Latest news with #EdinburghFringe
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Coming of age on the Mile: Childhood, identity and nostalgia at the Edinburgh Fringe
Pop idols, Girl Guides, drag princesses and Diana tributes - at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, nostalgia isn't just trending, it's transforming. Across theatre, comedy, clown, and cabaret, artists are cracking open their pasts - from teenage bedrooms and school toilets to 90s Dublin and queer club nights - to explore what it really means to grow up. Pop idols, Girl Guides, drag princesses and Diana tributes - at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, nostalgia isn't just trending, it's transforming. Across theatre, comedy, clown, and cabaret, artists are cracking open their pasts - from teenage bedrooms and school toilets to 90s Dublin and queer club nights - to explore what it really means to grow up. Shell ZOO Southside (Studio), 15:05 Part queer sex-ed session, part drag-clown ritual, Shell is unlike anything else at the Fringe this year. Created by Ana Evans and Linnea Scott, the show follows Andy, a jock-turned-sex-ed-activist, and Peanut, a mysterious being of pure desire. Through irreverent comedy and audience interaction, the show asks what we really know about our bodies — and what we've never dared to ask. Surreal, spiritual and deeply silly in the best possible way. Cara and Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 15:20 Selfies, sleepovers and slowly rising tension - Mojola Akinyemi's razor-sharp two-hander captures the perilous intensity of teenage friendship. Set in 2013 and told from the point of view of two girls on the brink, it examines how privilege, silence, and cultural shifts play out in school corridors and shared secrets. A bold, uncomfortable exploration of the radicalisation we don't talk about - and how ideology can form long before we know what to call it. Don't Tell Dad About Diana Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 12:50 It's 1997, and in the shadow of the Princess of Wales' death, two Irish teens prepare a drag tribute to their fallen icon. Set against a backdrop of Boyzone CDs and nationalist parents, this camp, chaotic and unexpectedly moving comedy explores friendship, grief, and the early stirrings of queer identity. Created by Hannah Power and Conor Murray, this is a story of chosen family, late-night lip-syncs, and the danger of secrets that shine too brightly to stay hidden. A STAN IS BORN! Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 15:00 A love letter to diva devotion and queer self-discovery, Alexis Sakellaris returns to the Fringe with a solo musical comedy that's equal parts vocal fireworks and emotional resonance. With ten original songs and a keyboard always within reach, this show takes audiences from suburban bedrooms to European train stations - all set to the inner monologue of a child who grew up worshipping Beyoncé, Céline, and Mariah. A glittery, glorious, and deeply heartfelt reminder of how our icons shape who we become. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 14:15 Jade Franks cleans toilets by day and navigates Oxbridge by night - and her autobiographical solo show is as sharp as it is scathing. With biting wit and warm storytelling, she dismantles the myth of meritocracy and the social acrobatics required to survive elite spaces as a working-class outsider. A powerful and personal show about code-switching, shame, and the politics of fitting in - or choosing not to. The Strongest Girl in the World Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Snug), 14:20 Truly Siskind-Weiss blends summer camp singalongs, storytelling, and memory theatre in this poignant solo show about a girl navigating grief after her father's death. With warmth, wit and a patch-covered sash of Girl Guide metaphors, she explores how we grow up in the shadow of loss — and what it means to stay strong, even when you don't want to. Funny, fierce, and unexpectedly tender. FISH Greenside (Jade Studio), 19:35 Funmi Adejobi's absurd, tender solo performance follows a fish who wants to become human - only to find the surface world even stranger than the sea. With elements of clown, storytelling and physical theatre, FISH dives into climate dread, capitalism, and what it means to feel out of place in your own body. A surreal, smart and deeply humane show about transformation and the cost of survival. FLUSH Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs), 12:15 Set entirely in the women's toilet of a Shoreditch club, FLUSH is a sharply written, emotionally charged look at vulnerability, trauma and fleeting solidarity between strangers. Written and performed by April Hope Miller, this show peels back the nightlife facade to reveal quiet moments of connection, sisterhood, and survival. A powerful partnership with Ask For Angela gives this already vital show a real-world urgency. With the cast informing the process of creation this show is not to be missed. At the 2025 Fringe, the past isn't something to escape — it's something to confront, celebrate, mourn, remix and reimagine. These shows make space for the awkward teenage selves we carry with us, and the cultural myths we've wrapped around them. They prove that growing up doesn't always mean letting go — sometimes, it means returning, rethinking, and singing it all at the top of your lungs. For tickets and the full programme, visit
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'worst tourist trap' that is home to more than 70 gift shops
The attraction has a history dating back centuries. One of Scotland's most iconic streets was recently named one of the world's worst tourist traps - and it's not hard to see why, with more than 70 gift shops running the length of it. With Scotland a popular destination for holidaymakers, thanks to its incredible scenery and renowned whisky distilleries, there are countless places that are worth seeing, but some attract significantly more visitors than others. As we reported last week, a recent list picked out the biggest tourist traps in the world. Placing at number five on the global ranking was the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Situated in the heart of the Scottish capital, The Royal Mile is comprised of streets that form the primary thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town. Approximately a mile in length, it runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. The history of the Royal Mile goes back to the 12th century, when Edinburgh was a small town that surrounded the castle. The street that linked the castle to the town was named the High Street. Over the following centuries, Edinburgh grew and grew. The High Street developed with it, becoming a hive of activity that was home to a variety of taverns and other local businesses. As reported by the BBC, today the Royal Mile is home to more than 160 premises, including a whopping 72 gift shops. These sell everything from souvenirs to whisky and fudge - with two exclusively flogging Christmas products. Many of the stores that line the Royal Mile are specifically catered towards tourists. These include businesses that stock products such as postcards, fridge magnets, and plush toys and clothing branded with the national flag of Scotland Additionally, the historic spot is also home to many international chains. Walking its streets, you will find Starbucks, Caffè Nero, and more. The Royal Mile becomes particularly busy each August, when the city welcomes millions of visitors from around the globe for the Edinburgh Fringe. As part of the world's largest arts festival, the historic streets host performers who put on free shows for tourists. Speaking to the BBC, longtime local Jimmy Robertson said that the Royal Mile used to be home to "useful" shops. Among these were a hairdresser, a butcher, a grocer, and a doctors' surgery—the latter of which is now a whisky shop. Robertson stated: "It was probably in the 1980s you saw a lot of people moving out and the street beginning to change. I would sit on that bench and you'd watch the world go by, saying hello to folk you knew coming by. "Now I sit there and it feels like it is just tourists that pass me by. I'm not against tourism, I just think it has gone far in how it affects people who live here." The Royal Mile still features a number of beauty spots and attractions that celebrate its long history. These include The Real Mary King's Close—where real people lived and worked hundreds of years ago—and The Writers' Museum that is dedicated to Scottish writers Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. In 2026, Edinburgh is set to introduce a tourist tax that will be set at 5 per cent of accommodation costs. The levy is being introduced to help fund local services and infrastructure.
Glasgow Times
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Viral Glasgow Oompa Loompa calls for change after abuse
Kirsty Paterson from Bishopbriggs was thrust into the global spotlight last year when a photo of her dressed as the iconic character at the failed Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow went viral. She said the experience led to abuse, ridicule, and a mental health crisis that nearly cost her her life. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Call for unseen footage from Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience In an interview on the Go Doxx Yourself podcast, she said: "I think there needs to be definitely, 110 per cent more legislation on this because the result of this could be death and suicide." She was working as an entertainer at the children's event in February 2024 and had hoped it would be a stepping stone in her acting career. Instead, she found herself the target of relentless online abuse after the event—marketed as an immersive Willy Wonka experience—was exposed as a poorly executed tour of a mostly empty warehouse. Following the fallout, Kirsty was forced to turn off her phone and stay with a friend in Edinburgh to escape the torrent of negativity. She shared: "I just couldn't mentally deal with it. I had to switch off, and even when my phone was switched off, I couldn't switch off. "For me, it was the horrible comments; it was putting me down a really dark hole at the time." READ MORE: Man behind viral Glasgow Willy Wonka experience accused of rape She described feeling "completely dehumanised" as her image was used in advertisements and merchandise without her consent. Kirsty said: "This was all within four days. "I turned my phone off because I actually mentally couldn't cope with it." She believes copyright laws need to change to give people more control over how their images are used, especially in commercial contexts. She said individuals should be able to give consent or receive compensation if their image is used for profit. The public narrative only began to shift after parents of children at the event shared positive stories about the entertainers' efforts under challenging circumstances. She said: 'I'm forever grateful to the parents for doing that. And they kind of saved my life. I'm not being dramatic when I say that." (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Actress has looked back on botched Glasgow Willy Wonka event Since then, she has appeared on television chat shows, been interviewed by the New York Times, and even featured in an Edinburgh Fringe show based on her experience. Kirsty added: "Going viral isn't all positive, but it's also been an amazing experience as well." Her full story was shared on the podcast Go Doxx Yourself, which explores the human stories behind online controversies. For anyone struggling with their mental health, support is available through the Samaritans at or by calling 116 123.
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Doktor Kaboom returns to Edinburgh with explosive new science show
Science, comedy and chaos come together once again at this year's Edinburgh Fringe with the return of Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure!, a brand-new show making its international premiere at the Pleasance Courtyard – Beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The run takes place from the 30th of July to the 25th of August (excluding the 6th and the 13th of August), with daily performances at 1.40pm. Back for his fourth year at the Fringe, Doktor Kaboom (the stage persona of actor and comedian David Epley) delivers a fast-paced, interactive hour that combines laugh-out-loud comedy with real science experiments and a healthy dose of heart. The show, commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C., uses the physics of pressure as both a scientific topic and a metaphor for emotional and mental stress — making it as thoughtful as it is thrilling. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Audience members can expect jaw-dropping demonstrations like a vacuum cannon firing a ping pong ball at over 300 miles per hour, a steel bucket imploding under air pressure, a snowstorm on stage, and the return of Kaboom's ever-popular hovercraft ride — with a lucky volunteer zooming across the stage on a cushion of air. (c) Damian Robertson Kaboom's mission goes beyond wow-factor science. Throughout the show, he offers empowering messages for young audiences, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and self-belief. With a string of accolades — including the 2025 SPARK Award for Outstanding Contributions to Science Education and the 2024 WOW Award for Best Family Show — Under Pressure! continues his reputation for smart, meaningful, and thoroughly entertaining family theatre. Suitable for ages 8 and up, the show promises laughs, learning, and plenty of chances for kids (and adults) to get involved. Parents, be warned — you'll be laughing just as hard as the children. Doktor Kaboom!'s new show 'Under Pressure' will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Beyond at 1.40pm for the entire fringe for tickets go to
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Fringe debut for The Flying Bubble Show promises wonder, awe and uplift for all ages
This August, a unique new family production is set to float into the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Flying Bubble Show, created and performed by Maxwell the Bubbleologist, will run from the 2nd to the 23rd August (excluding the 12th of August) at the Underbelly Circus Hub – The Beauty, with daily performances at 3.10pm. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Nominated for Best Family Show at the 2024 Brighton Fringe, The Flying Bubble Show combines bubble artistry, aerial choreography, live storytelling and sensory theatre to create a fully immersive experience. Audiences can expect a visual feast that appeals to all ages, blending physical spectacle with emotional depth. At the heart of the show is Maxwell's personal journey, beginning in South Africa where he grew up surrounded by the magic of fringe festivals. Drawing from real-life events, the performance explores themes of curiosity, perseverance and discovering joy in unexpected places. His story is told through soaring movement, dynamic lighting, music and thousands of shimmering bubbles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is Maxwell's first Edinburgh Fringe appearance, though he has already performed to captivated audiences across Europe, India, Australia and the United States. His mastery of bubble science and performance art has evolved into a truly international career that bridges circus, theatre and education. (c) TILDA JEAN The production is designed to resonate with children and adults alike. While young audiences are drawn into the fantastical visuals and physical comedy, older viewers connect with the show's deeper emotional moments and artistic craftsmanship. Maxwell's path to performance was anything but direct. After leaving South Africa at 18 with limited resources, he travelled through the UK, Ireland and the US working a range of jobs and gradually discovering his talent for engaging children and manipulating bubbles. A last-minute booking for a birthday party in London marked the unexpected start of a new chapter. From local parties and park performances to international bookings and sell-out festival shows, Maxwell's work has developed into a powerful, multifaceted theatrical experience. His performances now incorporate aerial acrobatics, storytelling and sound design, along with a strong sense of purpose. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In addition to his live shows, Maxwell has also pioneered the world's first Soap Bubble Planetarium, a dome-based projection experience that takes audiences inside the physics and beauty of bubbles through filmed footage and immersive light play. The Flying Bubble Show is suitable for families, school groups and anyone looking to rediscover their sense of wonder. With a run throughout August and a captivating blend of science, emotion and performance, it is expected to be a standout production in this year's family programme. The Flying Bubble show will be at the Underbelly Circus Hub The Beauty at 3.10pm for the entire fringe for tickets go to
