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Theatre, Talks & Lectures

Scottish Theatre History Weekend - Talks


Edinburgh 900

(Sat 30 Nov from 2pm & Sun 1 Dec from 1:30pm)

A weekend of talks and performance exploring Edinburgh’s rich theatre history, presented as part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations.

*On Sat 30 Nov we present a series of free talks with input on the Theatre Royal and Walter Scott’s dramas by Helen Graham, how the Edinburgh Festivals began by David Pollock, the Pleasance and Gateway Theatres by Donald Smith, and the restoration of the Kings Theatre with Charlotte di Corpo.

*On Sun 1 Dec we are pleased to welcome biographer Priscilla Barlow to give a pre-curtain talk on her research into Scotland’s vibrant theatre scene in Macrae’s lifetime.

*On Sat 30 Nov (7pm) and Sun 1 Dec (3:30pm) enjoy Michael Daviot’s performance as Duncan Macrae in A Noble Clown, his solo play which tells the gripping public and private story of the man considered Scotland’s greatest actor.

Full Schedule

Sat 30 Nov

2pm: Walter Scott's National Dramas, Charles Mackay and the Theatre Royal

(with Helen Graham, author of The Real Mackay: Walter Scott's Favourite Comedian)

3:20pm: Restoring the King's Theatre

(with Charlotte di Corpo, Capital Theatres Trust)

4pm: Edinburgh's Theatres and the Edinburgh Festivals

(with David Pollock, author of The Edinburgh Festival: A Biography and Donald Smith, author of Edinburgh: Our Storied Town

7pm: A Noble Clown, a new play about Duncan Macrae

(devised and performed by Michael Daviot)

Sun 1 Dec

1:30pm: Duncan Macrae: Writing his Life

(with Priscilla Barlow author of Wise Enough to Play the Fool: A Biography of Duncan Macrae, and Iain Wigglesworth)

3.30pm: A Noble Clown, a new play about Duncan Macrae

(devised and performed by Michael Daviot)

~~~~~~~~~~

This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.

Booking Information

The talks are free but ticketed, please book your tickets below.

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    • 30 November 2024-1 December 2024
    • 60 minutes - 180 minutes
    • Scottish International Storytelling Festival
    • subvenue Netherbow Theatre
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    0131 556 9579

    Netherbow Theatre

    Related Events

    Theatre, Storytelling

    A Noble Clown

    (Sat 30 Nov: 7pm & Sun 1 Dec: 3:30pm) A new solo play, written and performed by Michael Daviot, tells the story of Duncan Macrae (1905-1967), long considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Featuring excerpts from Macrae’s finest roles in plays such as Jamie the Saxt, Gog and Magog and The Warld's Wonder, as well as his signature song, The Wee Cock Sparra. A Noble Clown also a celebrates the renaissance of Scottish Theatre in the mid-20th Century, delving into Macrae’s passionate advocacy of ‘theatre for everyone’ his championing of Scottish actors through his role in Scottish Equity, and his desire to free Scotland from Westminster control. A performance full of passion and respect for Macrae's public achievement and his private depth. Created as part of the Edinburgh900 celebrations and the Scottish Theatre History Weekend at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.

    until 1 December 2024

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