Playfight

Theatre (drama, new writing)

  • ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall - ROUNDABOUT
  • 17:30
  • Aug 26
  • 1 hour
  • Suitability: 16+ (Restriction)
  • Country: United Kingdom - England
  • Group: Theatre Uncut and Grace Dickson Productions
  • Warnings and additional info: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing. References sexual violence, domestic violence and suicide.
  • Accessibility:
    Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    Captioning
    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 are not allowed in the venue
  • Policy applies to: Children under 2 years
Please note, latecomers may not be admitted.

Description

No one likes crusty knickers and a broken heart. But that’s just life, isn’t it? Three friends grow up under an ancient tree. They’re filthy, brutal and full of hope. By turns hysterical and poignant, Playfight is a searing probe of their inner lives as they hunt for love. Proper, ugly love. As their roots sink deeper, the branches stretch higher… so they decide to climb. Multi Fringe First-winning team Julia Grogan (Gunter), Theatre Uncut and Grace Dickson Productions present Playfight, shining a vivid light on adolescent desire in a landscape of rising sexual violence.

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
    Captioning
  • Accessible entry: Once in the Courtyard, standing facing the Royal Dick pub take the alleyway to the left. Roundabout is the Yellow Tent in front of you. Permanent ramp to access Courtyard. Performance space is on Ground Floor
  • Wheelchair access type: Permanent Ramp, Level Access

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

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


Captioned performances

  • Dates: 5 August, 7 August, 8 August, 9 August, 10 August, 11 August, 12 August, 19 August, 26 August, 25 August, 18 August, 14 August, 21 August, 15 August, 22 August, 16 August, 23 August, 24 August, 17 August
  • Type: Closed (Tablet)
  • 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.

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

Bruce Morrison 16 days ago

Whilst the subject matter is tough and, frankly, not something I would normally watch, there is no doubt that this is a well acted and taut show that holds the attention.

Tom S 18 days ago

In my top five faves (and we saw over 40) of the Fringe this year. Really well told story, well written, with some beautiful performances. Really deserves a transfer.

Jon Smith 20 days ago

Julia Grogan's Playfight is a coming of age show following three 16-year-old schoolgirls into their 20s, as they gather round a tree depicted by a ladder with wood chippings around it. The early dialogue is often sexual and delivered at speed in keeping with the age of the characters, before settling down as they get older. Sophie Cox's Keira dominates the early stages with her aggressive sexuality, while the more studious other characters emerge more fully as they go through the sixth form and the prospect of university. Both have specific issues to deal with: Zainab, played by Nina Cassells thinks she is a lesbian, while Lucy Mangan's Lucy is developing sexual relations with someone in her church. The actors are convincing in their individual roles, which converge towards a powerful and moving conclusion, with plenty of humour along the way in this excellent production.

Karen Fi 26 days ago

Superb, my best in Festival. Julia Grogan and entire team on stunningly good form.

katoma 29 days ago

Actors were so talented - definitely the best show I’ve seen at the fringe this year! 5*

Duncan Green 30 days ago

Plenty of raw energy here, maybe lacking subtlety, but have to love the verve of the actors, and the range of complex issues they manage to cram into a coming of age story. 4*


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

The Student (5/5 stars) 18 days ago

When speaking about Playfight to others, I’ve described it as one word: girlhood ... Each character is handled with such care, their flaws and virtues are laid bare for us to receive.

Read the full review

BroadwayBaby (4/5 stars) 20 days ago

It is the innate chemistry and comic timing between the three that has the audience hold their breath.

Read the full review

BroadwayBaby (4/5 stars) 20 days ago

It is the innate chemistry and comic timing between the three that has the audience hold their breath.

Read the full review

FringeReview 26 days ago

This is an important production

Read the full review

The Guardian (5/5 stars) 26 days ago

The complications of love, lust and identity also crackle in one of the festival’s early word-of-mouth hits: Julia Grogan’s stunningly accomplished new play, Playfight

Read the full review

The Stage (4/5 stars) 27 days ago

“Frank and funny”

Read the full review

Bouquets & Brickbats (5/5 stars) 28 days ago

Playfight has real emotional heft – and is yet another winner from Roundabout at Summerhall.

Read the full review

Theatre Travels 29 days ago

Terrific performances keep audiences enthralled and “Playfight” is worth seeing for the performances alone.

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.

Please login to add a review


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