Talk of the Town: Giving ugly sisters a new Leith of life

EVER fancied treading the boards under stage lights? TOTT always hankered after an iconic leading role as Hamlet or MacBeth but were less enthused by an audition offer that dropped into the mailbox last week – to be an ugly sister.

But budding thespians may delight in the chance to play the character which demands “flair for the flamboyant” in a forthcoming production of Leitherella – see what they’ve done there?

Run by Leith Community Theatre, prospective uglies must be able to commit to Monday and Wednesday evening rehearsals and be available for the show’s run from December 17 to 22.

Prince Charming or Cinders would be more up our street but e-mail [email protected] for more details on the role.

Pie and chips better than champers for Sturgeon

FORMER health secretary Nicola Sturgeon has revealed she resisted the temptation to celebrate her new job – a transfer to infrastructure secretary in the recent reshuffle – with champagne.

After five-and-a-half years making sure she did nothing at odds with her health role, she opted to celebrate with a pie and chips instead.

And at the SNP conference she was also enjoying the new found freedom to have a glass of red wine – but always at above the minimum price, she insisted.

Fly to budgie’s rescue

A BLESSED budgie who got into a flap after being mauled by a cat is seeking new owners.

The feathered pet survived the moggy attack in Grangemouth but is now looking for a perch to call home.

A Grangemouth resident reported to animal welfare officers that her cat had brought the bird home as a gift but the plucky creature is recovering at the Scottish SPCA centre in Balerno.

Inspector Nicola Liddell said: “It’s common for cats to bring ‘presents’ home to their owners and, in this case, it was a rather unfortunate stray budgie.

“He’s a lovely little budgie in good condition so we’re sure someone nearby must be missing him.”

Staff have even named the budgie. But given its against-all-the-odds story of survival plumped for the rather ironic moniker of Blue.