Maestro, This is Your Life!

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Theatre (historical, classical)

  • Accessibility:
    Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    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

Tune-in for a mockumentary edition of This Is Your Life as our imposter Michael Aspel interviews Ludwig van Beethoven. Features live performances from the maestro including Moonlight Sonata. Acclaimed novelist Alastair Sim and award-winning pianist Matthew Shiel take us on an unforgettable journey through his impoverished childhood, his hearing loss and depression, his love affairs and his international recognition and fame. A fascinating mix of acting, biographical documentary and live music-making brings the maestro’s life – to life! 'Matthew Shiel shone' (ThisWeekCulture.com). 'A wonderful new Scottish crime fiction voice' (Laura Marney).

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

  • Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: There are 2 temporary ramps over 5 stone steps.

    • Wheelchair access type: Temporary Ramp

  • Stairs: 2 - 5
    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

James Gordon 103 days ago

A young pianist is fighting his way through Liszt's transcription of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. Never mind the emotional or philosophical meaning of the music; it is all he can do to play rhe right notes in the right order, at something approximating to the right speed. Beethoven's ghost is not amused. He must give the lad a masterclass...
Such is the premise of this show, more a concert with dramatised dialogue than a play with music. The title is slightly misleading. The format is closer to radio programmes like "Desert Island Discs" or "Private Passions", especially the latter, for with one exception Matthew Shiel plays complete short pieces, or whole movements of longer ones, well conveying his character's growing intuitive understanding as he discovers the tortured and chaotic circumstances that gave rise to this music.
Naturally, the music takes centre stage, but whenever the piano is silent Alastair Sim's Beethoven dominates, complete with stained attire and wild hair. The coup de theatre of his first appearance profits from opportunities offered by the venue and will not be soon forgotten.
Well worth the trek out to St Vincent's.

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