Joyfully Grimm: Reimagining a Queer Adolescence
Theatre (storytelling, lgbtq+)
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Venue 30Scottish Storytelling Centre - Netherbow Theatre
- 15:15
- Aug 24
- 1 hour
- Country: United Kingdom - Scotland
- Group: James Stedman
- Warnings and additional info: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing, References to homophobia/transphobia
- 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
1988. One boy is growing up in myth and magic unaware that Section 28, prohibiting the 'promotion of homosexuality', is moving to silence his tale and those of anyone like him. Combining traditional fairy tales and original poetry, storyteller James Stedman (helped by a grumpy frog) guides you through a heartfelt, slightly irreverent look at our history. LGBTQIA+ people have always joyfully existed, in story as in life, and the fabulous do eventually win out. Directed by Molly Naylor. Originally commissioned for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023. 'Uplifting and enlightening' **** (TheQR.co.uk).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: 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.
- Stairs: 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
Captioned performances
- Dates: 18 August
- Type: Open
- Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team to book your tickets and request any specific seating locations or if booking a unit is required.
Relaxed performances
- Dates: 8 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
- 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
- Permission to engage with performer
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
Gilad Zinman 25 days ago
Some of the best storytelling I've seen at the fringe ever. Beautiful, and wrenching, and hopeful. James has crafted something incredible in this and I can't recommend it enough.
Theresa 27 days ago
A truly great and moving life narrative expertly told! James weaves his own memories of his youth with some well and lesser known fairytales by retelling and reinterpreting them. I grew up with these stories and it was amazing to see how queer they really are and how meaningful it can be to change the perspective. As a young queer, I also learned some new gay history and it’s impact on our storyteller’s life and identity as well as society at large. A really excellent, inspiring and emotional show for anyone to recognise the power of stories.
Paul 27 days ago
An important part of recent history, mixed with captivating fairytales, told with gentle,heartfelt confidence. A significant reminder to those of us who grew up under Section 28, and a warning to the new generation to fight to keep these rights. Catch this show while you can!
Neil 29 days ago
Very cleverly put together and exquisitely performed, this show is particularly suitable for a) people who grew up in the shadow of Section 28, and b) everyone else.
Rick Conte 40 days ago
James tops and tails his show with a song, reimagining traditional fairy tales into modern family situations! It's funny and each one seems so obvious and simple that they can't be un-reimagined! Out of the closet, and into the kitchen where the real scenes with mom and dad happen; James takes us right along with him through the trials of growing up...with a frog.
It's an entertaining and thoughtfully crafted one man show that would be a delight anywhere; but should doubly not be missed this August at the beloved, calm, soothing Scottish Storytelling Centre!
Crown this man!
Julia Bolden 41 days ago
It's tough for a solo performer, getting up on that stage all by yourself. Luckily, James doesn't have to. Riccy the plush frog may leave all the storytelling to James, but he has great stage presence and oversees the proceedings with a paradoxically cheerful grimace (or should I say Grimm-ace?). This may be because he knows what's coming. All fairytales have variations, some less familar than others and there's a lot more to the traditional Grimm tale of the Frog Prince than the mere kiss of a princess. James's performance is well-worthy of Frog Ricci's admiration, as he deftly weaves his own poignant journey with the fairytales, against a backdrop of gay rights history. It's beautifully and sensitively written and he delivers a gentle and affable performance, which I very much enjoyed.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
The Scotsman 26 days ago
All Edinburgh Theatre 30 days ago
All Edinburgh Theatre 31 days ago
Lothian Life 37 days ago
ScotsGay Arts 39 days ago
The Skinny 39 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.