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THEATRE Miracle on 34 Parnie Street
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VISUAL ART Alasdair Gray: Spheres of Influence I and II
Panto season might be seen as pandering to the season’s over- commercialisation, but with Johnny McKnight it becomes something more subversive. His homage to Miracle on 34th Street is a hi-NRG extravaganza. See review, page 114. Tron Theatre, Glasgow, until Sun 4 Jan. Marking the Renaissance man’s entry into his 80s are shows covering those who influenced Gray as well as artists who wouldn’t be the same without him. Among them are David Hockney and Hanna Tuulikki. See review, page 122. Glasgow School of Art, until Sun 25 Jan; GOMA, until Mon 25 May.
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P H O T O © C S G C C G L A S G O W M U S E U M S C O L L E C T O N
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P H O T O © H A L S H N N E
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COMEDY Omid Djalili
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KIDS The Singing Kettle
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STAYING IN Black Mirror
Still has the best Godzilla impression in the business and the latest entertainer to show up politicians on Question Time, the loveable Iranian- British comic springs into town for a spot of Iranalamadingdong. See preview, page 75. Edinburgh Playhouse, Thu 22 Jan.
A sad moment as the Singing Kettle bids farewell to the kids entertainment game, a scene they have served with dignity and success for over three decades. See preview, page 91. Braehead Arena, Glasgow, Fri 12–Sun 14 Dec; Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, Mon 22–Wed 24 Dec. Rafe Spall, Oona Chaplin and Jon Hamm star in the Christmas special of Charlie Brooker’s sci-fi tinged series in which we take a glimpse behind the curtain of our contemporary existence and find something truly awful. See preview, page 48. Channel 4, Tue 16 Dec.
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CHOSEN BY AUTHOR CATRIONA CHILD Christmas Songwriters’ Club
Christmas doesn’t start until the Christmas Songwriters’ Club kicks off, an evening of original festive songs from some of Scotland’s best musicians – the only rule being no cover versions. Expect banter between acts from the charmingly shambolic hosts, a raffle (with prizes donated by the performers), a display of the best (and worst) Christmas jumpers, with all profits going to charity. Plus, if you’re lucky, a chance to hear ‘You + Me + Christmas Eve’ by John D McIntosh: a gorgeous earworm, which really deserves to be Christmas Number One. This year’s lineup promises not to disappoint, with TeenCanteen, Broken Records, Discopolis and Ella the Bird (pictured) due to appear. What more could you want from a festive night out? Christmas Songwriters’ Club, Central Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 20 Dec; Catriona Child’s second novel, Swim Until You Can’t See Land, is out now, published by Luath Press.
11 Dec 2014–5 Feb 2015 THE LIST 5
DANCE 6
The Nutcracker Scottish Ballet’s show is the favourite from the company’s former leader, Peter Darrell. While designs have been revamped, the spirit remains intact. See preview, page 115. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Sat 13 Dec–Sat 3 Jan; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Wed 7–Sat 10 Jan.
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