Edinburgh Fringe: Five shows to see at Summerhall
Our resident agony aunt and somewhat cynical theatre critic picks her five must-see shows from this year’s Summerhall Fringe programme
As general manager Sam Gough joked to a bar full of journalists, PRs and performers, Summerhall's 2016 programme is one without a theme, but full of things that they like. The venue's fifth Fringe programme is as eclectic and colourful as normal – if you’re looking for inspiration, here are five picks of mostly theatre to whet your appetite for performance.
Faslane
3-28 Aug (except 4 and 15), 7.15pm
The culmination of years of research into Scotland’s controversial naval base Faslane, the home of the UK’s entire arsenal of nuclear weapons, Jenna Watt’s new solo show explores what happens when politics and the personal combine.
Comprised of interviews with current and former MOD staff, Faslane invites the audience to question their long-held beliefs on protest, peace camps and what nuclear deterrent really entails.
Denton & Me
3-28 Aug (exept 15 and 22), 3.05pm
Premiering as part of LGBT Month at Glasgow's much-missed Arches in 2015, Sam Rowe’s Denton & Me mixes the artist's life with that of underappreciated author Denton Welch, who was beloved by such cultural icons as Alan Bennett, William S. Burroughs and John Waters.
Adapted from Welch’s published diaries and Rowe’s own experiences, this solo show reflects on the silent desperation of loneliness and longing.
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More on the Edinburgh Fringe 2016:
Top four comedy shows at the big four venues
The Pleasance announce their 2016 line-up
E15
6-27 Aug, 6.30pm
Showing as part of Northern Stage at Summerhall, E15 is the latest creation by the documentary theatre company Lung.
Adapted from the real-life testimonies of a group of 29 young mums who campaigned against being evicted from the Focus E15 hostel in 2013 following funding cuts, the play brings Britain’s ongoing housing crisis to the stage.
Love, Lies & Taxidermy
7-10, 17, 24, 19, 21, 26 and 28 Aug, 1.35pm
One of Paines Plough’s impressive three world premieres at this year’s Fringe, Love, Lies & Taxidermy by Alan Harris is billed as an 'offbeat love story', which features a boy, a girl and a Tesco supermarket.
Letters to Windsor House
3-28 Aug (except 22), 1.35pm
The new show from the award-winning creators of Women’s Hour and Jobseeker’s Anonymous, Sh!t Theatre, return to Summerhall with their highly unique blend of comedy, theatre, songs and everything in between.
This time, they delve into a little-known loophole in the Postal Services Act, which says you can open someone else’s mail in very specific circumstances. And guess what? They are in the middle of those very specific circumstances.
Keep up to date with the latest news and information about the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe
Find the full programme at edfest.com