August is one of the busiest times of the year in Scotland’s capital, with an unbelievable amount of inspirational art and culture on display. The Centre will be welcoming 22 unique shows as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, showcasing stories in all their forms, from entertaining, to thought-provoking, experimental, inspiring and well-loved, there’s a tale for everyone.
We know you’re probably wondering what’s hidden behind some of the creative and visionary show titles and how to #MakeYourFringe to ensure you’re not missing out on any fantastic events! Who better to ask for a tour of the Centre’s Fringe showcase than the man in charge of our events programme, Daniel Abercrombie!
‘Throughout the year the Scottish Storytelling Centre offers a platform for storytellers, musicians, dancers and all creative minds to explore cultures and traditions in Scotland today. For the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we have curated a high-quality programme, produced by companies and performers who fit with our ethos of inclusiveness and openness and who reflect the energy and variety in our year-round programme.’
‘The Centre is well-known as a thriving, yet peaceful, haven of activity in the middle of the frantic Fringe. This August we are partnering with the Year of Conversation project to encourage visitors, performers, staff, tourists and locals to take 10minutes away from your phone or the Fringe buzz and have some human connection in our Conversation booth. You never know what you might discover or who you might meet!’
‘Before you enjoy a show, drop-in to the Storytelling Café for a re-fuel or engage with our exhibition and children’s Storywall in the Storytelling Court. We host three fantastic and varied children’s shows this year, with Celeste’s Circus (perfect for babies), Wee Seals and Selkies (storytelling and music) and Feast of Fools (foolish and fun stories).’
‘Our Fringe programme offers audiences of all ages the chance to experience and celebrate our shared cultural heritage with a contemporary twist by encouraging ownership and slamming stereotypes. Hamish Henderson: On the Radical Road uses Henderson’s work to outline his legacy, whilst Burns for Brunch revives the nation’s bard with a contemporary twist and The Night with… Evenings showcase new work by Scottish composers and poets.’
‘Throughout this programme there is a sense of humanity, with many performers exploring and reacting to the challenges we face in the world today, often delving into turbulent contemporary waters. For example, when ancient mythology and modern storytelling collide in an exploration of our colonial past from Mara Menzies in Blood and Gold, or poet Jenny Lindsay challenging us to rewrite This Script by discussing #MeToo and ageing in a gendered world. The heart-warming environmental tale of The Man Who Planted Trees reminds us how just precious our planet is, whilst BBC Folk Award winner Rowan Rheingans reveals family secrets from 1940s Germany in Dispatches on the Red Dress, a troubling yet defiantly hopeful elegy for our times.’
‘We are delighted to host award-winning shows and two Made in Scotland showcase events, alongside an exciting list of new performances and the return of some sell-out favourites from previous years, such as TumbleDry Theatre’s A Trilogy of Horrors Vol I & II, Nordic myths with Walk the Oars and a dazzling horror-comedy from Fringe First winner Alan Bissett in The Red Hourglass. The inspirational Loud Poets are our nightly closing act, showcasing the very best spoken word and poetry in their Best of The Fringe extravaganza, which makes for a perfect night out during the festival.’ (Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager)
Join us and discover our programme of story, song, music, theatre, spoken word and fun as some of Scotland’s best storytellers and performers create new conversations around live issues or reflect on past events which resonate fully in the present.
The Centre is the perfect place for families, tourists and locals to meet, with a warm, community welcome and a creative and authentic Edinburgh experience. We look forward to welcoming you, as you #MakeYourFringe.
