Four Fringe Fancies

With a plethora of things to see and do throughout the month of August, the Edinburgh Fringe has something for everyone. Celebrating it's 70th year, this festival as ever will have you spoilt for choice with a variety of venues and locations offering top-notch entertainment for you to check out. For all those heading to the our fair capital city next month I thought it may be useful to point out a few shows that may tickle your fancy! 

WHO? Katie MacFarlane (traditional music)

WHAT? Katie is a Gaelic and Scots singer from Airdrie who is greatly influenced by her connections to North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. She has had a passion for Gaelic and Scots song all her life and has been a semi-finalist in both BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician and BBC Radio 2's Young Folk Award competitions. Accompanied by Chris Gray on piano, Katie's performance ranges from folk and traditional to self-penned songs.

WHEN? 25th of August, 10pm

WHERE? Acoustic Music Centre, Ukrainian Community Centre, 14 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5AB

WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY? 

"I love the vibrancy and variety of the Fringe and am so looking forward to bringing to the festival my own interpretations of songs that I enjoy singing along with the soulful piano playing of Chris Gray"- Katie

WHAT NOW?
Buy tickets from https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/katie-macfarlane
http://m.bpt.me/event/2936123

WHAT ELSE? Katie's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/katiemacfarlanemusic/

WHO? Bubbles & Martini (music)

WHAT? Featuring Dean Martin hosting one of his many shows introducing his duet partner for the evening, Michael Buble – a man he’s obviously never met before. These Kings of Swing are separated by time, but now with the magic of this theatre show they are brought together in concert.

Performing all the hits from the era of music that's never going to be forgotten along with a few from Bubles present time!

WHEN? 21st-26th August 19:05pm-19:55pm

WHERE? Venue 53, theSpace, Theatre 2, Surgeons’ Hall, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW

WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY? 

"My nan taught me to sing and appreciate this era of music. My aim is to celebrate that music and entertain people the same way I used to entertain her"- Jamie aka Michael Buble

WHAT NOW?
Buy tickets from https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bubbles-and-martini

WHAT ELSE? 

Twitter page: @BubblesnMartini
Website: http://www.bubblesandmartini.com

WHAT? Jay has been called many things in her life, not all of them have been complimentary and only some of them have been true. Whatever she may be - she's certainly a wee besom - but who said that had to be a bad thing? Fed up trying to conform to society’s endless labels, Jay’s decided to turn her back on the anxiety of expectation and frolic in the fun of failure. This is a show for anyone who has spent too long worrying about what everyone else thinks! A hilarious and uplifting hour that doesn't need your approval! (yes it does…..please come.)

WHEN? 2nd -28th August (Not 14th), 8.30pm

WHERE? Gilded Balloon at Rose Theatre, 204 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4AZ. 

WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY? 

"Cuddly one sec, cruel the next, this comic will have you open-mouthed in amazement" - The List

WHAT NOW?
Tickets available from http://www.gildedballoon.co.uk/tickets/performances.php?eventId=14%3A1581

WHAT ELSE? 

Box Office: www.edfringe.com 

Twitter: @jayjaylaffs 

WHO? Spilt Milk presents Adulting (theatre)

WHAT? “Adulting (verb): To adult. To do something one would expect an adult to do. To behave in the way one would expect you to when you are an adult. Twenty-five. Quarter of a century years old. I am happily engaged, have a down payment on a two-bed and a glamorous job that takes me from country to country. Oh and I have one pet. Aged ten, this is how I saw my future. In reality, I live at home and have yet to find my soulmate. I attempt to bake. I often date. And I sometimes frequent DIY stores. All before another glass of wine. These are the little ways I try to feel like an adult. I know there are pros and cons to being this age, I just haven’t found out what the pros are yet.” Tony’s quarter life crisis included bleaching his hair then shaving his head circa Britney 2007; Grant rescued all his old toys and gave them refuge in his room to prevent Toy Story 3 from happening for real; Jacqueline wanted to join a band, buy a Vespa and move to New Orleans whilst Catherine watched Clueless every day for a month...Spilt Milk juxtapose their ten-year old selves viewpoint with the sometimes depressing reality of what being twenty-five actually involves, in a funny and irreverent exploration of ‘adult’ life.

WHEN? 4-26th August 2017 excluding Sundays. (4-12th 12.55pm, 14-19th 10am and 21-26th 9.10pm) Week 1 and 3 £9 (£7.00) & Week 2 £7.50 (£5.00)

WHERE? Space Triplex, The Prince Philip Building, 19 Hill Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9DP 

WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY? 

"Following on from it's sold out run at the Tron Theatre last year, Spilt Milk's "Adulting" will mark the company's Fringe debut. The show follows all the pleasures and pitfalls of the quarter-life crisis. Interactive elements resonate with a varied audience because at the end of the day we all are, have been or will be adults...sometimes!"

WHAT NOW? 

Tickets https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22spilt%20milk%22

WHAT ELSE? 

Website: http://spiltmilktheatre.co.uk/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiltmilktheatre/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiltMilkGLA/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/spiltmilk_gla

The Braw and The Brave Meets....Roma Elizabeth Photography

You know when you meet a person for the first time and you instantly know you're going to really like them?! I first met Roma when she hired my dance troupe to perform at a surprise party she'd organised for husband's 30th birthday. She was delightfully warm and welcoming that evening  and so when I plucked up the courage to contact her about being interviewed for the blog, (I always feel weird about asking someone who doesn't really know me), I was thrilled she kindly agreed!  

Roma's photography is the stuff of dreams, capturing breathtakingly beautiful imagery in the most stunning (and at times, remote) locations with the emphasis on the 'adventurous and romantic'.When it comes to weddings and babies, Roma looks to paint the day perfectly, documenting every special moment and paying close attention to detail. With her styled shoots, it's all about producing exquisite, striking, fairytale-like shots. Roma's portfolio is a work of art, finding you spoilt for choice to pick a favourite image. From ethereal beauties draped in lace featured in the likes of Vogue Italia, to the most magical moments such as a Groom catching that first a glimpse of his Bride documented beautifully. Each photograph entices you in and has you intrigued and bowled over by sheer perfection. 

Featured in Vogue Italia

 Roma's journey from studying a fashion degree to modelling, working in the Bridal industry and to where she is now as a freelance photographer is fascinating.  Starting out as a young model in her teens, Roma admits that she never quite felt at home in from of the camera. "I didn't enjoy modelling. I was so self conscious but I did love being on location, working in some amazing spaces". Befriending photographers along the way and becoming more interested in the behind-the-scenes element of fashion photography, her transition to working within the Bridal industry with Opus Couture saw her start to style and photograph shoots for the wedding dress company. "I just really enjoyed it. I think anything you do you should do it for the love of it and not money!" Initially a hobby, soon Roma's distinct photography style attracted some attention and she was approached by a make-up artist to photograph her wedding before she had even set a date. With much encouragement from her colleagues and her husband Scott, Roma began to set up styled shoots to create a portfolio of work, inspired by places she had visited and adored. As daunting as it seemed, Roma pushed herself to put her work out there. Starting out as a freelance artist in a potentially competitive industry was scarily reminiscent of her time spent as a model. "I've always remembered that feeling of being in a room full of people and not knowing anyone. I now always make an effort to go up to people on their own at photography events and take them under my wing". 

Roma is extremely passionate about her work and being a real people person, she thrives on getting to know her clients prior to their wedding day to ensure she can capture the essence of who they are as a couple through her photography. As enjoyable as this work is, Roma's heart lies with her styled shoots where she has complete creative control and can let her imagination run free. "I sometimes have to explain to Brides who have seen my more adventurous shoots that it isn't practical to have them knee-deep in pond water surrounded by fireflies on their wedding day".  Inspired by old fairy-tales (and the occasional nod to Disney too) she aims to conjure up the fantastical. "I like creating things that don't exist. When I see something in my head I just need to make it happen!". Known to be up a mountain in the snow with a model and a sledge full of accessories, it's all about bringing the dream to life with her inquisitive nature at play and her adventurous side at the helm. Getting 'that' shot can be, at times, on the dangerous side and for the more extreme locations, Roma is happy to step in front of the camera momentarily to bring the vision to life. With her good friends Cara and Katie always in tow to assist with make-up, hair and the logistics of photographing in all weathers on all matter of terrain, Roma teams up with a variety of suppliers and new models, considering herself very lucky to be supported by so many. Her photography is so well known and respected now that suppliers and fellow Creatives are ever so keen to have her photograph their pieces.

 She admires the work of renowned photographers Annie Leibovitz and Tim Walker but ultimately has a personal style which she stays true to. It's one thing to create something but it is then another to put it out in to the world for others to judge but as Roma explains it's not always our counterparts' opinions we should fear. "I'm really critical of my work. I'm just so passionate about photography but I've learned not to compare my work to anyone else's. It's about just doing your own thing". 

Road blocks are inevitable when working creatively and although Roma rarely struggles to come up with new ideas, it can be the logistical side of photography that proves the most challenging. "My first wedding shoot I arrived early only to discover the church all chained up. A very sweaty 15 minute car ride ensued once I tracked down the correct postcode for the actual venue!". Learning from experience is par of the course and it's something Roma is happy to embrace. The uncertainty of self-employment can be difficult to manage mentally but her positivity pushes through. "You just have to keep going and believe that it will all be okay!". Working solo can be a lonely existence at times and no one knows this more than a photographer welded to their computer screen in the middle of an editing spree. It has always been important to Roma to surround herself with like-minded people and she has found solace in a close-knit group of female photographer friends who all have each others back when it comes to supporting and promoting their work. "When I had just given birth to my daughter Robyn, one of the girls stepped in last minute to cover a wedding I was booked to do. We all help and encourage each other, sharing hints and tips. We also go on shoot trips together...the last one being in Paris". 

To say Roma likes to be busy would be a bit of an understatement. In a juggling act of being a new mum, a wife and a photographer (and up until recently, also holding down a full-time job), it's a role she is most comfortable undertaking. Keen to add more strings to her bow, she is now considering studying for a Masters degree. "I've always seen my photography as something I'll do alongside something else. I never would have imagined 5 or 6 years ago that this would turn in to a career! Ultimately I just want to keep going-ideally I'd like more time to do style shoots and travel more". Her get up and go attitude is what drives her to continue to work furiously and seek out the next adventure, quite often with baby alongside her. A trip to Thailand, when Robyn was only 5 months old, to photograph her brother's wedding on the beach was tackled with the same vigour as she approaches everything she endeavours to make possible. Embracing opportunities has led her to what she considers the finer things in life.  "My photography has allowed me to meet fun, fantastic people and visit new places". It's evident that whatever Roma decides to do next in her photography work you can be assured it will be executed with passion and a sense of escapism and celebration for all that is naturally beautiful. Best to follow her...she is bound to take you on the most magical of journeys. 

Roma and Robyn in Thailand

Get to know Roma more.....

First ever album you bought?

"The Craft soundtrack"

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with?

"My husband-he's my best friend! We'd just chat away!"

If you could give your teenage self some advice what would it be?

"Dress better and study more! I had this idea if it was meant to be I'd pass!"

Pet peeve?

"People who kick pigeons! I also don't like negativity and jealously"

Contact Roma

Roma Elizabeth Photography website

Roma Elizabeth Photography Facebook

All images owned by Roma Elizabeth Photography 

The Braw and The Brave Meet..... Greg Robertson

Greg Robertson has always been a bit of a song and dance man. From the tender age of 4 he was pestering his mum to allow him attend dance classes with the girls she child-minded and tagging along to the local amateur dramatics club to watch her tread the boards. He caught the performance bug early on starring in many a school show as a teenager growing up in Cumbernauld. Seizing any opportunity to perform Greg, over the years, has been involved with a variety projects and in 2014 was delighted to dance at the Commonwealth Games Opening ceremony in Glasgow. "I loved the large-scale formation work. We rehearsed on a football pitch which was all marked out. That kind of choreography work fascinates me".

 He soon became a triple threat enjoying singing and acting as well as dance, joining a local am-dram club and it was there he found his passion for choreography. "When I was with the Apollo Players I remember watching John Carlyle choreographing a number and I was amazed". Whilst studying a Community Arts Degree, Greg started singing with a community choir in Glasgow, Musichoir Scotland and eventually took on the role of choreographer for both their Glasgow and Ayrshire branches. 6 years on Greg continues to work with Choir Master Neil Thomson to create full-scale, lively productions. "At first I wondered just how much I'd be able to achieve working with non-dancers but over time I have become a lot more confident in my abilities to get the best from them. They are always so grateful for your support!"

Musichoir Scotland

As a freelance artist, Greg has had to create his own opportunities approaching amateur clubs to work on their productions. Teaming up with Runway Theatre Company in 2015 for the show Evita,  Greg admits "They took a chance on me as I'd never choreographed a full-scale musical before!". But it was a chance worth taking and having just produced a show-stopping dance extravaganza  with their sell-out run of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, it's a certainty the club won't be looking back on their decision to hire him. Not one to do things by half, he also stepped back in to limelight and in to the (sky-scraper high) shoes of one of show's leads and with 25 musical numbers to choreograph it was no mean feat juggling the two tasks in hand. "On opening night I actually felt sick. The show had had so much buzz surrounding it, I just wanted it to go well". And indeed it did, with standing ovations and rave reviews cementing that they had produced something quite spectacular. With energetic, fun-filled performances, Greg's choreography brought each number to life with verve and vigour. 

Runway Theatre Company's Priscilla Queen of the Dessert, 2017

The creative process for Greg starts with the music, continually listening to a song whilst commuting helps to get a basic outline of the number in his head, adding the detail latterly. Picturing formations, changes of level and the ebb and flow of a piece initially helps to shape a blueprint version of the choreography without having to delve into the intricacies from the get-go. He draws his inspiration from the music and his performance background and although he respects how others may have preciously produced a number, he feels it important to not be too influenced by what has come before. "With some numbers in certain shows, there are those movements or moments where you'd be doing it a disservice if you didn't reference something that is seen as iconic but mostly I prefer to do my own version".  Like any good practitioner he is ever-prepared but leaves enough wiggle room within his work to allow the rehearsal room the freedom to breed it's own steps. When a creative blockage arises it can be a real stumbling block when you're working to a deadline. Rather than risk producing something that doesn't feel right Greg explains, "When I think "Right, I need to get this choreographed today" and then nothing seems to come to mind, in those scenarios I find it's best to step away from it momentarily and come back to it at a later time".

In the Heights 

Working with his performers Greg is able to also draw ideas from how they move and interact. Playing to everyone's strengths is a vital part of directing amateur performers of all ages and abilities and it's Greg job to produce choreography, however simplistic or intricate, that everyone involved can achieve and bring to life on stage confidently. Your teaching style and the support and encouragement you give is what can make or break the final product. "When I first stepped off-stage to choreograph a show, I wondered if I'd get the same buzz as I did performing.....it was actually better! I sat in the audience on the opening night balling my eyes out. I was so proud". Over the last year or so he has worked on a a number of musicals, including In The Heights with Glasgow Music Theatre, The Addams Family with Eastwood Entertainers.

The freelance life can sometimes be a solo venture, so getting the chance to team up with other creatives wherever possible is so rewarding. Both Greg and I had the pleasure of co-choreographing Theatre Royal Glasgow's Stage Experience production of The Wizard of Oz last summer and personally, working with Greg was a real highlight of what was a wonderful (crazy busy!) two weeks. Being open to collaborating with and learning from others is something that all creatives should embrace. Greg has worked with directors, musicians, other choreographers like myself and has appreciated every opportunity he has been given thus far to grow as an artist. 
"I'm the first person to congratulate another choreographer when I've enjoyed their work. I'll also happily recommend someone else for a job I can't take on".  There are always new lessons to be learned along the way and with experience comes the confidence to go with your instincts and believe in your strengths as a creative. "If I had any advice when creating something from scratch, it would be to trust yourself. When something feels like it may not work, try to stick with it and see what the outcome is". Greg endeavours to be supportive and encouraging to fellow performers and colleagues. With every project he undertakes he faces it with great enthusiasm and a drive to produce the best work he can. He has a passion for musical theatre and it's one he enjoys sharing with others. "You just have to enjoy it and always remember you're really lucky to be doing something you love". 

First single you ever bought?

Britney Spears' 'Hit Me Baby'. I had posters of her all over my room"

If you could have an unlimited amount of something, what would it be?

"Time to go see more shows. It's so hard finding the time to go and support other amateur productions" 

Most commonly used word?

My girlfriend says I say 'Okay' a lot. She says I use it at the start of sentences even when it doesn't make any sense!"

Hidden talent?

"I can play the trombone!" 

Favourite musical?

"That's a difficult one....it changes all the time. I love WICKED! But if I had the chance I'd love to choreograph Chicago"

Keep up with Greg via his Facebook page!!

https://www.facebook.com/GregRobertsonChoreography/

The Braw and The Brave Meet.....Lawrence Crawford

Since starting this blog last year, Lawrence Crawford has been on my interviewee wish list. Despite working alongside each other on the same project for a number of years now, sat in many an-all day meeting together, I had never had the opportunity to actually sit down with him to discuss his work as an actor, director, playwright and filmmaker....until now that is.  

Coming through the ranks of youth theatre, Lawrence remembers a sense of not fitting in at secondary school and it was going to study a BA in Drama Studies at the tender age of 17 at Glasgow's RSAMD (now The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) where he finally felt at home."It was somewhere I could do silly voices, be myself and no one would comment on it". After graduating, he threw himself into acting, constantly commuting back and forth to London for auditions. In 1995 he was cast as a young officer in Bill Bryden's production Big Picnic about young Glaswegian soldiers in WW1. Starring well-known Scottish acting talent such as Jimmy Logan and Dave Anderson, Lawrence recalls the experience with real sentiment, with the attention to detail seeing him trained by an ex-army officer and the grandiose scale of the production being so fondly etched in his memory. However it was the bond formed with his fellow performers and his time spent with Jimmy Logan that made a lasting impression. "One thing he taught me was to let a laugh breathe. He knew about timing. You need to read your audience".The cast held a 20th anniversary reunion in 2015 which was tinged with some sadness at the loss of some their fellow cast members over the years. It is clear his time spent on this particular production has made a lasting impression and he is immensely proud to have been a part of such a large scale, prominent piece of Scottish theatre. 

Despite his success as an actor, which included appearing in the film Bent starring none other than Mick Jagger,  Lawrence found it increasingly frustrating at being typecast as the stereotypical Scottish junkie, young thug, alcoholic or car thief. "As actor you don't have a lot of power. You're reading someone else's lines. You're being told where to stand and what to do by the Director. There is a degree of creativity but you don't really have the power to change things".  It was then Lawrence decided to start making his own work and returned to his studies, this time at RADA in London. An intensive year of studying and working full-time to pay for his bed-sit saw him complete a masters degree in Theatre Text and Performance. Writing and directing, soaking up the London life and culture, after five years in the 'Big Smoke' Lawrence finally decided it was time to return home. Scottish theatre had gone through some significant changes in the time he had been away and he was now keen to get involved in the thriving scene. 

Directing plays for the likes of National Theatre of Scotland, leading adult theatre groups for South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, The Arches and Falkirk Youth Theatre, Lawrence over the years has worked with a variety of organisations producing and facilitating. He enjoys devising new pieces with his actors, as well as creating theatre that delves into themes that interest him personally. "When I'm writing I try to imagine someone actually saying the words. I try not to be too precious, so when you hear it read aloud in rehearsals there's room to change things". Inspired by the works of Ken Loach, Mike Leigh and Iain Heggie, Lawrence likes to give some ownership back to the actors but also include his audiences. His 2010 play COMA forced the audience to play the role of the doctor who decided the fate of an unconscious patient on life support. "It's about finding the balance of getting them involved but not to the point where they find that off-putting".

COMA by Lawrence Crawford

In more recent years, love for his homeland and a fascination with some of his Scottish heroes has encouraged Lawrence to produce new work that sheds light on some untold stories. His play Connolly in 2016 about the 'Big Yin' turned back the clock to Billy Connolly's child hood and his life in the shipyard industry. Research is paramount when creating this kind of theatre and this is something Lawrence revels in. "When you find out something you did not know it's exciting to think how you will include it to inform your audience". Currently he is working on staging Alan Bissett's novel The Incredible Adventures of Adam Spark.  Set in Falkirk about Falkirk young people, Lawrence has made it his mission to breathe life in to the adapted for stage version of the novel which to date has never been performed. Tackling themes such as racism and homophobia, set during the Tony Blair/Iraq War years, Lawrence feels such issues are still ever-so current and important for youth theatre to take on . "Alan attended our first read through with the cast. He'd never heard young people read it aloud before. The very people who he'd written it for". 

Connolly by Lawrence Crawford

In storytelling Lawrence recognises the weight of responsibility that also comes with his work. As a filmmaker he recently had the opportunity to give a voice to those who at one time were silenced by their circumstances. His film The Kids Aren't Alright tells the harrowing stories of four young girls from Ayrshire who have lived through parental substance abuse. Involving the young people in every aspect of the creative process was critical as Lawrence was adamant that they were comfortable with any decisions made. "In capturing their stories I knew I had to start with a blank page. It had to be told by them". From holding auditions to editing, the young people were given the chance to contribute at every stage, giving them some ownership over a situation they previously had no control over. A screening was held in January of this year and the film has been greatly received. Tackling such a difficult subject matter was a challenge but one which Lawrence was very keen to undertake, in a bid to encourage other young people suffering in silence to speak out. Plans to share it with youth groups and schools across the country are underway and there is hope that it's message of hope will resonate and reassure young people in similar circumstances. 

The Kids Aren't Alright by Lawrence Crawford

Working as a freelance artist Lawrence finds it imperative to constantly challenge oneself in order to make work that is both fulfilling and inspiring. "It's about putting yourself out of your comfort zone. Giving something of yourself when you're asking others to do so".Collaborating with songwriters and choreographers allows him to not only bring his vision to life but to also see how things look from another creative's perspective and to continually reevaluate his decisions. With experience comes confidence but Lawrence isn't one to rest on his laurels. Having several strings to his creative bow and always looking to challenge himself, his most recent project, making a film about his father's battle with Dementia, may be his hardest but most rewarding endeavour yet. "I feel it's helping me to deal with the situation". Never one to pigeonhole himself, Lawrence believes that as an artist your journey is more important than the destination. "Don't give up, keep on setting yourself goals and don't compare yourself to others" are his mantras and they are clearly serving him well. Famed for his distinctive, very dapper sense of style Lawrence is keen to put himself out there in the hope that others will feel more at ease in expressing themselves through drama. "If wearing a silly shirt breaks the ice, I'm more than happy to get teased". 

First single you ever bought?

"We are Glass by Gary Numan. It was a 7" single from Woolworth's. I used to buy one every week and I still have them!"

Favourite film?

"One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. I have a theory that actors are at their best when they're still hungry and for me, that was a role Jack Nicholson was born to play. He was an unknown and at an age where most actors have given up. The actors had spent time in mental institutions to prepare for the film and I think you see that"

Biggest pet peeve?

"Ignorance. Any kind of isms. I hate to see videos of terrible things happening on public transport with people standing by and not intervening. You have to question why we live in a society where we're happy to stand by and film these sorts of things"

I'm happiest when....

"When I'm around people I love"

Best invention?

"Electronic music. I used to be a DJ and I'd have to carry my entire record collection to gigs. Now you can store 1000s of albums on a laptop!"

Favourite song lyric?

"John Lennon "a working class hero is something to be". If the common man likes you, you're doing alright.I guess it's because something else that I'm passionate about is that the arts should be accessible to all."