SHONA Craven’s article about Edinburgh Fringe shows in general and Jerry Sadowitz in particular was interestingly a kind of learning curve for the likes of myself who have never seen a Fringe show.
I was never bought up as a theatre-goer, which might explain my lack of such an entertaining experience. However, I did enjoy The Steamie at the Dundee Rep a few nights ago where I caught one or possibly two uses of the “f” word in what was otherwise very entertaining theatre that took me back to the days of my grandma and the Monday morning wash day traditions.
READ MORE: Context is key when discussing Jerry Sadowitz's outrageous act
I think the very first time I heard the “f’ word on a television programme was the first time I saw Billy Connolly, perhaps on his first television show. Playing a very sweet tune on his harpsichord, a crash was heard off stage left which stopped Billy from playing further, with the comment, “well that’s f***ed that then”. Intended to perhaps shock, it failed, with Billy’s big generous and kinda cheeky grin thus allowing the audience to howl with laughter and mebby even some clapping.
His comment was no more offensive than any of us using the same expression; possibly every day of the week. What Billy Connolly had done all those years ago was to break the ice through being able to tell a story using everyday parlance as used in the workplace, pub and street corner.
Now, it is common place to accommodate a few so-called swear words on serious television drama scripts as well as comedy. And no-one bats an eyelid or bothers to write in to complain.
Alan Magnus-Bennett
Fife
YOU’VE got to laugh at the organisers of the Pleasance venue in Edinburgh who claim that “the Pleasance is a venue that champions freedom of speech and we do not censor comedians’ material” and then go ahead and cancel a show because it doesn’t fit with their values? That is simply censorship.
READ MORE: Who is Jerry Sadowitz? All you need to know about the controversial comedian
It’s unbelievable that the Pleasance didn’t know about Jerry Sadowitz’s act before they booked him – he’s notorious for what he does and everyone attending his shows is well aware of how it goes. If you don’t want to be insulted by him, don’t go to his shows. For those who did complain – what right have you to stop those who enjoy Sadowitz from seeing him perform again? Can we come round to your house and decide which music, movies and books you should read? Getting his show cancelled only highlights your own selfish insecurities.
Cllr Kenny MacLaren
Paisley
I WOULD like to thank James Stark (Letters, Aug 16) for his response to my criticisms of the First Minister (Letters, Aug 13), who in my opinion wasted her valuable time by making several self-promotional appearances at the Fringe. Incidentally, my comparison of PM and the FM was to encourage debate.
James, at least you are passionate in your belief that the First Minister is working hard and doing a good job. Too many of the populace are apathetic. My lost holiday is irrelevant, but wouldn’t it have been nice if the FM had used her Fringe time to visit Arran and the other Western Isles to explain to the residents why the ferry services are so unreliable and why IB can’t make it this year.
There again, maybe the FM thinks the ferry services are so unreliable that she is better spending her time at the Fringe.
Finally, in my original letter I did praise the FM for her work during the pandemic, so I am not all bad.
IB Archibald
Edinburgh
FIRST, let me say that I really appreciate Michael Fry’s articles recounting historic events in Scotland. Only by studying and understanding Scotland’s past can anyone truly identify with the present and develop a passion for the future. However, a couple of points on the Battle of Killiecrankie related in article on August 15.
READ MORE: Why the death of ‘Bonnie Dundee’ was a fatal blow for the Jacobites
The government troops were not ambushed in the “narrowest” part of the pass of Killiecrankie but had traversed this narrow, steep defile and emerged on the northern edge when they became aware of Dundee’s troops massed on the hills to their right. They then advanced up the hill and took up position around the House of Urrard before Dundee unleashed his Highlanders on the government line – breaking them as described and causing the redcoats to flee. A greater massacre was only avoided because the Highlanders stopped to ransack the baggage train abandoned in the field below the house.
Dundee did not look for higher ground to survey the scene – he was already on the high ground but was shot by a sniper firing from one of the windows in the house looking out over the grounds to the east of the house on a rising slope – a very lucky shot but fatal and, as noted, the death of their charismatic leader was in effect the end of the Jacobite cause.
David Cairns
Finavon
IN Monday’s article Michael Fry confuses Mackay with Munro at Killiecrankie. Must do better.
John Meek
via email
(Ed: Michael Fry apologises for his inadvertent mistake)
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