Kelly Apter

Edinburgh

Contributing Arts Journalist at The Scotsman

Arts Journalist at Freelance

Contributing Arts Journalist at The List (magazine)

Freelance arts journalist for The Scotsman and The List. Editor at Creative Lives. All views my own.

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Articles

'prayer books wielded like weapons'

3 weeks ago | msn.com | Kelly Apter

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Scottish Ballet: The Crucible, Aberdeen review: 'prayer books wielded like weapons'

3 weeks ago | scotsman.com | Kelly Apter

Choregraphy and score work in perfect tandem to evoke the hysteria and hatred engulfing Salem in Scottish Ballet’s revival of The Crucible, writes Kelly ApterScottish Ballet: The Crucible, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen ★★★★We can scarcely imagine the fear, confusion and ultimately violence that swept through Salem, Massachusetts during the 17th century witch trials.
The Scotsman Sessions #429: Constant Vigier

Dec 4, 2024 | scotsman.com | Kelly Apter

Welcome to the Scotsman Sessions, a series of short video performances from artists all around the country introduced by our critics. This week, dancer and choreographer Constant Vigier performs his latest project BIG/small – The Dancing Mosaic, a multimedia piece which ‘brings dance, music and video together’There’s something fascinating about seeing the inner workings of a show, the bits we take for granted but without which the main event would be diminished.
EIF reviews: BBC SSO | Bat for Lashes | Scott Silven

Aug 23, 2024 | scotsman.com | Ken Walton |Fiona Shepherd |Kelly Apter

A triumphant performance by the BBC SSO was a Friday night Edinburgh International Festival highlight, along with a shape-shifting Natasha Khan and a sceptic-confounding Scott SilvenMUSICBBC SSO & Sir Donald Runnicles *****Usher HallConnections are the heartbeat of music programming. Here we had the age-old pairing of Mahler and Bruckner, easily identifiable by their characteristic differences, but together a spine-tingling encapsulation of Austro-German largesse.
Fringe theatre reviews: RUM by Joe Mallalieu | Covenant | Dead Animals + more

Aug 20, 2024 | scotsman.com | Kelly Apter |Josephine Balfour-Oatts |Susan Mansfield |Sally Stott

Our latest round-up of Edinburgh Fringe theatre reviews includes a dazzlingly authentic account of working-class masculinity, an intriguing piece of magical realism, and a passionate protest against draconian abortion lawsRUM by Joe Mallalieu ★★★★Underbelly, Cowgate (Venue 61) until 25 AugustHoles puncture the walls. Plastic bags and beer cans cover the floor. The builders have left things in a mess.
Edinburgh Fringe theatre reviews: RUM by Joe Mallalieu

Aug 19, 2024 | msn.com | Kelly Apter

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Fringe dance & physical theatre reviews: Show Pony | The Weight of Shadow + more

Aug 19, 2024 | scotsman.com | Kelly Apter |Sally Stott

Our latest batch of dance and physical theatre reviews includes an emotionally rich look at the ‘before and after’ of circus performers, a striking metaphor for a universal human struggle, an exuberant double-bill, and a clown comedy based on the tennis rivalry between Borg and McEnroeShow Pony ★★★★Summerhall (Venue 26) until 26 August When your entire career is based on an ability to move quickly and flexibly, what happens when your body is no longer willing to play the game?
Edinburgh Festival Fringe dance & physical theatre review: Sawdust Symphony

Aug 14, 2024 | scotsman.com | Kelly Apter

Our latest batch of reviews focuses on the Fringe’s first ever Made in Germany showcase, featuring a joyful fusion of carpentry and clowning, a spellbinding display of Cyr wheel virtuosity, and some energetic breakdancing Sawdust Symphony ★★★★★ Zoo Southside (Venue 82) until 25 August IIIII - about the art of letting go ★★★★ Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows (Venue 360) until 24 August PACK ★★★ Assembly @ Dance Base (Venue 22) until 25 August Sawdust Symphony is that rarest of things at...
Edinburgh Fringe reviews: Ten Thousand Hours | ARI: The Spirit of Korea | B.L.I.P.S.

Aug 8, 2024 | scotsman.com | Kelly Apter

Our latest reviews round-up includes a mind-blowing five star circus display, an exuberant South Korean musical steeped in tradition, and a touching meditation on mental healthTen Thousand Hours ★★★★★Assembly Hall (Venue 35) until 24 AugustReferring to the amount of time it takes to truly hone any skill, Ten Thousand Hours is the latest offering from Australian company Gravity & Other Myths. In the increasingly busy world of contemporary circus, this exceptional troupe shines bright.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Theatre Reviews: Common Is As Common Does: A Memoir

Aug 5, 2024 | scotsman.com | Kelly Apter |Ariane Branigan |Fiona Shepherd |Sally Stott

In our latest batch of reviews, you’ll find karaoke and line dancing as a metaphor for familial dysfunction, some defiantly anarchic theatrical suversion, and an occasionally compelling case for enjoying the little things in lifeCommon Is As Common Does: A Memoir ★★★★Zoo Southside (Venue 82) until 17 AugustMuch like family life, this powerful work by Glasgow-based company 21 Common is a rollercoaster of highs and lows.