A historic city institution is set to host its biggest ever Edinburgh Festival Fringe as it celebrates a decade-long partnership with one of the festival’s leading production companies. Breaking its own record this year, Surgeons Quarter expects to see an estimated 80,000 visitors walk through its doors by the end of the month.
Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), will be playing host to a total of seven ‘theSpaceUK’ theatres across three of its different venues.
With 150 different productions taking place over the 23-day festival, theSpaceUK is working alongside Surgeons Quarter for the tenth year in a row, as their partnership has gone from strength to strength.
The multi-genre programme of shows across the College’s traditional buildings makes it one of the biggest Fringe spots, creating a platform for a wide range of performers.
Charles Pamment, Director of theSpaceUK said: “It’s certainly going to be a big year for us and it’s fantastic to be able to say this is our tenth one working with Surgeons Quarter.
“Our different expertise have worked so well in tandem that we’ve created one of the most desirable destination venues for audiences at the festival.
“It’s always been an extremely positive relationship. Surgeons Quarter has embraced everything we do, and has given us the freedom to make use of the range of spaces to showcase our hugely diverse performances.
“From orchestra, to cabaret, to comedy and kids’ productions, there really is a show for everyone – and in that way we stay true to what the festival is all about.
“It’s thanks to its impressive buildings, social spaces and great location that Surgeons Quarter has become one of the big players in the city when it comes to Fringe venues.”
Situated just a minute’s walk from the Royal Mile, theSpaceUK at Surgeons Quarter is ideally placed for soaking up the festival atmosphere and is well catered for by a 200-seat courtyard bar.
Scott Mitchell, Commercial Director at Surgeons Quarter, said: “Through our work with theSpaceUK, we have successfully positioned Surgeons Quarter as one of the best venues in the city.
“Key to this success is that, unlike many Fringe spaces in Edinburgh, Surgeons Quarter is established and defined as an events venue, designed to cater to the thousands of visitors that walk through our doors.
“With the professionalism and expertise of theSpaceUK, and with our hard-working and experienced team on hand, we can provide an authentic and comfortable atmosphere for audiences, to give them the best possible festival experience.”
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd Campus, which includes the Playfair Building. All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgery.
The RCSEd is one of the most illustrious institutions in Scotland. It provides education and assessment for medical students, surgical trainees and consultants and supports research to advance standards of care for the future.
Surgeons trained and assessed through the College take their life-saving and life-changing skills all over the world.