#Review by Lou of The Start of Something Wonderful by Jane Lambert @JaneLambert22 @HQstories #Theatrical #Bookish #ContemporaryFiction #TheStartOfSomethingWonderful

The Start of Something Wonderful
By Jane Lambert

Imagine hitting pretty much rock bottom in your 40’s. The things that worked before are no longer doing so and then re-building your life, still having hardships to come through to find what you truly want out of the rest of your life. The Start of Something Wonderful is all that in spades. At a time when I too am bit by bit changing a lot in my life, this book is just the one to read.

Blurb

It’s never too late to follow your dreams…

Emily Forsyth is on cloud nine…

She has a high-flying job (literally), a hunky boyfriend (soon to be fiancé?) and a life of luxury. But then, out of the blue, her boyfriend dumps her for a younger woman, and Emily comes crashing down to earth.

Suddenly, she’s single and homeless, and the prospect of staying in the same job as her cheating ex is unbearable. So, at forty years not-so-young, she quits steady employment and decides to chase her lifelong dream of becoming an actress.

But with eccentric acting teachers, unreliable agents, and some decidedly unglamorous roles on offer, has she made a huge mistake? Or is this the start of something wonderful?

Previously published as Learning to Fly.

Review

There’s something quite refreshing and real to read about a forty something year old’s life not going to plan and the fact that they’ve not got it all and even when they try to catch their dreams, it doesn’t all go swimmingly well from the beginning.

Emily Forsyth is an interesting, multi-faceted character to read about. She did have it all, as typically lots of people do have a lot in their lives when in their 40s, but for her, things come crashing down. The boyfriend leaves and to top it off, she is made homeless. It’s this total rock bottom and having to start again in a way that feels fairly realistic, that makes this a compelling read from a plot point of view. From a writing point of view, the words just flow off the page and easily draws you into her life.

The book feels pretty inspirational, that even when nothing is going right anymore, there’s still hope to grasp onto and a lot of living still to be done. The plotting, however, stays fairly grounded in the way that, even when Emily is chasing her dream of becoming an actress, she comes across tough times and challenging people and roles, there’s a realistic feel.

There’s humour, theatrics and romance in this book that’s full of engaging drama that’s inspirational and entertaining.

Thanks to Jane Lambert for sending me the book and I look forward to reading more.

#BloodyScotland News – reminder of Longlist for McIlvanney Prize #CrimeBookFestival #BookFestival

BLOODY SCOTLAND REVEALS THE LONGLIST FOR THE 2025 McILVANNEY PRIZE
sponsored by The Glencairn Glass

Winner to be presented on Friday 12 September 2025 on the opening night of the festival

Bloody Scotland reveals the longlist for the 2025 McIlvanney Prize. The winner will be announced in the ballroom of The Golden Lion Hotel on the opening night of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival and lead a ‘Day of the Deid’ procession to the Albert Halls. This year the prize will be judged by BBC Radio Scotland presenter, Nicola Meighan; Journalist, Arusa Qureshi and Crime Blogger, Gordon McGhie.

The 2025 longlist – selected by an Academy composed of booksellers, librarians, bloggers and broadcasters – is today revealed to be:

WHISPERS OF THE DEAD by Lin Anderson (Macmillan)
THE MIDNIGHT KING by Tariq Ashkanani (Viper)
THE DYING LIGHT by Daniel Aubrey (HarperNorth)
CARNIVAL OF LIES by D V Bishop (Macmillan)
UNSOUND by Heather Critchlow (Canelo)
THE MOON’S MORE FEEBLE FIRE by Allan Gaw (Polygon)
THE GOOD FATHER by Liam McIlvanney (Bonnier)
PAPERBOY by Callum McSorley (Pushkin Press)
THE GOOD LIAR by Denise Mina (Vintage)
GUNNER by Alan Parks (John Murray)
DEATH OF SHAME by Ambrose Parry (Canongate)
MIDNIGHT AND BLUE by Ian Rankin (Orion)
A THIEF’S BLOOD by Douglas Skelton (Canelo)

The list features five authors who got their first big break when they were shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize. Callum McSorley was shortlisted for the Debut in 2023 when he went on to win the main McIlvanney Prize. Tariq Ashkanani and Allan Gaw have both won the Debut Prize – in 2022 and 2024 respectively. Heather Critchlow and Daniel Aubrey have also both come through the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize pathway, Heather was shortlisted for the Debut Prize in 2023 and Daniel in 2024.

D V Bishop, who originally won Pitch Perfect at Bloody Scotland in 2018, is one of only two authors who appears on the long list for the second year in a row. Douglas Skelton – who has now been longlisted for the prize six times – also appeared on the longlist last year.

Festival Director Bob McDevitt said:

“Supporting new writers is at the heart of Bloody Scotland and it is great to see so many authors graduating from the debut shortlist to the main prize and slugging it out with more established names. I’m glad I don’t have to pick a winner from this excellent crop of crime novels!“

Last year’s winner, Chris Brookmyre, has a presence as 50% of Ambrose Parry with his wife, former consultant anaesthetist Marisa Haetzman and Guest Programmer, Sir Ian Rankin, is on the list with his latest Sunday Times bestseller, Midnight and Blue.

The McIlvanney longlist and the Bloody Scotland shortlist will be promoted in bookshops throughout Scotland in the period between the announcement and the presentation at 6pm on Friday 12 September. The winners will both be interviewed on stage in the ballroom of The Golden Lion by BBC presenter, Bryan Burnett.

Kirsty Nicholson, Glencairn Crystal’s Design and Marketing Manager, said:

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the McIlvanney Prize with the Glencairn Glass – the official glass for whisky. It’s fantastic to see so many wonderful authors on this year’s long list. We’d like to raise a glass and say a big congratulations and good luck to all the talented authors who have made it through.”

#EdFringe News – Shedinburgh Fringe Festival Launches Live Season in New Edinburgh Venue, Summer 2025 #WhatOnEdinburgh #SHEDINBURGH

SHEDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES INAUGURAL LIVE SEASON IN

NEW EDINBURGH VENUE THIS SUMMER

Olivier Award-winning producers behind Fleabag and Baby Reindeer launch a game-changing new venue at the heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.

· Shedinburgh flips the traditional fringe model, committing to paying artists and covering their travel and accommodation.

· Jayde Adams (Serious Black Jumper), Mark Watson (Have I Got News for You), Deborah Frances- White (The Guilty Feminist), Ivo Graham (Taskmaster), Sh!t Theatre (Or What’s Left Of Us), Marlow & Moss (Six), and Maimuna Memon (Manic Street Creature) announced as first artists in season of one-night-only performances. Tickets and the full programme will be released later this month.

· Shedload of Future fund will open for applications, awarding three £5,000 grants.

· The venue features local Edinburgh food and beverage partners Newbarns Brewery, Williams & Johnson and Wanderers Kneaded.

Francesca Moody Productions, the Olivier Award-winning producers behind Fleabag and Baby Reindeer today announce a brand-new venue at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe. Following the success of its digital festivals in 2020 and 2021, Shedinburgh will return live and in-person. Shedinburgh was originally launched in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the resulting cancellation of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, digitally platforming artists no longer able to perform in August and highlighting the Fringe’s vital role in global culture.

Continuing its commitment to keep the Fringe sustainable and accessible to artists and audiences, Shedinburgh reimagines the traditional fringe model – paying financial guarantees to all artists and creatives and covering their travel and accommodation, with ‘Pay What You Can’ tickets available to audiences for every show.

The season will feature a curated programme of one-night-only performances in its intimate 100-seat venue. An incredible mix of fringe favourites, household names and rising stars will appear in a diverse line-up of theatre, comedy, performance art, live music, and talks.

One-off shows by Jayde Adams (Serious Black Jumper, Alma’s Not Normal), Mark Watson (Have I Got News For You, Live at the Apollo), Deborah Frances- White (The Guilty Feminist, Never Have I Ever), Ivo Graham (Taskmaster, Mock the Week), Sh!t Theatre (Or What’s Left of Us, Drink Rum with Expats), Marlow & Moss (Six, Why Am I So Single?), and Maimuna Memon (Olivier Award Winner 2025, Manic Street Creature) are announced today with the full line-up to be revealed later in the month.

The festival is comprised of Shed Shows (‘unplugged’ shed versions of Edfringe smash-hits), Shed Originals (unseen scripts with development supported by Shedinburgh from up-and-coming writers), ShedX Talks (free panels & Q&As), and late-night live music events.

Alongside the programme of world-class evening entertainment, Shedinburgh will open its doors during the day as a café and bar for artists to meet, collaborate and create. Visitors will have a fantastic choice of food and drink on site served by local Edinburgh partners, including beer from Newbarns Brewery, coffee from Williams & Johnson, and authentic award-winning Wood-Fired Pizzas from Wanderers Kneaded. Venue Management is supported by Edinburgh Festival Fringe stalwart’s Gilded Balloon.

Shedinburgh will also work with Venue Management Partners Gilded Balloon.

Shedinburgh will be opening applications in the coming weeks for its Shedload of Future Fund, which distributes money raised during the 2020 and 2021 digital seasons. The fund will award three £5,000 grants to artists making their Fringe debut in 2025. The bursaries can be put towards any costs associated with bringing a show to the Fringe, including travel, marketing, accommodation, set, and artists’ time.

A £2 levy on all tickets sold to Shedinburgh’s season will go directly towards the Shedload of Future Fund for future years.

Producer Francesca Moody said:

“As a company FMP owes so much of its success to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and likewise, the festival has been the launchpad for some of the world’s most celebrated artists too. From Phoebe Waller-Bridge to Eddie Izzard, Trevor Noah to Richard Gadd – we wouldn’t have Fleabag, The Mighty Boosh, Six, The Play that Goes Wrong, or Baby Reindeer without the Edinburgh Fringe. But in recent years it has become more challenging than ever to bring a show to the festival and for artists and audiences it feels increasingly inaccessible. Shedinburgh is our attempt to level the playing field; it’s our love letter to the Fringe, and something that we hope sits in conversation with the many other brilliant initiatives working to ensure the festival remains a launchpad for the next generation of game-changing artists.”

Comedian and Writer Mark Watson said:

“I’m very excited to be a part of Shedinburgh. The Fringe has been a huge part of my career – I’ve not missed one since 2000. But it’s getting harder and harder for emerging artists to survive out there, or even take the risk of going in the first place. There needs to be a fresh approach to the way the festival works for performers, and that’s what Shedinburgh is offering.”

Comedian and actress Jayde Adams said:

“I’ve been coming to the Fringe since 2011, and my big break came in 2016 with a Best Newcomer nomination. After years of stand-up, I’m stepping into something new, more theatrical, more personal, and unlike anything I’ve done before. Shedinburgh feels like the perfect space for it: intimate, raw, and open to risk. I’ve wanted to tell this story for a long time, and I think it’s going to be something really special”

In its dedication towards supporting artists, creatives are invited to register for a Shedinburgh Artist Pass, giving them priority booking for shows, a discount on food and beverages, along with access to an exclusive Artist Newsletter.

As a not-for-profit organisation that receives no public subsidy, Shedinburgh relies on donations to continue supporting artists and reimagining a more sustainable way of making work at the Fringe. Through its Shed Friends and Shed Supporters schemes, donors can directly contribute to the festival’s work and enjoy benefits such as priority booking two days before general release, as well as exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes access. Shedinburgh is generously supported by its Founding Supporter, Jessica Foung.

Tickets and the full programme will be released later this month. For more information and to sign up: www.shedinburgh.com

Facebook: Shedinburgh-Fringe-Festival

Instagram: @Shedinburgh_Fest

Twitter/X: @ShedinburghFest

TikTok: @ShedinburghFest

#shedinburgh

Francesca Moody Productions (FMP) current theatre productions include the 20th anniversary of An Oak Tree by Tim Crouch running at the Young Vic until 24 May; How to Win Against History the Edinburgh smash-hit musical, which expands for a run at Bristol Old Vic from 19 June before heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, plus three further shows completing the Edinburgh Festival Fringe season comprising of Garry Starr: Classic Penguins, Ohio created and performed by The Bengsons and Crybabies: The Scaring all running from 30 July. FMP also recently signed a two year first-look deal with Wells Street Films, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s production company.

Shedinburgh Assets and Artists Images

#EdFringe News – FLORENCIA IRIONDO RETURNS TO EDINBURGH FRINGE WITH WORLD PREMIERE OF INTIMATE NEW FOLK-POP MUSICAL SONG SOCIETY #WhatsOnEdinburgh #EdinburghFringe #Folk #Pop #Musical #Music #Folklore

FLORENCIA IRIONDO RETURNS TO EDINBURGH FRINGE WITH WORLD PREMIERE OF INTIMATE NEW FOLK-POP MUSICAL SONG SOCIETY

After a standout 2024 Fringe debut and a critically acclaimed Off‑Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse, award-winning writer and performer Florencia Iriondo returns to Underbelly with Song Society, an intimate, one-person folk-pop musical about memory, home, family folklore, and the one story that keeps knocking for another song.

She turns stories into song—until one turns on her. In the offbeat Song Society, a memory machine, cobbled together from analog oddities, archives the stories we can’t shake to make space for new ones. But when one keeps coming back — untagged, unsorted, and unusually catchy — the Songkeeper is forced to confront what refuses to be forgotten. With stripped-back music, absurdist humor, and nostalgic magical realism, Song Society asks: What if the real trick isn’t forgetting with ease, but remembering on purpose?

New York-based Argentine artist Florencia Iriondo has carved a niche as a Spanglish troubadour, blending acoustic music with soulful, heartwarming storytelling. She’s created original shows across four continents, leaping from tech and TV to Off-Broadway, with support from the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, NY Stage & Film, and the LMCC. Critics called her work “an aural hug” (TheaterMania) and “a universally uplifting journey” (Front Row Center).

Song Society is her third solo musical and second consecutive Fringe run, developed at the Tony-honoured BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, where the creators of Frozen, Little Shop of Horrors, and Book of Mormon began. The show follows in the footsteps of music-forward gems like Once, with a dash of Inside Out’s introspective surrealism.

Florencia says, “Think Eternal Sunshine meets MTV Unplugged, with a lyrical identity crisis — Song Society is what happens when memories won’t leave, so you make them rhyme.”

Winner First-Prize Pipeline Arts Foundation Award for New Musical Theatre, NYC 2023 (SOUTH)

Winner Outstanding Performance in Musical Theater HOLA Awards, NYC 2024 (SOUTH)

Finalist National Alliance for Musical Theatre NYC 2024 (SOUTH)

Winner Global Music Awards & Hollywood Songwriting Contest 2017 (Who’s Flo)

‘An enchanting and wonderful gift to all who attend.’ ★★★★ ½ Front Row Center (SOUTH)

‘Her greatest gift to the audience is her voice… tinged with the sounds of South America, reminded me of classic female folk singers.’ New York Theater (SOUTH)

‘A charming new musical… At the center is the radiant presence of Iriondo, an engaging performer with a flavorful story to tell… An aural hug to the audience.’ TheaterMania (SOUTH)

‘Personal and conversational, like a Bridget Jones’ Diary or a Sex & the City for a generation of global economic migrants.’ The Scotsman (Meet Me in Buenos Aires)

Cast & Creative

Written & Performed by: Florencia Iriondo (Book, Music & Lyrics; South, Meet Me in Buenos Aires)

Dramaturgy Adam Mathias (Drama Desk Award; Head of the BMI Musical Theatre Bookwriting Workshop)

Guitars & arrangements: Federico Diaz (South, Erial). Cello: Latin Grammy Award winner Agustin Uriburu (Ben Platt Live at The Palace).

Running Time: 60 mins | Suitable for ages 8+

Supported by Pipeline Arts, Consulate General of Argentina in New York, NYC Department of Culture.

Song Society

DATES: 30 July – 25 August (except 12) | Previews 30-31

TIME: 1.15 pm

VENUE: Underbelly Bristo Square, Teviot Place, EH8 9AG

TICKETS: Full: £11 (£8 concs)

#EdFringe News – DANIEL MARTINEZ FLAMENCO COMPANY #Yotel #Flamenco #WhatsOnEdinburgh #Dance #Music #Flamenco

DANIEL MARTINEZ FLAMENCO COMPANY

2 Spectacular Shows

World-Class Flamenco Music & Dance

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Award Winning Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company

presents

Art of Andalucia & Flamenco Fringe

Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company presents brand new production Art of Andalucia at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 daily at 13:00.

Join award-winning guitarist and composer Daniel Martinez and his acclaimed flamenco company for Art of Andalucia—a spellbinding production that brings the raw power and beauty of flamenco to the stage.

In just two years, the company has performed to over 100,000 audience members across the UK and Europe, captivating crowds with their vibrant and authentic take on this timeless art form.

Art of Andalucia is a bold celebration of both flamenco music and dance. Audiences will enjoy a carefully curated journey through Daniel’s most celebrated works, including music from his award-winning production Art of Believing, his latest album Andalucia, and exclusive new material from his upcoming third album.

At the heart of the show are two exceptional dancers: Angel Reyes, a rising star in the global flamenco scene who regularly collaborates with flamenco icons Manuel Liñan and Jesus Carmona, and Gabriela Pouso, the company’s principal dancer. Together they deliver explosive, emotionally charged performances that capture the spirit of southern Spain.

Completing the ensemble are Inma Montero and Danielo Olivera on vocals and palmas, and Julian Ticotico on percussion—bringing rhythm, power and soul to this unforgettable performance.

Don’t miss the UK’s most exciting flamenco ensembles at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Secondly, Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company returns with Flamenco Fringe at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 daily at 19:00.

Experience the raw, intimate magic of a true flamenco tablao at Flamenco Fringe—a thrilling production presented to you by award-winning guitarist and composer Daniel Martinez.

This is flamenco at its most authentic: no scripts, no filters, just pure improvisation and emotion. The show features incredible dancers direct from Spain, sharing the stage with the company’s own acclaimed regulars to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable night of flamenco.

Whether you are a flamenco aficionado or new to the art form, Flamenco Fringe promises an electrifying and immersive experience at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Don’t miss these 2 Fringe Shows, each bringing a taste of pure flamenco and outstanding musicianship and dance to

Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe 2025.

Emotive, exciting, moving and technically brilliant, these are 2 truly unmissable Flamenco experiences.

Listing Information

Venue: No. 572, ImagineX at Yotel, 68-73 Queen Street, EH2 4NA

Art of Andalucia: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/art-of-andalucia

Flamenco Fringe: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/flamenco-fringe

Box Office: 0131 226 0000

#Review by Lou of The Pod Couple by Adam Leigh #AdamLeigh @RandomTTours #podcasts in #book form #ContemporaryFiction #RomanticFiction

The Pod Couple
By Adam Leigh

Podcasts. They’re still big business, containing all sorts of interesting insights into humans. The Pod Couple very cleverly sets itself up like this, but in book form, letting you see all sorts of aspects of life, especially love and the human condition.

Blurb

When Chloe Adams embarked on the publicity tour for her new book, she didn’t expect to appear on a live radio interview alongside Joe Harris promoting his memoir on the same subject.

Relationships.

They had last met years ago when Chloe abruptly ended theirs. Now a successful journalist, she is married to an equally ambitious film director, while Joe, still single, has struggled to move on.

The spiky reunion leads to an offer they can’t refuse – hosting a podcast about failed relationships – and three months later they launch Ex-Communicate, exploring other people’s heartbreak while tiptoeing around their own complicated history. Their on-air chemistry makes the podcast a rapid hit, but as their professional success grows, they’re forced to confront the feelings they’ve buried for over a decade. Soon they realise there is a price to pay for discussing their emotions so openly in the pursuit of downloads.

The Pod Couple is a witty examination of our cultural obsession with failed relationships, exploring the uncomfortable truth that time rarely heals. It just makes things more complicated.

‘Wickedly clever and gloriously sharp’

Rob Rinder, author and broadcaster

The Pod Couple interestingly allows readers to glean over the culturally popular reasons why people may tune into a podcast and why we like hearing about relationships. The storytelling comes across at times as brutally honest when it comes to relationships, parenting duties and more… perhaps some readers will recognise the feelings of all or part of the elements.

The exploration and directions the books take you into, in-terms of human nature and the way the characters relate to each other is compelling, especially as they dig into their pasts that then holds something for their present and perhaps their future. It’s also honest how it doesn’t sugar coat failed relationships and how time is not necessarily a healer.

This cleverly written book is rather refreshing and one to give a try this summer.