"John Kielty"

Glasgow Girls

Dynamic musical tribute to power of friendship and community that packs a fearless political punch

There’s a scene in this lively new National Theatre of Scotland-produced musical in which the youthful heroines sing of their deep affection for Glasgow, for all its rough edges. The show itself inspires a similar reaction: there’s the odd cheesy moment…

The Cone Gatherers

Uneven adaptation of classic Scottish novel is distinguished by strong performances

Robin Jenkins' most famous novel has long enjoyed a prominent place on the Scottish curriculum as a set text. Yet, for all its familiarity, the tale's lyrical depiction of class conflict, obsession and petty fascism, set in a Scotland thrown into flux…

Comedian John Bishop talks to us ahead of his Rollercoaster tour

The Liverpudlian has spent his year taking on charity challenges and hobnobbing with the stars

‘Two days ago I was sat with Edward Norton, Will Ferrell, Graeme Le Saux and Patrick Kielty,’ John Bishop marvels. ‘Then Edwin van der Sar joined us, then Gerard Butler. We’re having a chat and Kenny Dalglish comes over and says, "Do you want a drink?…

The tragic number - Fringe shows charting the musicians who died aged 27

Trio of Edinburgh Fringe shows explore the haunted number

John Kielty is sitting in an Edinburgh bar, listing the supernatural properties of the number 27. ‘It’s the cube of three; three being the original magic number,’ he says. ‘The moon orbits the earth every 27 days. The sun revolves on its axis every 27…

Whatever Gets You Through the Night

Powerful piece exploring the many Scotlands that exist in the wee hours

Not even the most hardened cynic could sniff at the ambition of this Vital Spark project headed up by Cora Bissett, who has invited writers and musicians from across the land to create work exploring the many Scotlands that exist between the hours of…

Roman Bridge

An unflinchingly claustrophobic production with bold performances and muscular dialogue

There’s a knowing nod to Samuel Beckett in Martin Travers’ Roman Bridge, the first full production in the National Theatre of Scotland’s Reveal 2012 season. The main protagonists are a pair of ragged-trousered hobos, who cling to each other, eat, sleep…

Pete Townshend rocks Prince's Trust Gala

Music Gossip

Pete Townshend and Boy George topped an impressive bill at the Prince's Trust Rock Gala at the Royal Albert Hall in London last night (23.11.11). The pair were joined by veterans including Chris de Burgh, Nik Kershaw and Midge Ure and stars such as…

Medea's Children

A cautionary tale for divorcing parents

Lung Ha’s Theatre Company is known for its use of performers with learning difficulties. Teaming up with Swedish company Unga Klara they bring us an exploration of the psychic trauma felt by children affected by divorce. The script, originally…

Russell Howard

A regular panellist on BBC2’s Mock the Week, with a Sunday morning radio show and an if.comeddie nomination to his name, Russell Howard recently played the biggest gig of his life, and at 27, his comedy future seems assured. ‘We just almost crashed on…