Latest news with #FringeByTheSea
Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Jim Moir: I like talking about teabags
Jim Moir, the comedian also known as Vic Reeves, will be in conversation with Hugo Rifkind at this year's Fringe by the Sea festival. What will he talk about? Moir gives us a sneak peak into how life as a painter has let him live on his own terms. And what else you should catch at the festival on the east Scottish coast. On one of his childhood holidays to Scotland, Moir climbed up the Scott Monument in Edinburgh with his grandfather. At the top, the older man pointed across Princes Street to the Jenners department store in its Victorian glory: 'I was born there, you know.' There's a good chance Moir will talk about art, comedy, wildlife and his childhood camping trips in Scotland (mostly to Loch Lomond and Kirkcudbright) at Fringe by the Sea. It depends on where Rifkind, and the audience, will take the conversation. 'I'll talk about anything,' he says from his home in Kent, birds chirping loudly in his garden. 'I like talking about teabags and stuff like that. I'm quite a connoisseur about tea. I say put milk in last because it has to be the exact right colour for me — it should look almost like coffee — and it either has to be Tippy Assam loose leaf tea or Yorkshire teabags. Or you can ask me about birds all day long because I know what I'm talking about.' (Top tip: if you're going to the show, ask him to do an eider duck impression — he nails it.) • Jim Moir: 'I'll only do a TV show if it's about birds and art' A benign brain tumour left Moir deaf in one ear and, although he can still hear pretty well, he can't always locate the source of noises. 'I always ask Nancy [his wife] where that sound is coming from. Even in the house, if she's calling me I can't always tell if she's upstairs or downstairs,' he says. Now 66, Moir had had enough of the entertainment world. But he is happiest when painting in his studio at the foot of the garden or out birdwatching with his wife, so Sky Arts's offer of Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir was impossible to resist. 'I could be retired but I don't think I ever will,' he says. 'I'm just doing what I like doing and making a living out of it so everything's great.' He actually makes more money from his paintings than he ever did from television — which tells you a lot about the nature of broadcasting and the public appetite for his works. His puffin prints sell particularly well and he currently has an exhibition called Dawn to Dusk at the Lady Lever Art Gallery Liverpool. One of the rooms of his show is dedicated to crepuscular birds, which are active at dawn and dusk. But for all the paintings of blackbirds, crows and curlews in his portfolio, it's not all ornithological. A lot of Moir's work embodies his peculiarly funny way of looking at life — the lens that helped make The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, Vic Reeves Big Night Out and Shooting Stars so special (and, to some, so baffling). • Jim Moir: 'I stopped wanting to play Vic Reeves' For £950 you can own the watercolour The Thirsty Walker (a tap coming out of the tip of a shoe) and a Pox Clinic poster fetches a similar price. One watercolour is of a dazed-looking Matt Damon, his mouth all smudged with lipstick after kissing someone, while Hot Dinghy Punch Up depicts a two-person scuffle in a boat. Of course it does. Moir's been quoted in the past as saying that his comedy career was something of a distraction from art but that's not entirely accurate. It was more a 'diversion from painting — I'd say I saw the kind of comedy I was doing as art anyway', he argues. 'I didn't really think of it like stand-up or being a comedian, more a new way of showing abstract art. I still do.' And will he take the opportunity to see some comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe while he's back in Scotland — not all that far from the birthplace of his granddad? Unlikely. As he puts it: 'I'd rather see a bunch of gannets than a bunch of comedians.' Aug 10, noon, The Big Top, £22.50 How did we manage without Joe Wicks's YouTube PE sessions during lockdown? The Body Coach continues to inspire thousands to take care of their bodies through healthy heating (via his bestselling cookbooks) and, of course, his jovial way of encouraging people to move more. In this session he'll be chatting about his life and 1, 11.30am, The Big Top, £20 Fancy listening in on some top-level showbiz gossip? Christopher Biggins — the panto dame and past winner of I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here — joins forces with the Bafta-winning actress Patricia Hodge for a chinwag in aid of Leuchie House, the East Lothian centre that provides respite care for people living with neurological conditions. A limited number of post-show meet-and-greet tickets are 5, 5pm, Lodge Stage, £20/£50 • Christopher Biggins: Joan Collins was mad at me for months Fringe by the Sea, Aug 1-10, North Berwick,
Scotsman
30-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
North Berwick's former County Hotel reopens as The Law after prolonged closure
A former seaside hotel and pub on North Berwick High Street is set to be brought back into use with an £850,000 investment after lying closed for seven years. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The County Hotel will be renamed The Law by owner Star Pubs and the Discovery Group when it reopens as a dog-friendly bar and restaurant with 11 bedrooms and, its owners say, one of the largest gardens in the town. A meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board last week approved changes to the premises licence to allow an outdoor garden area to be used as well as extending its hours of operation. The Law, North Berwick, will replace the County Hotel which has been lying closed for seven years. | Star Pubs Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Neighbours who had raised concerns about the impact of the noise from outdoor use as well as smoking outside the building, were given some reassurances during the meeting with conditions added to help control any issues. One objector told the meeting that having listened to the plans for the pub and hotel first hand he took some comfort that it would be well operated adding that while he had enjoyed living next door to the former hotel when it was in operation he had not enjoyed 'living next door to a rapidly deteriorating eyesore'. The board heard the £850,000 investment in the hotel and pub would see it transformed into a top-quality family and dog-friendly venue with two separate bars, a restaurant with a bar, function space, 11 en suite letting rooms and one of the largest gardens in town. It will even have its own dog-friendly menu and it was revealed the animal friendly operators had even changed construction plans for the refurbishment after the discovery of a birds nest to ensure it was not disturbed until its occupants have moved on. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Believed to have started out as a post house in 1815, The County Hotel will be renamed The Law – after the well-known North Berwick hill – to mark its new direction. It is expected to reopen in September with up to 25 jobs being created. And it will be overseen by team who already operate The Ship Inn in the town. The large garden at the back will have seating for up to 100 people and has been given special dispensation to have live music outside during Fringe By The Sea by licensing chiefs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Discovery Group director Steven Winton, who will oversee The Law along with director Jamie MacKinnon said: 'We're thrilled to have found another venue in North Berwick, especially one that is so prominent. 'People have been concerned about The County Hotel's future and there's lots of excitement about the plans for it. The town has a real sense of community and residents are very supportive. 'We want to bring out all The County Hotel's potential and add to the diverse range of independently run hospitality businesses and shops that help make North Berwick such a special place'
Edinburgh Reporter
30-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
East Lothian pub gets £850,000 makeover
A former seaside hotel and pub on North Berwick High Street is set to be brought back into use with an £850,000 investment after lying closed for seven years. The County Hotel will be renamed The Law by owner Star Pubs and the Discovery Group when it reopens as a dog friendly bar and restaurant with 11 bedrooms and, its owners say, one of the largest gardens in the town. A meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board last week approved changes to the premises licence to allow an outdoor garden area to be used as well as extending its hours of operation. Neighbours who had raised concerns about the impact of the noise from outdoor use as well as smoking outside the building, were given some reassurances during the meeting with conditions added to help control any issues. An artist\'s impression of how The Law will look once refurbished please credit Star Pubs One objector told the meeting that having listened to the plans for the pub and hotel first hand he took some comfort that it would be well operated adding that while he had enjoyed living next door to the former hotel when it was in operation he had not enjoyed 'living next door to a rapidly deteriorating eyesore'. The board heard the £850,000 investment in the hotel and pub would see it transformed into a top-quality family and dog-friendly venue with two separate bars, a restaurant with a bar, function space, 11 ensuite letting rooms and one of the largest gardens in town. It will even have its own dog-friendly menu and it was revealed the animal friendly operators had even changed construction plans for the refurbishment after the discovery of a birds nest to ensure it was not disturbed until its occupants have moved on. Believed to have started out as a post house in 1815, The County Hotel will be renamed The Law – after the well-known North Berwick hill – to mark its new direction. It is expected to reopen in September with up to 25 jobs being created. And it will be overseen by team who already operate The Ship Inn in the town. The large garden at the back will have seating for up to 100 people and has been given special dispensation to have live music outside during Fringe By The Sea by licensing chiefs. Discovery Group director Steven Winton, who will oversee The Law along with director Jamie MacKinnon said: 'We're thrilled to have found another venue in North Berwick, especially one that is so prominent. 'People have been concerned about The County Hotel's future and there's lots of excitement about the plans for it. The town has a real sense of community and residents are very supportive. 'We want to bring out all The County Hotel's potential and add to the diverse range of independently run hospitality businesses and shops that help make North Berwick such a special place' By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
30-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Former East Lothian seaside hotel to reopen after £850,000 makeover
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A former seaside hotel and pub on North Berwick High Street is set to be brought back into use with an £850,000 investment after lying closed for seven years. The County Hotel will be renamed The Law by owner Star Pubs and the Discovery Group when it reopens as a dog friendly bar and restaurant with 11 bedrooms and, its owners say, one of the largest gardens in the town. A meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board last week approved changes to the premises licence to allow an outdoor garden area to be used as well as extending its hours of operation. Neighbours who had raised concerns about the impact of the noise from outdoor use as well as smoking outside the building, were given some reassurances during the meeting with conditions added to help control any issues. One objector told the meeting that having listened to the plans for the pub and hotel first hand he took some comfort that it would be well operated adding that while he had enjoyed living next door to the former hotel when it was in operation he had not enjoyed "living next door to a rapidly deteriorating eyesore". The board heard the £850,000 investment in the hotel and pub would see it transformed into a top-quality family and dog-friendly venue with two separate bars, a restaurant with a bar, function space, 11 ensuite letting rooms and one of the largest gardens in town. It will even have its own dog-friendly menu and it was revealed the animal friendly operators had even changed construction plans for the refurbishment after the discovery of a birds nest to ensure it was not disturbed until its occupants have moved on. Believed to have started out as a post house in 1815, The County Hotel will be renamed The Law – after the well-known North Berwick hill – to mark its new direction. It is expected to reopen in September with up to 25 jobs being created. And it will be overseen by team who already operate The Ship Inn in the town. The large garden at the back will have seating for up to 100 people and has been given special dispensation to have live music outside during Fringe By The Sea by licensing chiefs. Discovery Group director Steven Winton, who will oversee The Law along with director Jamie MacKinnon said: 'We're thrilled to have found another venue in North Berwick, especially one that is so prominent. "People have been concerned about The County Hotel's future and there's lots of excitement about the plans for it. The town has a real sense of community and residents are very supportive. "We want to bring out all The County Hotel's potential and add to the diverse range of independently run hospitality businesses and shops that help make North Berwick such a special place'
Scotsman
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Full Fringe by the Sea programme announced - with Vic Reeves and Christopher Biggins
Fringe by the Sea has announced its final line up for the festival in August Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The final line-up for Fringe By The Sea has been announced, with performers including Vic Reeves and Christopher Biggins. With over 250 events across 10 days from 1 to 10 August, the festival spans music, comedy, conversation, film, and family entertainment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 17th Fringe By The Sea event takes place in North Berwick, in East Lothian, in August - alongside the main Edinburgh Fringe. The final programme includes Jim Moir, otherwise known as Vic Reeves, talking about his life as both an artist and one half of one of Britain's best loved comedy double acts; TV host Steph McGovern; Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay and an indie DJ set with Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite and Belle & Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch, who will also be talking about his book, Nobody's Empire. Meanwhile, Christopher Biggins will be in conversation with Patricia Hodge in a fundraising event in aid of Leuchie House. This follows earlier announcements of shows featuring Boomtown Rats star Bob Geldof, electronica band Air and politician Rory Stewart. Eddi Reader and cyclist Chris Hoy are also already announced as performers for this summer. New for 2025 is Wavelength, a music film festival strand supported by Screen Scotland. Running throughout the festival, it features Seaside Screenings, filmmaker talks, and gigs inspired by film. Guests include Irvine Welsh, director Tim Pope, and rising Scottish acts such as Redolent and the documentary Since Yesterday, featuring the untold story of Scotland's girl bands. The RSNO is performing the tunes from James Bond as the last show of the festival. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Christopher Biggins is to appear at Fringe by the Sea. Fringe By The Sea has this year attracted acts making their only appearance north of the border this summer, such as the Ezra Collective and AIR, who will be performing their seminal album Moon Safari. Former North Berwick resident Hamish Hawk will be returning to headline an incredible indie night also featuring Billy Nomates, Cloth and Blur's Dave Rowantree doing a DJ set Festival director Rory Steel said: 'As word of Fringe By The Sea's welcoming atmosphere and brilliant talent on show spreads year after year, we're always aiming to keep one step ahead with an ever more impressive line-up. And what a billing we have this year, with more than 250 events taking place in North Berwick this August, there's absolutely something for everyone. 'Of course none of this would happen without the magnificent team who work for the festival as well as our wonderful volunteers that provide such an important role.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to the Economic Impact Report conducted by MKA Economics for Fringe by the Sea 2024, the festival's visitor spending has contributed an additional £9.9 million to the local economy. This marks a 36 per cent increase over the 2023 figure.
