Fantastic Scottish talent on show at this year’s Fringe - Karen Koren

Grant Stott and Andy Gray pictured while making the BBC Radio Scotland programme, When Grant met Andy

The joys of remote working meant we were always in contact with our team whilst enjoying some family time before things get really hectic!

Gilded Balloon has always been rooted in Scottish comedy and talent, and this year we’re thrilled to have so many outstanding Scottish productions across comedy, theatre and music.

We recently had a brilliant script read-through for Chemo Savvy – a comedy play inspired by the experiences of the late great Andy Gray. Written by the fantastic Alan McHugh, an actor and comedian as well as a writer, and directed by Scot Squad actress Sally Stott, the play is as moving as it is funny.

It also has a star-studded cast led by Grant Stott, who worked on the play with Andy himself during his illness. Grant and Andy have performed at Gilded Balloon many times across the years, so it feels very fitting that Chemo Savvy will return to our venue to pay tribute to Andy.

Although it’s a fictional story, the play is inspired by true experiences Andy had throughout his treatment for leukaemia, a tale that really can only be told by somebody who has experienced it themselves – gallows humour and all!

We have a host of returning Scottish shows this year, including Jay Lafferty’s rave-reviewed show Bahookie for five nights only, brothers Paul Black and Mark Black, and of course Jack Docherty makes a glorious return as Scot Squad fan-favourite The Chief.

Jack has just finished a tour of last year’s sell-out Fringe show, as well as filming for his upcoming The Chief spin-off on BBC Scotland so we’re thrilled he was able to fit in a two-week run at this year’s Fringe.

We also have the ultimate show for Scottish music fans with Broadside Ballads, a supergroup featuring band members from Scottish bands including Del Amitri, Orange Juice and others. We also have a lovely Scottish theatre piece called Pals – an adventure comedy-play by exciting new Scottish playwright Mirren Wilson. There’s magic too from Kevin Quantum, Cameron Young and Insane Magic.

We’ll be celebrating all of this fantastic Scottish talent throughout August so I hope you can come along and see a show or two!