The Oyster Club last night and despite feeling an understandable 'end of the week' fatigue (it's been a beast of a week) I enjoyed the event. Magnus Linklater and Ian Rankin spoke.
Since it's the opening weekend, Magnus concentrated on the Festival. Interestingly, he took the completely opposite view from mine about the atomisation of Edinburgh's festivals: his theory is that Edinburgh is now so much a fixture in the international 'arts' psyche it can stand the separations - I have my doubts though time indeed will tell. He was very excited about Jonathon Mills' entirely new Festival - completely out the McMaster mould - though, I noticed, wary about predicting its success. Ian Rankin was, as ever, good value - a thoughtful, humorous look at Literary Edinburgh...very evocative and a huge plug for the Book Festival, which I candidly admit is my favourite too.
Spoke to Judy Steele who was promoting her Fringe production 'The Journey of Jeannie Deans' which will shortly do a tour of Border towns. Based on Walter Scott's 'Heart of Midlothian', I intend to go see it
Eric Milligan was the host and what he doesn't know about Edinburgh's history isn't worth knowing: he pulled out a wee gem last night which I'm about to pursue with the Evening News and the Festival Board...watch this space.
And finally, Ron Brown's funeral yesterday...a measured, dignified occasion. May would have been proud of Gavin. He spoke well and has grown into a fine man. Ron's life and contribution were celebrated appropriately and without bitterness. It all felt very right.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment