Festival

TOP 20 Overwhelmed by all that’s on offer through the Festival? Here are the 20 essential shows you don’t want to miss

AROUND TOWN Hendrick’s Carnival of Knowledge Try to look past the corporate branding and instead indulge in a weekend-long programme of genuinely fascinating events, including a spoken word slam from Mark Grist and Tim Clare and an exploration of the love life of Ernest Hemingway. See preview, page 102. 7–10 Aug.

COMEDY Katherine Ryan The Canadian comic offers the Fringe a blistering feminist critique of celebrity culture before taking it on tour. See review, page 43, and interview on list.co.uk/festival. The Stand V, until 10 Aug; The Stand III & IV, 8 Aug.

P H O T O © K A R O L N A W E B B

I

P H O T O © S T E V E N U L L A T H O R N E

KIDS

THEATRE BOOKS

THEATRE

Emily Brown and the Thing Tall Stories the company behind The Gruffalo turn their expertise to Cressida Cowell’s picture book. See review, page 65. Pleasance Courtyard, until 24 Aug (not 7).

Confirmation Chris Thorpe examines ‘confirmation bias’ our tendency to favour information that agrees with our opinions with powerful results. See review, page 85. Northern Stage at King’s Hall, until 23 Aug (not 10, 17). George RR Martin The author of the Song of Fire and Ice saga (ie the books Game of Thrones is based on) pops into the Book Festival for two events. See preview, page 35. Charlotte Square Gardens, 11 & 12 Aug.

The Trial of Jane Fonda Oscar nominee Anne Archer takes on the role of the actress and anti-war activist as she addresses a room full of Vietnam veterans. See review, page 82. Assembly Rooms, until 24 Aug (not 11).

COMEDY CLUBS

THEATRE

Nick Helm It’s been a massive year for Helm, having starred in his own sitcom (Uncle) and developed another show (Heavy Entertainment) for September. Hence why he’s only doing two nights. See interview, page 16. Pleasance Courtyard, 11 & 12 Aug. Hot Dub Time Machine It’s not exactly a Fringe newcomer, but Tom Loud’s continually retweaked audio-visual dance party remains one of the festival’s most enjoyable experiences. See preview, page 99. Underbelly, Bristo Square, until 24 Aug (not 11 & 12, 18 & 19).

The Generation of Z An immersive theatre piece from New Zealand’s Royale Productions puts you in the thick of the zombie apocalypse. See review, page 81, and feature on list.co.uk/festival. Assembly George Square, until 25 Aug (not 11, 19).

6 THE LIST FESTIVAL 7–14 Aug 2014