Tag: McEwan Hall

Edinburgh International Book Festival announces expanded The Front List series for 2025

Featuring iconic authors, international voices, and critical political commentators, alongside figures from sports and entertainment

  • The Front List, in partnership with Underbelly, expanded to 14 events, including two for schools
  • Line-up gives the first taste of the range of voices and opinions represented in the wider 2025 programme, yet to be announced
  • Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launches her highly anticipated memoir, Frankly
  • Literary luminaries Maggie O’Farrell, Ian McEwan, R.F. Kuang, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Asako Yuzuki appear
  • Political insights on offer from Ta-Nehisi Coates, Anne Applebaum, Edward Wong, and Alexei Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya
  • Two special Schools Edition events with Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Laura Bates
  • £5 tickets available across all events for those in receipt of income benefits
  • Tickets on sale to the public at 10 am on Tuesday 6 May

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is delighted to announce the second year of The Front List, in partnership with Underbelly. Taking place at the beautiful McEwan Hall, next to the Festival’s main venue at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, this year’s The Front List is expanded to 14 events, following the huge popularity of 2024’s inaugural series, including many audience members who were attending a Book Festival event for the very first time.

Together, the events represent the breadth and diversity of the Book Festival’s full line-up of 600+ events, to be announced on Tuesday 10 June, with voices from across the UK, America, Japan, Russia, and Nigeria taking to the stage.

We are thrilled to be launching Frankly, the highly anticipated memoir from Scotland’s first female – and longest-serving – First Minister, as Nicola Sturgeon shares the story of her journey from shy, working-class child to one of our country’s most significant political leaders.

We’re joined by acclaimed and international writers, speaking about their careers and works. The luminous Maggie O’Farrell celebrates 25 years of creativity since her debut publication, and Ian McEwan looks back over his remarkable body of work and forward to what comes next. 

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie proves to be well worth the wait as she delves into the story and decade-long process behind her new novel Dream Count, Yellowface author R F Kuang unveils Katabasis, her thrilling new title about a rescue mission to the Underworld, and breakthrough writer, and winner of the 2024 Waterstones Book of the Year, Asako Yuzuki, tells us about Butter – the book that took the world by storm, and changed her life completely.

With the Trump administration continuing to unravel the last 70 years of established world order with breathtaking speed, essential political insight comes from The Atlantic columnist and author

Anne Applebaum and New York Times Diplomatic Correspondent Edward Wong, who together take on recent seismic political shifts and explore whether democracy can ever be truly protected. Elsewhere, journalist and activist Ta-Nehisi Coates explores the widening gulf between the myth and reality of modern America, on both a personal and international level.

Poignantly, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in a Russian prison last year, speaks about her late husband’s courageous work, Patriot, and continuing his crucial activism.

Movie fans won’t want to miss the UK’s favourite film critic, Mark Kermode, who brings us the first edition of his energetic MK3D show (a frequent sell-out of the British Film Institute’s programme) outside London, previewing upcoming releases and revelling in the Golden Age of Cinema alongside very special guests including Succession patriarch, Brian Cox.

No one knows better the pleasure (and, unfortunately, immense pain) of being a dedicated fan of Scotland’s national football team than sporting legend Ally McCoist, who joins us to discuss Dear Scotland: On the Road with the Tartan Army. And Gavin and Stacey co-creator and writer Ruth Jones lets us into the secrets of her writing craft, and her tender new novel, By Your Side.

The line-up is completed by two very special The Front List: Schools Edition events with

Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Steven Lenton, who’ll take pupils in P4-6 on a globetrotting adventure complete with draw-along, and Laura Bates reimagines the story of King Arthur, Excalibur and the Round Table with a magical twist for pupils in S3-6, as part of our 2025 Schools Programme.

As well as buying tickets, bookers can also treat themselves to pre-ordering books for most The Front List events, including the first chance to get their hands on Nicola Sturgeon’s Frankly, and Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound.

To ensure these events remain accessible in times of great economic pressure, under-30s can purchase tickets at just £14 and £5 tickets are available to those in receipt of governmental income benefits.

Jenny Niven, Director and CEO, Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We are thrilled to be returning to the beautiful McEwan Hall, and expanding our partnership with Underbelly to present 14 The Front List events in 2025.

“At this challenging moment in history and politics, we’ll be offering a comprehensively informed and critical eye on international affairs, and also the chance to escape them through the work of some of the world’s foremost fiction writers, entertainment, and sporting figures.

“There’s plenty more to come in our full programme announcement, but we hope our line-up for The Front List offers a delicious taster of what you can expect from this year’s Book Festival.”

Underbelly Site Photography

Marina Dixon, Head of Programming, Underbelly, said: “”Underbelly’s partnership with the Book Festival continues to bring some of the most vital, thought-provoking voices of our time to the heart of the city and the festival season and so we’re absolutely delighted to welcome back The Front List.

“At Underbelly, we’re passionate about creating space for bold ideas and unexpected conversations—and The Front List does exactly that. It’s a real joy to be working together again on a programme that feels urgent, alive, and connected to the spirit of the Festival.”

Tickets for The Front List events go on sale to the public at 10 am on Tuesday 6 May, and are available at edbookfest.co.uk.

Full listings for The Front List events:

Tues 12 Aug, 13.30 – Ruth Jones

Wed 13 Aug, 13.30 – Mark Kermode

Thu 14 Aug, 13.30 – Nicola Sturgeon

Fri 15 Aug, 13.30 – Maggie O’Farrell [Sponsored by the National Library of Scotland]

Sat 16 Aug, 13.30 – Ta-Nehisi Coates [Sponsored by the University of Edinburgh]

Sun 17 Aug, 13.30 – Anne Applebaum & Edward Wong [Supported by the Turtleton Charitable Trust]

Mon 18 Aug, 13.30 – Ally McCoist [Sponsored by Digby Brown]

Tues 19 Aug, 13.30 – Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieWed

20 Aug, 13.30 – Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Steven Lenton [Schools Edition]

Thu 21 Aug, 13.30 – Laura Bates [Schools Edition]

Fri 22 Aug, 13.30 – Yulia Navalnya

Sat 23 Aug, 13.30 – Asako Yuzuki

Sun 24 Aug, 13.30 – Ian McEwan

Sun 24 Aug, 19.30 – R F Kuang

All events take place at McEwan Hall, Teviot Pl, Edinburgh EH8 9AG.

Tickets for The Front List at McEwan Hall go on public sale at 10am (BST) on Tuesday 6 May 2025 at https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/

Comedy legends raise over £28,000 at Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit

Sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit brings the total amount raised for The Brain Tumour Charity to over £138,000

Comedy stars Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhill, Takashi Wakasugi and James Roque came together last night (Tuesday 13th August) in support of a special charity benefit at McEwan Hall.

The one-night-only show returned for its sixth year to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity – the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. 

It has been announced today {Wednesday 14th Aug] that the 2024 Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised almost £15,000.  (UPDATE -Thursday 15th: That total has risen to £28,000!) All the money raised will go to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very close to Underbelly’s heart. The annual show was inspired by seven-year-old Alfie Bartlam, son of Underbelly Director Ed and his wife Lucinda, who died of a brain tumour in 2019.

100% of the ticket income goes straight to The Brain Tumour Charity. This and an additional £1,541 in donations brought the total raised on the night to £14,428.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder, said: “A huge thank you to the amazing performers from last night, to the incredible audience members, and to everyone who contributed through our JustGiving page. Your support means so much to us. 

“Underbelly is so proud to have raised £14,428 from last night’s show, with all box office income going directly to The Brain Tumour Charity and our specific fund to support an incredibly exciting paediatric brain tumour research and treatment project. Our goal is to raise £1.5 million by 2025 for this project.

“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is an important part of that.”

Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are so proud to partner with Underbelly for the 6th Big Brain Tumour Benefit and are grateful for their continued support and loyalty.

“The event is a much-loved part of the fringe, and it is wonderful to see the support received from the comedians, audience members and the brilliant Underbelly team.  

“Partnerships like these are so important in helping us raise vital funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of a brain tumour. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and they reduce life expectancy by 27 years, the highest of any cancer and this must change.

“The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts with a goal of doubling survival rates and halving the harm that brain tumours have on the quality of life – and it is only through the support from so many people like Ed, Charlie and the brilliant Underbelly team that we can strive towards those goals.

“It’s fantastic that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit has returned this year and has been able to raise £14,428. Thank you all for your incredible support.”

Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. 

Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries.

To further support the Brain Tumour Charity, please visit its Better Safe Than Tumour campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of a brain tumour to improve early diagnosis times. 

Anyone who would like to contribute to this important cause, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/underbellysbigbraintumourbenefit2024

Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is a one-night-only show. For more information on the wider programme for the remainder of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, please visit the website here. 

Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes and more big names join the line up for Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit

Tuesday 13 August, 7.20pm at McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square

  • So far, Underbelly has raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity from these benefits alone, including nearly £20,000 at the last Fringe benefit in 2023.
  • Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhill are confirmed to appear in this year’s show with more guests to be announced soon. 
  • The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. Alfie sadly died, aged 7, in August 2019.
  • Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is more underfunded compared to many other cancers.

Underbelly has today (9th August) announced its much-anticipated line-up for the sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit in the majestic McEwan Hall. 100% of the box office income is being donated directly to The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

Starring in this year’s show will be:

  • Irish comedy legend Dara Ó Briain
  • King of the one-liners Milton Jones
  • Kiwi Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner and tv actress Rose Matafeo
  • UK tv star and stand up comedian Angela Barnes
  • 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee and BBC Radio 4’s  Ian Smith
  • Indian comedy super star Kanan Gill
  • Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Amy Gledhill
  • And our MC will be Fringe favourite Carl Donnelly

All money raised via ticket sales and in donations on the night goes to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very close to Underbelly’s heart. Co-Founder of Underbelly, Ed Bartlam’s, son Alfie was just 4 years old when he was diagnosed with a form of aggressive brain cancer in 2016 and sadly died three days after the end of the Fringe in 2019.

Research into brain tumours is significantly underfunded in the UK compared to other cancers, despite being the leading cancer killer for those under 40. Each year, over 11,400 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour – meaning 31 families face the devastation of this diagnosis every day.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I’m delighted that we are announcing another superb line up for Underbelly’s sixthBig Brain Tumour Benefit show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

“We have raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity since our first show in 2017, and we cannot thank both the comedians and the audiences enough for their support so far.

“My wife and I are raising £1.5M for the charity to fund a specific paediatric brain tumour research and new treatment project based in Cambridge.

“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is a vital part of that. Call me biased, but this show is an amazing evening of comedy for the very best of causes. So please buy a ticket!”

Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are thrilled that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit comedy gig is returning this year, for its sixth show, and we are incredibly grateful for our amazing partners, Underbelly, for their ongoing support in raising crucial funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of brain tumours.

“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.

“We can only work towards our goal of helping people with a brain tumour live longer and better lives with the support from people like Ed, Charlie and the truly incredible Underbelly team.”

To book tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit, please visit:

https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/underbellys-big-brain-tumour-benefit-2024

Anton Du Beke announces a limited run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Anton du Beke, one of the country’s best-loved and most accomplished entertainers, has announced a special, limited run at the Underbelly’s McEwan Hall at the Edinburgh Fringe from 23rd – 28th August.

The one-hour show, An Afternoon with Anton du Beke, will see Anton joined by singer, Lance Ellington, as well as a live band and a company of dancers to create an afternoon filled with song, dance and a lot of laughter. 

Anton will share some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from across his career, including some memorable moments from the last twenty series of Strictly Come Dancing which saw him become a household name.

With his inimitable quick wit, he’ll respond to questions from the audience, as well as performing some of his favourite songs and enthrall audiences with the glittering dancing that he has become synonymous with.

Anton said: “Performing at The Edinburgh Fringe has long been an ambition of mine and I am absolutely thrilled to be there this year – it’s a dream come true and it’s going to be really special.

“We’ve been warming up for you with our countrywide tour earlier this year and together with Lance, our amazing musicians and dancers, we are going to create a truly unforgettable experience for Edinburgh. 

“It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration full of laughter, music and dance – it’s the perfect way to spend an hour in the afternoon – come and have some fun!”

Tickets are now available for purchase exclusively through the Underbelly website – underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/an-afternoon-with-anton-du-beke

The nation’s favourite TV judge, NTA winner Anton Du Beke, best known for his charismatic performances on the hit BBC show, will be joined by Lance Ellington, an acclaimed vocalist known for his soulful voice and dynamic stage presence.

Lance has been a regular featured vocalist on Strictly Come Dancing for over a decade, and his powerful performances have captivated audiences worldwide. He has worked with many of the world’s top recording artists, including Sting, Michael Jackson and Tina Turner, as well as performing at London’s famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club many times.

Together, Anton and Lance are set to create a spellbinding experience for audiences, with their combined talents and electrifying stage presence.

AN AFTERNOON WITH ANTON DU BEKE at the Edinburgh Fringe will also feature a live band whose credits range from working on West End shows, to performing with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, to recording and performing with international artists such as Dame Shirley Bassey, Andrea Bocelli, Queen and more!

Underbelly’s Head of Programming, Marina Dixon, said, “We are beyond delighted to have Anton and his team join us for six special shows this August. 

“The show, featuring comedy, dancing, incredible live music, all told through the eyes of Strictly Come Dancing legend, Anton Du Beke, promises to be an afternoon out to remember. We hope you can join us.”

As well as the special Edinburgh Fringe performances, the tour also visit several cities across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff, among others.

LISTINGS                                         

AN AFTERNOON WITH ANTON DU BEKE & FRIENDS

Underbelly, Bristo Square (McEwan Hall)
13:30 (65 mins)
Aug 23-28 (£24.00 / £22.00 concession)
Genre: Cabaret and Variety, Dance, Comedy

Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, takes to the stage with his with his live band, a guest singer and his dancers; expect a fab-u-lous afternoon of song, dance and laughter.

Performing some of his favourite songs and dances that have inspired his career throughout his life, expect behind the scenes stories from his time on Strictly that will have you laughing out loud.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to get up close and personal with the King of the ballroom!

Tickets are on sale now – underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/an-afternoon-with-anton-du-beke

Underbelly Social Media
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/underbellyedinburgh
Twitter: www.twitter.com/FollowTheCow
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/underbellyedinburgh

For more information about AN EVENING WITH ANTON DU BEKE, including tour dates, venues, and ticketing details, visit www.antontour.com

Hundreds of students honoured at Edinburgh College Graduation

More than 750 students gathered at the McEwan Hall for a day of celebration at Edinburgh College’s annual Graduation ceremony on Friday 30 September.

Students were joined by over 3,000 proud family members and friends who watched as their loved ones crossed the McEwan Hall stage to receive their certificates of achievement.

Graduates from across the College’s curriculum were honoured during three ceremonies throughout the day, graduating in subjects across each of the College’s faculties: Health, Wellbeing and Social Science; Tourism, Hospitality and Business; Engineering and Built Environment; and Creative Industries.

Across the three ceremonies, the College’s best-performing students were also commended by Principal Audrey Cumberford, receiving awards for academic excellence. Prizes were also awarded on behalf of the Edinburgh College Board of Management to students who have exceeded expectations throughout their College journey. 

In addition, around 20 members of College teaching staff were also presented with professional development awards during the ceremonies – celebrating the wealth of CPD opportunities available to staff to support them in their role of educating more than 28,000 students each year. 

Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Graduation is the highlight of the year and a wonderful occasion which signifies the culmination of all of our students’ hard work and commitment throughout their time with us at the College. 

“It’s been a challenging couple of years for our College community and so frustrating that we’ve not been able to host our in-person events during this time, which is why we were so delighted to be able to celebrate our graduates at an in-person ceremony in the stunning McEwan Hall once again this year.

“The class of 2022 have persevered through difficult times and have shown an enormous amount of determination throughout their studies which will stand them in good stead for whatever they choose to do next.

“On behalf of the College’s governing body, management team, tutors and support staff, I would like to congratulate all of them on their success and wish them the very best for the future as they progress in their further studies and chosen careers.

“Well done to our class of 2022.”

FREE PANEL: ‘Illegal’ Edinburgh Shows & Index on Censorship Discuss Global Threat to Arts

++++ MEETING POSTPONED ++++

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED AND WILL NOW TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK. FURTHER DETAILS WILL FOLLOW.

On Monday (08 August), 11.20am-12.20pm a free panel at Underbelly’s Friesian Theatre, McEwan Hall, will discuss the issue of producing theatre and art under the rising threat of censorship, with three international grassroot theatre companies to share their personal experiences.

Index on Censorship are partnering for the event, with moderator Nik Williams to give a global perspective on arts censorship.

Panellists include Max Percy and Natalie Chan with their Untapped Award winning show This is Not a Show About Hong Kong, a visually stunning piece of dance theatre which explores the blanket censorship trigged by the imposition of the Chinese government’s National Security Bill in Hong Kong. If the show were to be performed in Hong Kong performances could be summarily banned, and Max & Natalie could face a minimum five years in prison.

Davinia Hamilton and Sam Edmunds of Blanket Ban (also an Untapped Award winner)will be on the panel to discuss their multimedia, docu-theatre show which explores the blanket ban on abortion in Malta and features video testimony of Maltese women who have had abortions.

Of course hauntingly timely in the wake of overturning of Roe V Wade in USA which has caused a seismic shift in the conversation surrounding abortion rights worldwide. Again, if this play were to be performed in Malta, the creative team could face prosecution.

Finally Rhum + Clay’s Julian Spooner and Syrian composer Khaled Kurbeh of Project Dictator will contribute to the panel.

Their shows follows two clowns performing a show amid political instability; initially enjoying apparent freedom of expression against the backdrop of liberal democracy, before the production is slowly engulfed by the creeping shadow of authoritarianism. The play was inspired by conversations with artists living under autocratic regimes from Brazil to Venezuela and Afghanistan to Azerbaijan.

Index on Censorship is an organization campaigning for freedom of expression, which produces a quarterly magazine of the same name from London.