Friday January 30: 1.11pm
CAN CAN BOYSUnforgiven, Trial and Retribution and Alfresco – three DVDs that would cost you £64.97 if you were to buy them all on Monday when they hit the shelves.
Grab a copy of today's issue of The
Guide however, and all three could be your free – just enter the draws.
Free with the Evening News, today's Guide features 80's starlet Lysette Anthony recalling an escapade with the Loch Ness Monster; Maureen Nolan of the original girl group on following in her sisters' pinnies in Blood Brothers; folk-rock sensation Teddy Thompson and Hollywood's newest sex symbol, Michael Cera.
Also meet Erik Tricity of Metaltech, check out all the latest CD and DVD releases, follow Jonathan Melville's
Become An Oscars Expert In Seven Days programme and discover who I met at the London West End opening of Thriller Live!
(Fringed Out readers, of course, already know), which heads to Edinburgh in March.
Finally, win dinner and a show at The Faulty Towers Dining Experience and save money dining out with a series of discount vouchers for Pancho Villa's, Monster Mash, The Royal MacGregor, La Petite Folie, Mamma's, Henderson Wines, La Garrigue and Jimmy Chung's.
Oh, and meet Gilda Lily and Summer Blue and their can can boys, The Brave Tarts.
How could you resist?
Thursday January 29: 4.10pmLITTLE BOY BLUE HIP HOP STARDoes your wean fancy throwing a few shapes?
Leading Hip Hop dance company Boy Blue Entertainment are looking for local performers to appear in their award-winning show at the Festival Theatre, in March.
Auditions for 18 young dancers aged between 10 and 12 will be held at Dancebase on February 8, from 12pm to 4pm. Older dancers who appear between 10 and 12 years old will also be considered.
Based on the famous poem, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, the production uses street dance and hip-hop tricks to tell the popular story, with the successful dancers playing the Children of Hamelin.
Performing alongside some of the best Hip Hop and street dancers in the world, applicants must be 100% committed to an extensive rehearsal and performance schedule.
For further information please contact Judi McCartney, judi@independance.co.uk, 0208 768 1583.
The Pied Piper opens at the Festival Theatre on March 25Wednesday January 28: 1.45pm
STONEDI saw The Rolling Stones once. Murrayfield Stadium was the venue. Even from the distance I could make out how gnarled the features were of the performers who, in their younger days, had bought into the sex and drugs and rock'n'roll lifestyle so gloriously.
Those features can be studied close up at The Dome on George Street this week, thanks to the artistic talents of bass guitarist Ronnie Wood.
An exhibition of art by the Rolling Stone legend opened last night, showcasing a selection of stunning works that Wood has painted during his 30 year music career.
They include portraits of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts along with other famous actors and musicians such as Paul McCartney, Jack Nicholson and Rod Stewart (not one of his best).
With the trappings of fame that being a Rolling Stone have brought, it's easy to forget that Wood had a formal art training at Ealing College of Art, London.
This exhibition acts as a timely reminder. It's impressive and it's free.
Don't miss it and check out Wood's painting of Bob Dylan. I wonder if there will be one of Wood by Dylan when his exhibition opens at the City Art Centre on Saturday.
Ronnie Wood at The Dome runs until Saturday.Friday January 23: 11.45am
SPIT THE DOGThat was her nickname at school. Read our exclusive interview with Texas front woman Sharleen Spiteri in this week's edition of The Guide, free with today's Evening News. You could also win a boxset of Doctor Who DVDs.
Friday January 23: 11.34am
HELLO POSSUMSA title like that can only mean one thing, the biggest, brashest, and possibly oldest drag act in the world (sorry, housewife and superstar is back.
Yes, Dame Edna Everage, accompanied by Australia's number one cultural supremo, Sir Les Patterson, is to embark upon her first UK tour in 28 years this September, stopping off at the Usher Hall on the 12th.
At the Usher Hall show, the music will be provided by the orchestra of the Scottish Opera, conducted by Carl Davis CBE.
Tickets are on sale now... fair dinkum.
Thursday January 22: 14.42pm
THRILLED IN THE BEST POSSIBLE TASTECleo Roccos, the stunning one-time side-kick of the late Kenny Everett was the first of many celebrity faces I spotted at The Lyric Theatre in London last night for the opening of Thriller Live, a musical tribute to Michael Jackson.
She wasn't the only one. Scanning the lobby I quickly spied Suleman Mirza and Madhu Singh aka Signature, the Britain's Got Talent comedy MJ act (naturally) and George Sampson, winner of the afore mentioned show.
In fact, the diminutive dancer and his mate ended up sitting next to me in the stalls. His side-kick didn't appear to be too happy when he discovered Signature had their own private box.
Sampson, it must be said seemed unconcerned and just read his programme and tucked into his ice-cream.
Reality TV show stars aside (Roccos wasn't the only ex-Big Brother contender on show, P3 hottie Lucy Pinder and Vanessa Feltz were also there), what made this opening special was the presence of Tito Jackson, the oldest of the Jackson Five, and the buzz that sister Janet might join him. She didn't... a cold or something kept her away.
Not that the media circus minded, the film crews, snappers and reporters who had started to loiter some two hours before the show began still had plenty of subjects, including Girls Aloud, Skins' star Nicholas Holt, Lulu and members of Liberty X – I thought they'd all gone their separate ways years ago.
Such is the attraction of anything to do with the King of Pop.
And so the show started... 40 minutes late thanks to the celebrity hoo hah in foyer. Never mind the foyer, at one-point, when everyone had been coaxed to stand by the performers, a film crew even materialised in the auditorium. Crafty.
I'll not pass comment on the production itself here, you can read my preview in The Guide at a later date, other than to say that if you are a fan of the Jackson clan – chances are you'll think it's bad in a good way.
There was additional off-stage drama midway through the second act when some of the Jackson party had to leave - they were sitting behind me. "Latoya's just been voted out of Big Brother," PR Kevin Wilson whispered in my ear.
She later turned up at the after-show party with the ailing Janet who fired over to the BB house to meet her. Much later, I'm told, by which time I was tucked up in bed ready for a 5am trek to Heathrow.
Now that's what I call BAD!
Thriller Live opens at the Festival Theatre on March 2Thursday January 22: 12.30pm
CAST CHANGENews just in from The King's Theatre. Citing personal reasons, actress Claire Bloom has been forced to withdraw from Lloyd George Knew My Father, in which she was due to appear with the legendary Edward Fox, star of The Jackal.
Instead Helen Ryan will co-star in Douglas Home drawing-room comedy, which depicts the British aristocracy at their most charmingly eccentric as they make a stand against the destruction of the English countryside.
A familiar face, Ryan's TV credits include Green Wing, Doctors, Midsomer Murders, Holby City, The Bill and , Heartbeat, Captain Crimson, Just William, My Father's House, The Making Of Astronauts, Sherlock Holmes and Princess Alexandra in the acclaimed series Edward VII.
Lloyd George Knew My Father opens at The King's Theatre on February 16.Wednesday January 21: 11.50am
GRACE AND FAVOUR AND RIVERDANCE ON ICELast night I sat spell bound at opening night of The Imperial Ice Stars' production of Cinderella On Ice, at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Now, most forms of dance, unless the name Matthew Bourne precedes the title, leave me cold. None more so than ballet, unless I happen to be watching one of the world's great companies, and they are few and far between.
Take a tale like Cinderella however, and put it on ice and I'm hooked. The similarities between ballet and ice dancing, for want of a better expression, are many. Yet the grace and fluidity offered by moves performed at speed across the ice seem so much more beguiling than the sight of a corps of dancer tottering en point.
The Ice Stars take the age old fairytale and transform it into story of a ballerina who makes good and wins the love of the handsome son of the local mayor.
While traditional elements make up the choreography for the bulk of the piece, the finale – which I've been told not to reveal, on pain of death – is quite the most spectacular thing you will see in any Edinburgh theatre this year.
What I will say is that one particular routine is the closest thing you will ever see to Riverdance on ice. Astounding.
You have until Saturday to see it. In the meantime, check out Thom Dibdin's four star review in today's Evening News.
Tuesday January 20: 2.23pm
ALL QUIET... BUT NOT FOR LONGIt's been a quiet month so far on the entertainment front. January always is. However, now that the final curtain has fallen on another King's panto the winter season can finally get underway.
Leading the charge for box office takings is the Royal Lyceum with Arthur Miller's The Man With All The Luck – check out Thom Dibdin's review online at www.edinburghnews.com
Tonight I'm off to see the press night of Cinderella on Ice, at the Edinburgh Playhouse, and if it is half as good as I'm expecting then it's going to be something special.
Forget Dancing on Ice, this is the real thing, with multiple gold medal winning figure skater Olga Sharutenko in the title role.
Tomorrow, I'll be in London checking out the press night of Thriller Live in the company of Tito Jackson and Girls Aloud. The show which revolves around the hits of the King of Pop and The Jackson Five will be at The Festival Theatre for a week from March 2-7.
If only Latoya had been evicted from the Big Brother house... then she might have been there too.
I'll let you know what to expect on Thursday. Better get practising that moonwalk.
In the mean time, here's a quick round up of breaking news Fringed Out-style.
NUMBER OF THE FLYING BEAST British heavy rock legends Iron Maiden are to release a feature length documentary in cinemas worldwide on April 21.
Entitled Iron Maiden: Flight 666, the movie follows the band on the first leg of their Somewhere Back In Time world tour in 2008.
Circumnavigating the globe, the band flew in a specially customised Boeing 757 and played 23 gigs across Asia, Australia and North, Central and South America in just 45 days – a schedule only made possible by having their own "magic carpet", which they Christened Ed Force One.
Even more remarkable was that lead singer and airline captain Bruce Dickinson piloted the plane for much of the trip.
For teasers, trailers and information on Iron Maiden:Flight 666 visit www.ironmaiden.com
LOCAL HEROES – SCDA ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVALFor the first time in 40 years, Edinburgh is to host the Scottish Final of the Scottish Community Drama Association's One-Act Festival.
Eight teams will compete in the Scottish Final with audiences travelling to the Capital from all over Scotland to support their clubs.
Last year's winner of the Scottish Final, Stewarton Drama Group, went on to win the British Final. To date Scottish teams have won 24 times... a third of all the competitions held since 1927.
Edinburgh clubs battling to get into the final from the District heats include Holy Cow Performing Arts Group, Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group, Edinburgh People's Theatre, Leitheatre, St Serfs Players and The Mercators.
The District heats will take place on Friday February 20 and Saturday February 21 at St Serf's Hall, Clark Road.
Performing on the Friday will be Holy Cow Performing Arts Group in Reflections, by Sri Mahesh Elkunchwar; Leitheatre (Kirkgate] in And Go To Innesfree, by Jean Lennox Toddie; and Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group with The Pillowman Act 1, by Martin McDonagh.
Taking to the stage on the Saturday will be The Mercators in Watching The Magpies, by Les Clarke; Leitheatre (Sunnyside] in After The Dream, by Richard Macaulay; and the St Serfs Players in The Killing of Sister George Act 3, by Frank Marcus.
X-MEN REUNIONJoining Patrick (Jean-Luc Picard) Stewart and Ian (Gandalf/Magneto) McKellen in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot at The King's Theatre from April 13-18, will be Simon Callow as Pozzo and Ronald Pickup as Lucky.
Callow needs little introduction thanks to roles in Maurice, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shakespeare in Love and Postcards from the Edge and Doctor Who.
Ronald Pickup meanwhile is a familiar face on TV, if not quite a household name, with roles in The Worst Week of My Life, Holby City, Midsomer Murders, Waking the Dead, Dalziel and Pascoe and the movies, The Fourth Protocol, Never Say Never Again and The 39 Steps.
Thursday January 8: 2.15pm
CONNIE RETURNS TO THE SOUND OF MUSICConnie Fisher is to star as Maria in Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group's smash hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music, at the Edinburgh Playhouse from January 19, 2010, for 6 weeks only.
Fisher, who won the role in BBC 1's How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, first filled the shoes of Julie Andrews at the London Palladium a couple of years back.
The new touring production tells the story of the Von Trapp family's flight across the mountains with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd and the title song The Sound of Music.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on January 19, 2009
Wednesday January 7: 2.21pm
BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCHJust a wee reminder that Duty Free, the free-entry music festival at Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh launches next Thursday.
Also it has been just announced that crime-writer Ian Rankin will play a DJ set on January 22, supporting St Jude's Infirmary.
Visit www.myspace.com/dutyfree2009 for full details of all free gigs.
Tuesday January 6: Noon
CRAZY HORSESNews just in, Jimmy Osmond, the youngest of the Colgate-smile US family of entertainers is to star as Billy Flynn, alongside Eastenders star Emma Barton as Roxie Hart, in the UK national tour of Chicago
The youngest member of the world-renowned Osmond family, Jimmy Osmond is the youngest person ever to top the singles charts with his 1972 hit Long Haired Lover From Liverpool – remember that.
Emma Barton is best known for her role as Honey Mitchell in EastEnders.
See them both at the Edinburgh Playhouse from May 18-23. Tickets on sale now, box office 0844 847 1660
Hogmanay 2008: 12.23pm
I'M IN THE MOOD FOR DANCING70s pop sensation Maureen Nolan is to appear in the much coveted lead role of Mrs Johnstone when the Blood Brothers returns to the Festival Theatre next month.
Nolan, best known for her success as part of Europe's first girlband The Nolans, reprises a role she performed for two years in 2005.
The Nolans success is legendary, with eight UK hit records and phenomenal record sales in Japan that outweigh even The Beatles, where the girls scooped an impressive six Number Ones.
More recently, Maureen has been carving out a successful solo career which, as well her two year stint in the West End with Blood Brothers, has included major UK tours of Mum's The Word, Stardust and Girl's Behind, as well as numerous performances in pantomime throughout the UK.
Maureen is the fourth of the Nolan sisters to play Mrs Johnstone – Linda, Bernie and Denise have already beaten her to it.
See her at the Festival Theatre from February 2-14. Tickets now on sale from www.festivaltheatre.org.uk
Christmas Eve 2008: 10.43am
A COVEN MEETS IN THE THEATRE ROYALCan't remember which of the elements were present. It was either earth and water, water and fire, fire and earth or fire and water. We're talking Witches of Eastwick here, well two of the three anyway.
Rebecca Thornhill and Poppy Tierney alias Sukie and Jane joined myself and the fabulous Rachel Izen, who plays battle-axe Felicia, in the Theatre Royal bar after last night's performance of the musical loosely based on the Jack Nicolson film.
Not knowing the show, I didn't really know what to expect, but have to admit to being pleasantly surprised.
Rebecca, Poppy and Ria Jones as the three ladies lusting after Darryl Van Horne – played with angular appeal and a unique approach to the craft of acting by Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow – boast phenomenal voices and a natural onstage chemistry which carries on when they are offstage.
Rachel, who I first met when she toured here with Hot Flush, manages to make her harridan likeable and find comic moments in her portrayal that a lesser actress could easily miss.
It might be saucy, suggestive and aimed predominantly at a female audience but guys, chances are you'll love it too.
Anyway, after the show, as I said, we ended up having a quick drink in the bar – sparkling water for Rebecca, Cranberry juice for Poppy and a G&T for Rachel – and a mince pie, Rebecca's home baking.
The cast are all off for Christmas now, but will be back for the final two weeks of the run. You have until January 3 to catch this great little show.
In the meantime, have a great Christmas.
Thursday December 18: 3.56pm
THE GUIDE... TOMORROWWell with the big day almost here – just six more shopping days left – when better than to do a Christmas issue of The Guide. Predictable and logical eh?
Tomorrow in The Guide, free with the Evening News, discover what Christmas means to funnyman Craig Hill; join Scotland's favourite panto Dame, Allan Stewart, for a trip down memory lane; and find out what makes Jimmy Carr tick.
Also, catch up with Hollywood star Matthew Broderick, Scots popsters Aberfeldy, and meet the X Factor stars set to go clubbing in the Capital. Finally, grab a chance to win a copy of White Crane Chronicles starring David Carradine and Darryl Hannah, reunited for the first time since Kill Bill.
Wednesday December 17: 2.40pm
SKIDSI'm back. Again. That's the last of the annual leave used up until next year.
Just had to share the following with you. Everyone (unless they have been living on Mars for the past few years) must have heard of High School Musical – or, if you are down with the kids, HSM.
The Disney films/TV series/stage musical have taken the world by storm... but High School Musical on Ice!?! I kid you not. Read on:
Fans of Troy and Gabriella are being urged to get their skates on so they don't miss the ice spectacular, Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour.
The stunning and energetic ice show, which tells the story of teenagers Troy and Gabriella, who meet at a karaoke contest and discover their mutual love for music, is on at Braehead Arena in Glasgow for four days only from December 18 - December 21.
Due to unprecedented ticket demand, an additional performance was added on Thursday, December 18 at 7.30pm and tickets for Friday, December 19, are entirely sold out. There are seven performances in total, including three on Saturday 20th December and two on Sunday 21st December. Ticket prices range from £11.50 to £33.50. As Braehead Arena is the only Scottish venue for The Ice Tour you'll have to take a trip through the west to see it. Visit ticketmaster for more details on www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
Friday December 5: 1.18pm
CATCH UPIt has been a bit of a mad week, hence the lack of entries, so let's play catch up.
MONDAYCASTING: Last call for local young actors to appear in Waiting For Godot opposite Ian Mckellen and Patrick Stewart.
The King's Theatre is looking for two boys to play alternate performances and will be auditioning for the parts in open auditions next Wednesday and Thursday. Playing age is 10 years but the auditions will be open to boys up to 15 of any ethnicity.
Day one will be open auditions. Day two will be recalls for the successful applicants. All auditioning need to be available for both days as well as the dates of the performances in April, and be on call for up to two weeks before opening night.
Successful auditionees will rehearse for the week before the production's arrival at the venue after which Ian and Patrick will then rehearse with the boys on the Sunday afternoon before the opening night.
If you are interested, download an audition pack from the Waiting for Godot website www.waitingforgodottheplay.com
Auditions commence at 3pm and last half an hour, with last auditions at 8pm. Each boy will audition in a group of up to 20 and are warned that there could be long waiting times due to the numbers auditioning. The auditions will be held in the Founders Room at the Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9FT.
TV NEWS: River City is to welcome a new cast members to Shieldinch in the shape of acclaimed Edinburgh-born actor Ewan Stewart – remember him as the doomed captain of the Titanic in the blockbuster movie?
Stewart will play Daniel McKee, a man who has served time in prison for culpable homicide and returns home to Shieldinch to rebuild his life, building a base in the community to help troubled youths.
Stewart, who will make his first appearance on screen at the end of December, says,
"Daniel discovers that not everyone is delighted to see his face again. When the police turn up to arrest him on his first day back in town, things get off to a rocky start.
"It's great to be back filming in Scotland again, and I've filmed some really exciting storylines which will be on screen next year."TUESDAYAWARDS: Found me catching a early morning flight to Manchester for the MEN Awards (that's Manchester Evening News Awards, in case you were wondering.
You can read all about my adventures there in today's edition of The Guide, free as ever, with the Evening News.
WEDNESDAYALADDIN: The press night of The King's panto found Grant Stott in growling form as the evil Abanazar – yes, the Leven Street theatre is presenting Paul Elliot's latest Aladdin, with newcomer Johnny Mac in the title role.
Allan Stewart dames it up again as Widow May Twankey and the 3D genie – time to put on your glasses – is a novel way of creating a bit of festive magic.
Most important of all however, the sweetie shower is back for the first time in five years. Oh yes it is... and all that.
EIF: Also on Wednesday came the news that the Edinburgh International Festival 09 will run from August 14-September 6. The programme will be announced on March 25 and will highlight Scotland's influence on some of the world's great artists and artistic endeavours while reflecting on the Scottish Enlightenment.
THURSDAYCINDERELLA: Another day, another panto. This time at the King's Theatre in Glasgow, where Gerard Kelly rules the roost with new side-kick Andy Gray. Both in sparkling form and with some clever word-plays and old Francie and Josie routines to keep the laughs coming.
Joining them on stage are my old mate Steve McNicoll and Boaby the barman from Still Game, Gavin Mitchell – a truly cracking pair of Ugly Sisters.
They do a great old traditional panto through the west, so much so that I even found myself liking Karen Dunbar's evil stepmother/Fairy Godmother.
TODAYPROMISED YOU A MIRACLE: The news is out. Jim Kerr, frontman of Simple Minds is to celebrate his 50th birthday with a gig at Edinburgh Castle on July 18, 2009.
The 30 Years Live show will also celebrate the band's longevity in the business and will be the band's first Scottish date to be filmed for a DVD release.
Kerr says,
"To play at Edinburgh Castle is more than a dream come true, and particularly since we have been looking for a sensational backdrop in which to film and record this tour where we play our landmark album New Gold Dream in it's entirety.
"The concert next July is bound to be among the highlights of 30th year anniversary and I am sure that many of our legions of fans will be travelling from all over the world to be with us on this very proud occasion."Want to be first to get a ticket? Well there will be a pre-sale of tickets at 9am next Wednesday in the member's area at simpleminds.com
Otherwise you will have to wait 48 hours for tickets to go on general release. Go to seetickets.com or call 0871-220 0260 from 9am next Friday.
