Marion Geoffray
Edinburgh and Avignon
A tale of two cities, two world class theatre festivals and their shared commitment to endure.
Marion Geoffray reports back from Avignon, where she led Project Passerelle – a delegation of nine Scottish artists and programmers who spent five days and four nights at Avignon’s OFF and IN festivals. Here she reflects on what Edinburgh and Avignon might build together next.
Project Passerelle
A footbridge between festivals
Scotland is set to renew its Auld Alliance with France this month, by sending a delegation of Scottish artists to Avignon, home to the Festival d’Avignon. Here, delegation leader Marion Geoffray outlines her new venture: Project Passerelle.
Goose’s Quizzes Elimination Game
★★★★☆ Surprisingly addictive!
Pub quiz institution Goose’s Quizzes returns to the Fringe with their Elimination Game running for the full fringe, every night at Assembly Rooms’ Bijou Spiegeltent.
These Mechanisms
★★★★☆ Joyous and inspiring
Choreographer Robbie Synge directs Edinburgh-based performer Christine Thynne in These Mechanisms at Dance Base, her first solo dance show at the age of 80. The pair, who have collaborated previously, present a poetic and energetic movement piece that defies gravity and preconceptions.
Alright Sunshine
★★★★☆ Arresting performance
Alright Sunshine, written by award-winning Edinburgh playwright Isla Cowan was originally commissioned by A Play, A Pie and a Pint back in 2022 with further support from the Tron Theatre.
Mother, Maiden and Crone
★★★★★ Filthy and Gorgeous
Mother, Maiden and Crone is Ewan Burns’ writing debut and premieres at theSpace @ Niddry St, led by a strong team of homegrown emerging talents, drag and otherwise.
Gladiatrix
★★★★☆ Thumbs up!
Produced by Calum Fleming in Edinburgh and brought to life by a multi-talented international cast and creative team, the musical Gladiatrix premieres at theSpace @ Venue 45 during the Fringe, shining a light on ancient, forgotten heroines through catchy songs and impressive choreography.
Athens of the North
★★★★☆ Choose Edinburgh!
Edinburgh born and Edinburgh bred, actor Mark Hannah returns to his hometown to perform Athens of the North, his first full-length play. This year at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, a step up from the Hibs Supporters Club he made his own last year.
Loud Poets
★★★★★ Wordplay masterclass
In the world of spoken word in Scotland, Loud Poets have become something of an institution, celebrating high-calibre poetry in all its forms while continually pushing the boundaries of live performance since 2014.
Dan Bastianelli: Identity
★★★☆☆ Charming
Edinburgh-based magician Dan Bastianelli is no stranger to the Fringe. Following sold-out shows in 2023 and 2024, he returns with Identity at The Space @ Surgeon’s Hall, questioning why he does magic in the first place.
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