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1 How To Act Around Cops Theatre Meet a couple of ordinary American dudes with a bag of cocaine and a handgun, in this Tarantinoesque thriller. Experimental theatre at its best. See page 55. Pleasance Courtyard.

2 Wendy Spero

Comedy Spero is the hottest stand-up act in New York this year. Her hotly-anticipated show hinges on a quest to find out about her father, who died when she was a baby. See page 26. Assembly Rooms.

3 The Pumpkin Palace

Art The hot ticket of this year’s brand new Art Festival, Nelson's stunning installation is set inside a bus built in 1954. Unmissable. See page 12. 6 Market Street.

4 Air

Music The French duo have emerged from their proggy phase and are back in the land of dreamy pop and soaring retro-disco. And the live show adds a feast of camp costume changes. See page 51. Corn Exchange.

5 Sarah Kendall

Comedy The Australian is in town with a show that is certain to provide a charming, intelligent take on almost everything except lraq. See page 22. Pleasance Courtyard.

6 Fig Iron in Flop

Dance It may be a mix of dance, theatre and clowning, but don’t expect too many squirty flowers or oversized shoes. This is seriously good dance. See page 44. Pleasance Courtyard.

7 Thom Pain

Theatre Starring James Urbaniak, this powerful look at madness has a surprisingly optimistic flavour. See page 60. Pleasance Courtyard.

8 Dptimo presents the 5678s Music Try talking about this Japanese surf/garage trio without resorting to singing ‘Woo-hoo-oo-hoo-hoo’ - their infuriatineg catchy tune featured in that Carling ad. See page 49. Liquid Room.

9 Simon Munnery

Comedy Like weird humour? Then Simon Munnery’s your man. One of his shows involves him performing with a bucket on his head. See page 28. Stand, Assembly Rooms.

1 0 Radioactive Man with Silvah Bullet at Musotica

Clubs A night of electro mayhem is guaranteed, with a full live show from Radioactive Man, alongside sets by DJs J- Stretch and the Dexorcist. See page 72. The Venue.

2 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 5—12 Aug 2004

1 1 Reginald D Hunter

Comedy A Mystery in a Nigga takes Hunter’s interest in race and identity to new levels, with the 2003 Perrier nominee turning his gaze on his American compatriots. See page 30. Pleasance Courtyard.

1 2 Fred Tomaselli Art Paintings don’t come more colourful

than these euphoric explorations of psychoactive states. and they’re made more spooky by the deep layer of resin poured on top. See page 11. The Fruitmarket Gallery.

1 3 Niki King

Music She’s one of Edinburgh's finest jazz singers, but she’s also a highlight among the international stars of the Jazz Festival. See page 49. Queen '3 Hall

1 4 Fatboy

Theatre A savage satire on consumer culture, Americana Absurdum’s promising looking version of Ubu Roi is led by Mike McShane. See page 70. Assembly Rooms.

15 Rumble

Dance With dancers spinning athletically on their heads, this hip hop romance is street dance at its best, and it’s set to a meaty soundtrack. See page 43. Aurora Nova@St Stephens.

1 6 Soweto Gospel Choir Music Joyful, emotive, celestial music is guaranteed from this group of 26 choristers gathered from Soweto's churches. See page 52. Assembly@St George's West.

17 Herbie Treehead’s Dinosaur Circus

Kids The largest show to hit the Festival in years, Herbie’s extraordinary circus features walking, growling dinosaurs up to 15ft tall. See page 47. Pod Deco.

18 The Age of Titian

Art Located in the impressively-restored RSA building, this blockbuster features great Titians from Scottish collections, alongside some of the artist’s Venetian compatriots. See page 16. Royal Scottish Academy Building.

1 9 Shimmer Theatre No conventional narrative here, but

a poetic story of a family marooned at a remote Scottish 8&8. See page 55. Traverse.

20 Mark Thomas

Comedy Thomas takes thorny political issues and makes a joke out of them. This year, Coca Cola and crusties should beware. See page 21. Bongo Club.