The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s new Creative Director says bringing the music to ‘life’ and putting the ‘skip’ into the performances are the key aims of his new role as he works towards the 2025 Show – The Heroes Who Made Us.
Taking over the role following the completion of Michael Braithwaite’s three-Show run as the Tattoo’s Creative Director, Alan Lane will be at the helm as the brand celebrates its 75th anniversary next year.
Having spent 20 years working across a variety of outdoor spectaculars and running his own theatre company, Slung Low, Alan has been working closely with the Tattoo team since June in preparation for next year’s performances and wider celebrations.
Speaking of his role and plans for the creative direction of the Tattoo on the latest episode of the Tattoo’s podcast Piping Up, Alan said: “We’re an unbelievable machine, with people doing amazing logistical organisation with real craft and skill. But you can’t make art like that. If you put art into a spreadsheet, you’ll drive yourself mad.
“Picking the song for the bagpipes is not the hard part of the job, it’s more about creating the right environment to do things creatively. Thinking about the folk musicians I’ve been speaking to, they were talking about how a lot of the music we perform was generated by the waulking and the working, so these songs really lived.
“And, like nearly all folk music, they were all passed on by people singing to each other, leading to many beautiful variations. And by knowing this, we have an incredible understanding of what our Show is based on. And the Army codified that music, those bagpipes. Securing it. Forever. But in codifying you lose the skip, so that’s the Show’s job, my job, return the skip. Bring it to life while honouring the tradition.”
Alan grew up with both his father and grandfather in the military and inspired by them became an Army Reservist in 2015. Alan’s experience in the Army Reserve and as creative consultant for the Army Expo 2022 and 2023, will help take Tattoo performances to new dynamic and immersive levels.
He was also co-director of The Awakening in 2023, the opening ceremony of LEEDS 2023 – a year of culture, with the show performed in Headingley Stadium featuring an eclectic mix of dancers, music, and a variety of performances to celebrate the city’s culture.
On plans for next year’s 75th and the Show The Heroes Who Made Us, Alan said: “I got lucky, taking over and having the 75th anniversary. I’ve inherited a really good idea for the performance which is a celebration of all the heroes who made those 75 years possible. That’s not just the performers but also the audience.
“If you take on something as established and loved as the Tattoo, if the first thing you do is honour its roots, I think that will be quite a popular thing to do.
“In this role, you honour and stand on the shoulders of the people who’ve done it before. I didn’t get here because I’m special, I got here because for 75 years beforehand, those people have been brilliant.
“We’re a living, breathing piece of art and of course there’s things a Tattoo performance has to do, but it’s different every year and needs to speak to the moment. It feels like the 75th anniversary is a great point to look at how we got here and reframe our greatest hits.
“People come to see certain things but how do we reframe them? So we have one foot completely understanding its roots and another looking at what it does next, which is when things are at their most thrilling. If you just ask people what they want, you will just have fish and chips every day because you do not know that fajitas exist. Exploring and coming up with things the audience didn’t even know to ask for is why this job exists.”
Alan Lane was speaking on the Tattoo’s Piping Up Podcast, which provides an ‘access all areas’ pass into the creativity and dedication that powers the brand. Listen here.
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188.
Summary of the Society’s work over the past 12 months accompanied by headline findings from surveys
This morning the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society launches its review of the year: an in-depth look at the work it has accomplished over the past 12 months.
With unease caused by a new wave of COVID in early 2022, there was still uncertainty that a fully formed Fringe could take place this August. However, against what felt like impossible odds at times, the Fringe re-emerged in glorious technicolour, with local performers joined by artists from across the UK and 63 nations.
In June, Fringe Society President Phoebe Waller-Bridge launched the Fringe Society’s new vision – to give anyone a stage and everyone a seat. This was followed in August with the announcement of new alumni Patron, Eddie Izzard, who started her career as a street performer on the famous Royal Mile.
As the festival approached,activities to celebrate the Fringe’s 75th anniversary took place, through memories collected from audiences and artists over the years.
The popular street events programme expanded into new areas of Edinburgh’s city centre, with over 3,200 performances taking place, and the Fringe Central participants’ hub opened its doors to over 2,100 arts industry, media, producers and visiting delegations.
Projects such as Fringe Days Out and the Children and Young People ticketing scheme returned as the Society continued with local schools and community groups. These vital initiatives supported children, young people, and those across Edinburgh who might not otherwise get to experience the Fringe.
By the end of August, over 2.2m tickets had been issued, and artists from 63 countries had performed in over 3,400 shows across Edinburgh.
Read the Fringe Society’s full review of the year 2022 at:
Following a year of heightened interest in the Society’s work, today the Society also announce the headline results from a mass feedback project, launched in September.
A significant part of the Society’s annual evaluation is surveying a broad group of stakeholders. This year was no different, with the largest listening drive since 2019. The Society commissioned Scotinform to facilitate surveys to registered artists, audience members, venues, workers, arts industry and media, who combine to create the Fringe ecosystem.
More than 10,000 responses across the surveys were received, with results now being used to support the development of new projects, and to target our future plans. These vital data insights also give us the evidence base we need to advocate for focused support and address some of the challenges identified by the Fringe community.
The positioning of the festival continues to be strong: 76% of audience members agreed that the Fringe is one of the most important cultural eventsin the world. When asked for motivations for attending the 2022 Fringe, respondents cited seeing a variety of events/performances (76%) and enjoying live performance after the pandemic (49%).
Edinburgh’s residents continue to be vital to the festival: 65% feel the Fringe makes the city a better place to live, alongside 75% who feel it makes Edinburgh a better place to visit. With the cost-of-living crisis likely to extend into 2023, 66% of audiences would like ticket offers or discounted tickets, with 91% of Edinburgh residents interested in a discount for EH postcodes.
The live experience continues to be a major motivator, with only 7% agreeing that they would like to see more online shows at the Fringe. As we look ahead to 2023, there is continued optimism from audiences, with 81% of respondents stating they are likely to come to the Fringe in 2023.
Unsurprisingly, following the intense interest in a Fringe app for 2023, 46% of audience respondents said they felt an app would have improved their Fringe experience, with 66% stating they would use an app in the future. This aligned with artist feedback, with 71% stating a Fringe app is very important to them. Work on the 2023 app is already underway and details on its functionality and launch timings will be announced in the new year.
For artists, the Fringe continues to be a core platform for artists’ careers, with 82% of those attending the Fringe for the first time doing so for professional development reasons. For returning Fringe artists, experiencing the Fringe was the biggest motivator, with 82% citing this as the main reason.
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Accommodation continues to be a concern for many performers: 87% of artists felt that affordability of accommodation and living costs will be a barrier to future participation in the Fringe; however 70% of artists said they are still likely to bring a show to the Fringe in the future. Interestingly, 17% of artists did not engage directly with the Society, and as such were not aware of the full offering of services available to them such as Fringe Connect and Fringe Marketplace.
While a small sample of workers responded to their survey, the Society continues to review how we reach and support this group more. Recognising work undertaken in support of the Real Living Wage, 77% of Fringe workers said they were paid on or above this benchmark at this year’s festival. 91% were also satisfied that they had a line manager to seek help from, if and when they needed it.
In addition to the statistical information, Scotinform evaluated free text responses across the surveys. In general, there was an appetite for more information to be shared with all respondents, at more regular points of the year.
Advance detailed information was clearly sought, and as such The Society is refining its communications strategy to ensure first time, and returning artists, have the year-round support they need to attend the Fringe in the future.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “It’s easy to forget how tumultuous this year has been – between Omicron variants, the cost-of-living crisis and de-stabilising world events, it feels miraculous the Fringe happened at all.
“The fact that it did is a testament to the concerted effort and support of a cast of thousands, including artists, audiences, venues, media, staff, volunteers, crew, sponsors, elected officials and the city of Edinburgh itself.
“Improvements can always be made, and the insights and data gained from our recent listening exercise are already being taken forward.
“We recognise that there are ongoing challenges, and our team are working hard behind the scenes to continue to advocate for our artists, and to support audiences as they plan for Fringe 2023.”
From nervous beginnings, and the rewarding elation of performing at the Fringe for the first time, to the butterflies of finding new or everlasting love. The Fringe Society is delighted to share amazing moments gathered from artists and audiences, from the past 75 years of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Anecdotes have been gathered over the last few months and include memories such as the excitement of bumping into a favourite celebrity, to taking inspiration from a performance and setting out on a new career journey.
“I first discovered street performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. I was there for the first Fringe Sunday in 1981 and that’s where I first saw a street band called Pookiesnackenburger (from whom Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell later became STOMP) who played huge gigs on the street. That got me interested in street performing.” Eddie Izzard
“Whilst here I met a guy who was working at the same venue, we hit it off… 19 years later we are married, have two girls, two cats and we both work in the arts and cultural sector in Edinburgh. I would just like to say thank you to the Fringe for positively changing my life.” Sharon May
“I love the unexpected, the chaos, the anarchy of the Fringe. Trying to find your way through the programme knowing that while you’ll see excellent shows, you’ll always miss other great ones; talking to strangers while queuing up about their favourite performances so far and sharing yours; watching the audience and actors mix … All of this with the dramatic and incredibly beautiful backdrop that is Edinburgh, a perfect place for the festival.” Uta Bretsch
“We have attended the Fringe every year since 1998 and it is something of an obsession for us. So much so that we decided to get married there… in secret.”Richard Brownsecret
“Edinburgh Fringe has been a highlight of our summer since we moved to Edinburgh in 2013, an opportunity for our whole family to indulge in culture and the arts together, to dip our toes into new experiences and deep dive into some familiar favourites. Come rain or shine, we pack our rucksacks and disappear into the crowd and into another world of magic and endless possibilities.” Julia Whitaker
“It’s just great being part of it; it’s the biggest arts event in the world. It’s the only place to be in August – the two years I didn’t go at all, I just felt like my friends were having a big party and I decided not to go. I would feel like I was in the wrong place, not being in Edinburgh.” Arthur Smith
“This year will be our 20th visit since first coming up to see our son in a college production. Every time is magical, trying to take in as many diverse shows as we can.”Merlyn Anne Goudie
“There is no place in the world like Edinburgh Fringe in August. The energy is fantastic and you feel alive doing what you love, during the height of summer.”Clare Harrison Mccartney
“To this day I have met lifelong friends and some of the most inspirational people at the Edinburgh Fringe having participated in more than 10 Fringes. The Fringe tests your resolve, your patience, your abilities and your energy. Yet it also rewards you with an amazing experience that will forever leave a mark on your soul.”Paul Perez
Shona McCarthy, CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “It has been an absolute joy to read memories from audiences and artists from across the years, and it is testament to the resilience of this great festival, and all those who have played a part in building it, that it is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
“The stories that have been shared with our team highlight the impact the Fringe can have on inspiring young people, captivating audiences, and being the place to be every August.
“From childhood memories, to the transformational affect the festival has had on artist careers, we thank each person for taking the time to share their favourite Fringe memory.”
We encourage the public, and those performing at this year’s Fringe to share their own memory on social media and tag it #FringeMoments.
This year’s celebration of street performance will feature new locations across the city centre, supported by a new Street Performer Charter, and partnership with TikTok
Today, 22 June, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to launch a revamped and expanded street events offering for 2022, in the festival’s 75th anniversary year.
In addition to the long-established performance areas on the Royal Mile and the Mound Precinct, this year’s street events will also take place at new locations in EastPrinces Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, Multrees Walk, and Cathedral Square outside St James Quarter.
Visitors to the street events will be able to follow a route taking in each of the performance sites following a map within the official printed Fringe programme. The street events will be delivered by Unique Events, who are managing the programme on behalf of the Fringe Society, for the second year.
The return of the street events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate), and Creative Scotland, and the launch follows last week’s announcement of the Fringe Society’s new partnership with TikTok, which supports the expanded street events programme.
With activation planned across these sites, TikTok will provide a ‘taster stage’ in both St Andrew Square and Cathedral Square, where artists from registered Fringe shows can perform short snippets of their shows, giving festivalgoers a free taste of their performance.
TikTok will live stream from these stages, enabling artists to be found by digital audiences from around the world. On the Royal Mile, two new screens will stream the TikTok content, and will also be available free to registered artists to promote their show digitally, via digital posters on the screens.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said: “We are excited to reveal our new and expanded plans for this year’s Street Events, one of the most visible aspects of the Fringe, enjoyed by audiences every year. The new route will allow audiences to meander through Edinburgh’s majestic Old Town and New Town, while enjoying artists in different locations.”
As part of today’s launch, the Fringe Society has also published the Street Performer Charter, a set of values shared by the Fringe Society and the street performing community, as represented by the Street Performers’ Council.
The Charter, which includes commitments from the Fringe Society and street performers, will facilitate fair, open decision making between the two groups. Among its various commitments, the Charter works towards increasing accessibility of street events, taking social responsibility for pay, sustainability goals, and improving health, safety and mental wellbeing among street performers.
Shona McCarthy continued: “I’m incredibly pleased to see the publication of the new Street Events Charter, developed in collaboration with the Fringe Society, and the street performer community.
“The Fringe and street events are within each other’s DNA and part of the cultural heritage of beautiful Edinburgh. This collective step establishes a great template to work more collaboratively at ensuring the Fringe is the best possible version of itself for the next 75 years, both for artists and residents.”
A spokesperson for thestreet performing communitysaid: “The street performer charter marks a new chapter in what we anticipate will be an artist-led street festival for the people of Edinburgh and its many visitors to enjoy.
“We are excited to be working with the Fringe and their partners, to keep alive the long history of street performance that is at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe, as we celebrate 75 years.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “As one of Scotland’s most recognisable cultural assets, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the return of the Fringe street events. It is an integral part of the festival, providing audiences with the chance to connect with performances and get a taste of the Fringe for free.
“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events, and after the challenges of the last two years, now is the time to plan and enjoy experiences like the street events that stir the emotions and elevate your mood.”
James Stafford, Head of Partnerships & Community at TikTok, said: “The Edinburgh Fringe is a unique moment that brings together emerging artists in a celebration of creativity.
“Our partnership places TikTok’s global community at the heart of the iconic festival, and celebrates our joint belief that creativity is for everyone. TikTok is the home of entertainment and creativity and I know our community will welcome the opportunity to discover new artists, collaborate, and be inspired.”
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter is a welcoming cultural and lifestyle hub for art, culture and fashion and we’re passionate about supporting Edinburgh’s world-renowned cultural offering and its vibrant events calendar.
“It’s a privilege to be working with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and we look forward to hosting some of the amazing street events on Cathedral Square.”
Family of the first British soldier to land on Guernsey soil after the liberation of the island tell his story ahead of the VE day anniversary celebrations.
Family were due to travel from all corners of the UK to Guernsey for the 75th anniversary celebrations in 2020 but are attending this year instead.
Sargent-Major Robert Shaw who was born in September 1915 in Springburn, Glasgow, was the first British soldier to land on Guernsey soil after the liberation of the island from the German occupation at the end of the second world war on 9 May 1945.
Shaw was part of the Task Force 135, the British Military Contingent that liberated the island as part of the operation Nestegg exercise.
To honour his memory, Shaw’s three children and 4 grandchildren will be travelling from Scotland to Jersey and Guernsey this weekend to attend the postponed VE Day celebrations on Monday 9th May. The family were set to visit and attend the 75th anniversary celebrations in 2020 however this was cancelled due to Covid.
Sargent-Major Shaw of the REME unit was on the first ship that came into L’Ancresse Bay to liberate the island in 1945 and Mr Shaw was the first to disembark, riding off on the landing craft on a motorcycle followed by a number of armoured vehicles.
Mr Shaw “met no opposition whatsoever except for the mobbing of the soldiers by the hilariously enthusiastic population”.
The first person he met was a local boy called John Rault who was cycling on the right hand side of the road. Mr Shaw stopped the little boy and told him to “cycle on the British side of the road which was the left hand side” as he was worried the little boy would be knocked over by the other vehicles behind him.
Forty seven years later in 1992, Mr Shaw visited Guernsey from Scotland again to receive commemorative Liberation medallions with a number of other war veterans.
After the local newspaper printed his story, the very same little boy, now an adult, Mr Rault read about the event in the local paper and remembered it and contacted Mr Shaw at the hotel he was staying in.
The two met up, reconnected and re-told the story and stayed in touch until Mr Shaw passed away in 2005 aged 89.
While Mr Shaw’s REME were in Guernsey they used a local garage called ‘Ash’s Garage’ for the repair of vehicles. He himself was a trained motor mechanic and told a local newspaper in 1992 “The British officers were anxious to get use of German cars while stationed on the island”.
Mr Shaw was interested to see how vehicles had been converted to charcoal burning units to overcome the shortage of petrol. During his post-war stay, Mr Shaw worked with German troops who were needed to help in the garage. He also visited the islands of Jersey and Sark and he also met the Dame of Sark at the time.
Robert Shaw went on to marry an English wartime nurse called Esme Collinson and started a family in Glasgow, where he lived until he died.
His son, retired Motor Retail Group Director Martin Shaw said: “My father was so proud of being part of such a historic moment in liberating the island of Guernsey after the war.
“He talked about this moment throughout his whole life and he was thrilled to be invited back in 1992 to receive an official commemorative medallion with 170 surviving veterans of Task Force 135. The fact he managed to reconnect with the very little boy he stopped all those years ago was just magical for him.
“Visiting Guernsey as a family in his memory this year will be such a special moment for us to be together and remember all those that fought with him in the war.”
The Shaw family would love to reconnect with Mr Rault’s family if they are still based on the island this weekend to continue the family relationship.
Over 790 shows now available to browse online, with more to be announced monthly in the lead up to the Fringe’s 75th anniversary this August
Today, Thursday 07 April, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce that tickets for a further 513 Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows are now available to browse and book atedfringe.com.
This is the second set of tickets to be released for 2022, with the first 283 shows revealed in March.
In total, there are 796 shows now available, with more set to be announced on Thursday 05 May and Thursday 09 June. The official programme launch will take place on Thursday 07 July.
The 75th anniversary of the Fringe takes place from 5th – 29th August 2022 and will feature an exciting range of shows, with theatre, comedy, music, dance, circus, musicals, variety, cabaret, events and more all featured in the programme so far.
Below is a small representative sample of shows available to book from today. The full list of shows released so far can be found at edfringe.com.
Theatre
At Pleasance, Today I Killed My Very First Bird follows a South-East London gangster who starts to lose his grip on reality when he’s forced to look back on his traumatic childhood. Theatre Royal Plymouth co-produce this “unflinching new play based on lived experience”.
In a world first, Irvine Welsh’s Porno has been adapted for the stage. 15 years after Trainspotting, what has become of Renton, Sickboy, Spud and Begbie?
Fills Monkey: We Will Drum You “blends pure joy and comedy with extraordinary musicianship, as two drummers fuse musical styles from rock to heavy metal, and Latin to jazz”.
And in Charlie Russell Aims to Please, Charlie wants to do a show in Edinburgh, and so attempts to “please absolutely everyone by trying to hit as many solo Fringe show tropes and styles as possible within an hour”.
At Gilded Balloon,Swallowed follows a young couple who are separated by an outbreak they cannot speak of. “Desire to connect meets fear of touch”. From emerging Scottish company, Frizz Theatre.
Eve: All About Her sees award-winning actor and cabaret artist Keith Ramsay “fuse spoken word and live music to deconstruct the concept of camp and queer mythology for a post-Stonewall generation”.
After a run in 2021, 1902 returns to Leith Arches. The multi award-winning work from Saltire Sky “takes an access-all-areas approach to working-class life in Scotland as we follow four young wannabe football hooligans in their quest to see Hibs win the Scottish Cup Final”.
At theSpaceUK, Beneath is “a dark and absurd commentary on the effects of climate change”. Four people are trapped under 100 metres of water after an environmental catastrophe. After months of just surviving, each character is forced to examine what their options are and what their futures hold.
And Hiya Dolly! is “the true story of how a cute, attention-seeking lamb became the most famous sheep in history – the world’s first cloned mammal.”
Les Dawson: Flying High is at Assembly. Jon Culshaw stars in in this new play from BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning writer Tim Whitnall and director Bob Golding. “Join Les as he summons forth a wealth of characters and incidents from his eventful life and career.”
Marrow follows a queer artist, who when “forced within the confines of his fabulous mind, takes a euphoric journey to heal”.
She Wolf is a winner of the 2022 Assembly ART Award and the Alpine Fellowship Theatre Prize. It’s a fierce, ferocious monologue “about getting f*cked over and fighting your way back”. Spoken by a woman hiding out at the zoo, this show “tears open questions of gender and class in a capitalist world”.
Sandcastles by Steve McMahon “depicts the tumultuous lifelong friendship of millennials Hannah and Beth”. An Assembly ART Award-winning piece from Brite Theater.
Destiny is at Underbelly. “Destiny dreams big… If J-Lo can make it out of the Bronx, then Destiny can make it off the Hill Rise estate.” A recipient of the Pleasance 2021 National Partnerships Award with Bristol Old Vic Ferment, this work follows a teenage girl growing up on a Chippenham council estate.
The Sian Clarke Experience is “an ode to every man who has belittled her, made her feel unsafe, objectified her, told her she can’t be funny, called her a slut, told her to smile more… a dark, twisted comedic piece full of aggression and discomfort, examining the constraints of a woman biting back.”
Lightweight is “the true story of a complicated young woman’s attempts to survive anorexia and maintain a debilitatingly positive attitude in post-9/11 New York City”. Winner of Best Festival Debut at United Solo Festival 2021, New York City.
The B Collective returns with their high-octane show, Murder Ballads, adapted from the album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. “Explosive gig-theatre meets dark comedy cabaret as four actor-musicians invite you to O’Malley’s Bar in the town of Millhaven, 1882, in the wildest part of the old Wild West”.
At Greenside, Almost 13 is a solo drama about a young girl “surviving a hot, violent summer in Brooklyn”. Can she endure being caught between a disintegrating working-class family at home and racial violence on the streets? Award-winning theatre artist Joan Kane plays all 10 colourful Brooklynites.
And the one-woman show Caitlin is based on Dylan Thomas’s wife Caitlin Macnamara, as she tells the story of her “unfulfilled ambitions”, and her “booze-fuelled, infidelity-riddled marriage to poet”.
Comedy
Monkey Barrel have a roster of stand-up this year, including Catherine Bohart’s “blisteringly funny new stand-up show filled with horrendous life advice, cheery nihilism and reluctant self-discovery.”
Taskmaster winner and co-host of Dave’s Unforgivable Lou Sanders is “tour fresh and still yakking away… is this show the real vaccine?”
Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Sofie Hagen presents Fat Jokes: a show bursting with big jokes and fat punchlines.
And Liam Withnail returns with a new show, on the back of winning Amused Moose’s Outstanding Show Award in 2019.
Plus, Glasgow comedian Christopher Macarthur- Boyd is back, exploring “the end of the world and Italian food”.
The Stand is home to Omid Djalili. “After experimental Zoom gigs where he got muted by 639 people… the multi award-winning comedian and actor is now where he belongs, on a stage.”
Paul Sinha is back on tour and appearing at the Fringe. Audiences can “expect jokes and surprises” from the quizzer, comedian and broadcaster.
Meanwhile, Flat and the Curves sees “hilarious divas perform original songs exploring sex, scandal and sisterhood”.
Frankie Boyle is at Assembly with “ashow largely about politics, satirising whichever new leaders emerge from the irradiated rubble.”
For Nish Kumar, who returns with a new show, “it has been a period of upheaval and uncertainty with COVID and the political situation.” He promises we’ll be “amazed by his capacity to somehow take all these things personally.”
Julia Masil is appearing with “a debut solo comedy hour from the legs behind the sell-out hit show Legs. In this absurd homage to migration, a hungry clown from an Eastern European village voyages to America for a hot dog.”
And after his last Fringe appearance, Rich Hall “had to step away from Edinburgh and consider how to be less devastatingly funny.” In this return, he promises “to dial it back just a little”.
At Gilded Balloon, Best Newcomer nominee Maisie Adam has a brand-new show for 2022, Buzzed, “rammed with witty observations, high-octane energy and some right good jokes.”
Comedy magician Pete Firman returns to the Fringe with a new show. “Expect Pete’s trademark blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and jaw-dropping magic”.
And legendary fox Basil Brush has a brand-new show for the adults, following his sold-out 2019 Fringe debut. “The national treasure will bring more anarchy to the festival, featuring different guests daily.”
At Pleasance, Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle is “a new solo spectacular predicted to spiral into chaos as Mind Mangler attempts to read your mind.”
And in Mischief Movie Night, audiences are promised “an improvised movie live on stage”. Every show is different.
Daniel Sloss is at Just the Tonic and is doing a run of shows to work up some new material for his next tour.
Tom Stade is “trying to remember what was important before responsibility and fear got in the way” in his show.
Underbelly is home to Paul Foot, in which “Paul opens his beak and explores topics including Nanna on the rack, murdering Santas and interfering ambulance drivers.”
Jason Byrne recently lost his father, Paddy Byrne. In this one-man play, Jason brings his dad’s life to the stage, “keeping him alive in stories full of laughter and tears”.
In A Problem Shared, Myra DuBois “steps away from the songs and dedicates her attention to the dying art of conversation”.
Drunk Women Solving Crime returns to the Fringe. “This is a true crime podcast with a twist… of lime. Each episode sees the boozed-up panel of writer / comedian hosts Hannah George, Catie Wilkins and Taylor Glenn welcome a top guest to test out their drunk detective skills and solve true crime cases.”
The Scottish Comedy Festival has a host of Scottish stand-up, including five-time Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist Ross Leslie and a set from Gary Little on “life, relationships, the world!”
Laughing Horse is home to Nathan Cassidy, who presents “stand-up comedy on the death of the planet, the neglect of our leaders and the shield of blame from ourselves.”
PBH’s Free Fringe features Palindrome Fight!, which comprises five panelists, three audience suggestions, and thirty minutes of lurid palindrome history and standup comedy.
Music
Catch The Tiger Lillies at Underbelly. After years away touring the world, the “Olivier Award-winning godfathers of alternative cabaret celebrate their 30th anniversary with a triumphant return to the Fringe”.
Scottish/Danish folk duo The Quiggs are back at Acoustic Music Centre for an hour of folksong and fine singing.
Dougie Mackenzie and Brian Miller are performing together. Dougie is a traditional singer, drawn to Scots ballad language. Brian is a Scottish singer and guitarist.
Massaoke is back at Assembly. Join the house band, Rockstar Weekend, on “a euphoric, spandex-clad journey through the greatest smash hits of all time, accompanied by giant video lyrics and the whole crowd singing together”.
At Pleasance, Shona the Musical Choir is an African/Scottish group presenting original songs from African composer/playwright Neo Vilakazi. “Inspired by historical events around the Shona tribe in Africa and [the] socio-political turmoil of Robert Mugabe’s rule of Zimbabwe.”
Cabaret and Variety
Fascinating Aida are at Assembly. Their latest show is “jam-packed with hilarious songs (old and new), outrageous humour and an elegant charm that belies the biting satire and their potty mouths.”
In Soulful Magic, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Magical Bones returns to the Fringe, with a “brand-new hour of the most awe-inspiring and high-energy magic you’ll see this year.”
Following its sold-out 2019 Fringe premiere, the award-winning An Evening Without Kate Bush returns.Sarah-Louise Young and Russell Lucas “pay glorious homage to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in music”.
La Clique are returning to the Fringe, with shows at Underbelly. A decade on from winning the Best Entertainment Olivier Award, this show “promises to be a night of laughs, gasps, naughtiness and the best in international cabaret”.
In More Jewish Chronicles (and Other Musical Stories), multi award-winning musical storyteller Daniel Cainer performs another collection of story-songs, following six off-Broadway runs and 15 Edinburgh Fringes.
PBH’s Free Fringe is home to Caspar Thomas: Sleight of Handkerchief. Having had plenty of time to practice, Caspar returns to the Fringe with a brand-new magic show.
Plus, Ash Pryce’s latest show features paranormal illusions, spooky magic and ghostly goings in the underground vaults of Edinburgh.
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus
Railed is at Assembly. From the creators of Elixir (winner of Best Circus and Physical Theatre award at Adelaide Fringe 2018), “Railed is a western-themed circus spectacular, combining trademark physical talents, finely chiselled bodies and hilarious comic timing.”
International theatre-makers Same Same Collective are bringing drop dead gorgeous, which “combines movement, clowning and a whole lot of fruit.” Expect “intersectional, irreverent theatre, loosely based on Yukio Mishima’s Book of Anti-Chaste Wisdom”.
Circus Abyssinia: Tulu is at Underbelly Circus Hub. “Celebrating the first African woman to win Olympic gold, this showcase is inspired by the true tale of an Ethiopian icon, Derartu Tulu”. It promises “awe-inspiring acrobatics and mesmerising fire juggling with a rocking, exuberant soundtrack.”
At theSpaceUK, SMACK & Spektakel offers “an adventurous double bill of dance, refreshing the commentary on the empowered female body, while questioning the relationship between performance and identity”.
Children’s shows
At Pleasance, catch Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids. World record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo has performed around the world with the likes of Bjork, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental. Here, Shlomo is “back on his mission to empower the next generation of superstar beatboxers to find their true voice, no matter who they are”.
Clowntown In Space @theSpace is at theSpaceUK. Canada’s award-winning clown band sparks the imagination in this space-themed show. “Full of live music, catchy singalongs, fun adventures and interactive comedy”.
Prehysterical is at Assembly. “A hilarious circus show for children and parents of all ages, following three foolish Neanderthals as they struggle to survive the harsh natural world.”
Meanwhile, Brotipo is “crazy Canadian circus for the young, premiering in Edinburgh after visiting 16 countries”. Watch as “two clowns touch the hearts of the audience and make them laugh through their quarrels, their acrobatics and their lonely moments.”
At Gilded Balloon, catch The Dark Room For Kids. You and your family are stuck inside a live-action video game! How will you escape? “An interactive adventure featuring terrible prizes and total mayhem.”
Fruit Flies Like a Banana: Kids! sees “music, theatre, dance and circus collide in this variety show where you choose the show order”.
In There’s Nothing Quite Like Spaghetti Bolognese!, join Penny “for an unforgettable dinner in this show that is fun for all the family. A piping-hot piece of brand-new children’s theatre that asks the question: Should you play with your food?”
Musicals
At theSpaceUK, Flesh is a “fast, furious and funny rock musical that takes a wry take on the story of Burke and Hare – Irish navvies induced by the Edinburgh medical elite to turn their hands to murdering for profit.”
And in About New Year’s Eve, “minutes before the clock strikes 12, a group of friends rediscover themselves and their goals for the new year.” This show “offers audiences a joyful and dramatic exploration of life through the eyes of young adults.”
Leading Lothians wellbeing charity, Thistle, celebrated it’s 75th anniversary with a special community event hosted at the Thistle Centre of Wellbeing in Craigmillar.
