Latest news with #EdinburghFringe2025
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Independent producers pool $30,000 to boost Singapore shows and brand at Edinburgh Fringe
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The Singapore Spotlight team with artists during the initiative's launch at *Scape. SINGAPORE – Six independent theatre producers have created a $30,000 initiative to spotlight Singapore works at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Known as the biggest arts marketplace in the world, Edinburgh Fringe 2025 takes place from Aug 1 to 25. Six Singapore acts have paid their way to the Scottish capital, presenting their shows to a global audience and harbouring hopes they will be picked up by international producers. For the first time, they will have unity of branding under a 'Singapore Spotlight' umbrella – co-marketing on the same posters, meeting presenters and producers from other countries at Singapore Spotlight networking events, and even sharing house rental. The initiative is started by Singaporeans in their 20s to 40s based both here and in Britain: Shien Hian Lim, Shaifulbahri Mohamad, Caleb Lee, Brent Tan, Joanne Tay and Syania Shaharuddin. Shaifulbahri is the veteran with six shows at the Fringe Festival in the last 10 years under his belt. But everyone knows they have to compete with thousands of other creative works for eyeballs and are eager to bring their combined connections to bear. Lim says over Zoom from Edinburgh: 'To come here as a first-timer, you don't know anyone here and it is very daunting. We provide that base and foundation of support, and point you in the right direction.' In starting Singapore Spotlight, they noted how artists from other countries and territories banded together to amplify their presence, for instance the Taiwan, South Korean and Danish seasons, typically funded by their respective ministries of culture. Lee says: 'It is definitely about strength in numbers. If you asked me what show was in the Taiwan season last year, I can't remember. But I can tell you for certain there was a Taiwan season. 'It is about putting the Singapore brand in Edinburgh as well as internationally. This benefits both Singapore artists going out and also for international artists to understand where and what Singapore is.' In the true fringe spirit of building community, Singapore Spotlight secured sponsorship from local brands such as massage chair retailer Osim , food and beverage manufacturer Yeo's, sock designer Freshly Pressed Socks and hardware wholesale supplier Jitt Yi Sheng. Others who supported by providing in-kind services are youth hub *Scape, public relations firm Tate Anzur, charity BinjaiTree and networking platform Singapore Global Network. Singapore Spotlight is also a push for Singapore works travelling to Edinburgh to have more legs. Shaifulbahri refers to the National Arts Council's (NAC) espoused efforts to internationalise its arts productions, which he feels has had limited success with Singapore and South-east Asian works continuing to be under-represented in international platforms. The NAC's Our SG Arts Plan (2023 to 2027) and Our SG Arts Plan 2.0 both cited promoting Singapore artists internationally as a major goal. 'Artists spend so much money to come out here and you've got all these presenters from around the world looking for works to present back home. If the work just dies after the Fringe, there's so many missed opportunities,' he says. The six works at Edinburgh Fringe under the Singapore Spotlight umbrella in 2025 are an equal mix of Edinburgh Fringe veterans and newcomers. The three familiar names are playwright Jo Tan, who is taking on major venue Summerhall with her one-woman exploration of gender identity, King ; Jonathan Goh with his acrobatics and juggling act; and stand-up comedian Sam See, collating two showcases The Asian Comedy Showcase and Off With Your Head. The newcomers are sound artist Hee Suhui with her experimental audiovisual work III Behaviour; dance group Decadance Co's dark movement comedy The 11th Hour; and stand-up comedian Nebulous Niang's Slomosexual, a reflection of her life as one half of an inter-ethnic lesbian couple raising Gen Z kids in a conservative society. Jo Tan, whose King is among 26 plays shortlisted for the Popcorn Writing Award celebrating fresh writing at the festival, says of Singapore Spotlight: 'It is so refreshing because in our country's relatively smaller landscape, things can sometimes feel competitive or even adversarial. Here, we can share knowledge and publicise each other, and we share otherwise daunting costs.' These costs include accommodation, which she is splitting with artists from at least four different acts. 'It feels almost like a clan house for early immigrants to Singapore.' Edinburgh Fringe greenhorn Hee says III Behaviour is her first production and also the first time she is touring – an attempt to 'see if my bodily experience could feel universal'. Hee Suhui's III Behaviour. PHOTO: ZANE MOTALIF Using contact microphones, she creates a soundscape from breath, pulse and touch in an intimate exploration of what it means to hear oneself. 'Singapore artists need more production and touring infrastructure: how to liaise with venues, manage shipping, situate a show, how to keep momentum going after the run. 'Without the right support, navigating this alone would be overwhelming.' Asked if the Singapore Spotlight team hopes more official bodies like the NAC would step in to fulfil this role, the producers noted that their application to NAC for support this time was unsuccessful. Beyond concerns about limitations on curation, Lee says there is also something creative and joyful about an organic group of people pulling off this project, with even Singaporeans working in cafes in Edinburgh volunteering to put up posters. 'Part of the Fringe is also about decentralising the arts. The Fringe was, after all, a resistance that came from the larger Edinburgh International Festival.'
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Seven powerful shows spotlighting men's mental health at Edinburgh Fringe 2025
In a festival known for its boldness and creativity, Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is seeing a wave of deeply personal performances that challenge the silence surrounding men's mental health. 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... This year, several standout shows offer portraits of masculinity in all its complexity - from quiet grief and identity struggles to neurodivergence, queer joy, and cultural survival. Here are seven of the most moving shows this Fringe season, each offering a different take on men's mental health. Because Hassan Govia in Because Studio at theSpaceTriplex, 1–23 Aug (not 10), 15:05 Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What happens when your inner voice turns against you? In Because, a solo performer named Jade navigates spiralling thoughts triggered by sudden news. Set against a pre-recorded soundtrack of his own inner monologue, this gripping performance confronts trauma, masculinity, mortality, and mental illness with startling intimacy. English Ako theSpaceUK @ Surgeons' Hall (Theatre 2), 1–23 Aug (not 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18), 21:00 Jules Chan in English Ako Inspired by the lived experience of being born in the Philippines and raised in the UK, writer-performer Jules Chan's semi-autobiographical play candidly explores the challenges and contradictions faced by navigating dual heritage in contemporary Britain. Blending physical comedy, storytelling and multi-rolling, English Ako follows Boy, a young working-class migrant born in the Philippines and raised in northern England, on a search for his estranged brother and, ultimately, for a version of home where both his Britishness and Asian-ness can coexist. Set against the backdrop of coming-of-age encounters – from playground racism and awkward dates to tense universal credit meetings – Boy poetically transforms people in his life into beloved Shakespearean characters. Cartoonopolis Pleasance Dome, Jack Dome, 30 July – 24 Aug (not 6, 11, 18), 13:10 Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Created by Lewis Ian Bray as a tribute to his younger brother Jack, Cartoonopolis is a vibrant and imaginative exploration of neurodivergence, creativity, and the power of family. Inspired by the Bray family's challenging but joyful journey raising Jack, who is autistic, the show invites audiences into the fantastical world of Jack's imagination. It's a place full of cartoon capers, wild adventures, dastardly villains and fearless heroes from Toy Story, Marvel and more, as Jack approaches his 18th birthday and the transition into adulthood. Lewis plays 27 characters including Jack and his parents in a personal and moving celebration of neurodivergence, imagination and sticking together. Chrome Yellow ZOO Southside Studio, 1–24 Aug (not 12 & 19), 12:25–13:35 Chrome Yellow is a solo show from Wayne Stewart, tracing his 650 mile walk across France from Saint-Malo to Argeles-Sur-Mer in 2021. What began as a physical journey slowly transformed into a deeper exploration of meaning, emotional endurance, and connection. Blending personal storytelling, journal entries, and songs, Chrome Yellow shares the solitude and self-reflection that came along the way. The Alchemy of Sadness theSpaceUK @ Niddry St (Upper), 11–23 Aug (not 16 & 17), Week 1: 12:50–13:50 / Week 2: 11:10–12:10 Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Set in a high-pressure PR firm, The Alchemy of Sadness explores the emotional toll of ambition, power, and unresolved trauma. Written by Alex Garcia-Laguer and inspired by his real-life experience in the hospitality industry, the play follows Thiago, a young professional, as he is paired with his intense and emotionally unpredictable boss, Liam, on a make-or-break assignment. Tensions between the two men rise, revealing shifting power dynamics and a growing emotional dependency. Incorporating surreal physical transformations to reflect their inner turmoil, the show offers a nuanced look at masculinity, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between mentorship, rivalry, and emotional entanglement. A Drag Is Born ZOO Playground, Playground 2, 1–24 Aug (not 12), 18:05 In this vibrant, wordless drag fantasia, Edu Diaz transforms personal history and cultural shame into a defiant celebration of queer joy. Through clowning, lip-sync, and divine divas like Nancy Sinatra and Celine Dion, an ordinary man becomes an unexpected Queen of the Carnival — older, hairier, and with 'limited talents.' A Drag Is Born is a glittering act of resistance, highlighting how performance and identity can become tools for healing. In its joy, it offers a powerful commentary on liberation, queer masculinity, and self-worth. A Small Town Northern Tale Iron Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate, 31 July – 24 Aug (not 11 Aug), 12:40 Inspired by his experiences growing up mixed heritage in Manchester and relocating to a small working-class Northern town in the early 2000s, Nathan Jonathan writes and performs a nostalgic love letter to working-class life and cultural identity. The story follows David, a 13-year-old boy whose mother uproots their family from Manchester to escape his violent, drug-dealing father. In the small Northern town, David struggles to fit in as a Jamaican-English kid navigating a predominantly white community. As he contends with dodgy noughties fashion, Myspace, and Nokia phones, he slowly begins to lose touch with his Jamaican heritage. A Small Town Northern Tale is a high energy, solo-comedy that explores identity, belonging and cultural erasure, all told with humour and poignancy.
Daily Record
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Edinburgh Fringe performer claims youths branded him a 'lady boy' during attack
Eddie Jen claims the male youths "beat him on the head", ripped off his bow and poured their drinks on him. An Edinburgh Fringe performer has claimed he was called a 'lady boy' by youths who allegedly attacked him on the Royal Mile. Eddie Jen, who uses he/she pronouns, is performing his show 'Seeking a PenPal For the End of the World' to the festival this year. Before it starts he was out handing out flyers but says he was accosted by a gang of thugs on Tuesday, July 29, reports Edinburgh Live. Eddie claims the male youths "beat him on the head", ripped off his bow and poured their drinks on him. Speaking out since the incident, Eddie said "it all happened so quickly". He added: "I was just so excited and happy to be in Edinburgh and to start with, I got great reactions. The youngsters aren't even a minority and they aren't speaking for everyone. "It all happened so quickly, they just came up to me and started saying 'are you a lady boy?' and 'are you a boy or a girl?' "I remained polite but as I went back to my corner to continue flyering, they hit my head, ripped off my bow and poured their drinks over me. It all happened within two minutes. "I was honestly in shock but I am so glad I was able to film it all and get people talking about this." The performer from San Francisco said she isn't letting the incident dampen her time in Edinburgh. Eddie has met a lot of kind people in the capital - including one man who assisted after the incident. She added: "There was one kind Scottish gentleman who came up to me to see if I was okay. "I really am an optimist and I am able to get the full Fringe experience right now. I mean so far, I have been harassed and done shows with no attendance so it seems I am getting everything bad out the way in the first week. "Last year I came to the Fringe to see if I was up to par and I absolutely loved it - the city is magical, there really is something about it. "I went out flyering again yesterday, I put on the same outfit and I kept going. I am just so excited to be here." Getting over 200,000 views, the clip has since gone viral and many people have offered their support to the performer. The video was captioned: "I was attacked in drag at Edinburgh Fringe 2025. It's my first solo show. "I was so excited to flyer and find an audience and then a group of young men began harassing me. They beat me on the head, ripped off my bow and poured their drinks on me." Almost 1000 comments have come in after the short clip was posted online. One person said: "Why is it always teenagers? Where are their parents? "I'm terrified of teenage boys in Edinburgh, they're just looking for trouble." A second said: "That's so bad a member of the public has to explain this is not how Scotland is and excusing their bad behaviour." "I'm so sorry this happened to you. I live in Edinburgh and unfortunately this type of stuff happens a lot. It's horrible but not all teenagers are like that", a third commented. Eddie's show started yesterday and will run at Just The Tonic at the Caves at 1.05pm until August 24. A description of the show reads: "After Trump 1.0's mob breached the US capitol to destroy democracy on January 6th, 2021, an immigrant drag queen attorney from San Francisco began writing to a retired, White, Republican woman in Bountiful, Utah – his high school English teacher from thirty years ago. "What happens when the political discussions stop and the personal begins? Can you really be friends with your former teacher? An interactive performance, with reading and writing prompts. We tell the story of our lives. For everyone who remembers their English teachers most fondly. You can find out more about Eddie's show here.
Daily Record
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Moment Edinburgh Fringe performer 'attacked by youths' on Royal Mile
Eddie Jen was accosted by a gang of youths as he gave out flyers for his show. A performer was "harassed by a group of youths" as he handed out flyers for his show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Eddie Jen, who uses he/she pronouns, is performing his 'Seeking a PenPal For the End of the World' show at the festival this year. The entertainer was handing out flyers dressed in drag but was left devastated with the manner one of the group treated her, reports Edinburgh Live. The moment, which was captured on video, shows two young, male youths approach Eddie outside a corner shop. Sharing the clip online, he claims the duo "beat him on the head", ripped off his bow and poured their drinks on him. Getting over 200,000 views, the video clip has since gone viral and many people have offered their support to the performer. The footage was captioned: "I was attacked in drag at Edinburgh Fringe 2025. It's my first solo show. "I was so excited to flyer and find an audience and then a group of young men began harassing me. They beat me on the head, ripped off my bow and poured their drinks on me." Afterwards another male comes up to Eddie and offers some napkins before asking what happened. The male said: "They're just harassing folk for clout. Don't worry, it's not how we are here. You are welcome." Almost 1000 comments have come in after the short clip was posted online. One person said: "Why is it always teenagers? Where are their parents? "I'm terrified of teenage boys in Edinburgh, they're just looking for trouble." A second said: "That's so bad a member of the public has to explain this is not how Scotland is and excusing their bad behaviour." "I'm so sorry this happened to you. I live in Edinburgh and unfortunately this type of stuff happens a lot. It's horrible but not all teenagers are like that", a third commented. You can find out more about Eddie's show here.
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Fringe Fever: The Fresh Faces Set to Steal Edinburgh 2025
As the world's largest arts festival makes its highly anticipated return, Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is set to spotlight a bold new generation of performers. This year's programme bursts with fresh voices and fearless talent, offering a dynamic blend of perspectives on identity, resilience, friendship, and social change—stories that are as timely as they are deeply personal. 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... Audiences can expect everything from biting solo comedies laced with vulnerability and wit, to innovative physical theatre and immersive performances that break boundaries and defy convention. These artists are not just entertaining; they're shaping the cultural conversation. Dive into this powerful lineup of unmissable new work—created to challenge, move, and inspire across Edinburgh this summer. A STAN IS BORN!– Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 15:00,from 30th July –25th August (not 11th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Musical comedy meets fan devotion: Alexis Sakellaris delivers ten original tracks, powerhouse vocals and razor-wit in a celebration of queer identity and pop obsession. A glittering, joyfully loud coming-of-age story that honours Beyoncé, Céline and Mariah. House Party An Ode to the Casting Director– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Penny), 11:40, from 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Sophie Fisher's cinematic solo tears into the audition grind with humour and heart. Expect live-feed scenes, biting truth and the chaotic surrealism behind every casting call. BAIRNS– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 14:05, 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Annie Davison channels surrogacy, sisterhood and the messy magic of modern womanhood into a compulsively paced, character-rich one-woman drama. Bold, honest and deeply moving. Cara and Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 15:20, from 30th July –25th August (not 18th) Tense two-hander by Mojola Akinyemi about friendship, loyalty and the subtle creep of extremism. Sharp, unnerving and distinctly of-the-moment. Don't Tell Dad About Diana– Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 12:50, from 31st July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Set in the 90s, this is a riotous drag-infused comedy featuring two teens prepping a Princess Di act under nationalist family noses. In 1997 Dublin, grief and friendship collide in glitter-soaked catharsis. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 14:15, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Jade Franks' autobiographical solo show on class, privilege and hidden work at the University of Cambridge. Sharp, heartfelt, and as insightful as it is entertaining. FISH– Greenside (Jade Studio), 19:35, from Friday 1st – Sunday 23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Physical clowning meets climate anxiety, as a fish dreams of human life. Funmi Adejobi's whimsical performance is witty, engaging and unexpectedly poignant. FLUSH– Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs), 12:15, from 30th July –25th August (not 11th, 18th) A women's toilet becomes a sanctuary of solidarity and raw confession. April Hope Miller's sharp drama delves into vulnerability, survival and connection. FLUSH partners with Ask For Angela, a national initiative supporting those in vulnerable situations in nightlife venues. Funny Though – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 15:30, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clare Noy's confessional comedy exposes performance anxiety and burnout behind the laughs. Honest, darkly funny, and remarkably relatable. Gimme a Sign!– Greenside (Fern Studio), 15:05, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Bailey Swilley channels grief, ghost-chasing and identity in this tender, eccentric solo show. A charming mix of humour, supernatural intrigue and authentic healing. Golden Time (and Other Behavioural Management Strategies)– Pleasance Dome (Ace Dome), 13:30, 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Poet-performer Kate Ireland reflects on ADHD, school culture and productivity through spoken word. Witty, illuminating and definitely uplifting. House Party– Pleasance Courtyard (Attic), 15:20, 31st July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 21st) A vibrant solo music show about East London gentrification, cramped spaces and collective resistance. Chakira Alin brings heart, humour and political urgency. I L L B E H A V I O U R – Summerhall (Former Gent's Locker Room), 13:40, 31st July –10th August 2025 (not 4th, 7th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sensory theatre meets sonic exploration: experimental movement, live sampling of breath and heartbeat reveal the hidden soundtrack of being alive. In These Shoes– Underbelly Bristo Square (Dairy Room), 19:45, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Fashion satire meets jazz cabaret in this witty portrait of style obsession and identity. Glynis Traill‑Nash delivers sass, insight and musical elegance. Lioness – Greenside (Clover Studio), 12:40, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kate Coulson's football-infused solo drama tackles sexism, ambition and friendship in the Women's Super League. Raw, empowering and full of drive. Macbeth by The Barden Party– ZOO Southside (Studio), 10:40, from 1st –22nd August 2025 (not 4th, 11th, 18th) A gender-flipped, bluegrass-infused revival of Macbeth, blending raw emotion, humour and musicality. Intimate, irreverent and refreshingly bold. medium dead – ZOO Playground 2, 16:50, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a surreal afterlife office, a writer assigned to Anthony Bourdain's file navigates grief, bureaucracy and meaning. Darkly clever, deeply felt. Meg & Marge – ZOO Playground 1, 15:15, from 1st –25th August 2025 (not 12th) A tradwife social-media influencer is haunted by Margery Kempe, sparking a surreal, genre-bending comedy about perfection, faith and identity. Shell – ZOO Southside (Studio), 15:05, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Drag-clown ritual and queer sex education fuse in Ana Evans's participatory performance. Bold, playful, and challenges what theatre can be. Terry's: An American Tragedy About Cars, Customers, and Selling Cars to Customers – Pleasance Courtyard (Beside), 12:55, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 19th) Satirical musical comedy set in a 1990s Midwestern dealership. Lecoq-trained ensemble combines absurdist humour with pointed societal critique. The Crawl – Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), 12:05, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In this high-energy physical comedy, two swimmers face off in the race of a lifetime—on a stage with no water. Backed by original music, The Crawl dives into absurd competition and ambition, brought to life by Lecoq-trained performers and director Olivia Zerphy (Voloz Collective). The Essence of Audrey– Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), 11:15,from 30th July –25th August (not 13th) Helen Anker's elegant solo tribute to Audrey Hepburn blends biography, humour and humanity in an intimate theatrical portrait. The Poetess– Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome), 11:55, from 30th July –25th August Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olivia Dodd's spoken-word play transforms viral poetry into a journey through grief, connection and creative legacy. Moving, hopeful. The Strongest Girl in the World– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Snug),14:20, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Truly Siskind‑Weiss weaves childhood grief into a magical, heartfelt solo about growing up, loss and resilience. All shows within this round-up can be found on the Edinburgh Fringe website.
