Gulliver's Travels
Theatre (adaptation, puppetry)
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Venue 33Pleasance Courtyard - Above
- 13:00
- Aug 25
- 1 hour 5 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom - England
- Group: Box Tale Soup
- Warnings and additional info: This performance contains smoke / haze
- 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 2 years
Description
With ingenious puppetry, stirring shanties, and sharp, relevant satire, Box Tale Soup bring Gulliver's breathtaking journey to life in this astonishing adaptation. Inventive, imaginative and sublimely skilful, let the current carry you through tiny realms and giant waves to a raft of bizarre civilisations... This is Swift's classic tale of adventure and discovery as you've never seen it before. 'Beautifully performed... simply wonderful' ***** (TheWeeReview.com). 'Time and space hold no bounds... remarkable' ***** (ThreeWeeks). 'Outstanding... extraordinarily talented' ***** (ScotsGay). 'Crafted to perfection... flawless' ***** (ChrisOnTheatre.wordpress.com). Commissioned by Clark Library, UCLA. Creation supported by Arts Council England.Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: Main queue on road outside. Lift access through Pleasance Bar — ask at Box Office or bar for assistance. Performance space is on the First Floor up 20 steps on a permanent stone staircase that has handrails. Lift dimensions are 1200mm x 1200mm, max. weight 500kg. The lift can accept power wheelchairs.
- Stairs: 11- 20
Wheelchair access type: Building Lift
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
- 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
Nigelo Chippzta 20 days ago
Creative genius at the apex of visual story telling with the ingenuity of the puppet cast embellishing the talent of the human performers. Imaginative interplay held me entranced throughout, completely immersive magic. 5 stars and above *****
Vinay Kabra 20 days ago
Puppetry is one of the best arts possible, and this is a funny, imaginative, captivating tale to enjoy this art by an experienced ensemble. Don't miss out!
Paul Cunningham 22 days ago
Brilliant!
The imagination and dedication put into telling such a big story in such a captivating way is so impressive.
I was enthralled for every second of the show. I will definitely be looking out for this company again.
Also, credit is due to them for their dedication to the environment. Recycled materials used for all props. No flyers etc.
Ali 23 days ago
To witness a production of Gulliver’s Travels that not only captures the spirit of Swift’s satirical masterpiece but elevates it to new heights of theatrical wonder is a rare and extraordinary experience. This production, brought to life by a mere three actors and an army of enchanting puppets, is nothing short of breathtaking.
From the moment the stage is set, the audience is transported to a world of boundless imagination. The ingenious use of puppetry transforms the stage into a living, breathing canvas, where Lilliputian cities rise and fall, and Brobdingnagian giants loom large. The puppeteers, with a skill that borders on the miraculous, imbue their creations with such life and personality that one quickly forgets they are being manipulated.
The three actors, in a feat of versatility that is nothing short of astonishing, effortlessly slip between human and puppet roles. Their comedic timing is impeccable, their dramatic performances are captivating, and their ability to harmonize with their puppet counterparts is simply mesmerizing.
Benjamin 23 days ago
Fantastic cast plus great music and puppetry make for a wonderful retelling of the story. Beautiful performances all round.
I hope Antonia has a quick recovery from her injury and the rest of the Fringe goes well.
Randal Richmond 25 days ago
Another enjoyable performance by the group that brings Casting the Runes. As with the latter, the 3 performers onstage make wonderfully creative use of puppets to round out the "cast". Recommended for all ages.
Phil Ashton 25 days ago
Outstanding. Must see, along with Casting the Runes, their other show this year original, creative and engaging. You will not be disappointed.
Lucian Wischik 26 days ago
Captivating show. I appreciated (1) the commanding presence of the lead actor, (2) the perfect precision of all their movements and props, (3) the sea shanties! (4) being completely engrossed in the story.
Julie Phillips 27 days ago
A second show by the cast of Casting the Runes. Excellent puppetry. One to see.
Somaya Khan 27 days ago
I saw Casting The Runes from this group last year and was riveted... So I really wanted to see them again this year. Their puppetry, props, sets, music and storytelling is brilliant. I actually don't like Gulliver's Travels as a novel, so they couldn't do anything to make me fall in love with the story but they were brilliant at the telling of it. I can't wait to see what they bring to the Fringe next year because their craft is par excellence.
Zachary Watts 28 days ago
We loved this. Such brilliant storytelling, beautiful puppets and sets (so clever) and marvellous acting. We saw Casting the Runes last year from the same group which was also fantastic and is on again this year. Highly recommend both.
Hannah Gore 29 days ago
We saw Gulliver’s Travels yesterday, and were riveted by the actors’ expertise in puppeteering as well as their ability to seamlessly switch characters as they hopped from scene to scene. They weaved together a beautiful, fantastical story through incredibly creative means. The songs were an added plus. Thoroughly enchanting.
Bravo as well for the efforts to sustainability (I myself had been wondering about the cost of paper throughout the Fringe).
Steve Williams 29 days ago
I first saw this show in 2022 and was delighted to discover that it was back in 2024. It is a masterclass in story telling, combining live action seamlessly with extraordinary puppetry. The way the company interact with their puppets, both as actors and puppeteers is quite brilliant. I cannot recommend this show highly enough. You don't need to know anything about Gulliver's Travels before you see the show, Box Tale Soup tell it brilliantly.
Sue H 29 days ago
I’ve seen this group before and thought they were excellent but Gullivers Travels was even better. The use of props and specially the puppets was great. Although children would enjoy it, adults too would be entranced by this. Don’t miss it.
Martin Fuller 29 days ago
We went today. An imaginative & inventive piece of theatre true to the spirit of Swift. Thought provoking satire. Highly recommended.
Katharine Graham 30 days ago
So far (after seeing 17 shows), this is my favorite. A beautifully adapted, staged, and performed version of Gulliver's Travels. Music (sea shanties between scenes) and puppets and a nautical set that was deconstructed and reconstructed in such a clever and artistic way to create the settings and sometimes characters. Highly recommend seeing this.
Emma Mallows 30 days ago
An incredibly talented cast with such extensive talents. We all enjoyed both Boxtalesoup productions, Gullivers Travels and Cast of Rune
Mike Clarke 31 days ago
Very well done and enjoyable. A good retelling of the tale.
A good set made of recycled materials, and no flyers to cut out the paper. So good in all ways.
H & C 32 days ago
Thoroughly enjoyed this imaginative re-telling of the Gulliver story. With a cast of just three we were absorbed in the travels with remarkable, yet simple, props and the great skill of the actors. Well worth seeing.
Malcolm and Julie 32 days ago
An imaginative, creative and enjoyable telling of the story. The way they used their set for multiple purposes was an art form in itself! It's interesting to reflect on how relevant the story is to today's world!
Kirsty R 36 days ago
Another great show from Box Tale Soup. I look out for them every year and they never disappoint. 4 stars ****
EW 37 days ago
I enjoyed the interesting use of props but wished that the play could have moved along at a faster pace as each new chapter seemed to drag on a little longer than necessary. This is not a children's show and I would rate it 3/5.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
British Theatre Guide 23 days ago
Broadway Baby 23 days ago
Theatre Weekly 26 days ago
Kat Masterson 32 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.