www.coastersandspoons.com

Josh and I took a trip to Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago and immersed ourselves in all things fringe. Plentiful comedy, that is what we saw. Richard Herring’s ‘Hitler Moustache’ was a highlight, as was Alexis Dubus’s ‘A R*ddy Brief History of Swearing’. Both had interesting things to say about language and people, all sprinkled with a delicious coating of lol.

My friend Edd was 200% kind and lent us his Edinburgh flat for the week; beautiful building in the Stockbridge Colonies. The bedroom windows were graced with shutters which meant sleep of the highest quality was enjoyed. Perhaps this is why so many retire to France. The Stockbridge area itself was more than fun. One particular street seemed to be The Charity Shop Hub of The World. I bought a peculiar set of coasters, each bearing a different illustration of a Parisian scene and left the shop just fifty pence poorer. Also called in at an exquisitely old fashioned antique shop, complete with strict signs and grouchy old lady in even older cardigan. There, I bought a collection of ‘fucked up spoons’. There are little men dressed in cloth sitting on the handles, Vikings I think. One pound well spent.

As well as giving us his home for the week, Edd also gifted Josh and I tickets to see the play ‘East 10th Street: Self Portrait With Empty House’. (Thank you Edd!) Actor and playwright Edgar Oliver took centre stage and told us all about his experiences living in a New York boarding house. Attempted murder, infatuation, mental illness and alcoholism but all served up with humour. His American accent, only gently discernible, was quite enchanting and animated his tales. It transpired that an Oliver fangirl was sitting beside Josh, very drunk and very enthusiastic. As the actor left the stage, she swooped forwards in an attempt to touch his hand. Good times.