Month: June 2024

theSpaceUK announces the full line-up for the 2024 Fringe

A spectacular line-up as theSpaceUK announces its full programme for the 2024 Fringe

  • theSpaceUK announces its full 2024 programme with over 400 exciting shows 
  • Largest new-writing programme at the Fringe, packed full of hidden gems
  • Club Life, the 2023 Fringe First-winning club/theatre immersive experience, returns for eight performances only!
  • Grammy award-winning cellist Leah Coloff stars in Super Second Rate, the compelling story of playing alongside music greats like David Bowie and Debbie Harry
  • Double Fringe First winners Xhloe & Natasha ride back into town with their brand-new show, A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First
  • …and join theSpaceUK for an EdFringe first in conjunction with ITVX as we present live at the fest, a global broadcast of the festival’s best comedians, live from the Grand Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall and hosted by your favourite comedians.

theSpaceUK is announcing the full 2024 programme with over 400 shows on sale at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The 2024 line-up features the return of Fringe favourites and a packed programme of new writing and companies. 

Audiences can see the full programme and purchase tickets via theSpaceUK website (www.thespaceuk.com).

Theatre Highlights

Double Fringe First winners Xhloe and Natasha return with A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First and explore the blurred lines between childhood fantasy and harsh reality. Club Life, the 2023 Fringe First-winning club/theatre immersive experience, returns for eight performances only! Lemon Jelly’s Fred Deakin hosts an interactive joy ride through his 80s/90s clubland adventures. 

Jess by Glass Half Full Theatre offers an honest look into a woman’s life facing loss and heartbreak. Jess, a cardiothoracic surgeon, struggles with her career, relationships, and the desire for change. An Act of Grace from Ottawa Little Theatre invites audiences to a gripping tale of suspense in this contemporary thriller brought to you by the producers of the 2022 Carol Tambor Award-winning production of Burn.

Via Dolorosa by Chasing Rainbows presents David Hare’s exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through encounters with various public and private figures, this performance lays bare the complexities and tensions of the region. There are further poignant tales brought about by conflict in Hagar: War Mother, which tells the story of a mother and son fleeing the brutality of Syria’s war.

Bluffing Your Way in Ballet from Seizing The Day Company takes a fast-paced, irreverent journey through the history of ballet. From Isadora Duncan to Václav Nijinsky and Margot Fonteyn, this avant-garde performance blends stories and dances of ballet’s greatest stars. Hannah Whittingham stars in Death Becomes Us, confronting the final taboo head-on with tales of Walt Disney’s rumoured cryogenics and Meryl Streep’s accidental escapades. In this one-person biographical drama, Trawled – When Adventure Becomes Survival by Eoin Ryan recounts the true story of an Irish backpacker on a prawn trawler in the Coral Sea.

Malion by Tired Horses Theatre presents a feminist retelling of the Pygmalion and Galatea myth and explores themes of masculine identity and artistic vision in this brand-new production. Something To Believe In by The Brooklyn Bottling Company tackles the clash between faith and queerness at an all-girls Catholic school in a dark comedy that questions who truly deserves a place in heaven. 

There are plenty of Fringe favourites returning for 2024. In A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery – The Great British Bloodbath by Highly Suspect, the nation’s favourite baking competition turns deadly in an interactive murder mystery that invites the audience to solve a fiendish plot filled with evidence and cryptic clues. Charles Dickens: The Hanged Man’s Bride from Blue Orange Arts brings to life a ghostly tale of passion, deceit, and the fine line between reality and the supernatural. Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words by Flying Solo! Invites you into the tumultuous world of late 16th-century England through Elizabeth I’s letters and Shakespeare’s speeches. After a sell-out fringe in 2023, Nicole Nadler returns with Why Am I (Still) Like This? , a humorous and relatable exploration of living with ADHD at 30. 


Cabaret Highlights

Magician and mind illusionist Sean Alexander takes you on a reflective journey through the moments that shape us in 1 Moment in Time, packed with jaw-dropping magic. Murder: The Mind-Reading Lawyer by Tomas McCabe combines mentalism with courtroom drama in a family-friendly performance filled with incredible mentalism and the drama of court. Naughty or Neurodiverse – Magic from Another Planet features rising star Angus Baskerville. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at 15, Angus struggled through school until magic turned his life around. His first solo show at the Fringe delves into this journey, showcasing mind-reading and unbelievable trickery. 

Elle Barto: Itchy and Scratchy presents Elle Barton in their premier solo show. New York’s hottest drag sensation takes you on a journey through your favourite film and television moments, lip-synced by memory. Frankie Mack – The Vegas Showman electrifies the Fringe with a blend of Dean Martin’s suave, Elvis’ allure, Bublé’s depth, and Robbie Williams’ energy. Solve Along A Murder She Wrote by Tim Benzie returns with an interactive screening of the classic episode “Paint Me a Murder.” Following last year’s success, this critically acclaimed show involves a race to solve the crime with the Fameometer and Suspiciometer.


Musical Highlights

In Ctrl+Alt+Deceit! by Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society, audiences are introduced to Aunt June, a dowdy, kind, and lonely woman who ends up with a laptop that leads her to the Dark Web and a low-level drug ring. In Mary Mary Quite Contrary, CRE8IV THEATRE CO presents a spoof adult musical about Mary Whitehouse, a religious, moral campaigner from Edwardian England and her clash with the BBC. Lindsay Lucas-Bartlett takes audiences on a personal journey in Trust Me, I’m from Essex. This show chronicles life growing up in notorious Essex.

Cambridge Footlight Lily Blundell’s The Man Who Wouldn’t Be Murdered is a sinful dark comedy musical set in prohibition-era New York. Nominated for the Standing Ovation Award, this show blends greed, fraud, 1920s jazz, and drink into a gorgeously crafted musical. Delving into darker themes, The Avison Brothers bring Godfather Death: A Grimms’ Musical to the stage. This award-winning musical, based on a lesser-known Grimms’ fairytale, explores mortality, healthcare, and class. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre offers a lighter touch with I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a hilarious and heartfelt musical that tackles the intricacies of modern love. From first dates to marriage, children, and the twilight years, this show traces the arc of relationships through life’s stages.

Chevron Theatre presents Fringe – The Musical, a hilarious musical comedy set in a beloved family-run hairdressing salon in Essex. Finally, BramwellBrand Productions brings Wallis to the stage, telling the story of Wallis Simpson and her romance with Prince Edward, who gave up his crown for her. This musical explores whether their story is a love tale or a narrative of a woman trapped by her ambition and media scrutiny.

Comedy Highlights

Steve Goodie brings a unique tribute to the stage with AL! The Weird Tribute (and How Daniel Radcliffe Got Mixed Up in This Nonsense) complete with songs, accordions, guitars, and visual effects that cost many dozens of dollars. In Ajahnis Charley: Thots and Prayers, Ajahnis Charley explores the hilariously absurd journey of a nerdy gaymer who, after a failed death drop at a rave, finds himself at the gates of Gay Heaven as audiences witness the HOMO and avoid the FOMO. Described as a hidden gem, Aude Lener returns to the Fringe with a typically French show that redefines love stories in Aude Lener – Love Reboot.

The renowned host of Rule of 7×7 and co-star of Friends from College and Ray Donovan Brett Epstein: Alone on Stage is a darkly comic solo show that delves into the highs and lows of being an artist and the essence of being alone. In Chris Tavener is Faking Cool, Chris Tavener battles intrusive thoughts through witty, satirical songs. Known for his performances and appearances on BBC 6 Music and Sky’s Showcase TV, Tavener brings his unique brand of humour to the stage. Help! My Vagina Is Trying to Kill Me! by Yola Jean Lu is a darkly comedic solo show that explores one woman’s journey through STDs, miscarriages, and pre-cervical cancer.

Tom Hearn Live: How Fabulous is That?! marks the Edinburgh debut of viral comedian Tom Hearn. This Canadian Comedy Award winner brings jaw-dropping musical performances and original characters to the Fringe stage. Disco Horses: A Sketch Revue by American duo Disco Horses presents an hour of absurd, high-concept comedy. Tales from a British Country Pub by Chris Sainton-Clark takes audiences through the hilarious and troublesome experiences of working in British pubs.

And finally, join theSpaceUK for different comedy line-ups every night, with known faces and new acts – all broadcast LIVE on ITVX. Be part of the action and watch the chaos of comedy live from the Fringe!

Children’s Highlights

Goose by TaleGate Theatre tells the charming story of Sophie, who meets Goose while on a trip to the park, and the pair quickly become best friends in a brand new musical for the under-fives that’s the perfect theatre trip, featuring muddy puddles, wild goose chases, and plenty of honking. 

The Comedy Games with Coach Mon by Monique Warren brings a sports extravaganza to the stage. In this Olympic-inspired kid’s clown show, the audience helps find the missing athletes and participates in sports-tastic events like eyebrow push-ups and a slow-motion running race.

Follow a teacher’s magical seaside summer holiday in Miss English’s Holiday by Action Theatre. With puppetry, masks, magic, sing-along songs, and comedy, this show is a smash hit from Italy and is perfect for those under nine. 

Cantonese Opera x Children’s Interactive Theatre presents the Dic Dic Chang Chang Playground and invites young audiences to join Captain Dic Dic and Chang Chang at the Cantonese Opera Playground in Edinburgh. 


Dance & Music Highlights

Grammy award-winning cellist Leah Coloff stars in Super Second Rate, the compelling story of playing alongside music greats like David Bowie and Debbie Harry. Janis: The Story, the Music, the Legend, presented by Rockology Productions Australia, is a rockumentary showcasing Janice Smithers fronting a world-class band as they perform the hits of superstar Janis Joplin. 

Audiences will be transported back in time with iconic tales that have shaped the phenomenal jazz landscape from the 1900s in Divas of Jazz, From Fitzgerald to Jones. Brief Case of Crazy by Skedaddle Theatre Company tells the story of Thomas, a remarkable and unconventional introvert who navigates his way through a 9 to 5 job while admiring his equally shy colleague, Daisy.

There’s the most extensive a cappella line-up at the Fringe, featuring eight of the finest a cappella groups from the UK: Algorhythm, AcadePitch Productions, Steelworks A Cappella, Cadenza, Durham Dynamics, The Rolling Tones, Trinity A Cappella and Perfect Forth.

Charles Pamment, Artistic Director of theSpaceUK, said: “WELCOME to theSpaceUK! The home of award-winning performance and new writing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

“As we celebrate 30 years of bringing work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe it’s with great pleasure that we present our 2024 programme.

“theSpaceUK experience is how this fabulous festival is meant to be seen, every genre of live performance in one spectacular programme. We’re very proud to be known in Edinburgh for presenting new and original work, for harnessing grassroots performance, for identifying that untapped ‘gem’, as well as hosting work from established artists.

“Whether it be at our very stylish Royal Mile venues, the magical Venue 45 where we started our fringe journey all those years ago or our state-of-the-art hub at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, Symposium Hall and theSpaceTriplex, complete with new theatres and garden bars, we look forward to hosting another vast array of exceptional and award-winning work from across the globe.

“Of course, we can’t make any of this happen without the commitment of all who bring shows. It’s to those creatives that we applaud loudly as another August in Edinburgh beckons.”

Westfield Road death: man arrested

A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with assault following the death of a man in Edinburgh.

Officers were called to Westfield Road in the city around 12.55pm yesterday (Friday, 7 June) following concern for a man within a property.

The 53-year-old was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.

Detective Inspector David McAlinden said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing but we are treating this as a contained incident.

“Westfield Road has been closed to allow for investigations to be carried out in the area.

“We know this has had a significant impact on the local community and wider public so we would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.”

‘Sparks Fly’ as Edinburgh welcomes Taylor Swift with civic gift

Taylor Swift is set to receive a civic gift on behalf of the Capital as she takes to the stage at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this weekend.

Edinburgh has heralded the arrival of the global pop sensation by creating a gift hamper celebrating the best of the city and of Scotland.

Contents will include a bespoke Edinburgh 900 Tartan Guitar Strap made by master tailors Kinloch Anderson, whisky courtesy of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and a personalised city itinerary from the Council’s in house destination marketing service, Forever Edinburgh.

It is hoped that the artist will use one of the guitar straps during her performances and sign a second, which would then be auctioned with the proceeds going towards the One City Trust, which combats inequality and social exclusion in Edinburgh.

The exclusive guitar straps, of which only two exist, are inscribed with the text ‘Fàilte chridheil gu Dùn Èideann’ – A heartfelt welcome to Edinburgh.  

 The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge said: “On behalf of the city and people of Edinburgh, I’m delighted to welcome Taylor Swift to Scotland and to Edinburgh.

“These performances are set to be some of the biggest and most spectacular the country has ever seen, with hundreds of thousands of fans attending and tens of millions of pounds set to benefit the local economy.

“Whilst Edinburgh is no stranger to high calibre international events and culture, the fact that the world’s foremost pop superstar has chosen our city to begin the UK leg of her world tour is testament to the global reputation our city commands.

“I’d like to thank Kinloch Anderson for their generous and expert work in designing the Edinburgh 900 tartan, of which several items were fashioned as part of this civic gift. I’d also like to thank all the other local and national companies which contributed to the hamper.

“I’m quite sure this will give Taylor a lasting memory of her time in the country of her ancestors and our beautiful capital city.”

CEO of Kinloch Anderson, John Kinloch Anderson said: “We have always been proud to call Edinburgh our home, and as the city experiences a “Swift” lift, we are happy to have contributed to the celebrations with the Edinburgh 900 Tartan.

“As we all get ready to welcome Taylor, we are thrilled to have collaborated with local businesses to build an all-Scottish hamper, crafting products using this brand-new pattern.”

Full list of items included in Taylor Swift’s civic gift hamper:

  • Exclusive Edinburgh 900 Tartan Guitar Strap by Kinloch Anderson
  • Edinburgh 900 Tartan Cat Bed by Kinloch Anderson
  • Edinburgh 900 Tartan Blanket by Kinloch Anderson
  • Taylor Swift’s personalised 4-day itinerary for Edinburgh by Forever Edinburgh
  • Bottle of Malt Whisky from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
  • A book titled ‘Edinburgh’s Greatest Hits: A Celebration of the Capital’s Music History’
  • Miniature of Edinburgh’s Lind and Lime Gin
  • Taylors Crisps
  • A selection of chocolate by Coco Chocolatier
  • A selection of Tea by Eteaket

For all the latest advice and information on Taylor Swift’s performances please check our dedicated webpage.

Candidates for Edinburgh’s five UK Parliamentary constituencies confirmed

The full list of candidates standing in Edinburgh’s five constituencies for the UK Parliament General Election on 4 July has been confirmed.

Applications closed at 4pm yesterday.

The nominated candidates for each constituency are listed below and on the Council website.

Edinburgh East and Musselburgh:

Scottish Liberal Democrats – DUNDAS, Charles

Independent – GOULD, Jane Mackenzie

Scottish Greens – GRIMM, Amanda Faye

Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MUNRO, Marie-Clair

Scottish Labour Party – MURRAY, Chris

Scottish National Party (SNP) – SHEPPARD, Tommy

Reform UK – WINTON, Derek Steven

Edinburgh North and Leith:

Scottish Liberal Democrats – ANDERSEN, Mike

Scottish National Party (SNP) – BROCK, Deidre

Scottish Family Party – Defending Traditional Values – DEEPNARAIN, Niel

Scottish Labour Party – GILBERT, Tracy

Socialist Labour Party – JACOBSEN, David Don

Reform UK – MELVILLE, Alan Gordon

Scottish Conservative and Unionist – MOWAT, Joanna

Scottish Greens – O’NEILL, Kayleigh Ferguson

Communist Party of Britain – SHILLCOCK, Richard Charles

Independent – WATERLOO, Caroline

Edinburgh South:

Scottish Conservative and Unionist – COWDY, Christopher

Scottish Family Party – Promoting Traditional Values – HOLDEN, Phil

Scottish National Party (SNP) – KUMAR, Simita

Alba Party: Yes to Scottish Independence – LYON, Lynne

Independent – MARTIN, Alex

Scottish Labour Party – MURRAY, Ian

Scottish Greens – PHILLIPS, JO

Reform UK – ROSE, Cameron

Independent – ROWBOTHAM, Mark

Scottish Liberal Democrats – WILLIAMSON, Andy

Edinburgh South West:

Scottish Labour Party – ARTHUR, Scott

Scottish National Party (SNP) – CHERRY, Joanna

Reform UK – HARPER, Ian

Scottish Greens – HEAP, Dan

Scottish Family Party – LUCAS, Richard Crewe

Scottish Conservative and Unionist – WEBBER, Sue

Independent – WILKINSON, Marc Richard

Scottish Liberal Democrats – WILSON, Bruce Roy

Edinburgh West:

Scottish Labour Party – DAVIDSON, Michael Colin

Independent – HENRY, David

Independent – HORNIG, Nick

Scottish National Party (SNP) – HYSLOP, Euan

Reform UK – INGLIS, Otto

Scottish Liberal Democrats – JARDINE, Christine Anne

Scottish Libertarian Party – LAIRD, Tam

Scottish Greens – PUCHOWSKI, James Konrad

Scottish Conservative and Unionist – SHIELDS, Alastair

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Andrew Kerr said: “Today marks one step closer to the Capital going to the polls, and we now crucially know who our residents will have the opportunity to vote for on 4 July.  

“We want everyone to be able to exercise their democratic right and vote in this General Election. Due to its timing, we’re expecting increased demand for postal and proxy votes and I’d encourage everyone to make the appropriate arrangements as soon as possible – whether that’s registering to vote, applying for different ways to vote or ensuring they have the correct photo ID.

“I want to thank our colleagues who are working hard to ensure this election runs smoothly and efficiently for the people of Edinburgh.”

Detailed advice on registering to vote, the use of postal and proxy votes and other guidance is available on the Council’s website.

This is the first General Election where voters must show a form of photo identification (ID) to cast their ballot.

A list of approved forms of ID and information on how to obtain a free voter ID are also available on the website.

Drylaw attempted murder: Second man arrested

A second man has been arrested in connection with an attempted murder, which happened in Drylaw’s Groathill Road North.

The incident took place around 2.30pm on Wednesday, 29 May, 2024, and a 41-year-old man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The arrested man, aged 39, is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 June, 2024.

This follows the previous arrest of a 34-year-old in connection with the same incident.

Scottish Ambulance Service to provide emergency provision at Taylor Swift concerts this weekend

The Scottish Ambulance Service will provide emergency provision for one of the biggest concerts to be held in the country – Taylor Swift’s three nights at Murrayfield.

Pop star Swift will perform on June 7, 8 and 9 with all three shows sold out. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to descend on the Capital.

SAS will be present at all three events during the duration of the concerts and on hand to respond to medical incidents and emergencies.

This includes several clinicians on site and Paramedic E Bikes covering the surrounding areas.

SAS CEO Michael Dickson said: ““We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the event.

“However, we’d also like to remind concert goers to keep well hydrated, you’ll need it with all the dancing, think about what you are wearing you will be standing for a long time, be ready for the Scottish weather and bring any medication you normally take.

“If you do feel a bit overwhelmed by it all take a moment, focus on your breathing and if things don’t improve seek help from a member of our staff if required.”

LIFT: Pop-Up Prom Shop at Muirhouse Millennium Centre

WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE – SASSY SAVINGS ALL DAY

Pop up prom shop is now in the base within the Millennium Centre.

Please come along for a look.

We all know how expensive it cost from the dress, makeup and hair to after the party activities.

If you know anyone that is struggling and will benefit from this please send over the information.

Next Wednesday 12th we will have staff/volunteers in the centre to help you with anything for prom.

We have dresses, full suits, shirts, trousers, shoes, bags, jewellery.

Everything you need to make a full prom outfit for your little ones!

Nine years for Edinburgh sex offender

A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for serious sexual offences in the Edinburgh area and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Haydn Edmonds, 37, was sentenced today, Friday, 7 June for a series of crimes, including rape, committed between June 2016 and June 2019.

He was previously found guilty following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Brown said: “The investigation revealed Edmonds to be a manipulative and sexually violent individual who poses a significant risk to women. It is due to the courage of those came forward to report his abuse that he has been held to account for his actions.

“I would urge anyone who has suffered sexual violence to come forward and report it to us, regardless of the passage of time. Working alongside our partner agencies, we will support you through the process, investigate thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.

“Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Venture Scotland new programme

📣We have a programme starting on 24th June! 📣

This opportunity is for anyone aged 16-30 living in the City of Edinburgh experiencing poverty, dealing with unemployment, struggling with mental ill health, feeling socially isolated, or living in challenging circumstances and is keen to make some positive changes in their life.

Venture Scotland’s Journey Programme is a free, 12 week-long personal development programme based in the outdoors.

What to expect:

🌿Regular activity days, like canoeing, gorge-walking, coasteering, hill walking, rock climbing, orienteering, and more.

🌿Regular skills and wellbeing sessions*.

🌿Residential trips to a remote bothy (simple cottage) in the Borders and to our Bothy in the beautiful Glen Etive.

🌿The opportunity to challenge yourself and make positive changes in your life, all in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

🌿Gain skills such as confidence, communication, teamwork, and leadership.

If you are interested and would like to know more, please see our website for more details and for our referral form: https://venturescotland.org.uk/

You can also contact Louisa who is our Outreach and Support Worker via email at louisa.selwood@venturescotland.org.uk ; on Facebook Messenger Louisa Venture Scotland; or phone/text 07535 164 285.

Four jailed for serious organised crime activities in Edinburgh

Four men have been jailed for a total of over 18 years after pleading guilty to being involved in serious organised crime in Edinburgh.

Dale Cleeton, 31, was jailed for seven years, Calvin Begbie, 30, for six years, Fraser Boyd, 51, for three years and Mitchell Whyte, 24, for 32 months.

Cleeton and Begbie were also given Serious Crime Prevention Orders for three years.

They were convicted on Friday, 3 May, 2024 at the High Court in Glasgow and were sentenced there this morning, Friday, 7 June.

Detective Inspector Mark McCullagh, senior investigating officer for the case, said: “These men and their organised crime group were a significant factor in the trade of illegal drugs in Edinburgh and The Lothians.

“They caused nothing but harm in pursuit of their own gain.

“Their activities were uncovered by an intelligence-led operation by specialist officers working in Edinburgh. Disrupting the activities of organised crime groups and making the country an extremely hostile environment for them to operate is one of Police Scotland’s top priorities.

“There is no place for serious organised criminality in our society and, working in partnership with the local communities we serve, law enforcement agencies and the members of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, we will continue our fight against those involved in serious and organised crime to keep our communities safe.”