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
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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.