Edinburgh Fringe 2021 is well underway with a host of comedy, theatre, dance and art taking place in the city and online. So, we thought we’d take a look at some of the quirky, innovative and inspirational offerings available this week. Whether you’re there in person or watching from home, we’ve got some suggestions for you.
What to see in person
If you’re in Edinburgh and wondering what to check out, here’s what caught our eye, looking through this week’s listings.
As you’d expect there’s loads of fresh theatre. If you fancy something light-hearted, there’s F-Bomb Theatre’s debut Afterparty. And for something heartfelt, Tessa’s trying to piece together her recollections in Plasters. Both these shows are on at theSpaceTriplex. And if you fancy a wonder in the woods, Doppler is a subversive fable taking place at The National Trust for Scotland’s Newhailes House and Gardens.
The historical drama Sweet F.A. that delves into the truth about women’s football. It’s on at Tynecastle Park’s outdoor stage. There’s more drama in Run at Lauriston Halls, which follows the last day of term with Yonni, a 17-year-old gay, Jewish kid.
If you’re looking for some immersive theatre, Agent November’s Major X Ploe-Shun – Outdoor Escape Game will give you the chance to head outdoors and become a spy.
And if you like the idea of getting out and about in the city without needing to use your brain, you could try joining the Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Party with a Scottish Twist or the Editburgh comedy walking tour.
It’s not simply comedy and drama at the Fringe, and if you’re looking for a different cultural experience you could head to the Archie Brennan: Tapestry Goes Pop! exhibition at Dovecot Studios. And if you fancy hearing something a bit different, The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas: Fifty Shades of Fiction & Stroke Survival at The Stand Comedy Club may be for you.
What to see online and on demand
Not able to head to Edinburgh this year? No worries, there are lots of shows to see online and on demand. Here’s just a few of the things you can tune in to.
We’ll start with an immersive thriller from Darkfield. Get your tickets, pop on some headphones and head to your nearest park bench this weekend for Knot: The Trilogy. On Wednesday, Grab a drink and listen in to Dark Spirits, Black Humor: A Night of Cocktails and Storytelling, or watch three flatmates deal with The Day the Devil Came for Tea on demand anytime.
If you fancy catching more on demand shows when it suits you, there’s Aalaapi which is part theatre, part radio show. Inspired by the pandemic is the lyrical CITY, and teen dreams go awry in Destiny. You can head on a wintry, acrobatic journey with Blizzard and there’s more physical theatre with The Chosen Haram. Told through circus, it sees two men overcome personal and social barriers. And after all those lockdown Zoom calls, Disrobed – The Virtual Event, is sure to give you a laugh.
What to see and do with the family
Whether you’re looking for a show especially for the little ones, or something that you’ll all get something out of, there’s plenty going on. Here’s just a few of the things on offer.
If you’re heading to the festival as a family, there’s gentle humour in the bilingual mask show, Granny Smith and there’s Shakespearian storytelling in Is this a Dagger? Over at Summerhall’s Secret Courtyard there’s a magical shadow puppet tale with Swallow the Sea Caravan Theatre. And for all of you who missed their birthday celebrations during lockdown, head to the The Big Birthday Show With Magic Gareth at The Pleasance Courtyard.
If you’re all watching in online, there’s the wacky, comic book-inspired Something in the Water – For Kids! to entertain.
Heading to shows in person? You’ll need to book in advance and check the relevant safety guidelines for each venue. Refunds are usually available for COVID-19 related cancellations, but do check when booking.
Of course, there’s more theatre going on up and down the country right now. You can find some of these happenings on our theatre page.
When: From 16th August 2021
Where: At various venues in Edinburgh and online
£: Ticket prices vary, depending on the show
More info: tickets.edfringe.com
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