In our latest round-up of shows at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we’re taking a look at the top theatre shows in town in just a matter of weeks time.
From the award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer, I’m Almost There by New York star of stage and screen Todd Almond (Girl From The North Country, Gossip Girl ) is a rueful, hilarious and poignant modern love story in song about a man crossing a sea of doubts to find happiness…and good coffee. There are also thought-provoking plays about Palestine and a theatre/ concert show about Mary Queen of Scots. Mary: A Gig Theatre show is a stirring depiction of Mary Queen of Scots' story, told through bold, new gig theatre.
There is also the world premiere of new play V.L. from award-winning writers Kieran Hurley and Gary McNair. V.L. is another raucous and riotous comedy from the Fringe First Award-winning writers of Edinburgh Festival smash-hit Square Go, about young boys trying to navigate peer pressures, sexual anxieties, and social status in the chaotic hormonal pressure cooker of a small-town school.
9. The Ghost of White Hart Lane
Scotsman John White was one of the best footballers of the 1960s. Nicknamed The Ghost among fans at Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane for his ability to arrive in the opposition penalty area unexpectedly, his incredible career was cut short when John was struck by lightning and killed at 27 years old. The Ghost Of White Hart Lane is a one-man play written by Martin Murphy and commissioned by John’s son Rob – inspired by Rob’s Sunday Times best-selling book detailing his own journey to discover the man he never met, and the personal and career highlights of his dad. 2024 marks 60 years since John White’s death. The Ghost of White Hart Lane, at Underbelly Bristo Square (The Dairy Room), July 31 -August 16 (not 12th), 1.25pm. Tickets from £7. | Gingerbread Photo: Gingerbread
10. The Importance of Being Earnest
Returning to the Fringe due to phenomenal demand. When a traditional production of Oscar Wilde's classic play gets underway, everything seems to be going perfectly to plan... that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue. A real audience member is cast in the role, setting off a chain of events that one-by-one render the cast unable to continue their performances. This innovative format creates a new and unexpected experience every night. A comedic masterpiece for fans of The Play That Goes Wrong and Sh!t Faced Shakespeare. The Importance of Being Earnest, Pleasance Courtyard (Beyond), July 31 - August 25 (Not 9th), 4.40pm. Tickets from £10. | MannBros Photo: MannBros
11. I'm Almost There
Love at first sight is easy, letting it through the front door is a goddamn Odyssey. All he wants to do is let the perfect man in, but can he overcome his unhinged neighbour, a seductive cult, a self-obsessed vampire, and a cat intent on dragging him to hell? From Audible and the award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer, I’m Almost There by New York star of stage and screen Todd Almond (Girl From The North Country, Gossip Girl ) is a rueful, hilarious and poignant modern love story in song about a man crossing a sea of doubts to find happiness…and good coffee. I’m Almost There, at Summerhall, Main Hall, August 1-26, 2.45pm. Tickets: £17/£15. | Michelle Mangan Communications and PR Photo: Michelle Mangan Communications and PR
12. June Carter Cash: The Woman, Her Music and Me
June is a new autobiographical play with songs by Charlene Boyd. June is a character study of how women, ground down by life, endure, exploring working class stereotypes, motherhood, ambition and failure, through the paralleling of Charlene’s experiences as a divorced mother and artist, with the life of legendary country music star June Carter Cash (JCC). Directed by Cora Bissett, this co-production between the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) and Grid Iron Theatre Company (GI) will welcome audiences to an intimate, transformed space, designed by Shona Reppe. Cabaret-style seating and table settings will recreate the feeling of attending a gig in Nashville's legendary Bluebird Cafe, the hatchery for superstar country musicians. June Carter Cash: The Woman, Her Music and Me, at Summerhall, Venue 26 Dates: Aug 2nd – 4th (Preview) 6th – 11th, 13th – 18th, 20th – 24th. 4.20pm. £12-£17. | Jessica Hardwick Photo: Jessica Hardwick