SOUTHSIDE FRINGE: TOP SIX

I MAY be totally and completely biased, since I've lived south of the Clyde my whole life and bought my first flat there last year, but it seems to me that the leafy Southside is fast becoming the destination of choice for Glasgow's trendy hoards.

The place is packed with parks (Queens Park and Rouken Glen being the nicest, if you ask me), cool buildings, coffee shops, galleries, vintage shops like Glad Rags, bars, restaurants, classic burger joints like Buddy's, Ketchup and TriBeCa, even Whole Foods has its Scottish stronghold not in the west, but in quiet wee Giffnock AKA my hood.

It's undergone something of an understated revolution over the past few years, and despite the last-minute cancellation of the Southside Festival due to lack of funding support (BOO), happily the quirkier Southside Fringe is POWERING ahead, thanks to the dedication and passion of local business and passionate individuals, with a host of cool wee events throughout the month of May to celebrate all that the Bestside...sorry, Southside, has to offer.

Top picks...

1. ART ON THE HILL

A collection of over 100 Scottish artists, held upstairs in the impressive eaves of classic Southside haunt Church on the Hill (it was Arta for a while, remember that?!), Art on the Hill is a truly amazing exhibition and art fair which you really can NOT miss.

"The aim of the exhibition is to act as an artist run platform, where by the artists can show in a professional large group show without the prohibiting costs of traditional art fairs, and also allow the public access to the diverse breadth of artistic talent alive in Glasgow, without the elitist air of traditional art fair."

Indeed. Plus you can get a pint and some fantastic grub downstairs too. 

On till the 31st and one not to miss...

Church on the Hill, Battlefield

Roddy's work proudly displayed, along with some prints available for purchase. And wur mugs.

..Even Marnie from Ladytron's a fan!

2. HAMLET

Strathclyde Theatre Group and the Royal Shakespeare Company Open Stages present this fantastic production of Hamlet with an ALL FEMALE CAST, which is so cool, as part of "Women on the Fringe."

Hamlet is MAYBE Shakespeare's best play, at least for reformed emo kids like myself, and it's certainly a pleasure to watch and experience. It's being performed in the fabulous Govanhill Baths with a badass cast of females - this is SERIOUSLY one to catch if you can.

Awesome Govanhill Baths

Only on now tonight, tomorrow and Saturday but tickets are still available from www.brownpapertickets.com - GO GO GO!

3. WRITE IT! PRESENTS: THE REFERENDUM REVIEW SHOW

Tired of a hundred aggressive Facebook posts a day from friends and acquaintances arguing for/against Scottish independence (let's face it, it's mainly the PRO folk clogging up MY timeline)? Dying for a spot of comic relief on the subject? Looking to sample some delicious coffee/cake in UBER COOL surroundings at the same time? Here's the show for you...

This comedy review show produced by the guys at Write It! looks at the issues and consequences of the big vote on September the 18th. A mix of comedy sketches and music, it's billed as a must-see for every camp, whether you're a yes, a no, a don't know or a can't be bothered. Contributors are Alex Cox, Graham de Banzie, Ewan Park and the Glad Cafe's Write It! team.

Again, be quick! On tonight and tomorrow, tickets from the Glad Cafe and online.

4. THIS IS NOT A FASHION SHOW

A Rags to Riches project, the line up will include a catwalk of intriguing and beguiling UPCYCLED CREATIONS, again set in the historic Govanhill Baths. 

"A number of models from all walks of life will adorn a range of upcycled garments from a range of designers such as Beautiful Brastards' witty upcycled bras, Glasgow Fleamark, graduate talent Sarah Morbey with her Fashioning Waste's collection and Bedlam Boudoir's upcyled festival fancies, among others.

"Glasgow Clyde College's fashion students will also showcase works created for their upcycling project, and the Rags to Riches team will create of collection of boldly upcycled garments bringing tutors, volunteers and participants to further explore the wonders of creative re-use."

The night promises more than just fashion, with live music and art installations too, once again in this truly awesome Southside venue.

24th May, tickets from Southside Fringe HQ,1092 Pollokshaws Rd, Shawlands, or from www.brownpapertickets.com

5. WHO STOLE MY SAUSAGE?

Got a dog? Want to treat him/her to an AWESOME and totally mad-sounding sensory and theatrical experience, exclusively tailored for your canine pal?! Course you do!

On at Southside groomers Dash n Dogs, Who Stole My Sausage promises to tickle your dog's senses... 

"Who Stole my Sausage is brought to you by FizzGig productions and is back by popular demand after it was a huge hit last year.

"Square! Link! Quorn! No sausage is safe! Shawlands and the surrounding areas are full of very sad doggies. Inspector Jack Russell of The Yard said “let’s make no bones about it, this thief will be caught!” Free doggy bag for every pooch that lasts the show!"

This sounds hilarious, and if I had a dog we'd 100% be heading along...

lol

Tickets for “Who Stole my Sausage” (15th, 21st, 22nd May, 7pm or 8pm) are now for sale over the counter @ Dash n Dogs or at the Fringe HQ.  £6 per Dog (2 humans free with each dog)

6. TREEMENDUS GLASGOW: UPCYCLING CRASH COURSE

This wee Glasgow Upcycling label is set for big things! I bought my crazy cat table from them last year, and follow their furniture upcycling exploits on Facebook with glee. 

However, if LIKE ME just the word "re-upholstering" fills you with panic, head along to this Upcycling Crash Course on Saturday the 17th to get SKILLED UP.

"bring along a piece of old furniture and walk out with something that looks shiny and new. We will show you the basic skills to upcycle and re-finish your furniture whilst providing cake and tea as refreshments. Come along and join us for a day of cake and crafting!"

On at Fringe HQ - 1092 Pollokshaws Rd, Shawlands

Tickets from the venue are £20/£25 if you bring your own piece to refinish or £25 for Treemendus to provide a piece for you to finish.

So those are my top picks, but there are, of course, a million other things on for the Fringe around the Southside in venues like Queens Park Cafe, The Bungo, The Burrell, The SHED (lol), Waverley Tea Rooms, Brooklyn Cafe and loads more. Info on all the events at http://southsidefringe.org.uk/