Spotlight on . . .

THEATRE

ATG THEATRE CARD LAUNCH COMPETITION

FALKIRK’S Ashley J Russell took a break from rocking the Edinburgh Playhouse as Killer Queen yesterday to head the We Will Rock You cast at the launch the new ATG Theatre Card.

The first UK wide Theatre Card offering holders discounts at all ATG theatres - including London West End venues as well as the Edinburgh Playhouse - normally costs £30, however, to celebrate the launch, The Guide has teamed up with ATG Theatre Card to give 25 lucky readers the chance to win their own ATG Theatre Card.

Benefits enjoyed by card-holders include priority tickets, ticket offers (including half price on selected shows), no booking or postage fees on most shows, priority brochure mailing, fee free ticket exchange, 10% savings on pre show and interval drinks and a free cloakroom.

Members also have the chance to attend special events such as launch nights and Q&As with cast and creative teams.

On top of all that there is a dedicated website and telephone number for all ATG Theatre Card members, www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard and 0844 871 7633.

Current offers available to ATG Theatre Card members for productions at the Edinburgh Playhouse include £5 off Monday-Thursday performances of We Will Rock You; Half price on opening night of Avenue Q; Half price on opening night of Spamalot; 2 for 1 on opening night of South Pacific; Half price on opening night of Chicago; Half price for first two performances of Oliver! and 2 for 1 on opening night of Dirty Dancing.

To enter the draw to win your very own ATG Theatre Card, email you name, age and address to [email protected] with the word CARD in the subject line. Entries to be received by midnight Sunday. Usual Johnston Press rules apply. Editor’s decision is final.

COMEDY

THE STAND CHRISTMAS SHOW

“DID you hear about the dyslexic devil worshipper? He sold his soul to Santa.”

Yes, over at The Stand Comedy Club, thoughts are turning to Christmas and you can blame Antony Murray for

that introductory gag. He’s part of The Stand’s festive celebrations which run from Monday to Sunday next week. He’ll be joined by host Joe Heenan, Andrew Stanley and headliner Gavin Webster (pictured).

So if you’re fed up with the same old Christmas offerings, forget the paper hats, Slade’s Merry Christmas Everybody and over-priced turkey and pop down to York Place where you can also enjoy a special Christmas menu.

In the meantime, I’ll leave the last word to Joe Heenan: “Why do people put tinsel and glittery stuff inside Christmas cards? What are they thinking, ‘You know I like this couple so much that when they open their Christmas card they’re going to have to Hoover as well’.”

The Stand Christmas Show, The Stand, York Place, Monday-Sunday, doors 7pm, £10-£15 (show and meal £19.95-£24.95), 7pm, 0131-558 7373

JAZZ

THE JAZZ BAR

FANCY an evening of laid-back jazz to ease you into the seasonal madness? Then check out The Jazz Bar on Chambers Street, where the music never stops.

Tonight you can catch Teatime Acoustic

with Henry Ibbs and Friends between 6pm and 8.30pm. Admission is free and you should expect electro-acoustic music (with a dash of Scouse) from the well-known singer/songwriter and his collaborators.

Later, at 9pm, singer/songwriter Rossco Galloway’s five-piece, The Chans, plays all-original songs, with a rootsy, rocky, reggae, folky, acoustic vibe. From midnight, groove/funk foursome Future Heroes are fronted by guitarist Aki Remally.

Tomorrow, the free show is also courtesy of singer/songwriter and guitarist Rossco Galloway... and friends.

Edinburgh Blues favourites, The Dana Dixon Blues Band (pictured) follows at 9pm with raunchy vocals and stunning harmonica playing and the outstanding blues/slide guitar of Dave Dixon. Prepare to be transported to Texas, Chicago, and way beyond...

Midnight finds seven-piece Man At The Window trading classic Bob Marley Reggae sounds, fronted by irrepressible Gerry Coogan

Saturday starts early, well 3pm to be precise, with a free afternoon jazz session from The Mellotones. Then at 6pm meet Cammii Sinclair and Friends for two and a half hours of humorous stories, serious songs and silly behaviour from one of Edinburgh’s much loved oddities.

At 9pm, World Premiere Quintet, a hand-picked five-piece of jazz players brought on stage to play together for the first time, entertain. There’s a different selection of musicians each week ensuring you will always hear fresh talent. Saturday features top trumpeter Colin Steele and sax player Sam Coombes.

Finally, at midnight Mike Kearney and Ka-Tet offer three hours of original funk/soul, with libe trumpet, sax, trombone and horn sections.

For full details visit www.thejazzbar.co.uk