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.
13. The Shroud Maker
This is a moving and bittersweet satire of life in Palestine, written and directed by Ahmed Masoud and performed by Julia Tarnoky. In this compelling and moving black comedy inspired by a real-life character in Gaza, Palestinian writer Ahmed Masoud from Gaza weaves comic fantasy and satire with true stories to create a vivid portrait of Palestinian life in Gaza – before the most recent heartbreaking events. This production was first presented in 2018 at @70 - A Celebration of Contemporary Palestinian Culture in London, and has since been given a number of performances around the UK. This is its Fringe premiere. The Shroud Maker, July 31 - August 25, 11.05am (Excl 14 Aug). At Pleasance Dome Bisto Square. Ticket Prices Mon-Thu £12 (Concessions £11) Fri-Sun £15 (£14) Previews 31 July & 1 Aug £10. | BetterThanReal Photo: BetterThanReal
14. A History of Paper
A History of Paper is a new piece of musical theatre co-produced by Dundee Rep Theatre and Traverse Theatre. Written by Oliver Emanuel (Book and Lyrics) and Gareth Williams (Music) A History of Paper is a musical love story based on paper and people who love paper. Under the direction of Andrew Panton, artistic director of Dundee Rep Theatre, and a guest co-director, the intimate work is a small-scale chamber musical featuring two performers and a pianist - ‘comic feelgood tearjerker about a man and a woman and the bits of paper that can mean so much’. A History of Paper, at Traverse Theatre, Venue 15 Dates: Aug 1st (Preview) 2nd – 4th, 6th – 11th, 13th – 18th, 20th – 25th. | Feast Creative Ltd Photo: Feast Creative Ltd
15. Love Beyond (Act of Remembrance)
Love Beyond (Act of Remembrance) is a theatre production written and performed by acclaimed deaf theatre maker Ramesh Meyyappan along with three other cast members and directed by Matthew Lenton (Vanishing Point). Harry has dementia. He also uses sign language. As he moves into a new care home, he is accompanied by memories that dance like ghosts around him. Events from the past seem newly present; a visit from his wife rekindles their love - he imagines they are young and together again. Harry’s carer provides him with some solace, but just as the determined nurse begins to learn Harry’s sign language, he begins to forget it, leaving him in a unique world where he must confront the only thing that remains – himself. Love Beyond (Act of Remembrance), at Assembly George Square, Venue 8. Aug 12th (Preview) – 13th, 15th – 18th, 20th – 25th. 12.15pm. Tickets £16. | Tommy Ga-Ken Wan Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
16. Cyrano
A joyous, gender-flipped retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, packed with music, wit and aching romance. A love letter to hope, to overcoming loneliness, to language and desire; to the irrepressible magic of theatre. Cyrano is a big-hearted, irreverent rom-com for our times. The show is written and performed by Australian actress of stage and screen, writer, and director Virginia Gay (Winners & Losers, All Saints, Colin From Accounts, Dancing With The Stars) and directed by Clare Watson. Taking the familiar story of Cyrano de Bergerac, Virginia Gay has written of seeking human connection. She did this in the imposed isolation of the very recent pandemic and her yearning for human connection and the joy of shared theatrical experience finds full voice in this piece. Cyrano, at Traverse 1, August 1-25, 6pm. Full price £22.75 | Concession £17.75 | U30s & Students £15.75 | Other £5. | Daniel-Boud Photo: Daniel-Boud