Posts Tagged ‘reviews’
Book review – The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram
David M Guss has written the barely believable story of Alastair Cram, a Scottish prisoner of war who attempted a record 21 prison escapes during the Second World War. And it is as gripping as it is inspiring. Described by his widow Isobel as a private and reserved man, Cram wrote about his experiences in…
Read MoreNHS in the focus for Mark Thomas at Fringe Festival
Comedian Mark Thomas marks the 70th birthday of the NHS with his new show at this year’s Festival Fringe. Mark is 54, the NHS is 70, and the UK national average life expectancy is 84. If Mark makes it to 84, the NHS will be 100. What will they both look like? Check Up: Our…
Read MoreMixing real words with fictional politicians
When an ambitious politician jumps on a populist bandwagon and a previously apathetic citizen takes her message to heart – what could possibly go wrong? Former government advisor, the Edinburgh playwright Andy Moseley, is bringing his new play A Beginner’s Guide to Populism to the Fringe. A Beginner’s Guide to Populism has just completed a…
Read MoreAlbum is like a ceilidh in your living room
This could be one of my shortest reviews yet. I love this album. That’s it! OK, I’d better say a bit more. Osgarra, meaning audible, distinct or even emphatic, is an accurate description of this mighty debut by a band whose West Coast musical heritage is showcased by refreshing the traditional with stylish contemporary musicianship. The recorded words…
Read MoreScottish fiddler Sarah-Jane is a fine Solo performer
A Scottish fiddler who is now based in Norway has released a new album. Sarah-Jane Summers’ Solo features the versatile, free-thinking, impassioned performer with her unique style blending the lyricism of traditional music with the emotive rawness of improvisation. A tradition-bearer of the old Highland style of fiddling, she was taught by the late, great…
Read MoreBook review – Minister of Money
The name of Henry Duncan is one you may recognise. He was a parish minister who played a role in the Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843, but most importantly, was the founder of the worldwide savings bank movement. He opened his first branch in Dumfriesshire in 1810 to encourage the poor…
Read MoreBook review – All The Galaxies
Philip Miller’s novel takes place in a step into tomorrow, with militarised police and a failed second Scottish Independence referendum. It features a boy wakened in the afterlife by his spirit guide, with interesting religious themes running alongside the narrative, with the Devil growing in power in the Glasgow, whilst the city’s fictional newspaper is…
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