Festival Diary: Taking Tam on a Rose St pub crawl

SELKIRK actor and storyteller John Nichol will attempt to recite Tam O' Shanter 12 consecutive times tomorrow, performing it in every pub in Rose Street. He admits it's crazy, but it's a stunt to publicise his Burns Bites Back show at the Vault. For the uninitiated visitors to Edinburgh, Tam O'Shanter is an epic poem by one Robert Burns, also described as the longest (and best) pub excuse in history.

Actor Alan Cumming has posted a video diary of his visit to Edinburgh - sadly now over, but including his stunning song-and-anecdote shows at the Assembly Hall. It includes the moment when he he is filmed lamenting a tragically missed opportunity."I'm so pissed off - the idea I had has bloody well been done already.I'm furious,"he says, after spotting a poster of Hamlet! The Musical. He then walks off, muttering, "damn, damn, damn".

Comedian Arthur Smith threw down a challenge to critics that they must perform in his Pleasance show before reviewing it - preferably, he said, juggling with kippers. Our own Claire Smith opted to write and recite a poem, titled A Wily Gentleman:

Arthur Smith, Arthur Smith, Makes the critics juggle fish

Could it be that his intention is to get a diary mention?

And just a moment, wait a minute, how can you review a show when you're in it?

He's a wily old goat, a philosopher and a gentleman. If he didn't exist,

we'd have to Inventle him.

Her thanks to stand-up Boris Witzenfeld (Brooks and Boris) for the microphone lesson, Michael Topping (Heels over head in love) who gave her an outfit to wear and helped her rehearse in the women's toilets of C venues, and Auntie Muriel (aged 80) - who was in the audience.

Blimey, that's a list longer than an teary Oscar acceptance.

For a Fringe awash in pear cider and the like, here's a possible diversion. Today's performance of Edinburgh Tonight with Joe Simmons will offer free gin-themed goody bags, courtesy of Hendrick's, to the first 50 in the audience. Caroline Rhea, Giles Brandreth Jonno Catz and Sharon Matthews are all on the bill, at 4.15 to thespace@symposium hall if you're feeling thirsty.