The hidden gems, pop-ups and top tips in Scotland this week...
1. Boogie in the Botanics. Nobody puts baby in a corner. For one night only, the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, has a big screening of Dirty Dancing. With popcorn and soft drinks on Thursday, 8.30pm. All ages. Do not bring alcohol into the park. Tickets are available at www.tickettailor.com/events/byresroadlanesbidcompanyltd/. £5 only
2. On Friday I’m expecting to be in love as The Cure head to Bellahouston Park as part of their summer sessions programme. Robert Smith is going to blow us away and hand in hand is the only way to land. Tickets available at www.smmrsessions.com/glasgow/tickets from £50. Doors open at 4pm
3. It’s Fringe time so loads of info about Edinburgh this week – and one of my faves, Darren McGarvey, aka Loki the Scottish Rapper, an Orwell Prize-winning author, returns with a unique blend of spoken word, comedy and music, offering his unique take on the state of the nation. A popular figure in Scottish politics, tickets are available for his show every day this week at The Stand’s New Town Theatre from £12, concessions available. https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/darren-mcgarvey-aka-loki-scotland-today
4. The one and only genius that is Janey Godley is rocking the Fringe with her one woman show. It’s free if you can’t afford to pay. If you can, then pay what you can afford. Janey is on at Laughing Horse at the Counting House every day this week. Tickets available at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/godley-on-the-fringe
5. We Are What We Overcome. An evening with Matt McGuinness during which he plays a few tunes, tells a few old tales and, importantly, talks openly and honestly about his life and his struggles with mental illness. This is also a pay-what-you-can-afford tour. Today, 6pm, at Sofi’s Southside, and tickets need to be booked at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-are-what-we-overcome-edinburgh-fringe-sofis-southside-tickets
6. SNP Conference Karaoke favourite and pal of mine Nancy Clench comes to the Fringe as the agony aunt you never knew you needed. If you have a problem, Nancy will solve it. Join her in all of her drag wisdom as she takes on some of the world’s most common problems, as well as yours. A show with quick wit and hilarious storytelling. Just the Tonic @ the Grassmarket Centre from 11.20pm. One-hour show. Again, pay what you want at the door.
7. Apocalypse Now – The Final Cut. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original release, Francis Ford Coppola has been offered a chance to rewrite his own history. He’s gone back in to edit the film once more, transforming the original version into a magnificent example of film craft. If you’re a fan of this Vietnam epic, this is not to be missed. Plus! The screening includes a special recorded interview with Coppola himself. Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, Tuesday, 7.45pm. Tickets £6.50 at https://www.dca.org.uk/whats-on/event/apocalypse-now-final-cut
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