New and old combine at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
BY READERS DIGEST
17th Jul 2019 Music
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes centre stage during August as Scotland’s capital hosts one of the most exciting events of the year.
The Fringe has something to suit every taste, with world class acts from the entertainment world rubbing shoulders with unknown artists trying to make a name for themselves.
Theatre, comedy, dance and live music are amongst the genres featured during the spectacular 25-day event that gets underway on August 2. Read on as we look at this year’s festival highlights.
Edinburgh Summer Sessions add to Fringe vibe
This year’s event will welcome some of the world’s top music acts as the Edinburgh Summer Sessions joins the Fringe festival.
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi and top indie band The Courteneers are amongst an impressive line-up who will play at Princes Street Gardens.
However, indie legends James are the standout act, with the Manchester band heading to the event on the back of a successful tour of North America.
According to Cheaprooms.co.uk, hotel rates rise sharply in Edinburgh during the festival. For the most affordable room in the city centre, you will probably have to pay at least GBP 200 per night.
Comedy legend tops the bill
Stephen Fry hasn’t toured for 40 years, making his appearance at the Fringe one of the most eagerly awaited comedy events of the year.
The broadcaster, comedian, actor and writer will take you on a journey through Greek mythology, translating the stories into the language of modern times.
In contrast to Fry, rising star Sophie Duke will make her debut at the Fringe, with her show ‘Venus’ described as ‘an unconventional journey of woke self-discovery’.
Nick Helm, Catherine Cohen, Kieran Hodgson and Josie Long are amongst a plethora of other comedians worth checking out at this year’s Fringe.
Frankenstein Beatboxers? Let’s get arty
If theatre and the arts are more your thing, the Fringe has hundreds of shows to suit adults and children alike.
One of the more interesting offerings is The Beatbox Academy’s ‘Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster’, where Mary Shelley’s novel is used to explore issues of identity, body image and social media.
Featuring complex harmonies and beats, you will be staggered by the amazing skills of the six beatboxers who drive the show.
Juliet and Romeo is also worth a look, with Ben Duke and Solene Weinachter expertly putting a twist on the classic Shakespeare tale by catching up with the pair as they approach middle age.
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