Kevin McMahon of the Magic Festival

Edinburgh International Magic Festival 2012 launched

A sensory feast awaits this summer as The Edinburgh International Magic Festival casts its spell across the Capital and promises to take you to the extreme end of visual theatre. Attracting over 30 performers from eight countries including: France, Germany, Portugal, Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Ukraine and the UK, this year classic meets close-up, mindreading defies illusion, cabaret clashes with comedy and levitation renders the impossible possible.

Once again The Royal Lyceum theatre hosts the Magic and Variety Gala Opening night. A breath-taking spectacle of the finest acts in the Magic World, the addition of a Gala afternoon preview show opens up the world of unreality for just £10. Both performances are suitable for children 5+.

Jav Jarquin, aka Card Ninja, is one of the most skilful card handlers in the UK, his Street Magic Master Class, sponsored by ideas.co.uk, for 11-14 year olds promises to teach the coolest street magic effects that will blow your friend’s minds.

Levitating forks, cards turning to glass and disappearing wine! Adventure seekers should head to The Royal Scots Club for Magic Dinner, an evening of delicious food, magical cabaret, mindreading and show stopping close-up magic that promises to mess with your head.

Have a glance at the Magic Festival calendar and get planning.

Information:

You can follow the Magic Festival on facebook and on twitter.  You can also join the mailing list.

Tickets are on sale now via the Magic Festival website and via the telephone: 0131 473 2000.  There are ticket offers available. You can also buy tickets in person at: Hub Tickets (The Hub, Castlehill EH1 2NE) Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 1st July 2012 10am to 5pm

You can also volunteer to help at the Magic Festival.

The Edinburgh International Festival 2012 programme

Instead, according to Festival Director Jonathan Mills, speaking yesterday at the official launch of the programme, this year’s festival is more about values of peacefulness and sharing cultures. Values which underpin both the Festival and the Summer Olympic Games, which – as Mills put it – “breathe the same air.”

And, as sportsmen and women from across the world gather to compete in London, so performers from across the globe will congregate in Edinburgh in August, where this year’s programme offers a wealth of world-class culture.

Immediately highlighted were the three “great theatrical imaginations” taking place at the Lowland Hall of the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston. Transformed into an innovative, cutting-edge space, it will play host to productions which would be impossible to stage in traditional theatres. 2008: Macbeth by TR Warszawa is an “unflinching portrait of a killing machine”; whilst Meine faire Dame – ein Sprachlabor is a comic production loosely based on My Fair Lady and set in a language laboratory – “Monty Python goes linguistic,” as Mills puts it.

Third, Les Naufragés du Fol Espoir (Aurores) by Théâtre du Soleil promises to transform the space into an imaginative and fantastical world populated by Charles Darwin, Queen Victoria and commando nuns…

Of course, Edinburgh’s more accustomed theatres also play host to some productions from across the world. At the King’s, Suzuki Company of Toga will perform their “powerful and claustrophobic” staging of Waiting For Orestes: Electra; and Radu Stanca National Theatre of Sibui, last seen in Edinburgh in 2009 with their spectacular version of Faust, bring their interpretation of Gulliver’s Travels.

At the Lyceum, Vanishing Point‘s “edgy and slightly tempting” Wonderland will open the door on the themes in Alice In Wonderland; whilst “cabaret legend” Camille O’Sullivan will perform The Rape of Lucrece as part of the World Shakespeare Festival.

A varied programme of international dance is also on offer, including three works by New York’s Julliard Dance; the “burlesque ballet” of Rio de Janeiro’s Deborah Colker Dance Company‘s Tatyana; New Delhi’s “hypnotising” Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company; and Leigh Warren‘s dance company from Australia, featuring a part-white, part-indigenous ensemble.

A scale model of how the Lowland Hall will be transformed

Orchestras from around the globe take part, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the European Union Youth Orchestra and a rare UK performance from the Emperor of Japan’s Imperial Household musicians with Gagaku, an “exquisite and timeless” performance of traditional music.

More intimate musical performances are on offer at Greyfriars Kirk; whilst in The Queen’s Hall Series, a varied selection of musicians will perform at 11am most days throughout the Festival.

The Festival is opened and closed in spectacular fashion with a performance of Delius’ A Mass of Life by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra on 10 August; and by the ever-popular Virgin Money Fireworks Concert by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on 2 September.

Encounters is a series of lectures by renowned intellectuals and academics covering topics as diverse as What It Means To Be British? and – appropriately for the Olympic year – Athletes and Ideals. The Conversations programme also offers the chance to hear people speak: this time focusing on the artists and performers themselves, including Nicola Benedetti and Camille O’Sullivan.

Finally, one of the performances which will literally light up the Festival nights is NVA’s Speed of Light, which will see runners and members of the public wearing specially-commissioned light suits and carrying portable light sources illuminate the normally dark volcanic mass of Arthur’s Seat.

In all, despite its lack of overall theme, 2012′s Edinburgh International Festival programme has a feel of positivity, innovation and celebration. And whilst London may be the focus for the Olympic flame in summer; in Edinburgh, the Festival will very much be carrying the cultural torch.

There are many other highlights within 2012′s programme, which can be viewed online at the Edinburgh International Festival website. Priority booking for Festival Friends and Patrons is now open; with public booking opening on 24 March.

The Edinburgh International Science Festival

The 24th Edinburgh International Science Festival programme was set in motion today, at a launch at the National Museum of Scotland, one of the main venues being used throughout the festival.

Festival Director Simon Gage attributed the scale and variety of this year’s programme to four factors. First, following the success of last year’s Festival, key staff were asked to help organise a similar event in Abu Dhabi. This proved to be a great success, allowing the Edinburgh International Science Festival to invest into this year’s programme.

Simon also thanked Deputy Director Amanda Tyndall, who joined the team last year, creating a programme which she hoped would “shake it up a little”, with an increased number of events targeted at adults as well as children. Dr Gordon Rintoul, the Director of National Museums Scotland was also praised for the Chambers Street venue’s return ‘in force’, with the museum playing host to many innovative and interactive events, as well as educational ones.

Lastly, Simon introduced Cabinet Secretary for Culture & External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, thanking her for the £180,000 investment as part of the Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund. She went on to describe the Festival as a platform which helped to nurture future talent and celebrate our scientific achievements.

And indeed, this year’s programme has benefited from the sum of all these parts, containing a wide variety of informative, entertaining and original activities for festival goers of all ages.

The full programme is available online and the box office is now open. Events and activities which caught our eye include the day pass to the City Art Centre, which will be packed full of activities for children for the duration of the Festival, including the Rampaging Chariots robotic fun and games. Kids will also have the chance to don their scrubs as part of the popular ER medical-themed event.

Professor Richard Wiseman

In this Olympic year, motion, movement, sport and dance are themes which combine in many of the events, including The Dancing Brain, a light-hearted look at the science of dance taking place every day in the National Museum of Scotland Auditorium; and the InMotion series of activities which take place in the same venue’s newly-refurbished Grand Gallery.

And the theme of innovation is perhaps best demonstrated by Power From The People, an installation which will see Arthur’s Seat illuminated by power generated from walkers and runners in Holyrood Park.

A more academic source of illumination is offered by Edinburgh E2, an all-day event featuring scientists, artists, musicians and authors discussing ideas and innovation at the National Museum of Scotland on 31 March.

Professor Richard Wiseman is involved in numerous events throughout the Festival, including an opportunity to separate the fact from the fiction of Firewalking; and a conversation with ‘psychological illusionist’ Derren Brown on 21 April.

And of course there’s more: much more. The physics of DJing and computer animation; worlds of bubbles and jungle safaris; a whole range of activities looking at the science of food…it’s safe to say that whatever your area of scientific interest, there will be an event which appeals.

Taking place at events across Edinburgh, including the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Botanical Gardens: from 31 March to 15 April the Edinburgh International Science Festival will turn the city into a laboratory packed with innovation, invention – and fun for all ages.

Tickets for all events are on sale now.

Fringe 2012 - it's coming!

A selection of Edinburgh Fringe 2012 tickets on sale now

We can’t believe we’re collating this list in February, but here are the details to the tickets available for purchase now:

Frankie Boyle is appearing at the Edinburgh Playhouse 31st July – 2nd August – tickets here

As ever, the Faulty Towers dining experience have put their August tickets on sale early. There are both lunch performances and dinner performances.

Various performers have early bird tickets on the Edinburgh Fringe’s official website.

Waverley Care Comedy Gala 2012 at the Festival Theatre. 23rd August, tickets here.

The wonderful Venue 150 has a tremendous line up of comedians for 2012 and have a great selection of tickets on sale now:

Jason Byrne, 1st – 12th August tickets here

Danny Bhoy, 3rd – 8th August tickets here

Alan Davies, 9th – 14th August tickets here

Jimmy Carr, 16th-18th and 23rd – 25th August tickets here

Rhod Gilbert, 15th – 19th and 22nd – 26th August tickets here

Jimeoin, 2nd – 20th August tickets here

Daniel Sloss, 2nd – 20th August tickets here

Udderbelly

Craig Hill, 2nd – 27th August tickets here

Tiddler and other terrific tales, 2nd – 27th August tickets here

*Updated March*

The Gilded Balloon have released some tickets for a handful of their shows including:

Fascinating Aida: Cheap Flights, 1st – 26th August tickets here

Some of shows on at the Pleasance are on sale via edfringe.com including tickets for: Josh Widdicombe, Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi, Simon Evans and Abandoman

Several Assembly Festival shows are also on sale via edfringe.com including: Des Clarke, Greg Proops, Marcus Brigstocke, Mark Little and Stewart Lee.

Some shows aimed at children are on sale for Fairmilehead Church Hall include Nessie the Loch Ness Monster and Pips and Panda meet the Three Bears

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We will add more listings to this page as they come available, so bookmark it for reference and keep visiting!

Meanwhile if you need a ‘Fringe’ fix – have a look at all of our 2011 coverage.  Dates of all Edinburgh’s 2012 festivals can be found here.

Hamletmachine

The first of Edinburgh’s arts & culture festivals of 2012, manipulate will see The Traverse Theatre filled with the best in cutting-edge puppetry, animation and visual theatre for 6 days from 30 January.

Presented by Puppet Animation Scotland, manipulate enters its fifth year in 2012, with performers from France, Austria, Russia, Germany and more taking part in the celebration of visual innovation and avant-garde theatre.

The festival opens with Compagnie Sans Soucis’ performance of Heiner Muller’s Hamletmachine, combining video and puppetry to condense Shakespeare’s tale into a nine-page script exploring political and social themes.

Sound, mime, improvisation and film are mashed up in Polaris, from Czech Republic’s Wariot Ideal, which tells the tale of two stranded Antarctic explorers. Snapshots present Creation & Play, which pairs Scottish puppeteers with theatre directors, resulting in three 10-minute pieces of visual theatre.

Akhe Engineering Theatre from St Petersburg live up to their name by using lasers, handmade contraptions and shadow theatre to conjure up a series of comic images in Gobo. Digital Glossary.

And the festival is brought to a close with the satirical puppetry of Pangolin’s Teatime, who present a topical and up-to-the-minute sketch show The Return of the Great Puppet Horn.

As well as the performances, two other threads run through manipulate in the form of an animated film programme curated by Susie Wilson; and a puppetry and movement masterclass from Germany’s Figurentheater Tübingen, which runs for the duration of the festival.

Proving that innovation in theatre is alive and well – and that puppets aren’t just for children – manipulate promises to be a visual treat at the Traverse.

Edinburgh Spotlight loves living in ‘Festival City’ and already has all these dates in its calendar – here’s the rundown of 2012′s festivals.

Mary King’s Ghost Fest TBC for 2012

Paranormal investigations, celebrity ghost hunts and other spooky goings on at The Real Mary King’s Close.

Ceilidh Culture 16 March – 25 April

Edinburgh’s traditional arts festival, featuring music, dance, storytelling and more.

International Science Festival 31 March- 13 April 2012
The International Science Festival features a host of fun and educational events, lectures and attractions celebrating all things scientific.

Beltane Fire Festival 30 April 2012
Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival and Edinburgh plays host to some colourful and exciting celebrations to mark the date.

Imaginate Festival 7 – 14 May 2012
The Imaginate Festival is Edinburgh’s children’s festival and has loads of plays, activities and fun things to do for youngsters of all ages.

Leith Festival 8 -17 June 2012
Come and celebrate all things Leith at this festival, featuring music, dance, art and other exciting events.

Edinburgh International Film Festival 20 June – 1 July
The Edinburgh Film Festival is an internationally-renowned event on the movie festival circuit and attracts premieres and stars from all over the world.

Edinburgh International Magic Festival 29 June – 6 July 2012

2012 will see Edinburgh host the third International Magic Festival with a range of performers show-casing their magical talents.

Edinburgh Art Festival August 2 – September 2
Edinburgh Art Festival celebrates the visual arts in all its diversity, from world-class exhibitions to strikingly original installations.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 28 July – 6 August 2012
Get your gladrags on and party to the sounds of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, a popular event which attracts international talent.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 3 - 27 August 2012
Getting bigger, better and – some may say – weirder every year, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the highlight of many a festival-goer’s calendar.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 3 – 25 August 2012
Selling out months in advance, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event taking place on the Castle Esplanade.

The Edge Music Festival TBC 2012
Adding alternative music to the August festival mix, The Edge Music Festival attracts A-list bands as part of its programme.

Festival of Spirituality and Peace TBC 2012

The Festival of Spirituality and Peace features music, dance, talks and other events highlighting humanitarian issues and causes.

Edinburgh International Festival 10 August – 2 September 2012
The one that started it all, the Edinburgh International Festival is a feast of world-class music, dance and theatrical performances.

Edinburgh International Book Festival 11 - 27 August 2012
This literary event attracts major names in the writing, publishing and political fields to the serene Charlotte Square Gardens setting.

Edinburgh Mela Festival 31 August  - 2nd September 2012

Celebrating the cultural diversity of the city, the Mela Festival brings colour and exotic flair to Edinburgh in August.

Scottish Story Telling Festival 19-28 October
Celebrating the great Scottish oral tradition, the Story Telling Festival showcases the talents of national bards, poets and tale-spinners.

Edinburgh’s Christmas TBC – late November – End Dec 2011
Edinburgh sparkles at Christmas and features events, attractions and shows for all the family to enjoy during the festival season.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30 December 2012 – 2 January 2013
End the year with the biggest street party in the world!

Ready to race - The Great Edinburgh Santa Run

Nearly 1500 Santas of all ages gathered in Princes St Gardens yesterday to raise money for children’s charity When You Wish Upon a Star – and have a great time into the bargain!

The weather was kind as Santas of all ages assembled at the Ross Bandstand, where UK Zumba expert Donna Giffen led a sea of red and white through a limb-loosening warmup.

The race was then on as the Santas followed the route round the Gardens and onto the pedestrianised Princes Street before returning to the Ross Bandstand to receive their winner’s medals.

This year’s Great Edinburgh Santa Run was a fantastic event, which also showed the true spirit of Christmas by helping to benefit children with life-threatening diseases.

Did you take part? Maybe you’ll spot yourself in our video and photo gallery!

Photo gallery

Hogmanay Fireworks

Every year at Hogmanay, the eyes of the world look to Edinburgh for an example of how to bring the new year in with a bang. This year will be no exception, as the stroke of midnight will see the longest running firework display yet staged in the celebrations’ 19-year history.

Auld acquaintances - Frisky & Mannish

That will be preceded – and followed – by the much-loved Street Party which this year features headliners Primal Scream and The Vaccines; as well as more traditional fare from Capercaillie and Peatbog Faeries. The seven music stages in and around Princes St Gardens will provide entertainment for all tastes – our friends and Fringe favourites Frisky & Mannish will even be putting in a poptastic appearance!

With the world’s largest rendition of Auld Lang Syne, the outdoor Keilidh in the Gardens, and an aftershow party at the HMV Picture House: this year’s Street Party looks set to be one of the biggest and best yet! And even those unable to attend in person can get in on the fun, as this year the celebration will be streamed live on the web for the first time.

Those seeking music of a more classical kind are also catered for, with a Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral at 7.30pm on the 31st, where the sounds of the cathedral’s organ and choir will bid farewell to 2011 to the music of Handel and Mozart.

On the night before Hogmanay itself, the popular Torchlight Procession returns, getting the new year celebrations off to a fiery start with a procession from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill, where a stunning son et lumière show will entertain the torch-carrying crowds.

Then, for those still feeling like some fun after the 31st, 2012 sees the inaugural New Year Games taking place on the afternoon of 1st January, where Scottish artists and game designers Hide & Seek will use Edinburgh as a giant playground in a friendly battle between the Uppies and the Doonies.

Traditional Hogmanay street games will be reinterpreted with giant boardgames, secret missions and more, at installations in St Giles’ Cathedral, Dancebase, The Hub and the National Museum of Scotland. This event sounds like it will be the perfect way to see in 2012 with some fun and games!

The Loony Dook

Or, if you’re feeling hardier, you could always take a dip in the January waters of the Forth, at the famous Loony Dook in South Queensferry. Or, like us, watch them from one of the many vantage points then retire somewhere cosy for a New Year pick-me-up!

The Filmhouse are also celebrating Hogmanay with Let’s Play Film, a homage to Edinburgh as inspiration to movies, with showings of Trainspotting, The 39 Steps and more – including what promises to be a fascinating showing of some rare Edinburgh archive footage on 1st January at 4pm.

Music, movies, fireworks, fun & games: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2011/2012 looks all set to live up to its tagline this year: Let’s Play!

Full details of all events can be found on the Edinburgh Hogmanay website

Sweet treats at the Traditional German Christmas Market

The Traditional German Christmas Market is now a much-loved feature of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations.

Situated on the Mound Precinct, the wooden chalet-style stalls sell a wide range of decorations – traditional and modern – and a wonderful selection of food and drink. The stallholders from Frankfurt are friendly and happy to tell you more about their produce – though by now the Glühwein needs no introduction!

After dark, the Market looks beautiful, with the lights on the stalls adding to the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s ‘Christmas central’ between the Mound and Waverley Bridge.

We visited during the day, however, when the twinkling lights were just as attractive – as were the aromas coming from the food stalls and the punch cauldrons!

The Traditional German Christmas Market will be at the Mound Precinct until Christmas Eve. It opens at 10am every day, closing at 8pm Sun-Wed; and 10pm Thu-Sat (8pm on Christmas Eve)

Gallery

St Andrew's Day celebrations finale

A large crowd braved the cold last night to help bring Edinburgh’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations to a spectacular close.

The Castle Esplanade was brought to life in a dramatic display of fire and ice. Local schoolchildren clutched their handmade lanterns as the Stockbridge Pipe Band played a selection of tunes in front of the ice sculptures which had been on display all weekend.

This was followed by a fascinating and stirring sound and light show celebrating Scotland’s heritage, with live narration accompanied by a lone piper and video projections on the Castle ramparts.

Two giant thistle fire sculptures then burst into flame before the main event: a stunning 15-minute long firework display from Edinburgh Castle itself.

Part of Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals, the St Andrew’s Day celebration finale proved to be a spectacular event, worthy of the nation’s capital.

St Andrew’s Day itself falls on 30 November

Gallery

All set for some festive cheer aboard the Royal Yacht

The Royal Yacht Britannia provides a fascinating day out at any time of year, and is one of our recommended Edinburgh attractions.

On the weekend of 3rd and 4th December, the spirit of Christmas will be stepping aboard the vessel, as the yacht’s State Apartments will be adorned with decorations fit for a Queen.

In accordance with naval tradition, a Christmas tree will also be placed on the bridge; and complimentary mulled wine and shortbread will be available in the Chief Petty Officers’ Mess.

Additionally, there will be a selection of seasonal tastings in Britannia’s well-stocked gift shop; as well as discounts on its range of high quality and original items: ideal for some last-minute Christmas shopping.

To get a glimpse of how the Royal Family may have celebrated Christmases past on the ocean waves, Britannia will be open from 10.00am on Saturday 3rd and 4th December (with a last admission time of 3.30pm). More details are available on their website.

We’re glad Jenners have kept the tradition of their giant Christmas Tree alive – Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas in Edinburgh without it!

Jenners Christmas Tree

Santa welcomes the media to the Ghilie Dhu

The Ghilie Dhu provided a little corner of festive respite from a wet November morning today, as it played host to the press launch of Edinburgh’s Christmas.

This year’s celebrations look all set to be the biggest and brightest yet, with the welcome return of some old favourites and the addition of some innovative and exciting-sounding new attractions.

Things will get started in style on November 24th with Light Night, a spectacular opening event which commences with a light projection on the buildings of George Street, followed by pyrotechnics and street theatre: including a fourteen foot-high Snow Queen, who will lead the crowd to the Mound, where Edinburgh’s much-loved Norwegian Christmas Tree will be switched on.

Edinburgh's Lord Provost, Councillor George Grubb welcomes the Snow Queen

Revellers will be spoiled for choice afterwards: with a Norwegian carol concert at St Giles; a music and talent show in St Andrew’s Square; and the ever-popular Christmas Fair, Ice Rink and Christmas Markets, which all open for business on the same day (November 24th).

The Christmas Fair returns this year

St Andrew’s Day will be celebrated on the 26th and 27th of November, with a ‘fire and frost spectacular’ at Edinburgh Castle, featuring a host of events culminating in a finale on the evening of the 27th full of fire and light. The free celebrations for St Andrew’s Day sound like a perfect way to get ready for all the Christmas fun in the month to follow.

And December sees the arrival of a very special visitor. We can’t wait to welcome Santa back to East Princes Street Gardens, where he will arrive on a reindeer-drawn sleigh on Saturday 3rd, making regular visits up until Christmas Eve to collect letters from his postboxes beside the ice rink and the Highland Village Christmas Market.

Then, on Sunday 11th December, Princes Street Gardens will be a sea of red and white as The Great Edinburgh Santa Run returns, kicking off this year with a mass Christmas Zumba warm-up!

The Great Edinburgh Santa Run

Princes Street will be a focal point for many activities this year, with parts of the street being pedestrianised to allow locals and visitors alike to enjoy all Edinburgh has to offer at Christmas time. Shops will open up until 9pm; buskers and performers will add to the fun; and alfresco drinking and dining will be available for those wishing to soak up the atmosphere.

The popular Nativity Scene sculpture returns to St Andrew’s Square to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas; and a Nativity Carol Concert will take place beside it on Sunday 27th November, giving you the chance to sing along to favourite carols and celebrate the start of the season.

With a whole number of events taking place across the city, including the Royal Yacht, the Botanics, The National Museum of Scotland and a special Edinburgh Sparkles treasure hunt: the city looks set to celebrate Christmas in style. Add in all the pantos, musical events and church carol concerts, and we think Christmas 2011 is going to be a magical one indeed!

A full list of attractions, events, times and ticket prices can be found on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.

Join the Snow Queen on 24 November, when Edinburgh's Christmas opens

Virgin Money Fireworks Concert, Princes Street Gardens

Sunday 4th September 2011

Across the city people wait for the event that will fill the sky above Edinburgh castle, stationed where there are screens and speakers or just a grand view and a radio. In Princes Street Gardens, on a bench near a large screen and a large speaker, with Castle Rock looming promisingly above, a couple from Brazil here especially for this Fireworks Concert that ends the Edinburgh International Festival enthuse about the beauty of Edinburgh and the friendliness and culture of her people. The city’s Scottish Chamber Orchestra tunes up while test flares from the castle mark the concert countdown, already greeted by cheers that punctuate the excited murmurs of the thousands gathered in the gardens.

Now the young girl who won a competition to start the concert, the first to be sponsored by Virgin Money, appears on the screen – you can see her concentration as she stands ready, box with button in hand. Garry Walker raises his hands, ready to conduct and . . .

The first notes punch out – Glinka’s Overture to ‘Ruslan and Ludmila’ – and volleys of colour shoot into the sky against the background of the castle. As the notes soar and waltz, so too do the stars and fans of the fireworks, in glorious pink-reds, gold and silver, with accents of green, in sparkles and whizzes beautifully timed with the music, building to a glorious crescendo of red and orange blooming right over the gardens, reaching down for you. This is real ‘3D‘ viewing!

In keeping with the 2011 EIF theme, the closing concert has an exotic flavour with music inspired by Asia, Arabia and the East. Announcements before each section help place the music, that rousing opening coming from an opera where the hero saves his lady from an evil wizard – especially apt for magic exploding above your head. Next comes Sibelius’ Belshazzar’s Feast, the Oriental Procession piece, where you can feel “the opulence and the foreboding of the writing on the wall”. The first quiet strains start small stars along the castle walls which build in a beautiful continuous flow of “opulent” multi colours, joined by orange and pink lit smoke, with green, red and silver sparks, fountains spraying and golden rain falling, until all too suddenly, “forebodingly” only the smoke is left, drifting silently away.

Now you witness a “caravan crossing the Asian desert and disappearing” as Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia twines its way around the gardens, with gentle flares and fountains, green stars and gold sprinklers above. Fans of the musical ‘Kismet’ can recognise the lilting refrain of this source for Sands of Time playing with stronger notes and rocketing blooms, sparkling streams crossing each other and the repeated soothing flow of those firework fountains. Now the concert’s iconic and glorious waterfall cascades in brilliant light over the rocks before the caravan fades into the green smoked distance, orange fountains against black night the dying embers of its passage.

Time for the dances! Nielsen’s Blackmoor’s Dance from his ‘Aladdin Suite’ brings excitement and long rockets and sprays, busy purples, reds and greens, silver and gold sparks and explosions of green and blue, groupings and golden fans, swirling twists and fireflies in a frenetic canopy of movement. A rather long break follows this, for re-setting after such wonders, perhaps, but then the familiar beauty of Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ paints a subtly drawn and fascinatingly coloured picture. With coffee from Arabia, fanned flames are thrown from points along the castle’s walls, pulsing in marvellous rhythm to this Arabian Dance against orange-gold smoke, the colours and tambourine rattles practically creating the aroma of rich coffee. The very recognisable trots of the Chinese Dance bring us tea in a delightful multitude of red stars shooting up and across, before another break (and passing train) leads us into the Trepak, the Russian Dance, another favourite for many, here bringing sweet candy canes of red and green sparks and golden rain, very quick, full of leaps and twirls, and very well-synced.

The final piece now (with groans at that announcement), and it’s back to Borodin and more fantastic movement in his Polovtsian Dances from the unfinished ‘Prince Igor‘. Those who know ‘Kismet’ will hear ’A Stranger in Paradise’ in this quiet start, small gold and pink flames and flares leading into flickering smoke. White and green single stars shoot up, fountains flow, sparking across the rocks, green and pink whirls join the strengthening dance (a spot of Kismet’s Not Since Nineveh tantalises) then golden rain and a great smoke canopy, slim fountains, multi colours, fading and returning, teasing and satisfying with great exploding flowers balanced against single stars, criss-crossing and slow dancing, swells and sparkles, silver and gold, white and blue, glittering trails and glorious bursts. Flakes fall, dotting the eager upturned faces and the night sky becomes an explosion of mesmerising light, the booms felt through your very flesh. This is the Edinburgh International Festival Finale.

For such an evening of glorious music and spectacular fireworks (over 100,000), even the Edinburgh weather co-operates, just making sure that you appreciate such generosity by starting the first drops of teasing rain as the last sparks of airborne fire light the city. While you make your way out of the gardens, in communion with the others with whom you have shared this experience, you hear someone say that this was the first time they were in the gardens for the concert – and they would now never see it from anywhere else. You smile and plan for next year.

By Danielle Farrow

Sitting in a line in front of Nick Wheatley’s colourful painted backdrop, the authors and actors preparing to read through Alasdair Gray’s Fleck shuffle their scripts and look at their feet nervously, like school kids preparing to perform the end-of-term play.

Their tension is understandable however: this sell-out event bringing 2011′s Edinburgh International Book Festival to a close is a world premiere; and they have only had one chance to rehearse it, a couple of hours previously. Fortunately, their fears are unbound – and this sparkling lineup of literary talent breathe life into Gray’s delightfully mischievous script in a one-of-a-kind performance which entertains throughout.

Gray himself takes the part of Nick in this comedic verse play inspired by Goethe’s Faust, portraying the devil with an impish glee as he makes a bet with Aonghas MacNeacail’s soft-spoken and gentlemanly God. Will Self is on typically laconic form as Fleck, the object of the wager; whilst Liz Lochhead narrates the tale of how far we would go to get what we think we desire the most.

Iain Rankin, Alan Bissett and Janice Galloway have short roles: and although they and several others spend most of the piece’s length silent, it is still a joy to behold the 18-strong cast shooting each other glances and laughing at Fleck’s satirical and lyrical script.

A L Kennedy portrays May, Fleck’s love interest, and the knowing and self-aware looks between her and Self invoke much laughter from the audience, helping turn things from mere recital into a performance to be enjoyed. And indeed, the entire ensemble soon relax into the easy flow of Gray’s words, and within a few minutes seem to be having as much fun as the audience.

As they file out of the tent with perhaps more than a little sense of relief, the authors and actors of Fleck have treated us to a unique performance; a collaboration and live event to remember, and a fitting end to a highly successful, enlightening and – above all – entertaining Festival.

In much the same way as he turns his back on his starting point on one of his infamous ‘psychogeographic’ walks, Will Self revealed that his latest novel will leave behind the worlds of metaphor and simile, instead focusing on describing things exactly as they are. Though, with his inimitable turn of phrase and his thesaurus-threatening vocabulary, it will be interesting to see if he manages to resist the urge.

However he decides to write, Self is bound to entertain, evidenced by the reading of a fantastical and caustic passage from Walking To Hollywood, his genre-defying trio of fictionalised memoir-like travelogues. Articulating the feelings we all experience when faced by rudeness and a lack of decorum, the writing didn’t so much jump off the page as execute a flying kick to the head: the self-effacing mockery balancing the vitriolic bile of the frustration in a visual and visceral piece of prose.

Self then went on to answer questions about the evils of television and how his appearances on the box have a disproportionate impact on the public’s perception of him; and their expectation that they can walk up to him and strike up conversation. More seriously, he discussed how the amplified Self in Walking To Hollywood reflected his true character; and explained how he answered criticism that he was becoming as much of a celebrity as those he parodies in the book.

With an effortlessly louche wit and a dry humour that leaves no sacred cows untipped, an hour of Self is always a pleasure; and often an education. And although the reading and subsequent discussion may not have shed much new light on things, learning that he is once again turning his healthy disrespect to another topic – with or without metaphors – is good news indeed.

With his tales of childhood mischief, Eoin Colfer entertained a packed audience of youngsters and parents with an hour that was more a light-hearted comedy stand-up routine than a normal Book Festival session.

One of a large Irish family, Colfer revealed that his brother Donal was the inspiration for teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl, his sibling’s ability to get himself and others out of trouble reaching legendary status as they grew up. Then perhaps less flatteringly, Colfer also explained how another of his brothers inspired the character of Mulch Diggums, the flatulent dwarf…

Proving to be a born storyteller on and off the page, Colfer’s humourous anecdotes kept everyone entertained, with many parents in the audience nodding sympathetically as he recounted the exploits of his own children. Midway through the session, he was joined onstage by Artemis Fowl himself; and the two then went on to answer questions from the crowd – everything from the intricacies behind what happened to minor characters in the series, to when we could expect to see a movie version of his best-selling series of books.

The varied format was rounded off with a Fowl-inspired music video, allowing Colfer to escape and prepare himself for the rush of devoted young fans keen to get him to sign copies of the books. And with a boundless imagination and an ability to appeal to his young audience’s senses of wonder and mischief, Colfer seems destined to inspire many more followers as he continues to document the adventures of everyone’s favourite young criminal.

Jennifer McGregor’s Winners Wear Crowns is an intriguing character study that presents all the horror of that well-known stereotype, the pushy mother obsessed with her daughter’s success within the mother’s desired field. This production presents what looks like an American cliché – about success at beauty pageants – but what stands out is the subtlety of the writing and characterisation, with some people seeming to think that McGregor, Scottish, is actually American herself.

The character McGregor has created is Mississippi mother Patricia Harris Williams and she is not a monster, depicted monstrously, but someone we can recognise whilst having major issues with the choices, and justifications, she makes. Through the use of visible costume changes (rather interesting to watch), built in make-up scenes, and clear story-telling within the monologue, time passes, states change and Patricia’s beautiful baby Mandi grows up, with great triumphs, increasing disappointments and expected tensions.

The audience can pick out the clues to so much of what is really going on, things Pat does not appear to see, because of the quality of the writing, so that the problems inevitably brewing are obvious, but beautifully depicted without being spelt out. Pat’s relations with husband, daughter and mentor are clear, though even more about some of these people would be welcome. Her tight focus means it makes sense that we only gain glimpses of others, but it would be satisfying to see further developments for the piece that might allow fleshing out of the people in Pat’s life.

We do, though, see Pat’s preoccupations, her wishes and feelings for her daughter and her expectations of return, and her inability to look past her blinkered hopes. McGregor, as writer, director and actor, shows a flair for irony, subtle provocation, detailed observation and wry wit. There are some strong poignant moments, as well as fine comedy, though there could be a little more emotion embodied towards the end of the piece, but the subtle creation of Patricia may well deliberately set a distance between character and audience.

Winners Wear Crowns does, however, raise a question about where McGregor wants to take us. We, as an audience, gain a fine look into a very specific world and are able to judge a character delicately drawn. However, the picture seems somewhat removed, as if overly protected behind glass. There may be an occasional reflection of oneself or another in the casing but connection is somewhat hindered. This does not mean the piece cannot be developed, rather that it should be. It is also perfectly possible that you might be someone who likes such a presentation – a fly caught in amber – in which case, add another star to this rating!

Winners Wear Crowns shows great promise in the writing, with some detailed direction, and it is presented well – this reviewer just wants more because there is a sense that more from McGregor is very possible.

16 – 28 August (not Mondays), 17:15 (18:00) @ Leith on the Fringe @ Out of the Blue Drill Hall

Although theatre/drama is not particularly this reviewer’s cup of tea, it is clear that Theatre Alba actors’ performance abilities, Jo Clifford’s interpretation of Chekov’s play and the clever outdoor setting is 4-star worthy.

The play is performed in Duddingston Kirk Manse Gardens. Initially, the prospect of sitting outdoors for a 2 hour 30 minute play sounds dire. However, bring a few blankets and a thermos of a hot beverage and you’re all set. The Loch setting and beautiful gardens makes the play come alive; audience members feel as though they are not just observers but also bearing silent witness to the happenings in the Cherry Orchard. Musicians provide an excellent accompaniment to the play, evoking an Old-World atmosphere and enhancing the central emotional dichotomy in the play.

Theatre Alba’s actors are cast perfectly for the play, with Corinne Harris leading as Madame Ranevskaya (Lyubov Andreyevna). Each character in the play has a complex personality, which is further divided by their moral dilemmas and philosophical debates. Beautifully played by John McColl, Lopahin’s duality resonates strongly with the audience’s understanding of generational pain conflicting with the joys of self-actualisation. Harris’ excellent portrayal of Lyubov, her romanticism of the past versus its contribution to her current suffering, perfectly captures the Russian dame mentality. Mike Daviot is a great choice for Trofimov, the eternal student. Considered to symbolise Western modernity in the play, Daviot’s Trofimov is a complete juxtaposition to Lyubov’s character, rendering the audience further ensnarled in the distorted perceptions of the characters.

The characters maintain a constant internal and external dynamic tension, rendering the audience keenly aware of the character’s flaws and thus never sympathetic to one character for extended periods of times. This perfectly captures the feeling that Chekov wanted his audiences to experience: the struggle of reconciling with the past, the disgruntled acceptance of the present and the desperate hope for a better future.

By Ingrida Dornbrook

28 August, 19:30 (22:00) @ Duddingston Kirk Manse Gardens

Palindrome Theatre’s production starts with a newly-created soliloquy that floods past with only a few well-worded phrases coming through clearly. It is a confusing beginning, but the staging hints at fine things to come: grand storm sounds, clever use of props, such as a torch for on-stage lighting effects, and set – chairs and tables, and a suspended can for pouring water onto the stage – and, above all, a cast that is in sync, with focus and controlled physical energy. The play itself then comes to life with intensity, real speech rhythms and modern psychological characterisations that are also heightened in their delivery without damaging believability – a sign of very fine acting. Possibly the performances are particularly strong because most of the cast were involved in Palindrome’s full, more traditionally presented, version of the play earlier this year.

It is a little strange that Palindrome Theatre should specifically mention the playwright in the title Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, but perhaps this is to reassure people that the script, while a new adaptation with a modern setting and cut down to 90 minutes, is still faithful to the essence of the original. The affect of Victorian society on characters’ choices is not fully reflected, so “Ibsen’s stifling society” is not as strongly portrayed, but the expectations of academia work well and there is still a sense of Hedda coming from a different social world.

Ibsen’s play sees the central character, famous as a major role for women (she has been called a counterpart to Hamlet for actresses), pursuing her own self-centred ends with a deliberate malice in her attempts to find what she feels she needs in life, hitting out, and in, and causing destruction. Robin Grace Thompson is excellent and brings a feverish quality and a driving idealistic need to Hedda’s manipulations. Nigel O’Hearn, also the adaptor, creates a vulnerable Eilert Lövborg whose attractiveness to the women and fatal return to drink is believable, and Chase Crossno portrays a fragile strength that makes sense of Thea Elvsted’s role in others’ lives. Hedda’s husband George Tesman is a recognisable academic, with both boring, frustrating and redeeming qualities shown well, and Judge Brack a somewhat menacing ‘friend’, also completely self-focused, while the maid Berthe has a feel of her own life, relationships and understanding playing beneath her work.

There are a number of moments of great emotion and the hints of what might come are clearly, though subtly, directed, creating suspense well. The acting is very strong and the play itself fascinating, here with a pared down and contemporary driving energy that means this Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, while longer than many shows in the Fringe, passes with speed. In all, this is a mesmerising production.

By Danielle Farrow

5 – 29 August (not 10, 17, 24), 14:15 (15:45) @ Hill Street Theatre