What’s On in Edinburgh - April

Find out about some of the great events happening in Edinburgh this month…

EVENT. Failte Fayre, The Hub

Friday 6 – Sunday 8, April

Failte Fayre 2018 logo. Photo Credit.

To showcase Scottish brands and products the ‘Failte Fayre’ brings together a mix of Scottish craftmanship.

There will be gins and whisky, handmade wares and traditional cuisine on offer, as well as music.

It will take place at The Hub, 348-350 Castlehill. Tickets are £7-9 and available time slots vary.

For information visit: https://www.failtebrands.com/events/failte-fayre-2018-the-hub-edinburgh.

MARKET. Pitt Street Food Market, 125 Pitt Street, Leith

Saturday 7, 14, 21 and 28, April

The Pitt Market. Photo Credit.

This weekly street food market offers a vibrant array of food and live music.

Drinks such as craft beer, wine and cocktails are available too.

The event lasts from noon until 10pm. Entry costs £2 and is free for children who are welcome until 8pm. Their ‘Cheese Fest’ takes place on April 28.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/pittstmarket/.

THEATRE. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, King’s Theatre

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14, April

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde at The Rose Theatre. Photo Credit: Mark Douet.

This adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic thriller stars Phil Daniels as the extraordinary Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

During one of his audacious experiments trying to separate good from evil, the kind and gifted Dr Jekyll inadvertently unleashes an alternative personality of pure evil - the mysterious Mr Hyde.

As this sinister figure starts causing terror and havoc in foggy London, Jekyll must race to find a cure for his monstrous alter-ego before it takes over for good.

Phil Daniels’ credits include Jimmy Cooper in Quadrophenia, Richards in Scum and Kevin Wicks in EastEnders. He has worked with the RSC and NT and has appeared on stage in productions as diverse as Les Miserables and This House.

Jekyll & Hyde is directed by Kate Saxon, designed by Simon Higlett and adapted by Tony award-winning playwright David Edgar.

Tickets cost £18-£35. For information visit: http://www.capitaltheatres.com/jekyllandhyde. 

MUSIC. The Chicago Blues Brothers, Edinburgh Playhouse

Friday 13, April

The Chicago Blues Brothers. Photo Credit.

The musical presents material from the original Blues Brothers films and includes songs by artists including Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Tina Turner and Cab Calloway.

There are many other blues, soul, Motown and funk classics too.

The Chicago Blues Brothers show is two-hours long with over 40 hits performed and was described by The Stage as ‘Fun and Infectious’.

Tickets cost £31-£55. For information visit: http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-chicago-blues-brothers/edinburgh-playhouse/#overview_tab.

THEATRE. War Horse, Festival Theatre

Wednesday 18, April – Saturday 12, May

War Horse. Photo Credit.

Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse has become a popular theatrical event.

It uses life-size puppet horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company to tell the story of Joey - a horse purchased by the Army for service in WW1, France and the attempts of young Albert, his previous owner, to bring him safely home.

The Sunday Express described the show as ‘an extraordinary piece of theatre, absolutely guaranteed to move the heart.’

Tickets cost £18 - £61. For more information visit: http://www.capitaltheatres.com/warhorse.

FILM. Grease Sing-A-Long, Cameo Cinema

Thursday 19 and Saturday 21, April

Grease. Photo Link.

The sing-a-long screening celebrates the 40^th anniversary of the classic 1978 film.

Grease is a romantic comedy directed by Randal Kleiser about the lives of two American high school seniors (John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John).

It includes songs ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, ‘You’re The One That I Want’ and ‘Summer Nights’.

Tickets cost £12.20. For details visit: https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Cameo_Picturehouse/film/grease-40th-anniversary-sing-a-long.

FESTIVAL. Beltane Fire Festival

Sunday 30, April

Beltane Fire Festival. Photo Credit.

TO MARK the changing seasons the Beltane Fire Society perform using dance, drums, acrobatics, puppetry and fire.

Their cast of otherworldly creatures use fiery displays and immersive storytelling to show the May Queen transforming the Green Man from his wintry guise, so they can rule together over the warmer months.

At the end of the show amidst the spectacular setting of Calton Hill they light their traditional Beltane bonfire.

Tickets cost £9 in advance, or £13 cash at the entrance at Waterloo Place. Organisers advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment. The event lasts from 8pm – 1am.

For information visit: https://beltane.org/about/about-beltane/.

CHILDREN. ‘Hatch Fest’ Zoo Trail, Edinburgh Zoo

Now – Sunday 15, April

Hatch Fest. Photo Credit.

AN EDUCATIONAL Easter Egg Trail around Edinburgh Zoo lets families learn about animals that lay and hatch eggs.

The eggs of animals – including penguins, flamingos, rhea, insects, owls, snakes and pelicans – can be discovered whilst visitors explore the zoo.

The trail was inspired by the toy craze ‘Hatchimals’ which are bird-like soft toys that must be looked after before and after they hatch out of an egg.

They can be rubbed, tapped and comforted before they hatch and then nurtured through the new-born stage and then taught to talk, walk and dance.

The ‘Hatch Fest’ trail is free with zoo admission and takes place between 10am – 6pm.

FESTIVAL – Edinburgh International Science Festival

Now – Sunday 15, April

Edinburgh International Science Festival. Photo Credit.

The annual two-week festival celebrates science and technology with a programme of innovative events, talks and activities at venues across Edinburgh.

The festival, which was founded in 1989, aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the world around them.

Try their ‘Virtual Worlds’ drop-in activity anytime during the festival on the third floor of the City Art Centre. Virtual reality headsets allow visitors (ages 10+) to transport themselves to another world – explore the moon or roam through a tropical jungle.

Attend one of the festival’s hundreds of discussions from ones entitled ‘Dr Bunhead’s Rubbish Puppets Trip to Mars’, ‘DNA, Race and Identity’ and ‘Climate Change: Is it time for extreme measures?’.

Last year we covered a talk at the event by Thomas Thwaites on how he become a goat for a scientific study: https://edinburghandus.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/thomas-thwaites-account-of-becoming.html.

For more information visit: https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/festival.

ART. Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, National Museum of Scotland

Now – Sunday 29, April

'Toad with Attitude' by Jaime Culebras, Spain. Photo Credit.

The diversity and fragility of life on Earth is depicted through a wildlife photography exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.

The images are part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year photography event which has been developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

Their touring exhibition features award-winning photographs displayed on large-format, backlit panels.

Visitors can learn how the photographers captured the images which showcase some of nature’s most astonishing sights.

Tickets cost £8 for adults (£6 concession) and for under 16’s entry is free. Information at: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year/.

ART. ‘When We Were Young: Photographs of Childhood’, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Now – Friday 13, May

When We Were Young exhibition. Photo Credit.

The ‘When We Were Young’ free exhibition explores how the experience of childhood and our portrayal of children has changed over the years.

It features almost 100 images from the 1840’s to 2017 from the National Galleries of Scotland’s permanent collection.

For further information visit https://www.nationalgalleries.org/.

Film. April film releases.

Avengers Infinity War. Photo Credit.

Showing: Ready Player One - Director: Steven Spielberg. Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, TJ Miller, Simon Pegg, Letitia Wright, Mark Rylance.

Isle of Dogs, Peter Rabbit, A wrinkle in time, Black Panther (Review) The greatest Showman.

April 5: A Quiet Place – Director: John Krasinski. Starring: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Noah Jupe.

April 6: Death Wish - Director: Eli Roth. Starring: Bruce Willis, Elisabeth Shue, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dean Norris, Jack Kesy, Len Cariou.

Ghost Stories - Director: Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman. Starring: Martin Freeman, Alex Lawther, Nicholas Burns, Andy Nyman, Jill Halfpenny, Paul Whitehouse.

April 27: Avengers: Infinity War. Director: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo. Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt.

Look out for areas filmed here in Edinburgh!

For more listings visit: https://www.launchingfilms.com/release-schedule.

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We loved Black Panther. Check out our review!

Visit Whitby on your next break. But, first read our travel guide.

Try our route around Blackford Hill this Spring.

The charms of Whitby

The attractive seaside town on the east coast of Yorkshire is an idyllic destination for a break away with plenty to do both during the day and at night.

Whitby is filled with small independent shops and quaint cafes, restaurants and bars which both residents and tourists frequent.

Its location in a deep valley at the mouth of the River Esk facing the North Sea makes it a perfect spot for walks along the coast and trips to the beach.

Historical Landmarks and Museums

The town once functioned as fishing settlement and later developed as a port and centre for whaling and shipbuilding using local oak timber. Its maritime heritage has been commemorated by statues around Whitby. 

Some of these can be spotted at the pier including the English explorers Captain James Cook, from the nearby fishing village of Staithes who learned seamanship in Whitby, and William Scoresby who stayed at Pickering near Whitby.

A whalebone arch sits at the top of the West Cliff to commemorate Whitby’s historic link with the whaling industry. In the 18^th century the town was a major whaling port and in its most successful year eight of their ships caught 172 whales. As the market for whale products fell, catches became too small to be economic and by 1831 only one whaling ship, the Phoenix, remained.

To find out more about the Whitby’s history visitors might like to visit the maritime museum in Pannett Park or the RNLI Lifeboat Museum at the pier.

Walking

The harbourside which is sheltered by the East and West piers offers a picturesque walk.

A 23-metre swing bridge, built in 1908, crosses the River Esk and separates the upper and lower harbours.

The 199 steps leads to an abbey ruin at the top of the East Cliff. There are also sweeping views of the harbour and Whitby from the top.

It is the town’s oldest and most prominent landmark and worth a steep walk to the top to see.

The earliest record of a permanent settlement in Whitby was in 656 and King Oswy of Northumbria, founded the first abbey which was destroyed by Viking raiders from Denmark in 867.

Another monastery was founded in 1078 and it is in that period that the town gained its name Whitby from ‘Witebi’ meaning ‘white settlement’ in Old Norse in the 12^th century.

One option that walkers might enjoy is a 5-mile coastal route to Robin Hood’s Bay. For information visit: https://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/ or https://where2walk.co.uk/north_york_moors_coast/robin-hoods-bay-to-whitby/.

Other walks include ‘The Cleveland Way’ Long Distance Footpath follows the coast between Saltburn and Filey running along the developed frontage of Whitby.

The 35-mile stretch of coast passing Whitby is a designated part of the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast known as the ‘Dinosaur Coast’ due to fossils found there. It leads from Staithes in the North to Flamborough in the East Riding of Yorkshire. (If visiting nearby Scarborough, the Rotunda Museum, has a comprehensive collection of fossils from the area.)

Shopping

Cute independent shops are dotted around Whitby which makes it a great place to look for gifts and souvenirs of your stay.

The town is famous for its unique blend of local craft shops, jewellers, and fishmongers selling fresh seafood. For more information about the shops and streets for shopping visit http://www.real-whitby.co.uk/whitby-shops-and-other-businesses/.

There are also other options for shopping in many of the rural towns and villages of the Yorkshire Coast and North York Moors.

Eating

Whitby Harbour is still used for fishing and there are lots of fish and chip shops selling locally caught seafood.

A large portion of fish and chips from The Duke of York on Church Street.

The Magpie Cafe, on Pier Road, was established in 1937, and celebrity chef Rick Stein described 'the place opened my eyes to how good a chip shop could be’.

However, there are plenty of alternatives if you tire of fish and chips options. Some of these include Passage to India and Kam Thai. Here is link to a few others:  https://www.thewhitbyguide.co.uk/whitby-restaurants/ and https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g186345-Whitby_Scarborough_District_North_Yorkshire_England.html.

Some cafes include Sherlock’s Coffee House at 10 Flowergate close to the mainstream shops. It is great for cakes and scones and is praised for its quirky and stylish period décor. It is also dog-friendly like many pubs and cafes in Whitby.

A couple enjoy their lunch at Sherlock's Coffee House.

The Blitz Cafe also sounds interesting – it is a 40’s cafe by day and tapas bar by night (Link: https://www.theblitzwhitby.co.uk/).

Evening entertainment

There are lots of friendly local pubs. Listen to live music at The Station Inn and The Little Angel and ask around as there are plenty of other venues with live music on set days.

The Fleece was one of our favourites which had pool tables, an open mic night and seating around a fireplace.

Some other popular pubs include The Moon and Sixpence for cocktails, The Angel Hotel (Wetherspoon’s) and the George Hotel which is lively.

Raw Nightclub is around the corner from The George Hotel close to the railway station. It is a very popular choice and has lots of rooms and bars inside. Around the nightclub are other pubs with dancefloors and music on busy weekend nights.

Visit https://www.thewhitbyguide.co.uk/whitby-hen-stag-weekends/ for more tips.

The Pavilion Theatre Complex, built in the 1870’s, in the West Cliff also hosts a range of events in the summer months and live music and concerts throughout the year. The Whitby Pavilion Cimena also shows recent releases.

Other activities

Arcades - The popular marina was started in 1979 and the Whitby Marina Facilities Centre was opened in 2010. There are lots of arcades games, pool and snooker tables, a bowling alley and a time-honoured Dracula Experience ride.

Walking Tours – Dracula and Ghost tours take place to celebrate the town’s strong literary tradition and its ghostly past. Bram Stoker’s novel ‘Dracula’ was set in Whitby and incorporates pieces of local folklore, including the beaching of the Russian ship ‘Dmitri’.

Spas and Fitness - The Raithwaite Estate’s luxury spa which has a pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna and gym. Treatments are pricey and must be booked well in advance. Other spas are a distance away. The Crown Spa, Scarborough, as it has a large choice of treatments which includes half price entry to the pool and fitness facilities. For information visit: https://www.crownspahotel.com/.

A display of bath bombs at 'Honeyz' Handmade Bath Products shop on Church Street. Make your hotel your spa...

Sunbathing – Visit between June and September to enjoy as the area generally has warm summers – but conditions vary from day to day.

Water Sports - Wind surfing, sailing and surfing take place off the beaches between Whitby and Sandsend and the area is visited by divers. Boat tours and cruises are available during peak seasons.

Cycling - Cyclists can use the Old Scarborough to Whitby Railway (Cinder Track) to visit Scarborough. It is 20 miles away and a two-hour cycle. This route is also walkable.

Festivals

The Whitby Regatta takes place annually over three days in August. The competition between three rowing clubs forms the backbone of the weekend. The event has expanded to include a fair on the pier, demonstrations, fireworks and military displays – including the spectacle of the Red Arrows aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force.

For over four decades the town has hosted the Whitby Folk Week, and since 1993 the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend for members of the Goth subculture. "Whitby Now" is an annual live music event featuring local bands in the Pavilion which has taken place since 1991.

Attendees of Whitby Goth Weekend in 2017. Photograph Link. Credit Danny Lawson.

Since 2008, the Bram Stoker International Film Festival has taken place in October. The event was set up to celebrate Stokers’ influence on horror cinema and literature. It has since developed into a well-recognised genre festival which brings entertainment including music, dance, drama, talks and film.

Getting to Whitby

From Edinburgh, it is a 4 hour car journey to Whitby. There are also numerous trains every day, however, most have changes in Darlington and Middlesbrough.

Follow this bird for the best fish and chips.

Where to stay

There are a variety of self-catering accommodation, holiday cottages, caravans and campsites and guest houses and hotels to choose to stay at.

Busy periods include the summer months and over holiday periods including New Year as well as during festivals.

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Fancy somewhere further afield? Check out our Visit Copenhagen guide.

The Beltane Fire Festival and more events in Edinburgh this month...

Read our Black Panther film review.

Snap Review: Black Panther

Have you ever wanted to find out a little bit about a new film to get an indication of whether you’ll like it or not, and ended up reading the entire story? We have. That is why our snap reviews are designed specifically to help you decide if it’s one to watch without giving everything away. 

Star Rating: 4.0 Very Good

T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) Image Source

Black Panther is the eighteenth production to be created by the Marvel Powerhouse. Some of their other popular releases include Iron Man, Thor, The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, and so it is of no surprise that this film, released on February 16, has become a huge Box Office success.

The story line bridges the gap between 2016’s ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and the eagerly anticipated ‘Avengers:  Infinity War’ due for release later this year. Powerful female characters and almost an all black cast make Black Panther the most gender and culturally diverse superhero movie yet.

Most of the film is set in a beautiful fictional African nation called Wakanda. For protection Wakanda has been concealed and is invisible to the outside world. Production Designer, Hannah Beachler, has done wonders building this secret technopolis. Using modern sci-fi elements, she incorporates majestic towers and supersonic trains with picturesque scenes of bustling markets, dirt roads and sprawling grasslands.

Market in Wakanda Image Source

The story follows T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman who returns home to Wakanda as heir to the throne after his father, King T'Chaka is killed.

Problems arise when Erik Killmonger (Michael B Jordan) teams up with Klaw (Andy Serkis) and plots against him. Jordan previously starred in the rather disappointing Fantastic Four reboot in 2015, but he offers brilliant performances as Erik. Meanwhile, Serkis, who made a small appearance in ‘The Avengers: Age of Ultron’, is convincing as the menacing, pirate-like villain, Klaw. 

Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and Klaw (Andy Serkis) Image Source

Luckily for T’Challa, he is surrounded by a tribe of bad-ass family and followers. The characters look stunning in their Afro-futuristic gear, which like Wakanda itself, blends ancient with modern and tradition with a high-tech gloss.  

Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Shuri (Letitia Wright) ready for a fight Image Source

Strength oozes from the leading ladies Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Okoye (Danai Gurira) and they feature in most of the film’s fighting scenes. Actress, Gurira, has had years of practice offering thrilling battle scenes in her part as Michonne in The Walking Dead series and her casting as Okoye proves to be a prime decision.

Okoye (Danai Gurira) caught in action Image Source

T’Challa’s younger sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright) is the technological whizz who delights audiences with her cheeky, mischievous side. Another of his allies Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) provides light comedy amidst the action. 

Thanks to a thoughtfully presented story, top notch performances and creative talent behind the scenes, Black Panther stands out from other Marvel productions.  

The chance to return to Wakanda in a sequel will be pounced upon.

Promo Poster Image Source

Details

Language: English

Release Date: February 16, 2018 (UK)

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Superhero

Length: 134 minutes

Country: United States

Director: Ryan Coogler

Producers: Kevin Feige, David J Grant  

Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Michael B 

Jordan, Andy Serkis, Letitia Wright, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya

Ta-da! Snowman Larry performs a headstand at Leith Links

Larry the Snowman takes an upside down look at Leith Links park.

His maker, Serena Jagpal, with friend Gail Bowman, shared her own photograph of him on the 'I love Leith' Facebook group yesterday.

Larry justified his position: ''Converse were never designed for trekking in the show anyway.' Photo by Edinburgh&Us. 

She wrote: "If anyone is on Leith Links keep an eye out for Larry, we worked really hard on him. A snow day well spent I reckon!"

Larry has been in hold in the position for 16 hours now. For humans the longest headstand recorded is more than an hour but yoga enthusiasts recommend staying in the position for only a minute or two.

Today, Edinburgh is still on standstill after snowy conditions called the 'Beast of the East' struck three days ago. 

But, for Larry life goes on and he smiles at all of the walkers and children enjoying the snow. 

Almost 300 people have liked the photograph of Larry posted to the group page and James Hepburn commented: "Larry has clearly been in the Central Bar all day".

What’s On in Edinburgh – March

There are so many great events taking place in Edinburgh this month. Here are a few that you won’t want to miss...

Edinburghers and visitors of the Pitt Street Food Market - one of our event highlights this month. Photo credit: Chris Radley Photography. Source.

THEATRE. Blood Brothers, Edinburgh Playhouse

Monday 5 – Saturday 10, March

Actress and singer, Lyn Paul, as Mrs Johnstone, in Blood Brothers. Source.

Blood Brothers, written by Willy Russell, tells a moving tale of twins, Eddie and Mickey, who are separated at birth and meet when they are grown up.

Each boy is raised very differently – one from a poor family and the other a rich one. The pair become friends and fall in love with the same girl causing a rift in their friendship.

This production by Bill Kenwright has received praise from reviewers. The Sunday Times described it as ‘exhilarating… one of the best musicals ever written’.

Actress and singer, Lyn Paul, returns to the role of the mother, Mrs Johnstone, having already performed the part previously in the West End and occasionally on the National Tour.

Her career includes being a member of the band, The New Seekers, She was the featured vocalist on their 1972 Eurovision Song Contest entry, ‘Beg, Steal or Borrow’ in which they came second. She was also lead vocalist on the 1974 No.1 hit ‘You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me’ and the No.5 single, ‘I Get A Little Sentimental Over You’. Among the group's other works, they recorded the song ‘I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing’.

The Blood Brother’s score includes the songs ‘Bright New Day, ‘Marilyn Munroe’ and ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’.

Ticket prices are £21 - £51, visit http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/blood-brothers/edinburgh-playhouse/.

MUSIC: Meats & Beats Festival, Summerhall

Friday 9 and Saturday 10, March

Meats & Beats Festival at Summerhall Place. Source.

This festival, which combines music and food, is returning after it sold out last year.

Every hour the music changes decade starting with pop classics of the 70s all the way through to 2018. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favourite decade or as their favourite artist.

They can refuel after some dancing at their 'Outdoor Street Food Village' - offering burrito meals and lots of barbecued meat options.

Pop-up bars from Stewart Brewing, Edinburgh Beer Factory, Old Poison and Summerhall will serve craft beers, cocktails, wines and prosecco.

Song requests are accepted when buying tickets for £8 at https://www.meatsandbeats.co.uk/. 
Note: The Saturday evening tickets from 6pm -11pm have already sold out.

SPORT. 2018 Six Nations Championship Rugby

Saturday 10 and Saturday 17, March

Scotland's win at Murrayfield to England on Saturday, February 24, 2018. Source.

Ireland v Scotland is on Saturday, March 10 (kick-off at 2.15pm) and then Italy v Scotland on Saturday, March 17 (kick-off at 12.30pm).

Follow this link to see seven of the best Edinburgh pubs and bars to watch the Six Nations https://foodanddrink.scotsman.com/drink/edinburgh-six-nations-rugby-bars-pubs/.

Another great bar to watch these away games is Teuchters Landing in Leith. See our pub review at: https://edinburghandus.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/teuchters-landing-whisky-galore-and-more.html.

FILM. Uncanny Valley (Fortnightly late Friday night cult screenings), Edinburgh Filmhouse

Friday 9 and Friday 23, March

Event Horizon. Source.

The Edinburgh Filmhouse hope that their ‘Uncanny Valley’ Friday night cult screenings - fortnightly at 11pm - will ‘shine a lantern on the nocturnal neo-classics lurking in the shadows’.

On Friday, February 9, the 1997 sci-fi ‘Event Horizon’ will be screened. The Paul W. S. Anderson film is set in 2047 and follows a crew of astronauts sent on a rescue mission after an abandoned spaceship reappeared after its disappearance seven years earlier.

When the crew approach the ship, receipt of a garbled transmission, intermittent life signals and sudden, terrifying hallucinations lead them to believe that the ship may not be empty after all.

Their following screening, on March 23, is the 1996 horror-comedy ‘The Frighteners’. It was the last film by Peter Jackson before his decade-spanning production of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

It stars Michael J. Fox as Paranormal Investigator Frank Bannister, who develops psychic abilities to communicate with ghosts after his wife is murdered. He befriends ghosts and sends them to haunt people, so he can charge fees for exorcising them.

The Filmhouse describe it as: “A healthy cocktail of chilling terror and Jackson’s own eccentric, trademark playfulness. Death, ain't no way to make a living!”

Tickets cost £8 (£6 concessions). For further details visit: https://www.filmhousecinema.com/season/uncanny-valley.

MARKET. Pitt Street Food Market, 125 Pitt Street in Leith

Saturday 10, March

A stall at The Pitt Street Food Market. Photo credit: Chris Radley Photography. Source.

This weekly street food market reopens after a break throughout January and February.

It offers a vibrant array of food and live music. Drinks such as craft beer, wine and cocktails are available too.

The event lasts from noon until 10pm. Entry costs £2 and is free for children who are welcome until 8pm.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/pittstmarket/.

MUSEUM. Dynamic Earth After Dark

Friday 23, March

Promotional image of Dynamic Earth. Source.

This after-hours adventure features a silent disco through Dynamic Earth with a dance floor and DJ.

There will be a bar, an Edinburgh Gin pop-up bar and food stalls at the museum.

Dynamic Earth is home to Scotland’s only 360-degree full dome theatre and a short version of the film ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, inspired by the music of Pink Floyd, will be screened on the evening.

The event lasts from 7pm to midnight and costs £20. Visitors, must be over 18, and will be given time slots for the disco and film on arrival at the event. Food vouchers can be purchased in advance to avoid queues.

For tickets visit: http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk/visit/after-dark.

FESTIVAL. Edinburgh International Science Festival

Saturday 31, March – Sunday 15, April

Edinburgh International Science Festival 2018 logo. Source.

The annual two-week festival celebrates science and technology with a programme of innovative events, talks and activities at venues across Edinburgh.

The festival, which was founded in 1989, aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the world around them.

Last year we covered a talk at the event by Thomas Thwaites on how he become a goat for a scientific study: https://edinburghandus.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/thomas-thwaites-account-of-becoming.html.

For more information visit: https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/festival.

COMEDY. Stand-up shows: Ed Gamble and Craig Campbell, The Stand

Sunday 18, March and Sunday 25, March

Ed Gamble's show 'Mammoth'. Source.

Ed Gamble’s brings his show ‘Mammoth’ to Edinburgh’s Stand on Sunday, March 18, from 5.30pm, for £12.

Edinburgh Festival’s Magazine described the British comic as having a ‘creative and clever humour that leaves the audience in stitches’.

Craig Campbell performs his ‘Easy Tiger 2017-18 World Tour’ at 8pm on Sunday, March 25.

It costs £15 for a ticket to see the Canadian stand-up, who was labelled by Time Out as ‘a fantastic yarn weaver, with charming tales of his travels and hugely funny observations’.

To find out more about these shows and many more visit: http://www.thestand.co.uk/whats-on/Edinburgh.

FILM. March movie releases

Tomb Raider: Alicia Vikander in the role as a young Lara Croft. Source.

Showing: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Review). The Post (Review). Black Panther and The Shape of Water (Reviews coming soon). I, Tonya. Fifty Shades Freed, Lady Bird. Phantom Thread.

March 1: Red Sparrow – Director: Francis Lawrence. Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Irons.

March 2: A Fantastic Woman - Director: Sebastián Lelio. Starring: Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes, Luis Gnecco, Aline Küppenheim, Nicolás Saavedra, Amparo Noguera.

Game Night - Director: Mark Perez. Starring: Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, Kyle Chandler, Jesse Plemons, Jeffrey Wright.

March 9: Wonder Wheel - Director: Woody Allen. Starring: Kate Winslet, Jim Belushi, Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple.

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story - Director: Alexandra Dean. Starring: Hedy Lamarr, Nino Amareno, Charles Amirkhanian, Jeanine Basinger

You Were Never Really Here - Director: Lynne Ramsey. Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov, Alessandro Nivola, Alex Manette, John Doman, Judith Roberts.

March 16: Mary Magdalene - Director: Garth Davis. Starring: Rooney Mara, Joaquin Phoenix, Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Tomb Raider - Director: Roar Uthaug. Starring: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas, Dominic West, Hannah John-Kamen.

March 23: Unsane - Director: Steven Soderbergh. Starring: Claire Foy, Joshua Leonard, Jay Pharoah, Juno Temple, Aimee Mullins, Amy Irving.

March 29: The Islands and the Whales. Director: Mike Day.

For more listing visit: https://www.launchingfilms.com/release-schedule.

ART. BP Portrait Award 2017, National Portrait Gallery

Now – Sunday 11, March

'Double Portrait' by French artist Thomas Ehretsmann, November 2016. The portrait captures his wife, Caroline, walking in a park with light hitting her face. It was named 'Double Portrait' as his wife was eight months pregnant at the time.

Contemporary portrait paintings in a variety of styles and approaches are on display in the BP Portrait Award 2017 exhibition.

The images can be seen for free at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and were selected from 2580 entries by artists from 87 countries.

They range from informal and personal studies of artist’s friends and family to famous faces.

For further information visit https://www.nationalgalleries.org/.

ART. Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, National Museum of Scotland

Now – Sunday 29, April 

Sergey Gorshkov's 'Arctic Treasure'. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 finalist. The animal portrait shows an arctic fox carrying its trophy after a raid on a snow goose nest - captured in June in Wrangel Island in the Russian Far East. Source.

The diversity and fragility of life on Earth is depicted through a wildlife photography exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.

The images are part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year photography event which has been developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

Their touring exhibition features award-winning photographs displayed on large-format, backlit panels.

Visitors can learn how the photographers captured the images which showcase some of nature’s most astonishing sights.

Tickets cost £8 for adults (£6 concession) and for under 16’s entry is free. Information at: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year/.

ART. ‘When We Were Young: Photographs of Childhood’, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Now – Friday 13, May

'Beatle Girl' by Joseph McKenzie. A little girl enjoying herself on a walk with her older sister in the 1960's. The image is part of a series of photographs that portray the children of the Gorbals (a working-class district of Glasgow).

The ‘When We Were Young’ free exhibition explores how the experience of childhood and our portrayal of children has changed over the years.

It features almost 100 images from the 1840’s to 2017 from the National Galleries of Scotland’s permanent collection.

For further information visit https://www.nationalgalleries.org/.

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