Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2 – 26 August 2019
The world’s largest arts festival is almost upon us again and the Centre has the usual packed programme of top-class events for children and adults, showcasing stories in all their forms.
‘an essential stop for anyone… the standard is always high, and the permanent theatre is one of the nicest venues on the Fringe.’
(British Theatre Guide)
Children’s Shows
Specifically designed for babies, Celeste’s Circus is an award-winning show that offers a first trip for wee ones into the magic world of circus with visual thrills, spills, oohs and ahhs, and plenty of bubbles.
For older kids (5+), join storyteller Daniel Serridge at his dinner table of foolishness as he regales you with tales of disgusting banquets, salubrious suppers and measly meals, serving you a Feast of Fools. While Janis Mackay’s delightful family show Wee Seals and Selkies combines storytelling and music to create an enchanting performance, evoking the Scottish northern seashores.
Storytelling Sessions to Suit All
If you’re looking for traditional tales that suit all, Dougie Mackay has got a pocket full of Supernatural: Wonder Tales from Scotland, featuring strange places full of fantastic creatures, where the veil is thin, and the people are wise, wild and terrifying.
Telling the tale of the Viking’s arrival in Scotland, Danish storyteller Svend-Erik Engh and Scottish musician/singer Neil Sutcliffe, invite you to board their long ship of music and tales at Walk the Oars.
The Golden Fly is an epic tale of a shape-shifting goddess in search of her truth. Follow storyteller Alice Fernbank and musician Graham Dickson on a storytelling voyage laden with song and myth, presented through flute and voice.
Theatre to Inspire Change
Puppet State Theatre Company are enchanting us with two of their critically acclaimed literary adaptations, starting the Fringe run with JRR Tolkien’s Leaf by Niggle, a miniature masterpiece of enchanting storytelling for fantasy fans and phobics alike, followed by The Man Who Planted Trees, Jean Giono’s classic environmental tale using puppetry and inspiring storytelling.
David Greig’s Dr. Korczak’s Example, set in 1942 in the final days of an orphanage in the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw, tells the true story of Janusz Korczak, a Polish doctor and writer who championed every child’s right to freedom, respect and love.
Half music concert, half spoken word performance, (Can This Be) Home examines the immigrant experience of Brexit, performed by Kolbrún Sigfúsdóttir with flautist/composer Tom Oakes.
Stories with Something to Say
Ancient mythology and modern storytelling collide in Blood and Gold’s contemporary exploration of the legacy of colonialism and slavery by Scottish Kenyan storyteller Mara Menzies, which is part of the Made in Scotland showcase.
With Jenny Lindsay’s trademark wit and lyrical dexterity – This Script combines poetic memoir with a fierce call for empathy – delving into often turbulent contemporary waters.
Looking for a fantastic night out in August? Loud Poets: Best of Fringe showcases the top spoken word talent the festival has to offer, from the laugh-out-loud funny to thoughtful and emotional, there’s something for everyone.
In his dynamic solo-performance I am Mark, Stefan Smart recreates Mark’s Gospel the way the story was once narrated – as a full-bodied drama brought startlingly to life.
Experimental/Verbatim
For those who love to explore the experimental side of the Fringe, The Red Hourglass features five characters locked up together in a mysterious research facility – a unique horror comedy from Alan Bissett.
Dispatches on the Red Dress uniquely weaves immersive storytelling with live fiddle, banjo and genre-melding original songs, presenting new writing wrapped up in the warmth of a live gig from BBC Radio 2 Folk award-winner Rowan Rheingans.
Returning to the Netherbow stage to celebrate the centenary year of Hamish Henderson (1919-2002), On the Radical Road is an evocative, innovative, shape-shifting drama sculpted from Hamish’s poetry, music and songs.
The Night With… Evenings delivers three concert programmes over multiple days, featuring Scottish composers and poetry, aiming to showcase interesting music in informal spaces.
Scotland’s Greats
Burns for Brunch revives the nation’s favourite Scot with a twist, as the bard awakes in Auld Reekie 2019 sharing his thoughts, poems and songs, casting a satiric eye around his Scotland and ours.
Acclaimed musical duo Neil Adam and Judy Turner present the wit, wisdom, adventures and heartbreaks of the beloved author of Treasure Island, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in Sing Me A Song: The Robert Louis Stevenson Show.
Classics Retold
You can’t beat a classic, which is why TumbleDry Theatre are serving you a fine selection of horror stories by iconic authors in A Trilogy of Horrors: Vol I (Dickens, Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe) and A Trilogy of Horrors: Vol II (HP Lovecraft, E Nesbit, HG Wells) – guaranteed to give you a fright.
You can call the Centre for special preview prices, family tickets, accessible performances and 241 offers on 0131 556 9579 and browse further information on the fantastic line-up online.
You can also book the Centre’s events through the Fringe Box Office:
0131 226 0000 | edfringe.com
