<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;"><strong>Thursday 17th August</strong></span>

A late start and a visit to the Scottish National Portrait gallery. I'm not usually interested in portraits however there were some fascinating images - paintings and photographs and it was easy to spend a couple of hours wandering before haveing a cup of Earl Grey in the cafe before the rush started.

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;">Pixel Dust</span> -  a one woman drama revolving around the impact of the internet on us. Our ability to connect and take on new persona. There were only about 10 people in the audience which was a shame because it was well written and performed. The blurb mentioned the use of technology in the set however it wasn't ground breaking or unique.

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;">Charlie Dore</span> - A modern folk singer with a combination of humour and romantic lyrics. She had an excellent, clear voice but one or two songs didn't work for me. She had a good following within the audience and it was an enjoyable show.

Dinner at the Urban Angel on Hanover Street but I ordered too much and over ate considering I then had to rush over to the Pleasance Courtyard on the other side of the city.

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;">Tom Allen</span> - As the audience walked into the venue Tom Allen stood at the door and gave everyone a handshake which was interesting. His whole set is about him being Gay and it was uproariously funny.

<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="color: #0000ff;">Friday 18th August</span></strong></span>

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;">State of the Nathan</span> - This was a free show and despite that fact there were only 10 people in the audience. At one point I thought I was going to be the only one however a few more did arrive. It was dire! He certainly demonstrated how difficult it is to do "good" standup comedy. He made it look like hard work. His musical intros run from his iPad didn't work and it was generally a shambles. Despite it being a "free" show he effectively mugged us on the way out to make a contribution. I felt like I was giving encouragement to a drunk on the street to go and buy more booze. This guy shouldn't give up the day job but I got the impression he was only doing this because nobody would employ him.

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #0000ff;">Identity</span> -