Arts diary: Why Summerhall should have a giant pickle statue and the actor spending the week cramming lines

Last August, a highlight for me was Pickled Republic, a one-woman show by Moldovan actor Ruxandra Cantir dressed as a variety of pickles. You get the gist.

Now, the venue has issued an open call for a site-specific public artwork for the foyer of the room.

Artists are invited to propose "ambitious, thought-provoking work" that engages diverse audiences and responds to the dynamic, high-footfall environment of Summerhall.

However, while proposals may be in any medium they must consider the "practicalities of installation in an open, publicly accessible space".

The commission includes a £2,200 fee, a £1,500 materials budget, and full curatorial and technical support.

Personally, I think a giant statue of the Moldovan pickle lady would be ideal. I'll get sketching.

The show must go on

Down in London, Scottish actor Michelle Gomez has pulled out of a much-anticipated production of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at the Old Vic Theatre - just a week before the show opens on 1 April.

Born in Glasgow and a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Ms Gomez, who was due to play the iconic role of Nurse Ratched, was reported to have had to step down "for personal reasons".

Announcing the change of cast, the theatre said: "The Old Vic is sorry to announce that Michelle Gomez has stepped down from One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest for personal reasons. The theatre, cast and company wish Michelle well and thank her for her time on the production."

Known for roles in Doctor Who, as well as Green Wing and Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Ms Gomez is married to actor Jack Davenport.

She is replaced by Sixth Sense star Olivia Williams, who will presumably be having a busy few days learning lines.

A Fringe dream for playwrights

Congratulations to former Scotsman Fringe First winner Jack MacGregor from Inverness, and Edinburgh-based playwright Emery Schaffer, who have been named award winners by Fringe venue Assembly to support new work to be performed at this year's festival.

Jack, along with director Fraser Scott and producer Leah Byrne, was given the 10th ART award for Prophets, a two-hander exploring systemic abuse and colonial violence and addressing questions about faith and forgiveness. He won a Fringe First in 2023 with his play Everything Under the Sun.

Meanwhile, Emery's work BearGirl, to be directed by Kate Stamoulis, received a runner up prize - an unexpected extra award handed out due to the strength of applications this year.

Both plays will be performed at Assembly venues in August, while the prize for the winner also includes a contribution to Fringe marketing and press costs, paid-for Fringe marketing and registration fees, tech operator and contribution to living costs during the Fringe.

In this economic climate for artists, it must feel like Christmas has come in August.