NEW AND INTERESTING VENUES

It wouldn’t be the Fringe without some shows popping up in unique and unusual spaces around Edinburgh (and beyond). Two shows from Arts Council England’s Horizon Showcase include Horizon Showcase: FORGE (p 273) at the Royal Lyceum Theatre's set and costume workshop in Roseburn, and Horizon Showcase: Bodies (p 171) an immersive, interactive show taking place in the swimming pool of Dean's Community High School in Livingston. Angry Snatch: A Reclamation Job in 15 Rounds (p 243) is a site-specific theatre show staged in the Port O'Leith Boxing Club, while The Recovery Through Comedy Show (p 130) features stand-up sets by Armed Forces veterans in Lady Haig's Poppy Factory. Ben and Natalie Nardone present their historical children’s show, Plague, Poo n' Punishment (p 28), at The Lost Close, hidden just off the Royal Mile, while Eliminate the Impossible (p 170) is a Sherlock Homes-style adventure taking place around the city using an app.

Musselburgh Grammar School and Loretto School Theatre have both been repurposed as Fringe venues, as have Craigmillar Park Church, Northesk Parish Church and St Peter's Church (the latter home to Mark Watson’s Churchfest, p 114). The Stables at Prestonfield are home to The Fringe at Prestonfield: Hosted by Christopher Biggins (p 171) and featuring guests including Sir Cliff Richard in conversation with Gloria Hunniford, while the Williams and Johnson Coffee Co is the starting point for the Leith Food and Drink Walking Tour (p 171).

Several bars and restaurants have opened (or re-opened) their doors to Fringe shows, such as Ryrie’s Bar in the West End, which hosts Up Close with the Blues (p 214). Monkey Barrel has pitched up at The Tron; Laughing Horse has welcomed Eastside, The Cocktail Mafia and West Port Oracle to their stable; and the Little White Pig and Strathmore Bar are part of this year’s PBH's Free Fringe.

Elsewhere, Summerhall have programmed work at the Danish Consulate, Institut Français d’Ecosse and The LifeCare Centre, Stockbridge, while Army @ The Fringe host Oràn do Mo Shinn-Shinear (or The Song of my Great Grandfather, p 293) at The Scottish National War Memorial.

FAMOUS FACES

‘A wee Scottish ninja back in her home town’, Gail Porter: Hung, Drawn and Portered (Assembly, p 86) shares stories of the TV star’s ‘mental life and mental mind’ with the hope if showing ‘how, with love and kindness, we can all thrive’. Two-time winner of the Palme d’Or, film director Ken Loach appears twice at The Stand’s New Town Theatre this August: once as part of the In Conversation with… series at (p 235), and again discussing culture with Jeremy Corbyn in Culture for the Many (p 233). Hosted by comedians Rebekka Johnson (Netflix's GLOW) and Anne Gregory (NBC's Parks and Recreation) and produced by UK's own Kate Nash, The Retreat (Underbelly, p 131) is ‘a campy variety show that mimics an overenthusiastic kick-off event for a corporate retreat for the fictional company Men-ses Period Panties’. ‘Star of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under’, Anita Wigl'it (Gilded Balloon, p 55) presents Funny Gurl, ‘a kooky, hilarious and tell-all, one-woman show’ about a young boy’s journey to becoming a ‘glamorous Drag Queen’.

‘Edinburgh Comedy Award winner and creator of hit sitcom Starstruck’, Rose Matafeo (Monkey Barrel Comedy, p 134) returns to Edinburgh with a Work in Progress. In The Man Who Could See Through Shit – A Work In Progress, Reginald D. Hunter (Assembly, p 131) navigates the challenge of ‘separating what's true and what's real… in a pre next-variant world’. In Rosie Jones – Triple Threat (Pleasance, p 134), the BAFTA-nominated comedian, writer and actress ‘ponders whether she is a national treasure, a little prick, or somewhere in between’. Following previews last year, homegrown comedian Daniel Sloss presents his latest show, CAN'T, at the Edinburgh Playhouse (p 74). Shaparak Khorsandi: ShapChat! (Pleasance, p 138) is ‘a fast-paced, celebratory hour from this much-loved Fringe institution and the author of forthcoming memoir, Scatterbrain’. John Robins: Howl (Just the Tonic, p 102) is ‘a new show from Edinburgh Comedy Award winner / dashing hunk o' junk Johnny JR’. ‘Acclaimed comedian, daytime TV star and global TikTok sensation, Paul Sinha is at least two of these’ – find out which at Paul Sinha: Pauly Bengali (The Stand’s New Town Theatre, p 127).

WONDER DRUG: A Comedy About Cystic Fibrosis (Pleasance, p 319) comes to Edinburgh following success at Vault Festival 2023, offering ‘a rollicking course of intravenous antibiotics set to 80s bangers’. Using ‘original harp music, song and spoken word, Kirsty Law, Kirsty Logan and Esther Swift tell’ Tam Lin: A Future Tale (Scottish Storytelling Centre, p 213), ‘a thoroughly modern story built on the bones of ancient wisdom’. And Then The Rodeo Burned Down (theSpaceUK, p 243) is an ‘alleged tale of arson [that] fractures into the story of two clowns desperately trying to afford to put on a show’.

FREE AND PAY WHAT YOU CAN/WANT SHOWS

There are 308 free shows and 463 Pay What You Can/Want shows in this year’s programme.

America the Epic – The Hot Jazz and Blues Roots That Changed the World (Acoustic Music Centre @ UCC, Le Monde and The Jazz Bar, p 180) is ‘a fresh new show featuring an international band of women who play authentic old-time music and know the history’. Jazz a la Carte (Argyle Cellar Bar, p 196) promise a ‘hot brand of acoustic traditional jazz, ragtime and blues’. South London Jazz Orchestra (Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church and St Andrew's and St George's West, George St, p 212) ‘returns to Edinburgh to dazzle you with big-band favourites from the whole history of jazz – as well as some more surprising choices – in an afternoon of funk, Latin, and of course, classic swing’.

‘From Bach to The Beatles and beyond, South Australian musician/songwriter William Jack presents a free (non-ticketed) multi-style cello recital in the heart of Edinburgh’ in This Old Cello Box (St Giles' Cathedral, p 214). The Cathedral Lunchtime Recital Series (St Mary's Cathedral, p 187) present ‘an opportunity to hear emerging and established artists playing a variety of instruments and composers’. Allman Brothers Project by Safehouse (Stramash, p 180) emulates ‘the Allman’s sound with double drum kit and harmony guitars, taking on their intricate and dramatic side with a set drawn from Live at the Filmore, alongside classics like Dreams, Black Hearted Woman, Ramblin' Man, and Jessica’. The Boys from Aboyne (artSpace@StMarks, p 185) will perform ‘tasteful, melodic, attractive and readily accessible new music for guitar and double bass’. At Footstomping Live Scottish Music (WHISKI Bar & Restaurant, p 193), ‘toes will be tapping to our vibrant mix of instruments playing live traditional Scottish music – fiddles, accordions, guitars and whistles playing in harmony’. And ‘fans of Queen, Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Radiohead and Royal Blood will love Figurines’ as they head Back2Binkies (Whistlebinkies, p 192).

‘Scottish poets will be reading work exploring our collective history and common creative future, including a special evening spotlighting Hamish Henderson’ as part of Bards at the Barracks (Army @ The Fringe, p 232). Folklore Galore (Arthur Conan Doyle Centre, p 35) will introduce audiences to ‘ghouls, dragons and demon-hunters inked in oral tradition from Pakistani heartlands, knitted with magic, and narrated with love in the dreamy art known as Qissakhwani'. Amrita Dhaliwal: A Lady that Fikas (BlundaGardens, p 53) is ‘a senseless show about the seriousness of play’. And Loretto School Theatre invites you to ‘come and catch up with old friends at The Steamie (p 307), a classic piece of Scottish writing by Tony Roper and popular with theatre audiences old and new’.

‘Written in pithy verse set to an energetic score, Irrepressible (theSpaceUK, p 224) centres on the life of the world's first celebrity, Emma Hamilton, seen through the eyes of a present-day journalist transported back in time’. Dreams of Peace and Freedom: The Streams of Natural Law (C venues, p 221) is ‘a powerful combination of film, text and performance exploring the birth of modern human rights, told through the eyes of Nuremberg prosecutor and champion of the ECHR, David Maxwell Fyfe’. Jeremy Segway: A Life Out of Balance (Bedlam Theatre, p 98) is ‘a show dedicated to Mr Segway, the man who invented the Segway, all performed entirely on Segways’. ‘Drawing upon interviews with individuals, including activists and Ministry of Defence personnel, Jenna navigates her own journey through the politics, protests, peace camps and freedom of information requests’ in Deaf Action Presents: Faslane by Amy Helena (Deaf Action and Scottish Storytelling Centre, p 258). In Our Anxious Measurements (PBH's Free Fringe, p 236), ‘no metric is safe in Dean Tsang's exploration of expectations placed on us and the ways apprehension can enter our lives’.

The Wellingborough Community Gospel Choir make their Fringe debut with Get Up and Gospel! (Canongate Kirk and Greyfriars Kirk, p 194), where ‘you can expect timeless classics you know and love, inspirational anthems, and exhilarating gospel arrangements guaranteed to revitalise your heart and soul’. The Absolutely Fab Choir (Brewhemia and Le Monde, p 179) ‘enjoy singing arrangements of our favourite pop songs, re-imagined into a chorus of warm harmony. Glee Club UK Adult Community Choir (St Vincent's, p 186) ‘will have you foot-tapping and singing along as they inspire, energise and entertain you in glorious four-part harmony with songs that you are sure to know and love’. In The Spirit and the Light (Palmerston Place Church and Canongate Kirk, p 212), ‘Rock Festival Choir, Alnwick's highly regarded chamber choir directed by Peter Brown, returns to the Fringe with a spine-tingling programme of 20th and 21st-century choral classics – Sir Michael Tippett's Spirituals, Bob Chilcott's Jazz Mass and Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna’.

The National Theatre's adaptation of Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat (Eric Liddell Community, p 34) is performed by Charlotte Country Day School. Journey to the West: In Search of the Way (Paradise Green, p 36) follows ‘the fearless Monkey King as he embarks on a perilous journey to obtain sacred scriptures, encountering new friends and foes along the way’. The Armadillo and the Human Skin (Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, p 31) is ‘a drop-in event with activities, talks and the opportunity to meet one of Edinburgh Zoo's armadillos’. And you’ll be able to ‘immerse yourself in the richness of Chinese culture with a showcase of exceptional young dancers from China, featuring both traditional and contemporary Chinese dance’ at Chinese Art Show (Venue150 at EICC, p 157).

‘Jen Hyatt is a multi award-winning author, activist and performer’ – her show, A Multitude of Sins: A Dog Gone Mystery (Leith Depot, p 118) features six characters in search of a canine. ‘Using 30 art masterpieces, Helen, a cancer survivor, will take you through rollercoaster adventures of a woman of a certain age’ in Sex, Art and the Art of Survival (Frankenstein Pub, p 137). Yoshi Obayashi's Adult Content (Greenside, p 154) ‘is a show that presents various life stories in and out of the world of sex work – funny, sad, shocking, and follows the unbelievable places the business has led Mr Yoshi Obayashi’. Auto-Engrain: A One-Woman Show (Hill Street Theatre and online, p 245) is ‘an outrageous tale of how one woman… relays experiences from speed-dating to botany to romance to visceral details that would make even your therapist need therapy’. American Boy (Laughing Horse, p 53) ‘showcases an Iranian immigrant's point of view about growing up in America and gives audiences a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience and blowjobs’. In Arzoo Malhotra: First Degeneration (Just the Tonic, p 56), ‘this not-so-model minority shares her experiences as an immigrant and cartographer, bringing her world to you’. In Dinesh Nathan: Nathan Knows Nothing (WIP) (The Voodoo Rooms, p 77), the stand-up works at creating a stable world for his kids ‘whilst trying to find stability himself’.

Jamali Maddix ‘is currently a series regular on Never Mind The Buzzcocks and has been seen on Taskmaster (Channel 4), Frankie Boyle’s New World Order (BBC Two) and his critically acclaimed series Hate Thy Neighbour for Vice’ – his Work in Progress is at Monkey Barrel Comedy (p 96). Glenn Wool: The Tardigrades Picnic (Scottish Comedy Festival, p 88) ‘is Glenn's 25th solo show… You will laugh, he's very good at this’. Barry Ferns returns to Edinburgh to perform his Arthur's Seat Comedy Extravaganza (p 56) – where else? – on top of Arthur's Seat. And ‘New York City based cult comedian Dave Hill combines stand-up, storytelling, music and occasional ill-advised feats of strength’ in Dave Hill: Caveman in a Spaceship (The Stand’s New Town Theatre, p 75).

Audiences can ‘join guests from the worlds of comedy, literature, music and faith for a series of live recordings of’ The All-Terrain Podcast Live (The Salvation Army Edinburgh City Corps, p 232), or ‘discover the freshest comedy talent on the Fringe as they make their Pleasance debuts this summer’ at the Pleasance All-American Newcomer Comedy Gala (Pleasance, p 129). Jeromaia Detto: MUSH (Underbelly, p 100) ‘is an all-out journey of absurdity for anyone who loves playfulness, silliness and delightful whimsy’.

An Evening With Drag Artist – Destynee (Planet Bar, p 20) joins the ‘British-born drag artist with Sierra Leonean / West African roots’ as she impersonates, performs and lip-syncs ‘songs of some of her favourite divas and icons – from Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Donna Summer and more’. Doing Bits (The Three Sisters, p 19) promises ‘a variety of different performers showcasing snippets of their Fringe shows’.

Online, Eat Me (p 158) is ‘a luscious, incendiary dance-theatre performance by strikingly bold female-led experimental collective Snap-Elastic’, while Arrive Alive (p 182) features poet Blukat, music producer and DJ, Cream, and musicians Dead Poets ‘to produce… a full pre-recorded concert for you to enjoy’.

STREET EVENTS

The world-famous Fringe street events will take place in their usual home of the High Street and the Mound, and feature international street performers and buskers, mingling with Fringe artists and other festival favourites to provide a fun and varied family-friendly experience.

This year the Fringe Society are delighted to welcome Belhaven Brewery as a new sponsor. The Belhaven team will be running a bar, serving their award-winning beers, on the Mound Precinct for the duration of August; further information will be announced shortly.

The return of the Street Events programme is being supported by EventScotland (part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate) and the City of Edinburgh Council.  The street events will run daily from 05–26 August – you can find out more, including daily listings for street performers and how you can take part, at edfringe.com/take-part/fringe-street-events.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Fringe Days Out programme continues for its sixth year with 32 long-term community partners, including two new partnerships for 2023. The scheme provides Fringe vouchers, bus tickets and additional support to people in Edinburgh who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the festival, or arts in general. Since 2017, an estimated 12,500 people have used Fringe Days Out to visit the festival, many for the first time.

Find out more: Community engagement project Fringe Days Out relaunches for 2023

Local communities will have the opportunity to enjoy Fringe at... events, running from July to August. Three events will take place with participating organisations: Sikh Sanjog, Stepping Stones North Edinburgh and one more to be announced later in the summer.

Previously known as the Children and Young People Ticketing Scheme, the Community Ticketing Initiative (CTI) scheme expands in 2023 to allow eligible children and adults to take part. Through CTI, participating Fringe artists and companies generously donate free tickets for people in and around Edinburgh who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the festival. So far more than 1,200 shows have donated tickets.

Find out more: Fringe Community Ticketing Initiative launches with more than 1,200 shows involved

Fringe Up Your Street events will run from July to September, where Fringe and street performers join up with Fringe Society community partners around Edinburgh, bringing the Fringe to them. The Fringe Society is also participating in the CONNECT project, an EVOC and Festivals Edinburgh-led pilot project with a focus on exploring participatory cultural planning with an Edinburgh community group. The selected group this year is Valley Park Community Centre based at Southhouse / Burdiehouse.

ACCESS

The Fringe Society remains committed to improving access to the Fringe. Through a number of projects the ambition is to ensure the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is as accessible to as many people as possible.

• Sensory backpacks will be available to those who may find the Fringe overwhelming at times. They include a wide range of sensory tools, including a visual timetable, created in collaboration with Tzipporah Johnstone, a neurodivergent artist from the Neuk Collective.  Backpacks are free and available for collection from the Fringe Shop on the High Street on a first-come, first-served basis, or can be pre-booked with specific items required.

• A dedicated access tickets service aims to make it easier for anyone with access requirements to navigate and enjoy the Fringe. It can be reached by phone on +44 (0)131 226 0002, by email at [email protected] or by WhatsApp message on +44 (0)7923 525 799. BSL users can contact the Fringe box office via an online BSL / English interpreter, and can download Contact Scotland BSL’s app via smartphone or tablet at contactscotland-bsl.org/download.

• This year the Fringe Changing Places Toilet will return to the corner of Windmill Street and Chapel Street, EH8 9LE, from 04 – 28 of August, from 10:00 to 01:00. As in past years, this has been made possible through working with the University of Edinburgh Festivals Office and the team at Assembly.

• Developed in partnership with Attitude is Everything, the Venue Access Awards provide venues with a framework to make their spaces as accessible as possible during the festival. Revamped and updated for 2023, the Venue Access Toolkit advises venues on best practice changes they can make to improve accessibility.  

• The Fringe Society will again lend venues captioning and audio description equipment to make more performances accessible to visually impaired, D/deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

• For a comprehensive list of BSL interpreted, captioned, audio described and relaxed performances on offer at the Fringe, please visit tickets.edfringe.com/accessibility/accessible-shows.

• The Scottish Association of Mental Health are providing their Wellbeing on Wheels services on 12 and 13 August. Wellbeing on Wheels is a bus staffed by mental health peer supporters who are there to help anyone, but particularly street performers, who may find the Fringe occasionally overwhelming. 
• Birds of Paradise will once again be providing Disability Equality Training for all customer-facing Fringe Society staff. The Fringe Society is also providing free online equalities training for everyone working in a Fringe venue.

• The Fringe Society are hosting schools, community groups and disabled musicians (alongside Drake Music Scotland, who are providing support for disabled musicians) on the Fringe Taster Stage on the weekend 24 – 26 August. This is a great opportunity for local performers to take part in the Fringe.

Around 60% of Fringe shows in the 2023 programme are accessible to wheelchair users.

For more information please visit https://www.edfringe.com/experience/how-to-plan/access-at-the-fringe

Fringe facts 2023

• 3,013 total shows
• 248 total venues
• 463 Pay What You Can/Want
• 45,182 performances
• Work from Scotland: 798
• Rest of UK: 1,417
• Countries represented: 68 (including UK countries)
• International countries: 64 (excluding UK countries)
• There are 308 free shows and 463 Pay What You Can/Want shows
• There are 798 Scottish shows, with 535 shows coming from Edinburgh.
• Shows within each section:
• Cabaret and variety – 147 shows (4.9%)
• Children’s shows – 116 shows (3.8%)
• Comedy – 1,109 shows (36.8%)
• Dance, physical theatre and circus – 114 shows (3.8%)
• Events – 55 shows (1.8%)
• Exhibitions – 42 shows (1.4%)
• Music – 395 shows (13.1%)
• Musicals and opera – 152 shows (5.0%)
• Spoken word – 80 shows (2.7%)
• Theatre – 803 shows (26.7%)

Picture: Pete Dibdin/Edinburgh Fringe Society

Models: Claudia Cawthorne, Martha Haskins, Chris Peploe