P H O T O

: L A U R E N C E W N R A M

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The REALIST J A N U A R Y

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FILM La La Land

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MUSIC Celtic Connections

If you wondered whether director Damien Chazelle could produce anything close to the coruscating verve of Whiplash, here’s the definitive answer to all you doubters: a truly sensational homage to Hollywood musicals starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, set in a near-fairytale Los Angeles. This is another new movie being tipped for glory come the Oscars. Unless, of course, Prez Trump has banned them by then . . . See review, page 90. General release from Fri 13 Jan. The UK’s top festival of Celtic music (though it’s much more than that) delivers another terrific bill including Karine Polwart (pictured), Shooglenifty and Laura Marling. See preview, page 17. Various venues, Glasgow, Thu 19 Jan–Sun 5 Feb.

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THEATRE manipulate

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COMEDY Jack Whitehall

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FILM Manchester by the Sea

Scotland’s renowned puppet and animation festival raises a glass to its tenth birthday with work on the way from Tortoise in a Nutshell and Agrupación Señor Serrano. See preview, page 115. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 27 Jan–Sun 5 Feb.

The man labelled a ‘professional posho’ by (probably) jealous types continues his march towards world domination. With At Large, Whitehall aims to get a little bit ruder than usual. See feature, page 61. Edinburgh Playhouse, Wed 11 & Fri 12 Jan; Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow, Wed 1–Fri 3 Feb. High drama, quirky characters and dark intrigue are rife in this astonishing Casey Affleck-starring movie about ordinary lives being bent tragically out of shape. The patter of not-so tiny awards might well be this wonderful film’s reward. See review, page 91. General release from Fri 13 Jan.

10 THE LIST 3 Nov 2016–31 Jan 2017