When spoken-word mash-up maestros Neu! Reekie! open up the doors of Edinburgh's Central Hall this Thursday tea-time for their latest extravaganza, the melee of poets, novelists, pop stars, film-makers, artists and other ne'er do wells taking part will not only signal the full-on arrival of the festive season. They will also mark a five-year rollercoaster ride for Neu! Reekie! and its ring-masters, Michael Pedersen and Kevin Williamson. Together with an army of collaborators and contributors, this double-act has helped change the landscape in terms of a now burgeoning appetite for what used to be called alternative cabaret, even as the night has its roots in pop poetry scenes of yore. With a bill headlined by Irvine Welsh and Liz Lochhead, and featuring musical sets from hip-hop troupe, Hector Bizerk, and New Pop fabulists, WHITE, the singularly named #NeuReekiesXmasKracker looks set to be a variety show to savour. The night will also see one-off collaborations between Emma...
An archive of arts writing by Neil Cooper. Effete No Obstacle.