Something For The Weekend: Karen Dunbar, Dev Patel, Romesh Ranganathan and more
As another weekend barrels into view, it's time for our regular round-up of some of the best cultural happenings across the central belt. This week, we're chatting a leading vegan festival, some major names in comedy, high-octane action, and more
AROUND TOWN
Discuss and exchange books with fellow literary enthusiasts at the latest instalment of Bookface Sip & Swap this Sunday 7 April. Taking place at Edinburgh’s Cold Town House and featuring a 30 minute Q&A with crime thriller author and screenwriter Helen Fitzgerald, tickets also include two complimentary drinks.
A new 1000 metre-long mural spearheaded by Healy Arts Charity celebrates Glasgow’s River Clyde while a huge stretch of its banks undergo construction. Check out Dancing Wave: The Longest Mural In Glasgow, spanning from The Clydeside Community Garden to Castlebank Street, next to the Riverside Museum.
At Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms, a wide array of plant-based goodness will be on display at this year’s Scottish Vegan Festival (Sunday 7 April, 10am–5pm). Expect food and drinks from around the world, clothes, accessories and speaker events throughout the day.
MUSIC
Fans waited seven years for this Fife-born indie folk singer's latest album, I Des. Now they can finally see King Creosote (main picture) perform the record live this Saturday 6 April at Queen’s Hall, Dunoon.
If soothing, folk-tinged jazz is your thing, Glasgow-based double bassist Ali Watson and his quartet (including saxophonist Matt Carmichael) are performing at Merchant’s House Glasgow on Sunday 7 April.
Raised on a diet of Mötley Crüe, Slipknot and Paramore, English singer-songwriter Cassyette brings her alternative punk metal sounds to the Warehouse at SWG3 this Sunday 7 April.
STAGE
He may be on our televisions and radios more and more these days, but Romesh Ranganathan is still a stand-up at heart. See him perform his latest show, Hustle, at King’s Theatre, Glasgow this Friday 5 & Saturday 6 April.
There’s still a chance to see the final few performances of Graham Eatough’s stage adaptation of David Keenan’s novel This Is Memorial Device, starring Paul Higgins (The Thick Of It, Slow Horses) at the Traverse Theatre this weekend (Friday 5 & Saturday 6 April).
An Audience With Karen Dunbar arrives at Websters Theatre, Glasgow this Saturday 6 April as the Scottish comedian, actress and writer presents a show combining sketch, musical comedy and stand-up.
SCREEN
With production support from Jordan Peele, Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire, Lion) makes his directorial debut with high-octane action thriller Monkey Man, hitting cinemas this Friday 5 April.
Set in the Dark Ages, British comedy Seize Them! (also out this Friday 5 April) stars Aimee Lou-Wood (Sex Education, Living) as lead Queen Dagan, and Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls) as Humble Joan. James Acaster, Nick Frost and Lolly Adefope are also part of this star-studded cast.
Lo Capitano follows a Homeric tale of two Senegalese migrants from Dakar on their perilous voyage to Europe. Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Garone, it was nominated for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards. Out in select cinemas this Friday 5 April.
PODCASTS
Hit New York Times podcast Serial returns with a fourth season as Sarah Koenig and Dana Chivvis dive into the inner workings of Guantánamo prison. Hear from former guards, inmates, lawyers, interrogators and more.
On a lighter note, a new season of Gayotic, hosted by synth pop band Muna, has kicked off with Drag Race royalty Trixie Mattel as the first guest. Hear Josette, Katie and Naomi ask their guests about formative queer experiences and go off on many philosophical tangents along the way.
Finally, in I’ve Had A Rosé. Let’s Talk About Feelings With Sam Lake, the Edinburgh-based comic sits down with a funny pal to have a tipple and a chat. Recent guests include Liam Withnail, Olga Koch and Chloe Petts.
VISUAL ART
A newly opened exhibition at V&A Dundee hones in on connections between the rise of photography and modern cities. Photo City: How Images Shape The Urban World runs until Sunday 20 October.
GlasgwegAsians at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is a new display of paintings and photographs representing the contributions of South Asian soldiers (mainly from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan) in the allied forces during World War II.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre plays host to new exhibition Word Of Mouth (until Saturday 20 April) exploring the importance of food and the various rituals that surround its preparation and consumption. This multidisciplinary show builds on previous events hosted by Eleanor Mumford and Millie Player.
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