Get ready for the Fringe
Support our local creatives and artists with these things to watch, listen to, and see this August
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It’s that time of year when Edinburgh starts to buzz with anticipation (or if you’re a local, a mix of anxiety and stress, tinged with hints of joy and excitement). This means the Coop and Good Egg Project are on hiatus over August!
Yeah, I know, I’m getting a wee bit repetitive with that one, but I want to make sure you’re all aware that we’re on a break after the Coop on July 30, but we’ll be back and better than ever in September. In the meantime, you can still grab tickets for this month’s Chicken Coop Writing Group.
Enough about breaks though, this is the month to go out and find inspiration around every corner in our fair and windy city!
No one can deny that there’s a plethora of talent coming into Edinburgh for festival season. Still, here in Scotland, we’re also blessed with an abundance of spectacular art on our doorstep, which is why I’ve put together this list of shows from Scotland-based solo artists, creatives, and organisations to show off (a small) section of our creative scenes.
Local artists arguably get a raw deal for festival season, they’re often competing against giant venues or shows with bigger marketing budgets, which is why it’s important to remember they aren’t just here for a month, they’re here year-round. You can find pretty much all of the people on this list performing, writing, and breathing life into our creative scene in between the festival hype. It’s easy to forget when it feels like there’s a festival every other week, but we have to remember these artists (and the rest of us) all contribute to the shaping of Edinburgh’s (and Scotland’s) artistic landscape and the world comes to join us for the summer.
We exist before, during, and after these events, and the rest of the year would be so dull without everyone who shares their work at our open mics, live events, and in print.
These artists and creatives are the lifeblood of our scene, which is why they’re on this list. I hope you find something that brings you joy and hope, or a show that rekindles your love for our festivals and the opportunities they offer to connect with different stories and perspectives.
Full disclosure, I’m a little biased about the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s programme. It features many Good Egg friends and is arguably one of the best (if not the best) places in the city for locals to see shows.
Community events
This list is not an exhaustive one, but it does showcase the breadth and depth of what our artists and creative organisations bring to Scotland year-round. Let’s go!
Below is a mixture of free Fringe events (with donations welcome) and paid ticketed events at venues across the city. For more information, you can click the links and go to the event pages. I’ve linked directly to venues and shows instead of unwieldy festival websites where possible.
Dune! The Musical by Dan Collins
Slow Progress Records & Coffee, August 3-7, 9-13, 15-20, & 22-25
‘The "Unexpectedly Brilliant" word-of-mouth hit returns to the PBH Free Fringe for a Second Year. Join the Imperial Bard Gurney Halleck for an afternoon of songs, stories, and the spice melange. Forget everything you know about Arrakis, and get ready for Dune! The Musical...’
If you missed this spectacular musical from Sad Song Club host Dan Collins, now’s the time to find out what you’ve been missing! I loved watching this last year and I’d highly recommend it, whether you’re a long-standing Dune fan or new to the franchise.
Find more information about Dune! The Musical here
Joyfully Grimm by James Stedman
Scottish Storytelling Centre, July 31, August 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22 & 24
‘1988. One boy is growing up in myth and magic unaware that Section 28, prohibiting the 'promotion of homosexuality', is moving to silence his tale and those of anyone like him. Combining traditional fairy tales and original poetry, storyteller James Stedman (helped by a grumpy frog) guides you through a heartfelt, slightly irreverent look at our history. LGBTQIA+ people have always joyfully existed, in story as in life, and the fabulous do eventually win out.’
After its smashing debut at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival last year, Joyfully Grimm is back for the Fringe! James’s show is heartfelt with his signature balance between living unapologetically and authentically, with the harsher realities of queer history and experience, while still holding space for joy and hope in amongst it all. I can’t recommend going to see this show more!
Grab tickets for Joyfully Grimm here
Life Goals of the Millennials: Or The Commune Manifesto by Ross McFarlane
Shrub: Zero Waste Hub, August 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 13
‘This show hates landlords. This show is anxious about the world. This show grew up queer and never grew out of it. Hope-punk performance poetry from Ross McFarlane about the mythical homestead you and your friends always said you'd build together - come join us in The Commune.’
Get more information about Life Goals of the Millennials here
The Lock-In: Poetry Slam hosted by Ross McFarlane
Banshee Labyrinth, August 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 13
‘The Lock-In is a series of events that celebrates weird and wonderful slam formats. Come see the best poets of the Fringe battle it out in literary combat – with some fun things to do for the audience too!’
If you’re a poet and you’d like to sign up for The Lock-In, complete this form.
Find more information about The Lock-In here
Loud Poets: Best of Fringe by I Am Loud Productions
Scottish Storytelling Centre, August 2, 3, 9, 16 & 17
‘Showcasing the top spoken-word talent the festival has to offer – from the laugh-out-loud funny, through the wonderfully surreal, to the thoughtful and emotional – Loud Poets continues to prove that spoken word has something for everyone. Each show features a unique line-up and Loud Poets’ classic fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, heart-wrenching style of spoken word. This is poetry for the masses!’
The Loud Poets always deliver on their promise to bring the best of spoken word and poetry to the stage and this year’s Best of Fringe proves it. Bringing together local talent and performers from across the UK their line-up includes the Loud Poets 2023 Grand Slam Champion Rosie Jo Hunter, Jonathan Kinsman, Ben Macpherson, and the Loud Poets team as well. Get your tickets while you can, these guys know how to pack a theatre and showcase the wonderful world of poetry.
Book your tickets for Best of Fringe here
Our Anxious Measurements II by Dean Tsang
Banshee Labyrinth, August 6, 13 & 20
‘Space. Love. Hope. Truth. Is there a definitive measurement that will always tell us we are enough? After last year's first set (***** Lancaster Guardian), let's take another look. Will we finally find the ultimate assurance, or will there always be a sequel?’
Learn more about Our Anxious Measurements II here
Greenside Venues, August 2-10, 12-17 & 19-24
‘Virginia Woolf, Ophelia and ADHD. Rejection sensitivity and the siren call of the sea. When times get tough, sometimes a gal just needs to take some River Time. Fascinated by her own water-based risk-taking urges, Laura brings a zany, comic heartfelt show about choosing not to drown yourself. Neurodiverse Review Emerging Artist nominee 2023. 'The writing is so beautiful but it's also honest – it's written in the way people think' (Audience review, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023).’
Book tickets for River Time! here
Rogues So Banished by Paul Case
Scottish Storytelling Centre, August 1-11
‘New South Wales, 1790. The penal colony is on the brink of starvation. Three convicts escape with murderous intentions in hope of a reward. But as they become lost and dragged deeper into the forest, it's clear they are trapped in a nightmare of their own making… Told in the demotic slang of the era, writer and actor Paul Case's visceral new solo show breaks new ground in horror whilst taking you on a bloody journey into the dark depths of Australia's history.’
Get tickets for Rogues So Banished here
Stupid Sexy Poem Show by Rosie Jo Hunter
Scottish Storytelling Centre, August 4-6, 10 & 19
‘The subversive and powerful debut hour from RJ Hunter (Loud Poets Grand Slam Champion 2023). A poetry show... but not as you know it. SSPS is a poetic journey through RJ’s life as a trans, queer word-jester, exploring relationships with others, herself, and the beauty of the utterly stupid and pointless. Responding to their experience as an emerging artist in the public eye, this award-winning poet is ready to give you a big fat smattering of their signature stupid, sexy style in this spoken-word comedy-cabaret!’
If you didn’t get to see Rosie’s Stupid Sexy Poem Show back in February, where were you?! This fierce and vulnerable show is one to put at the very top of your list. SSPS is hilarious, entertaining, and empowering in equal measure, and watching Rosie come into her power is exactly what we need in these trying times. Do not miss the sexiest and stupidest poetry show you’ll laugh and cry along with this summer.
Find tickets for Stupid Sexy Poem Show here
The Green Knight (But It’s Gay) by Niall Moorjani
Lighthouse Books, August 22, 23 & 24
‘Follow the story of Sir Gawain & his adventures, all started by the peer-pressured, unfortunate & unsuccessful chopping off of The Green Knight’s head. Now Gawain is going to get his head chopped off in return by the miraculously still-alive Green Knight. Disaster. King Arthur reckons this will be grand as Gawain needs to do more manly things anyway & there is surely nothing more manly than taking a good head chop off. Co-produced by Edinburgh’s literary theatre company Some Kind of Theatre & Storyteller Niall Moorjani, The Green Knight (But It’s Gay) brings this Arthurian classic excellently into the modern world with a deep love for the original text.’
Last year, I saw Niall’s Fairie Tale and was absolutely blown away, so I’m pretty sure The Green Knight is going to be equally enthralling. Don’t miss out as Niall’s shows sell out fast and their storytelling shows are a magical experience unlike any other. This isn’t Niall’s only show, you can catch them at the Scottish Storytelling Centre with Grow their 2023 Fringe sell-out family-friendly show.
Get tickets for The Green Knight here
The Sad Song Club by Dan Collins
Sketchy Beats, July 31, August 7, 14, 21 & 28
The open mic that celebrates sadness is back weekly over August. This one’s for songwriters, poets, performers, and any artist who wants to share sad work. SSC welcomes artists who are experimenting with new material or practicing old favourites. Original content is preferred, but covers are also welcome. As long as you keep it sad, we’ll all have fun.
Get more information about The Sad Song Club here
Bonus recommendations
Here are a few recommendations and highlights from my own Fringe jaunts. Yes, the Book Fringe is a whole programme in and of itself, but it deserves a space on this list because our local bookshops support our creative scene and artists all year, not just during August.
ALT Book Fringe by Argonaut Books, Lighthouse Books and Typewronger Books
Argonaut Books, Lighthouse Books & Typewronger Books, August 9-27
I’ve been waiting for the ALT Book Fringe programme for what feels like a lifetime since last year. It’s an absolute delight to be able to hold the beautifully riso-printed programme in my hands and there are so many highlights that I’ve linked all the respective programmes below so you can have your pick!
My own personal highlights include Bark, Archive, Splinter with Jay Gao, Who Gets Believed with Dina Nayeri, Self Publishing with Sophia Hembeck and Luke Winter, Queer Spaces, Places, Pages with Joshua Jones and Jj Fadaka, and Luke Healy’s comic-book writing class. You’ll need to book places quickly as some of these workshops are going to fill up quickly. If you’re in more of a listening mood, I’d highly recommend heading to Argonaut for their Spoken Word Night, to Typewronger for the Interpret Magazine launch or their legendary and chaotic Open Mic.
Browse the Argonaut programme, Lighthouse programme and Typewronger programmes or find an overview of the Book Fringe here
Mythos: Ragnarok by Ed Gamester
Assembly George Square, July 31, August 1-6, 8-12, 14-19 & 21-25
‘Viking mythology performed by professional wrestlers! Quickly becoming a Fringe staple, this masterpiece brings all the comedy, chaos, and combat of ancient stories to life like you've never seen before. One of the Telegraph's Best Theatre Shows of Fringe 2023, this masterful blend of storytelling, theatre and stage combat follows Thor, Loki and the other Norse Gods in their struggles to overcome primeval giants, rival clans and their own ambitions.’
Here’s a little-known fact about me, I enjoy love Professional Wrestling. Yeah, the same pro-wrestling with the likes of Eddie Kingston, Orange Cassidy, Willow Nightingale, Britt Baker, Adam Cole, MJF, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Joe Hendry (not together, but separately - for now).
Anyway, Ed Gamester is a professional wrestler and theatremaker who brings Norse mythology to life in a visceral and real way in his show Mythos: Ragnarok. Do yourself a massive favour and grab tickets to see this insanely cool spectacle and let the thumping and cheering reverberate through your bones as myths become a breathtaking reality.
Grab tickets for Mythos: Ragnarok here
Queer Folks’ Tales by Turan Ali
Scottish Storytelling Centre, August 8, 15 & 22
‘The five-star hit LGBTQ+ storytelling show returns for its second Fringe – camper, fruitier and queerer than ever! Host Turan Ali takes time out from his BBC shows to scour the Fringe for queer talent with the most gripping, non-heteronormative stories imaginable. A diverse line-up of artists in each show share hilarious, surprising, sobering tales, songs and epic poems. Expect jaw-droppingly true insights into LGBTQ+ lives past, present and future.’
Queer Folks’ Tales is a brilliant series, which brings queer lives to the stage in all their glory. Whether the guest acts are sharing stories of heartbreak and horror, or hope and happiness, every show is a powerful reminder that queer people exist proudly and fiercely. Get along to listen to these stories and find yourself empowered and optimistic about our queer futures.
Book tickets for Queer Folks’ Tales here
Outwith Words by Tinderbox and Loud Poets
Edinburgh Central Library, August 8-10, 15-17 & 22-24
‘Bringing together rappers and singers with heavy brass, strings, woodwind and a thundering backline, Tinderbox transform preconceptions of what an orchestra can be. Following their sell-out Made in Scotland show last year, Tinderbox's ground-breaking 20-piece orchestra are back and will be teaming up with the Loud Poets and some of Scotland’s most exciting spoken word artists for this year’s show. Packed with original music, movement, spoken word and unexpected collaborations, the show will transform Edinburgh’s iconic Central Library into a spectacular Fringe venue.’
After their spectacular collaboration back in March, Tinderbox Orchestra and the Loud Poets are bringing Outwith Words to the Fringe. This show blends the best bits of both worlds in a way that shows you the power and possibilities of combining words and music. Don’t miss out on the magic of true multidisciplinary art with Outwith Words.
Get tickets for Outwith Words here
Thanks for reading!
I know I come across as a Fringe (and festival) grumpy guts but don’t confuse my misgivings about rampant profiteering and poor pay for artists as complete disdain for one of the most fun months of the year. I think it’s okay to acknowledge the festivals’ shortcomings while still wanting to support local creatives and the international creative scene.
Speaking of support, if you don’t subscribe to our newsletter already, please consider doing so as I’ve got some other exciting round-ups coming very soon!
I love getting out and about and going to events. There’s nothing like chilling in the Lighthouse Books garden listening to wonderful, insightful conversations, people-watching in Summerhall’s courtyard, or hiding from the weather (rain or shine) in Banshee’s. There’s so much to see and do this month, remember to pace yourselves and be kind if you don’t make it to everything you want to go to.
The Fringe will be back next year, but in the meantime, all of our favourite artists, performers and organisations will be back in action from September! Remember, the Coop is also going strong until next week and we’ll be back in September as well!
I hope you have your sights on some of these shows already, and I’ll probably see you in the city over August. If you see me around, come say hi! It’d be lovely to see you enjoying the festivities!
Take care and speak soon,
Naomi x
P.s. If you know someone who wants to join a curious and passionate creative community, why not share our newsletter with them?
P.p.s. If you’re enjoying the Good Egg newsletter and want to come along to more events, consider becoming a paying subscriber. I host two additional free writing groups per month and we all stay in touch using our community Discord Server where we celebrate each other’s wins and share opportunities too. Your subscriptions support my work in building these lists and connecting our community with other communities across Scotland.