Being Frank

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Theatre (new writing, lgbt)

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  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Sight not needed
    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 1 year

Description

Frank’s son Alex is facing a mental health crisis, and Frank hasn’t a clue what to do about it or how to get Alex to talk about it. He’s got problems of his own, and what’s happening to Alex is opening up wounds he thought long forgotten. Weaving real-life stories into a fictional narrative, Being Frank uses humour, music, movement and a good deal of honesty to explore men’s relationships with each other, with mental health and with flat-pack furniture.

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Sight not needed
  • Accessible entry: If not taking the lift there is a large flight to 1st floor of hotel then a further 4 steps to venue.

    • Wheelchair access type: Standard passenger lift to 1st floor then platform lift up the 4 steps.

  • Stairs: 11- 20
    Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.

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

How and when to make an access booking

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

Jan van der Black 159 days ago

The cast and director from Polymorph Theatre all attended this show today and were very, very impressed. A well written and thoughtfully played piece which successfully navigates the choppy waters that surround depression and anxiety, and one which understands the difference between the two.

Tears were shed - in my case, tears of recognition, it's always good to be reminded that others do indeed know how it feels.

All the performances were well crafted and without giving in to the temptation of histrionics. This is a fine show, and I recommend it with no hesitation.

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David Quirk 159 days ago

This is a very powerful and moving piece looking at the problems of Male mental health with particular emphasis on the inability of men to communicate with each other.
The characters are all believable and beautifully performed, the script is serious yet contains much humour too.
Well worth seeing!

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Michael Walker 162 days ago

I saw this play at a pre Fringe performance a few days ago and thought it was excellent. Beautifully written and so well presented. If you haven’t booked yet then I urge you to. You won’t regret it

Mike Walker

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Robert Brown 163 days ago

Having seen a pre Edinburgh preview of this production I cannot recommend it high enough. Excellent writing and performances. The music is also excellent. It is not to be missed and promises to be one of the most talked about theatrical events of The Fringe.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

Deadline News (3/5 stars) 148 days ago

In dealing with men’s mental health this is a worthy and much-needed production and it accurately reflects the insidious nature of mental illness and how quickly it can derail your life. But the script stops short of showing us what a healthy conversation about mental illness actually looks like. Although it acknowledges how awkward and even terrifying conversations surrounding mental health can be it would be more pleasing to see the characters grow more comfortable talking to one another.

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British Theatre.com (4/5 stars) 153 days ago

Tucker Bell is to be commended also for putting older gay characters on stage, and this play is well worth a visit.

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The Scotsman (3/5 stars) 155 days ago

Fine, sturdy singing in this piece, particularly the song The End of the Rainbow. ...

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Edinburgh Guide (5/5 stars) 155 days ago

The ensemble cast were sublime, they carried the piece off beautifully and all remained connected in solidarity. The movement is slick and the use of multiple props whilst keeping the set bare is impressive. The original music is heartfelt and bittersweet. Munson in particular gives a deep, soulful rendition, enough to bring tears to your eyes.

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Edinburgh Guide (5/5 stars) 156 days ago

As the cast enter the space, they perform basic movement sequences and speak abstract sentences as they are ‘reflections’ of one another. Frank stands and suddenly the dramatic style is dropped, a relief fills the room. Being Frank is a brutally personal journey into modern masculinity. Holden reveals how he struggled...

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British Theatre (4/5 stars) 156 days ago

Popular company The Orange Works return to the Fringe with a new play by Ian Tucker Bell that explores male mental health. Men are certainly talking at the festival this year, and this is a welcome addition.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.