No smoke onthout firemen
Fireman Sam has some Pride
PAGE 14
Tales of the Merchant City
Glasgow festival announces most ambitious programme yet. Words: Allan Radcliffe
pproaching its third year. Glasgow‘s Merchant
(‘ity Festival may be a toddler next to the bloated
pensioner that is its Edinburgh neighbour. but the five-day extravaganza is already an eagerly anticipated entry in Scotland‘s cultural calendar.
This year's celebration takes place from 2()—24 September across (ilasgow‘s vibrant artistic quarter. and features more than 3()() events in 70 venues. which this year includes the recently renovated ()ld Fruitmarket and City Halls.
Jason Byrne and Adam Hills are this year's big comedy draws (appearing at the Old Fruitmarket. Fri 22 and Sat 23 Sep respectively). while local heroes Janey Godley and Raymond Mearns will also step tip to the mike. Mearns hosts the final of the 2006 Scottish Comedian of the Year award at the Old Fruitmarket on Sun 24 Sep.
Musically. there are over 50 live events. including jazz. folk. world music. rock'n‘roll. indie and R & B. Highlights include a rare screening of 1927 silent movie The Nmr Babylon. accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra with a live performance of Shostakoviclfs specially composed score (Thu 2| Sep).
while the singers of Scottish ()pera will be taking to Tortine Lane and the Babbity Bowster courtyard (Sun 24 Sep) for some free performances.
Indoor and outdoor theatre is represented. with award— winning company Boilerhouse bringing their latest production. Dram-lied to the Tron. while a street theatre showcase. Directors~ Choice. features performances by companies from France. The Netherlands. the UK and Japan.
Film buffs are also in for a treat. as the ‘short film' showcase returns to the festival. while the Babbity Bowster will be screening a pair of Jacques Tati classics. and Cafe Gramofan hosts a Marlene Dietrich evening. Meanwhile. Artists in Exile will be screening two cutting edge films dealing with issues arising from the Middle East crisis (see Ragel. page l2 for more).
Artistic director Neil Butler. of U7. events. said of the programme. ‘The Merchant City Festival is a unique festival of festivals. providing a one-stop shop for visitors to experience the best both of Scotland‘s own indigenous festivals and international arts.‘
www.merchantcityfestival.com
QUEEN'S HALL SAVED FROM CLOSURE
I Fresh from its Edinburgh festivals programme, which included the highly successful Three Mo' Tenors and a number of International Jazz Festival events, the Queen's Hall has been granted a stay of execution by the city council. It had been feared that senior figures within the council and Scottish Arts Council were planning to axe the popular venue in favour of a new, purpose-built concert hall on the waterfront. This led to concern and bewilderment at the notion that the creation of a new venue should only come about at the expense of an existing one. In October, the Queen’s Hall plays host to the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s first ever autumn series of events, which includes appearances by Margaret Atwood, Martin Amis and Gordon Brown. (AR)
I The List is delighted to report that our intrepid Festival columnist, Jane Bussmann won the Best Comedy category at this year’s Tap Water awards. Jane received her prize at a glittering ceremony at the Bongo Club hosted by Mikelangelo of The Black Sea Gentleman.
I While the 60th Edinburgh Fringe closed with over 1.5 million tickets sold. Director Paul Gudgin has again called for the City COuncil and Scottish Executive to act to safeguard the festivals' future. ‘ln 8 climate of growing competition from other UK and international festivals. Edinburgh must remain the most attractive option for performers.’ he said.
I The beleaguered 7:84 theatre company has received a stay of execution following a successful appeal to Holyrood’s public petitions committee. Having been told that its funding was to be withdrawn by the Scottish Arts Council, the company will now be kept afloat until March 2007.
I Scotland's six cities - Aberdeen, Dundee. Edinburgh. Glasgow, lnverness and Stirling — are to pull their distinctive cultural resources to host the country's first nationwide design festival (17 May-3 June 2007). Local organisations are invited to submit projects for possible inclusion in the programme of events and exhibitions. Further details are available from Roland Gulliver on 0141 225 5833. and the closing date is 16 October.
7-21 Sep 2006 THE LIST 7