An American Love Letter to Edinburgh

Theatre (storytelling, historical)

Venue 30
Scottish Storytelling Centre - Netherbow Theatre
13:15
Aug 25
1 hour
Suitability: 12+ (Guideline)
Country: United Kingdom - Scotland
Group: Rick Conte
Warnings and additional info: -

Accessibility:

May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
Policy applies to: Children under 18 months

Description

Benjamin Franklin loved Edinburgh. He visited in 1759 and 1771, making pals with all the luminaries including David Hume, Adam Smith and James Hutton and enjoying lively debates in the Old Town’s famous Oyster Club late into the night. In this funny and informative show, Rick Conte (The Man Who Planted Trees) tells the tale of his countryman’s Scottish enlightenment, echoing his own experiences of the city that took him in 35 years ago and has yet to spit him out. Directed by Andy Cannon.

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General venue access

Accessible entry: There is level access into the Centre from the John Knox House entrance. If entering using the main SSC entrance there are 9 steps up. Once inside there is a lift that can take customers down to the -1 floor which is the top of the raked seating. If not it is 16 steps down to the top of the raked seating.

Wheelchair access type: Building Lift

Stairs: 20+

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info

Signed performances

Dates: 5 August
Interpreter: Paul Belmonte - Stage Left
Type: BSL
Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team to book your tickets and request any specific seating requests in relation to the location of the interpeter.

Relaxed performances

Dates: 7 August
Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team for more information or to discuss any accessibility requirements.
Additional information: Audience members who wish to leave during the performance will be readmitted.

Be aware that this show features:

Permission to move around and make noise
Permission to engage with performer
Show guide or synopsis or character list

Show does not feature:

Total Audience Black Out
Flashing Lights/Strobed Lighting
Loud/repetitive/high pitched/unexpected or overlapping sound
Distinctive smells
Special effects (e.g. smoke/bubbles/pyrotechnics)
Latex balloons
Characters expressing anger
Heavily dialogue-driven scenes
Audience required to walk around
Audience required to undertake directed movement
Audience required to sing/speak along with/for performer
Audience invited on stage
Performer goes into audience area
An intermission
Audience chill out area

How and when to make an access booking

Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
Email: [email protected]
Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
Find out more about access at the Fringe.

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
Requires extra assistance when at a venue
Has specific seating requirements
Is a wheelchair user
Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Richard Mellish 46 days ago

An entertaining and fascinating account of two men's experiences in America, London and Edinburgh. Recommended.

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Maria 58 days ago

What is that makes Rick Conte such a compelling performer? His appearances with dog in the much acclaimed The Man Who Planted Trees are unforgettable. But here he has no puppet. It is Rick alone who walks on and looks out at us all. He has done nothing but walk on ( in a lovely shirt) and yet we know for sure that we feel both safe and excited. From that moment we are drawn into his story , his own story from America to London to Edinburgh and alongside it, winding around it , is the tale of the renowned Benjamin Franklin making a similar quest to Edinburgh’s buzzing Enlightenment. We are enlightened by Rick’s storytelling and buzzing with pleasure at the love and fascination he feels for this city. Could this not be the first n a series of love letters?
I can’t wait to go on one of his walking tours accompanying this show.

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Julia 64 days ago

Fancy a tour around Edinburgh without the aching feet? Then this is the show for you. Sit back in the comfort of the Storytelling Centre's small auditorium and listen to what Benjamin Franklin thought about this beautiful (smelly!) city and how it compares to the Edinburgh of today.
Rick Conte is an accomplished actor and storyteller who commands the stage and has the audience's attention within the first few minutes of the show. Expect laughs aplenty, a veritable compendium of historical facts, and some unexpected baseball references. Grown-up storytelling at its best. This was our first foray to the 2024 Fringe and sets the bar high.
Just go see it!

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