Posts by Kenny Smith
A fascinating insight into a privileged socialist
The Burning Glass tells the fascinating story of Naomi Mitchison, a dedicated socialist and feminist who attacked life with an insatiable energy and a desire to speak out for the needs of others. Born into privilege in Edinburgh in 1897, she died aged 101 having given birth to seven children, travelled the world and campaigned…
Read MoreFringe: Going coco-nuts for improvised fun and laughs
I’m not usually a fan of improvised comedy, it can so easily retreat into crudity or banality. Not from this cast of five, they are intelligent, fast, fun to watch and very funny. A word is thrown out from an audience member and they are off. How they manage to navigate from ‘somewhere in Europe’,…
Read MoreGuest director will add to the Scottish Ensemble
The Scottish Ensemble will collaborate with guest director, violinist Marianne Thorsen, for the first tour of the season. The UK’s leading string orchestra has announced the first half of a two-part Scottish tour called Chamber Notes. The ensemble will perform Mendelssohn and Enescu’s stunning octets, and will be led by the outstanding Norwegian violinist Marianne…
Read More10 fascinating facts about… Falkirk
Falkirk is a beautiful and incredibly important Scottish town which is often often overlooked. It has a hugely rich history that includes everything from important battles to engineering feats. So whether you are planning on a visit to Falkirk, or just want to learn a little bit more about Scottish history, here are ten facts…
Read MoreAn A-listed property based on classic design
St John’s Cottage is an elegant Category A listed pavilion style house built in the early 19th century. Presented by Galbraith, it is based on a design for a ‘modern cottage’ in Richard Elsam’s Essay on Rural Architecture 1803. St John’s Cottage, in Maybole, South Ayrshire has a wealth of period features including fine fireplaces,…
Read MoreGlen Moray release 21-Year-Old Portwood finish
Glen Moray Distillery is today launching its latest addition to its Elgin Heritage Collection: Glen Moray 21-Year-Old Portwood Finish Single Malt Whisky at the Whisky Fringe Festival 2019 in Edinburgh. It is a perfectly executed port finished single malt which combines the spicy sweetness from the ex-bourbon casks and the rich wine flavours which develop…
Read MoreFringe: Doctor’s orders – a fun show for the fans
The wonder of the Edinburgh Fringe is that is has something for everyone. There’s musical productions, there’s high drama, there’s Shakespeare, there’s comedy acts, and, for someone like me who loves his TV and film, there’s parodies of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and, in this case, Doctor Who. Any Suggestions, Doctor? is an improvised…
Read MoreFringe: Their talent won’t come Out of the Blue
It is not without a pinch of envy that I watched Out of the Blue, all of the singers are at Oxford, young, fit, enjoying performing, and… oh, I didn’t mention they can all sing well, very well. Out of the Blue is an a cappella troupe. The show opens with the troupe dressed in…
Read MoreFringe: A fascinating dilemma in this gripping play
Marcus Brigstocke, former alcoholic, writer and director of The Red, has done a very good job with this play. The actors Bruce and Sam Alexander are father and son and play father and son in The Red. Benedict (Sam Alexander) is a former teenage alcoholic hasn’t touched a drop for 20 years. On the death…
Read MoreOpen studios event has 200 artists and makers
Organisers have revealed the names of more than 200 artists and makers who will be taking part in this year’s nine-day Perthshire Open Studios (POS) event. More than 140 studios, taster exhibitions and the chance to meet artists in interesting buildings as part of Doors Open Days There will be two showcase exhibitions where visitors…
Read More