Assembly announces more Fringe comedy and theatre

Another of the Fringe's major players, Assembly, has revealed more of its 2018 plans, with a vibrant lineup of theatre, comedy, cabaret, and circus heading to Edinburgh this August.

We love the sound of comedy musical My Left/Right Foot, a collaboration between National Theatre of Scotland and Birds of Paradise, with the latter celebrating their 25th anniversary. Also catching the eye are appearances of two sci-fi heroes, Sylvester McCoy (Dr Who) and Robert Picardo (Star Trek Voyager), heading to Assembly Room’s stage in Dan Freeman’s absurdist play A Joke.

Theatre highlights also include Joanne Hartstone’s new show That Daring Australian Girl, about unsung Aussie suffragette Muriel Matters; ART Award-winner Heaven Burns, centered on a witch-pricker in the 15th century.; and Are There More of You?, Alison Skilbeck's play linking four women with only a postcode in common. There’s also Thor and Loki, a new comedy musical from Harry Blake – we’re told to expect epic battles, fiery ballads and a chorus of tap-dancing trolls – and the intriguing sounding Hunch, a new dark comedy about the power of gut decisions featuring Kate Kennedy.

The comedy lineup is similarly impressive. Fringe stalwarts like Jason Byrne and Simon Evans return with new shows, alongside performance poet John Hegley and impressionist and vocal gymnast Jess Robinson. Another comedy hot ticket should be the show from American improvisational comic Kate Berlant.

Mixing theatre, circus, dance, music, and acrobatics, Quebecois troupe The 7 Fingers head to town with shows Reversible and Sisters, the latter described as “a new fairy tale exploring the beauty and complexity of the passionate relationship that undoubtedly connects two sisters”. Another circus must-see looks to be Casting Off, a show featuring the talents, minds and muscles of three generations of women who all met at Circus Oz. Fringe physical theatre fave Attrape Moi also make a returns this year.

The cabaret lineup, meanwhile, includes ‘cult feminist disco’ the Fringe Wives Club; Prom Kween, described as a coming of age satire about falling in love with who you are; and iconic 7ft ginger-bearded drag queen Gingzilla. There’s also Jonny Woo’s All Star Brexit Cabaret and Belly of a Drunken Piano, which celebrates the songs of Tom Waits, Randy Newman, and Ian Dury. 

The above join the already announced Andrew Maxwell, David O’Doherty, Game of Thrones musical Thrones! and more (see previous announcements here).

“We are looking forward to a fantastic festival this summer," said William Burdett-Coutts, Artistic Director of Assembly Festival. “Our programme is packed with new talent, returning favourites and some truly incredible shows, that demonstrate the real breadth of world-class performance that comes to Edinburgh every August.”

For Assembly’s full programme and to buy tickets, head to www.assemblyfestival.com