. Edinburgh Dungeon – @EdinDungeon – “The ultimate thrill-filled journey through Scotland’s murky past featuring live actors, special effects & two thrilling rides. Exciting, scary and bloody funny!”
  1. EUSA – @eusa – “The Official Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA).” NB. Owner & operator (#HereAllYear) of Fringe venues incl. The Pleasance & Teviot Row House.
  1. Gigs – @BannermansBar – “Bannermans is a bar and venue located in the heart of historic Edinburgh. With live music six nights of the week, featuring the best in local, national and inte.” [sic]
  1. Gilded Balloon – @Gildedballoon – “A year-round comedy & theatre producer based in Edinburgh & one of the largest #edfringe venues, with over 100 shows in the 2014 Fringe!”
  1. Festival & King’s – @edtheatres – “DRAMA | MUSIC | DANCE | OPERA | COMEDY. Festival Theatre & King’s Theatre Edinburgh providing great entertainment at the heart of Scotland’s capital.”
  1. The Fine Art Society – @FAS_Edinburgh – “Specialists in Scottish art from the 17th century to the present. Based in Edinburgh’s New Town, we are part of The Fine Art Society London.”
  1. Just the Tonic – @Justthetonic – “‘Best Comedy Club in the country’ – Johnny Vegas. Nottingham’s original comedy club since 1994. Plus over 130 shows at #EdFringe2015.”
  1. Laughing Horse – @lhcomedy – “The Official Twitter of Laughing Horse Comedy Clubs. Follow for information on gigs, special offers for twitter, comedy gossip and general comedy chat.”
  1. THE LIQUIDROOM – @LIQUIDROOMS – “Edinburgh’s premier live music & club venue.”
  1. The Lyceum – @lyceumtheatre – “Theatre Made In Edinburgh.”
  1. National Galleries – @NatGalleriesSco – “National Galleries of Scotland is the Scottish National Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Portrait Gallery. Tweets from Adeline, Harris and Michael.”
  1. NLS – @natlibscot – “Home to over 15 million printed items, 7 million manuscripts, and over 2 million maps the National Library of Scotland is a treasure trove of information.”
  1. Paradise Green – @ParadiseGreenUK – “Tweets for Augustine’s and The Vault – Theatre at the Heart and Soul of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.”
  1. The Queen’s Hall – @queens_hall – “Edinburgh’s leading live music venue. Tickets & Information 0131 668 2019 | http://www.thequeenshall.net  | http://www.facebook.com/queenshall.”
  1. RBGE – @TheBotanics – “Official tweets from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scotland.”
  1. RealMaryKingsClose – @MaryKingsClose – “Take a guided tour back in time deep below the Royal Mile – The Real Mary King’s Close makes Edinburgh’s hidden history unmissable.”
  1. RoyalHighlandCentre – @HighlandCentre – “The Royal Highland Centre (RHC) is Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor event venue, from conferences to concerts and meetings to exhibitions.”
  1. ROSL – @rosl1910 – “Royal Over-Seas League; a not-for-profit members club, promoting international friendship & understanding through social, music, arts & humanitarian programmes.”
  1. The Royal Scots Club – @RoyalScotsClub – “Situated in one of Edinburgh’s finest Georgian streets, we offer that rare combination; the charm of a country house hotel with a cosy club atmosphere.”
  1. Scot Story Centre – @ScotStoryCentre – “A Home for Scotland’s Culture: Storytelling, theatre, trad arts, exhibitions & stirring workshops, Scottish International Storytelling Festival & @TradFestEd.”
  1. SMWS Queen Street – @SMWSQueenStreet – “The flagship venue of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.”
  1. Sneaky Pete’s – @sneakypetesclub – “Tweet all day party all night. We’re open and busy til 3am all the time.”
  1. theSpaceUK – @theSpaceUK – “Putting you at the heart of the Fringe.”
  1. Sportstersedinburgh – @SportstersEdin – “Sportsters is without a doubt the best sports bar in edinburgh to watch all your favourite sports, grab some food or get your drink on!”
  1. The Stand – @StandComedyClub – “Tweets from the country’s best comedy clubs. Situated in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.”
  1. Summerhall – @Summerhallery – “Summerhall is a multi-arts venue presenting theatre, literature, visual art, music, film and performance.”
  1. Summerhall TV – @SummerhallTV – “Topical news and features on art in Scotland http://www.artinscotland.tv.”
  1. SummerhallVisualArts – @SummerhallArts – “Tweets purely about the visual arts programme @Summerhallery. Our exhibitions are open 11am-6pm.”
  1. Sweet Venues – @SweetVenues – “Boutique performer focused venues bringing the best in touring theatre to our Edfringe and Dundee audiences. #SweetDundee & #SweetGrassmarket programme online.”
  1. traversetheatre – @traversetheatre – “Founded in 1963, the Traverse is Scotland’s New Writing Theatre. We produce new plays and present the best work from Scotland, the UK and beyond.”
  1. Underbelly Edinburgh – @FollowTheCow – “Rocking Edinburgh with our Bovine magic! We run amazing venues at the Edinburgh Fringe, including Underbelly Cowgate, Underbelly Bristo Square and McEwan Hall.”
  1. Urbane Art Gallery – @UrbaneArt – “Offers a diverse and ever-changing selection of artworks by award-winning national and international artists in Edinburgh, Scotland.”
  1. Venue 40 – @Venue40 – “Edinburgh Festival Fringe Venue 40 – The Quaker Meeting House.”
  1. Voodoo Rooms – @voodoorooms – “The Voodoo Rooms is an award-winning bar, restaurant & function rooms located in Edinburgh’s city centre.”
  1. ZOO Venues – @ZOOvenues – “Outstanding Dance, Theatre, & Physical Theatre http://www.zoofestival.co.uk  // http://www.zoovenues.co.uk  // http://www.facebook.com/zoovenues.”

+3

Steve Griffin – @steveygriff – “Writer, actor, singer, and over-user of adjectives. Great at empathy, rubbish at sympathy.” – Edinburgh49 +3 Editor

Alan J R Brown – @AlanEdin – “Editor @EdinFortyNine arts review site. Retired teacher with aspirations to white burgundy cellar. To be found towed by beagle.” – Edinburgh49 #HereAllYear Editor

Dan Lentell – @DanLentell – “Edinburgh-based freelance writer. Est. @49Knights. Contributor to @EdinFortyNine, @EdNights & others. Man about town. Co-owner of one Lakeland Terrier.” – Edinburgh49 Features Editor