Hero/Banlaoch

Theatre (storytelling, new writing)

  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Relaxed Performance
    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

Growing up, Sinéad's Dad was a hero right out of the Irish myths he told his daughter – stories of warriors, shapeshifters and magic wells. But as Sinéad grows up and her father relapses into addiction, they are both forced to re-examine the stories they told themselves. Expertly combining Irish epics with personal stories, Sinéad's storytelling is 'nourishment for the soul' ***** (EdFestMag.com). A sequel-of-sorts to 2023's No One Is Coming. 'This is storytelling as it should be' ***** (Herald). 'A masterpiece' ***** (EdFringeReview.com).

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Relaxed Performance
  • Accessible entry: There is step free access at the John Knox House entrance of the building, the main entrance door for Storytelling Centre has 9 steps leading up to to it from street level. If not taking the lift there is then a total of 17 steps up to the library (9 steps, a landing, and then 8 additional steps). All guests enter library through same door once inside the building.
  • Wheelchair access type: Level Access, Lift (Building Lift)

  • Stairs: 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


Relaxed performances

  • Dates: 16 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 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
  • Show guide or synopsis or character list

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

Kimi Sugioka 24 days ago

Both No One is Coming and Hero are intensely moving shows that intertwine Irish mythology and personal history. Sinead O'Brian is wildly talented in that she is able precisely convey the awakening of the child self to the complex, poignant, and often humorous, antics of parental figures. I laughed, cried and laughed again throughout her shows. I highly recommend seeing these shows!

Leonard Bacica 44 days ago

Hero/Banlaoch is the highlight of my fringe this year. A phenomenal show by a phenomenal storyteller. I'm really glad I discovered Sinead and looking forward to seeing more of her work!

Mary LaFrance 44 days ago

I booked this right after seeing No One Is Coming. I had to hear more stories from Sinead! She's a gifted actress as well as storyteller. I look forward to what she does in the future.

Paul 45 days ago

Captivating storytelling, check this out while you can!

Benedikt Steiner 46 days ago

Such a strong and well performed story, weaving myth and present, bringing me to tears and tender feelings of belonging..she is great!

Albert Lin 46 days ago

Great storyteller! I really like that the personal story and the tales told interwove so well together. A lot of storytelling can share similar themes but I'm so glad it overlaid so well here. Actually teared up during the show having had similar parental experiences myself.

Susan Hickson 48 days ago

Really loved this show! An amazing blend of Irish mythology and personal experience. Open, honest and raw. A must see at Edinburgh fringe!

Brendan Boland 50 days ago

Absolutely captivating storytelling. Loved it!

Sarah Lafferty 52 days ago

Fantastic storytelling. Sinèad has an amazing talent to paint an authentic, imaginative and gripping narrative. You’ll get a unique and top quality education on the best of Irish mythology as well as moving account of her own personal story intertwined.

Andrea Feeley 54 days ago

Sinéad is an incredible and engaging storyteller at ease in her craft. Like any good story Hero will resonate with many people in different ways. A great storyteller is a great listener and Sinéad looks at her audience like she is listening to them while she communicates with them. I hope she continues to tell her stories far and wide. And that you go and listen.
On an aside, she had two very supportive colleagues working with her to film the show I saw. Here’s to all the teams behind the heros too!

Maria 58 days ago

Sinead O Brien is a superb storyteller. Was it a sell out for her first show ? It felt like it - the whole room transfixed as she expertly wove elements of her own story and her complicated relationship with her father into a beguiling tapestry of Irish myth. We are all heroes of our own story. Sinead’s dad is a hero. Sinead is a hero. It is gems like this that make Ed Fringe such a marvel.

Marissa Landy 60 days ago

This is mesmerizing! What a beautiful show and an incredible performance. I was completely captivated!

Peter Edwards 61 days ago

Good storytelling, blending Sinéad O'Brien's own story with Irish myths. A very confiding presentation in a suitably small and friendly venue.

Kevin Marchand 62 days ago

It is a very personal show. Sinead weaves Irish mythology into the life story very well and one can empathise with the father daughter relationship. If you like storytelling try and find time to see it
Reviewer 71 year old white English male


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The Scotsman (4/5 stars) 44 days ago

In the traditional stories, she humanises mythic figures, and chooses to focus only on the parts of the stories which serve the purposes of her overall narrative. She’s realistic about the hard things, at the same time conjuring immense joy

Read the full review

Corr Blimey (4/5 stars) 56 days ago

Hero/Banlaoch is a piece of integrity and nourishment, but one so clearly shared (rather than told) to audiences with genuine affection and skill.

Read the full review


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.