1 The Seagull

Theatre Chekhov's ClaSSIC is given sUitably heavyweight treatment with Peter Stein, Fiona Shaw and Iain Glen all involved. King's Theatre.

2 Candace Bushnell

Books The Sex and the City creator brings us her filthy wit and wisdom. See page 41. Charlotte Square Gardens.

3 San Fransisco Ballet

Dance Three pieces choreographed by the inspirational Christopher Wheeldon with music from the likes of Chopin, Weill and Ligeti. See page 54. Playhouse.

4 Polyphonic Spree Music There's 22 in total. Go on, count them. See page 68. Corn Exchange.

5 American Splendor

Film The festival's closing movie is the true story of obsessive compulsion, love and comic books. See page 58. Odeon.

6 The Argument

Theatre From the 3 Dark Tales people comes this warped family portrait. Assembly Rooms.

7 The Fireworks

Music/Sky stuff Whizz, bang. fizzle. Get a Handel on this year's closing extravaganza for both eyes and ears. Princes Street Gardens.

8 Tommy Tlernan Comedy The Galway gagmeister produces more tales of wonderful whimsy. The Pod.

9 Hamlet

Theatre George Anton does one of those tour de force thingys with Calixto Bieito in the director‘s chair. Royal Lyceum.

1 0 Monet

Art Not quite your last chance to wander around The Seine and the Sea. as it’s on until October. But it is if you’re a festival visitor. Royal Scottish Academy.

38 THE LIST FESTIVAL GUIDE »"«...2 ~'- ‘H‘

1 1 John Irving

Books He gave us The World According to Garp and now provides us With two rare chances to hear him read and chat. See page 46. Charlotte Square Gardens.

1 2 Demetri Martin

Comedy Have a nice day with the laconic New Yorker's sideways look at obsessing over useless skills. Assembly Rooms.

1 3 Pure

Clubs Returning fOr another killer one-off birthday special with residents to die for. Pure stalwart Ege Barn Yasi. house legend Marshall Jefferson and newcomer Miss Yeti. See page 89. Studio 24.

1 4 Camp

Film A singalong set on a kids summer camp with lots of growing pains. Though in a good way. See page 62. UGC & Cameo.

15 Strictly Dandia

Theatre If you can imagine an Asian West Side Story merging with Strict/y Ballroom and Saturday Night Fever then you're there. See page 72. King ’3 Theatre.

16 New Music Scotland Music A pair of informal shows with new sounds and cosy chat from Garry Walker and the Paragon Ensemble. See page 70. The Hub.

1 7 Boyle Family

Art The first ever retrospective dedicated to the clan celebrated for their reproductions of the earth's surface. See page 82. National Gallery of Modern Art.

18 Man of the Year

Film A funny if terribly violent movie about a reluctant chap who becomes a contract killer. See page 62. Cameo.

19 Soweto Gospel Choir Music Tribal, traditional and popular African gospel. At its finest don't you know. See page 67. St George '5 West Church.

20 Bill Bailey

Comedy Half man. half troll. One funny guy. And in possession of at least one very, very funny joke indeed. Pleasance

Courtyard.