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(Sat 15 - Sun 22 Nov) The exhibition is centred around filmed interviews with 12 Scottish women who worked as herring gutters from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Amongst other images both photographic and artistic, it will include portraits of the women with the opportunity to explore some of their memories and stories through written story, materials and objects. Jill de Fresnes is a creative photographer and filmmaker, researcher and educationalist with over 25 years'experience in heritage and community engagement, particularly in Scotland’s coastal fishing communities. Her work blends oral history and multimedia storytelling to turn lived experiences into lasting cultural legacies, with the voices from these communities front and foremost in telling their stories to a wider audience.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 18 Nov: 5:30pm) Join Hands Up for Trad for an intimate celebration marking two decades of the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Host David Francis sits down with renowned photographer Louis DeCarlo, whose lens has captured every inductee since the Hall of Fame's inception in 2005. Louis will share captivating stories from his photographic journey across Scotland and Ireland, including his memorable encounter with the late Paddy Moloney. His warm approach and genuine passion have made meeting Louis a highlight for inductees - many describing it as "one of the best parts" of their induction experience. Discover the human stories behind the Hall of Fame's distinguished members and celebrate the dedicated musicians and industry figures who have shaped Scottish traditional music. Image: accordionist Bill Wilkie by Louis DeCarlo.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 18 Nov: 7:30pm) A Wheen o’ Wimmin present Singing Our Stories, featuring five celebrated Scots singers who’ve shared many a stage both great and small. Born into a musical Perthshire family, Aileen Carr has been performing since the early 1970s in the UK and abroad; solo and with the bands Lang Johnny More and Ceolbeg, the popular unaccompanied group Palaver and, more recently, with Barbara Dymock and Janice Reavell in the a cappella trio Choras. She is a former chair of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland and was inducted into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2023. Lanarkshire-born Elspeth Cowie’s singing story began with winning a school Burns prize. In the early 1970s she sang rock in Glasgow but soon returned to the tradition in Aberdeen, learning much from Lizzie Higgins. In Edinburgh, she joined the band Seannachie then formed Chantan with Christine Kydd and Corrina Hewat. Elspeth was National Organiser of the TMSA for five years, and has two solo, three band and several compilation albums to her credit. Barbara Dymock learned songs as a child from her grandparents. She made her first foray into performing aged 19 with the newly-formed band Ceolbeg and a cappella trio Fair Game. After a long break to raise a family and pursue a medical career, she returned to sing with Rathlin, Fon a Bhord, Sinsheen, and The Barbara Dymock Band. She is currently in a duo with Chris Marra, and the trio Choras with Janice Reavell & Aileen Carr. She has 2 solo albums. Amy Lord grew in a musical Dunblane family then studied Scots song at the-then Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama under the inspirational tutelage of some of Scotland’s best. For nearly 20 years, she has led singing groups like The Liltin Lassies, conducted workshops, taught Scots song and language in schools and performed at festivals and folk clubs. Of Folk Revival vintage, Chris Miles has sung since childhood. A floor spot at Kirkcaldy FC in 1985 brought her to attention and she rapidly became a well-regarded trad singer, winning many silver cups in the 1980s. In 1990, she began a 20-year partnership with Gordeanna McCulloch, and in 1991, they formed Palaver with Aileen Carr and Maureen Jelks. Chris still performs, including a five-week 2022 US tour, with her guitarist partner Gearaidh Matthews. This event is supported by the Traditional Music Forum of Scotland and the North Atlantic Song Convention.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 20 Nov: 7:30pm) Welcome to an eclectic night of ancient myth, contemporary storytelling, post-folk music, and physical artistry. Steeped in the traditions of Scottish storytelling, we evoke the warm atmosphere of peat-smoked hearthsides and ceilidh house revelry, presenting timeless motifs relevant to a discerning modern audience. Join host Dougie Mackay as he invites a different selection of Scotland’s finest storytellers, songwriters, musicians, and performing artists to each bi-monthly Hearth Fire Session to create an innovative showcase of Scotland’s contemporary culture. ~~~~~ Dougie Mackay hails from the Scottish Highlands, from a lineage of natural storytellers. He is fascinated by the wild northern tales of Scotland, Scandinavia, Ireland and the Baltics, with a practice steeped in group-work facilitation and storytelling as a tool for development, connection and empowerment. He has been telling stories professionally for over 10 years and has developed successful long-form shows including Animate Lands and A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun. He co-curates and hosts Hearth Fire Sessions throughout the year.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 21 Nov: 7:30pm) Susanna Orr Holland is an experimental world folk singer-songwriter and for her second album she has woven a strong collection of stirring songs and sublime arrangements. With passionate three-octave vocals, this breath-taking voice engages with today’s big challenges such as migration, climate change, a family story of Irish civil war as well as more personal experiences of loneliness, joy and inter-connection. Edinburgh-based Susanna’s unique style is rooted in the ballad tradition but influenced by Indian and Persian vocal techniques. Her heartfelt song-writing weaves polyphony and harmony with a dynamic mix of instruments from Chris Lyons creating a rich tapestry of changing moods and landscapes. This is a voice which soars into the heart and forges marvel where sorrow and darkness merge with tenderness and wildness. Accompanying herself on guitar and Indian harmonium, she will be playing with some of Edinburgh’s most talented musicians in an accomplished line up with the multi-instrumentalist Chris Lyons on bayan accordion, oud and double bass (Blue Giant Orkestar), the inspired Tom Adams on violin (Orkestra del Sol) and creative Tim Lane on drums (Hidden Orkestra). In this unique concert, Susanna and activist Chris Booth will create space for the audience to react, whether with humour, grief or ritual to her songs.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 22 Nov: 10:30am) To accompany the launch of Susanna Orr Holland’s new album Return of the Swallows, Chris Booth will offer a Work That Reconnects workshop. The multiple existential threats to our world seem worse every time we look at the news: species going extinct, rising war and authoritarianism, ice caps melting at an unprecedented rate, the industrial growth economy spiralling out of control. The temptation is either to sink into despair or to hide away and pretend it’s not real! How can we face the mess we’re in with resilience and creative power? Based on the work of Joanna Macy, the Work That Reconnects is an inspiring, interactive group process for anyone who longs to engage in the healing of our world, and to build deep connection with our human and other-than-human communities. An experienced facilitator of the Work That Reconnects, with lifelong experience in the peace and environmental movements, Chris is passionate about addressing the causes of conflict, injustice, suffering, and environmental damage, and building radical communities to sustain us in this work. The workshop offer structured practices and use Susanna’s music to explore gratitude, joy, grief, and active hope in a safe space.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
George Mackay Brown Library
(Mon 29 Sep, Mon 13 Oct, Mon 10 Nov, Mon 24 Nov & Mon 8 Dec: 7pm) Join us for fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, award-winning poetry! Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, now taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court. All styles of poetry are welcome and with a different feature performer every time, this event offers a supportive, creative environment for all. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start with a twenty-minute interval at around 8pm, wrapping up around 9.30pm. Loud Poets will be managing sign-ups. To sign up to perform, please fill out the sign-up form for the date on which you'd like to perform. This form will close one week before the event, after which they will email you to let you know if you have a guaranteed performance spot. Two spots are always left open to be filled by random draw from poets who sign up on the door. Slots are five minutes and poets are welcome to perform as many or few poems as you would like within that time. You are welcome to go under the five minutes, but please do not go over out of respect to your fellow performers. A message from Loud Poets about this event:"At our open mic and all of our events, we endeavour to create a safe, welcoming space for all to attend and share their work. We ask performers to be respectful of the diversity of our experiences. We do not tolerate any forms of discrimination and harassment. Don't punch down. Performers and attendees who violate this policy will be asked to leave." The Loud Poets Open Mic is organised by I Am Loud CIC, through Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding. It is produced and hosted by Mark Gallie.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 25 Nov: 12:30pm) Through storytelling, poetry and prose, four widely published Italian Scottish women writers will describe their diverse journeys of navigating, rooting and belonging. This performance is inspired by the innovative research by Professor Manuela D’Amore of Catania University, highlighting what is distinctive about Scottish Italian literature within the context of the wider Italian diaspora. Chaired by Makar Dr Peter Mackay (Scotland's National Poet, University of St Andrews) and featuring dance from Italian Folk Connections. Featured WritersProfessor Manuela D’Amore, author of Literary Voices of the Italian Diaspora in Britain: Time, Transnational Identities and Hybridity. Cavaliere Mary Contini OBE, Director Valvona & Crolla; one of Scotland’s best-known Italian cooks; author, broadcaster and journalist. Her books include Dear Francesca, Dear Olivia, Dear Alfonso and Valvona & Crolla, A Year at an Italian Table. Hilda De Felice, creator of two plays, Loving The Enemy, and The Badly-behaved Poets’ Society; an after-life encounter between Rabbie Burns and the Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli. Ann-Marie di Mambro, playwright and television screenwriter; author of Tally’s Blood, an option on the SQA English curriculum, and Brothers of Thunder. Dr. Anne Pia, poet, essayist, food writer. Her work includes award-winning Language of My Choosing, Keeping Away the Spiders, Magnaccioni: My Food My Italy and The Sweetness of Demons, translations and responses to Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 28 Nov–Tue 30 Dec) Join us in celebrating the magic of picture books! The Picture Hooks exhibition showcases artwork from emerging children’s book illustrators and their acclaimed illustrator mentors: Jill Calder, David Melling, Sara Ogilvie, Francis Martin and Debi Gliori. Let your imagination run wild and soak in the colours, characters and stories that make picture books so powerful for any age. The mentoring programme offered by Picture Hooks provides opportunities for development and networking for new illustrators under the guidance of established professional illustrators, with mentees and mentors carefully paired and working together for nine months.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 28 Nov: 7:30pm) Gallus, guid-hertit, thrawn, dour, scunnered, daft, contrary, in a dwam: a celebration in story and song of what makes us who we are! Led by guest storyteller James Spence Another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club held upstairs in the Waverley Bar, with the usual open-floor section for anyone to share a story, song or poem around the theme or otherwise. ~~~~~ James Spence has been a professional storyteller since 2002 and has been invited to tell stories at weddings, birthdays, holiday camps, schools, nursing homes, theatres, festivals and sleeper trains! He became a student and great friend of the late Traveller storyteller Stanley Robertson, gathering many of his stories and wisdom in the process. James has had several books of poems published, gave Scots translation to the graphic novel, ‘Unco case o Dr Jekyll an Mr Hyde,’ and his collection ‘Scottish Borders Folk Tales’ was published in 2015. Supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) through Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
The Waverley Bar
(Sat 29 Nov: 12pm) Come along to the home of Scottish storytelling for a drop-in session of traditional tales with storytellers Mark Borthwick and Alice Fernbank. Suitable for all ages, these two expert storytellers will welcome anyone into their fairy circle for as many stories, myths, riddles and wondertales as they would like. The storytellers have also been given the magic key to the John Knox House museum, and can give participants access for free. With something to amuse every bouche, tickle every funnybone and beguile every intellect, this will be a jolly ceilidh that will be suitable for all ages. This event is 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.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 29 Nov: 7:30pm) New South Wales, 1790. Britain's nascent colony is starving while aboriginal resistance simmers in the background. Three convicts venture into the forest, conspiring to commit heinous murder in the hope of a reward. But as they become lost, it's clear they are ensnared in a nightmare of their own making... Actor and writer Paul Case's nightmarish solo horror theatre piece explores the intersection of class, race and sexuality during the violent beginnings of Australian history. 'An evocative and bloodily marvellous new piece of theatre' ★★★★ (BritishTheatreGuide.info)'Atmosphere in spades. Exceptional storytelling' ★★★★ (TheQR.co.uk)'Absolutely gripping. Mesmerising' (ThreeWeeksEdinburgh.com)'A command that's hard to beat. A darkness all its own' - ★★★★ (Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sun 16 Nov & Sun 30 Nov 2pm) Our lives are stitched with stories. Each of us imagines a story in our own unique way. None more so than children. This project by storyteller Beth Cross provides a quiet informal space for stitching into life children's drawings of stories imprinted on a quilt. Come for the chat and stories, add some stitches, no experience or prior skill required. The quilt currently being worked bears drawings that children of Tiree drew from a session of sea stories. The illustrated quilts provide a place for further children to sit for story sessions adding their own contributions to this living ever evolving record of how stories thread through our lives. Image credit: Sarah McFadyen
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Wed 3 Dec: 7pm) Nights are growing long and dark. Cold nips the air. It’s time to braid our evergreen circle - time to join the Burgh Blatherers for their Winter Warmer. Members of Edinburgh's own storytelling club present a heartfelt season finale to their year of storytelling ceilidhs and fan the embers of the year into flame of warming cheer and conviviality. Sit back and enjoy!
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Thu 4 Dec: 7:30pm) Welcome to Queer Folks’ Tales, our hugely popular bi-monthly storytelling series where queer storytellers from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and cultures around Edinburgh and Scotland share stories of LGBTQ+ lives, past, present and future. Sometimes hilarious, often moving, occasionally shocking, the mix of true and fictional stories across the year is as varied as the range of storytellers invited. Household names feature alongside new and diverse queer storytellers from the different communities of Scotland. Many of the stories told in the Queer Folks' Tales evenings will be true stories of LGBTQ+ experience in Scotland today. Hosted by Edinburgh’s Turan Ali, joined on 4 December by performance artist Sadiq Ali, singer-songwriter Megan Black and stand-up Amanda Dwyer, ~~~~~ Turan Ali has been a producer, director and writer of BBC radio dramas and comedies for over 20 years. He’s been a stage storyteller since 2012, and a stand up since 2021. He tours internationally and has two sell out monthly storytelling shows in Vienna. Turan is the creator, producer and host of Queer Folks’ Tales for which he won the Creative Edinburgh Leadership Award 2024. QFT now tours across Scotland and is Creative Scotland funded. Sadiq Ali is a ground-breaking circus artist and theatre-maker whose award-winning work The Chosen Haram has toured internationally, fusing Chinese Pole with storytelling, poetry and the politics of identity. His performances delve into queerness, faith and vulnerability - transforming physical strength into a language of truth. For his current show A Bohemian Dream he ascends into a world of 1900s Paris - elegant, defiant, transcendent. Megan Black is an award-winning Scottish artist creating music that combines the nostalgia of 70's blues rock with the modern sound of queer, feminist pop. Megan has toured extensively including sell out shows and festivals across the UK and Europe, and has contributed to film soundtracks. Megan's music focuses on her own experiences as a queer woman and has been called "a vital new talent" by the BBC. Amanda Dwyer is an up-and-coming Glaswegian comedian on the Scottish scene who performs regularly at comedy clubs in Scotland and across the UK. Her solo shows, including I Did Something Bad, have had sell-out runs in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Her upcoming solo show Better Than Revenge will be touring in 2026. She has a weekly podcast & monthly live show with Susan Riddell called Material Girl. ★★★★★ 'Edinburgh's most vibrant, authentic and exciting storytelling event' (The Wee Review)★★★★★ 'Utterly fabulous' (TheQR.co.uk)★★★★★ (BroadwayBaby.com) Queer Folks' Tales is supported by Creative Scotland
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 5 Dec: 7pm) This winter, hope is on the move. Join human rights organisation Amos Trust at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for Beyond The Rubble: Steps of Hope UK Tour this November and December — a powerful night of music, dance, poetry, film and conversation that celebrates Palestinian culture and resilience. The Amos Trust will be joined by Dr Abdelfattah Abusrour and a group of young dabke dancers and musicians from Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society, based in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem. Together they bring the heartbeat of Palestine to stages across the UK with their new production Anfaas (Breaths) — stories of loss, love and defiant joy, told through rhythm, movement and music — beautiful resistance in action. All proceeds will support Amos Trust's Christmas Appeal, funding Alrowwad’s work in the West Bank and trauma support and education for children in Gaza. For more information please visit the Amos Trust Christmas Appeal website. This event is being run in collaboration with Welcome To the Fringe, Palestine @welcometothefringe.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sun 7 Dec: 1pm) Come with family and friends to dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Ceilidh Band. All dances will be called and there'll be easy-to-follow circles for wee ones. A fun introduction to sociable dancing with live music.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sun 7 Dec: 3:30pm) An informal celebration of the many contributions of James MacDonald Reid to the traditional arts of Scotland and beyond. Join James to enjoy contributions from friends and fellow artists blending music, dance, song and story. All welcome for an afternoon flowing in friendship.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 12 Dec: 6:30pm & Sat 13 Dec: 8:30pm) We all have happy memories of our school Nativity:- Our school crush finally asking us out…- Mum coming to watch us…- Our character actually having lines unlike the mute boulder we played in last term’s Sound of Music. For the cast of A Christmas Michael Miracle however, these memories could soon become the stuff of nightmares! When the drama teacher suddenly skips the dress run due to stress, the kids are left to pull this inexplicably George Michael-themed Nativity together all by themselves. Will the play even make it on stage? Perhaps… but only if they have faith. Performed by Strange Town 11-14 group (Fridays). Strange Town are supported by: Awards for All, Backstage Trust, The Caram Trust, The Crear Trust, CEC Local Events, Dr Guthrie's Association, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Kirkhope Young, Scottish Children’s Lottery, Tillyloss Trust, Youth Arts Open Fund, WCH Trust
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 12 Dec: 8:30pm & Sat 13 Dec: 6:30pm) It’s Christmas Eve and all the lights are out. When the clock strikes midnight, ten kids get out of bed. They can’t sleep, but it’s nothing to do with Santa Claus - there’s something calling for them out on the streets, something lurking in the shadows. If only they can make it disappear before Christmas morning… Performed by Strange Town 11-14 group (Wednesdays). Strange Town are supported by: Awards for All, Backstage Trust, The Caram Trust, The Crear Trust, CEC Local Events, Dr Guthrie's Association, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Kirkhope Young, Scottish Children’s Lottery, Tillyloss Trust, Youth Arts Open Fund, WCH Trust
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 13 Dec: 11am) Gather round the Christmas tree with storytellers Linda Williamson, Jane Mather and Heather Yule for an hour of stories, songs and live harp music inspired by, and drawing from, Tell Me a Story for Christmas: Traveller Tales by Duncan Williamson. A session sure to delight all ages young and old.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 13 Dec: 3pm & Sun 14 Dec: 11:30am) Have you ever sold your cow for magic beans? No? Well, Jaq has. And you’ll never guess what she did next. Strange Town returns to the Storytelling Centre presenting one of our favourite pantos with a twist to delight all the family! Performed by Strange Town 8-11 group (Fridays). Strange Town are supported by: Awards for All, Backstage Trust, The Caram Trust, The Crear Trust, CEC Local Events, Dr Guthrie's Association, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Kirkhope Young, Scottish Children’s Lottery, Tillyloss Trust, Youth Arts Open Fund, WCH Trust
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sun 14 Dec: 2:30pm) For the first time Strange Town is excited to present the work of their film groups at the Scottish Storytelling Centre alongside the youth theatre performances. They are delighted to present 4 short films made by 2 Red and Black film groups (ages 11-18). Red Group FilmsDuck Duck Hadley - In all of their movies, Hadley always had to be the one to die, but now, things are going to change. With help from their talking stuffed duck, Hadley is finding ways to get revenge on basically everyone he knows. Will he succeed, or will he get caught red-handed?Under the Mask - When Leo's worst fear happens, mistaking his girlfriend for someone else, chaos erupts. What happens when we look under the mask of a loved one? Black Group FilmsThe Psychology Assignment - Britney and Charlotte are BFFs. But Charlotte is into Britney's BF. And Britney is cheating with Charlotte's twin. TNTL. Britney is screwed AF. Can she save her friendship before the psychology kids turn it all into a documentary?!A Doll's Haunt - Farrah's siblings have never shown her any kindness, at least until her sister Laura gifts her an old doll. As the only friend she's ever had, Farrah would do anything to protect her new doll... but what will the doll do to protect her? Strange Town are supported by: Awards for All, Backstage Trust, The Caram Trust, The Crear Trust, CEC Local Events, Dr Guthrie's Association, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Kirkhope Young, Scottish Children’s Lottery, Tillyloss Trust, Youth Arts Open Fund, WCH Trust
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Tue 16 Dec: 7:30pm) Join our company of wordsmiths and musicians Kath Burlinson, Ada Grace Francis, David Francis and Simon Thoumire for a seasonal miscellany of stories, poetry, music, and readings from Yuletide and beyond.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(17-30 Dec) Welcome to the 16th Edinburgh International Magic Festival! Sixteen is a curious age. Old enough to drive, almost old enough to vote… and for us, it feels like MagicFest has stepped into its own adulthood. The city is buzzing again, and the festival is proud to bring magic right into the heart of it—sharing wonder, championing new talent, and opening doors for wider audiences to experience the arts in unexpected ways. Like any sixteen-year-old on the cusp of adulthood, the festival is full of energy, restless creativity, and the confidence to try bold new things. These are not just highlights of our programme, they’re the very values at the core of MagicFest. So dive in. Explore. Laugh. Wonder. Question. Celebrate. Whether this is your first MagicFest or your sixteenth, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s Keep Edinburgh Curious, One Astonishment at a Time! Book tickets
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Multiple Spaces
(Sat 20 Dec - Tue 23 Dec: 11am & 2pm) It’s time to shout “Oh yes it is!” because Macastory are bringing their Panto for wee ones and big ones back to the Scottish Storytelling Centre – and you’re invited! Join Cinderella, her nasty sister and her even nastier Stepmother, along with a cast of colourful characters in a laugh-out-loud, family-friendly show filled with songs, silliness, and plenty of chances for the audience to join in the fun. Be part of the magic – cheer for Cinders, boo the baddies, and help make sure that Cinders gets home from the ball before the clock strikes midnight! Grab your tickets fast! And don’t forget to wear your best shoes! Specially designed by Macastory as a lovely introduction to Pantomime.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 24 Jan: 11am) Come and learn some of the songs Burns wrote while living at his inspirational Dumfriesshire home of Ellisland Farm. Situated on the banks of the river Nith, Ellisland is considered as the place where Burns connected most with nature and produced some of his finest work. Multi award-winning singer Emily Smith has toured all over the world with her blend of traditional and original songs. Her voice is often described as pure, expressive and deeply connected to place - especially her native Dumfries and Galloway.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Training Venue
Thu 29 Jan 2026 (7:30pm), Sun 15 Mar 2026 (2pm), Sat 13 June 2026 (2pm), Fri 20 Nov 2026 (7:30pm) Iddo: "I'm making this performance piece Svjetlana. It explores human freedom. Would you like to be part of it?" Svjetlana: "Absolutely yes, Iddo, of course. What did you think?" Iddo: "Great. Here's the script" Svjetlana: "Thanks Iddo. I really don't want to memorize lines though. Can I improvise?" Iddo: "Yes OK, if that's what you want" Svjetlana: "It is!" Balancing in Freedom is a journey through the landscape of personal story, searching for meaning, connection and expression. In this unique blending of multiple art forms, Iddo Oberski takes us on a deeply personal exploration of his family’s Holocaust history, his own disability and Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. In regular dialogue with his larger-than-life collaborator Svjetlana, Iddo is shown gently how such diverse and challenging experiences may never be fully understood. They shape us, and through creating art we may come closer to making some sense of ourselves, human life and the world we live in. After a sold-out standing ovation premiere at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in 2025, Balancing in Freedom will return to the stage four times in 2026. Written and performed by Iddo Oberski with Mark Kydd as Creative Mentor and Co-Director. Funded by Creative Scotland. Sponsored by the Authentic Artist Collective and the Salisbury Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 14 Feb: 2pm) England, 1945. The lives of two strangers are changed forever by a chance meeting at a railway station. But this isn't Brief Encounter... We're all extras in the lives of others, but the stars of our own. What happens when you pan the camera away from the leading players? Fresh from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, Mark Kydd’s solo show turns the spotlight onto a supporting artist with his own surprising tale of first, forbidden love. This Valentine's Day, celebrate LGBT+ History Month with Our Martin in the Background: the queer love story Noël Coward didn't write. 'a compelling story, cleverly framed' (AllEdinburghTheatre.com)'all the class, comedy and an undercurrent of melancholy of an Alan Bennett Talking Head' (Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Online On-Demand) Another Story is our podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in recent festivals. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond. So join us for Another Story... Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode! Listen Here
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
(Sat 15 - Sun 22 Nov) The exhibition is centred around filmed interviews with 12 Scottish women who worked as herring gutters from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Amongst other images both photographic and artistic, it will include portraits of the women with the opportunity to explore some of their memories and stories through written story, materials and objects. Jill de Fresnes is a creative photographer and filmmaker, researcher and educationalist with over 25 years'experience in heritage and community engagement, particularly in Scotland’s coastal fishing communities. Her work blends oral history and multimedia storytelling to turn lived experiences into lasting cultural legacies, with the voices from these communities front and foremost in telling their stories to a wider audience.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 18 Nov: 5:30pm) Join Hands Up for Trad for an intimate celebration marking two decades of the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Host David Francis sits down with renowned photographer Louis DeCarlo, whose lens has captured every inductee since the Hall of Fame's inception in 2005. Louis will share captivating stories from his photographic journey across Scotland and Ireland, including his memorable encounter with the late Paddy Moloney. His warm approach and genuine passion have made meeting Louis a highlight for inductees - many describing it as "one of the best parts" of their induction experience. Discover the human stories behind the Hall of Fame's distinguished members and celebrate the dedicated musicians and industry figures who have shaped Scottish traditional music. Image: accordionist Bill Wilkie by Louis DeCarlo.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 18 Nov: 7:30pm) A Wheen o’ Wimmin present Singing Our Stories, featuring five celebrated Scots singers who’ve shared many a stage both great and small. Born into a musical Perthshire family, Aileen Carr has been performing since the early 1970s in the UK and abroad; solo and with the bands Lang Johnny More and Ceolbeg, the popular unaccompanied group Palaver and, more recently, with Barbara Dymock and Janice Reavell in the a cappella trio Choras. She is a former chair of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland and was inducted into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2023. Lanarkshire-born Elspeth Cowie’s singing story began with winning a school Burns prize. In the early 1970s she sang rock in Glasgow but soon returned to the tradition in Aberdeen, learning much from Lizzie Higgins. In Edinburgh, she joined the band Seannachie then formed Chantan with Christine Kydd and Corrina Hewat. Elspeth was National Organiser of the TMSA for five years, and has two solo, three band and several compilation albums to her credit. Barbara Dymock learned songs as a child from her grandparents. She made her first foray into performing aged 19 with the newly-formed band Ceolbeg and a cappella trio Fair Game. After a long break to raise a family and pursue a medical career, she returned to sing with Rathlin, Fon a Bhord, Sinsheen, and The Barbara Dymock Band. She is currently in a duo with Chris Marra, and the trio Choras with Janice Reavell & Aileen Carr. She has 2 solo albums. Amy Lord grew in a musical Dunblane family then studied Scots song at the-then Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama under the inspirational tutelage of some of Scotland’s best. For nearly 20 years, she has led singing groups like The Liltin Lassies, conducted workshops, taught Scots song and language in schools and performed at festivals and folk clubs. Of Folk Revival vintage, Chris Miles has sung since childhood. A floor spot at Kirkcaldy FC in 1985 brought her to attention and she rapidly became a well-regarded trad singer, winning many silver cups in the 1980s. In 1990, she began a 20-year partnership with Gordeanna McCulloch, and in 1991, they formed Palaver with Aileen Carr and Maureen Jelks. Chris still performs, including a five-week 2022 US tour, with her guitarist partner Gearaidh Matthews. This event is supported by the Traditional Music Forum of Scotland and the North Atlantic Song Convention.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 20 Nov: 7:30pm) Welcome to an eclectic night of ancient myth, contemporary storytelling, post-folk music, and physical artistry. Steeped in the traditions of Scottish storytelling, we evoke the warm atmosphere of peat-smoked hearthsides and ceilidh house revelry, presenting timeless motifs relevant to a discerning modern audience. Join host Dougie Mackay as he invites a different selection of Scotland’s finest storytellers, songwriters, musicians, and performing artists to each bi-monthly Hearth Fire Session to create an innovative showcase of Scotland’s contemporary culture. ~~~~~ Dougie Mackay hails from the Scottish Highlands, from a lineage of natural storytellers. He is fascinated by the wild northern tales of Scotland, Scandinavia, Ireland and the Baltics, with a practice steeped in group-work facilitation and storytelling as a tool for development, connection and empowerment. He has been telling stories professionally for over 10 years and has developed successful long-form shows including Animate Lands and A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun. He co-curates and hosts Hearth Fire Sessions throughout the year.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 21 Nov: 7:30pm) Susanna Orr Holland is an experimental world folk singer-songwriter and for her second album she has woven a strong collection of stirring songs and sublime arrangements. With passionate three-octave vocals, this breath-taking voice engages with today’s big challenges such as migration, climate change, a family story of Irish civil war as well as more personal experiences of loneliness, joy and inter-connection. Edinburgh-based Susanna’s unique style is rooted in the ballad tradition but influenced by Indian and Persian vocal techniques. Her heartfelt song-writing weaves polyphony and harmony with a dynamic mix of instruments from Chris Lyons creating a rich tapestry of changing moods and landscapes. This is a voice which soars into the heart and forges marvel where sorrow and darkness merge with tenderness and wildness. Accompanying herself on guitar and Indian harmonium, she will be playing with some of Edinburgh’s most talented musicians in an accomplished line up with the multi-instrumentalist Chris Lyons on bayan accordion, oud and double bass (Blue Giant Orkestar), the inspired Tom Adams on violin (Orkestra del Sol) and creative Tim Lane on drums (Hidden Orkestra). In this unique concert, Susanna and activist Chris Booth will create space for the audience to react, whether with humour, grief or ritual to her songs.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 22 Nov: 10:30am) To accompany the launch of Susanna Orr Holland’s new album Return of the Swallows, Chris Booth will offer a Work That Reconnects workshop. The multiple existential threats to our world seem worse every time we look at the news: species going extinct, rising war and authoritarianism, ice caps melting at an unprecedented rate, the industrial growth economy spiralling out of control. The temptation is either to sink into despair or to hide away and pretend it’s not real! How can we face the mess we’re in with resilience and creative power? Based on the work of Joanna Macy, the Work That Reconnects is an inspiring, interactive group process for anyone who longs to engage in the healing of our world, and to build deep connection with our human and other-than-human communities. An experienced facilitator of the Work That Reconnects, with lifelong experience in the peace and environmental movements, Chris is passionate about addressing the causes of conflict, injustice, suffering, and environmental damage, and building radical communities to sustain us in this work. The workshop offer structured practices and use Susanna’s music to explore gratitude, joy, grief, and active hope in a safe space.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
George Mackay Brown Library
(Mon 29 Sep, Mon 13 Oct, Mon 10 Nov, Mon 24 Nov & Mon 8 Dec: 7pm) Join us for fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, award-winning poetry! Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, now taking place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in the relaxed surroundings of the Storytelling Court. All styles of poetry are welcome and with a different feature performer every time, this event offers a supportive, creative environment for all. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start with a twenty-minute interval at around 8pm, wrapping up around 9.30pm. Loud Poets will be managing sign-ups. To sign up to perform, please fill out the sign-up form for the date on which you'd like to perform. This form will close one week before the event, after which they will email you to let you know if you have a guaranteed performance spot. Two spots are always left open to be filled by random draw from poets who sign up on the door. Slots are five minutes and poets are welcome to perform as many or few poems as you would like within that time. You are welcome to go under the five minutes, but please do not go over out of respect to your fellow performers. A message from Loud Poets about this event:"At our open mic and all of our events, we endeavour to create a safe, welcoming space for all to attend and share their work. We ask performers to be respectful of the diversity of our experiences. We do not tolerate any forms of discrimination and harassment. Don't punch down. Performers and attendees who violate this policy will be asked to leave." The Loud Poets Open Mic is organised by I Am Loud CIC, through Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding. It is produced and hosted by Mark Gallie.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Tue 25 Nov: 12:30pm) Through storytelling, poetry and prose, four widely published Italian Scottish women writers will describe their diverse journeys of navigating, rooting and belonging. This performance is inspired by the innovative research by Professor Manuela D’Amore of Catania University, highlighting what is distinctive about Scottish Italian literature within the context of the wider Italian diaspora. Chaired by Makar Dr Peter Mackay (Scotland's National Poet, University of St Andrews) and featuring dance from Italian Folk Connections. Featured WritersProfessor Manuela D’Amore, author of Literary Voices of the Italian Diaspora in Britain: Time, Transnational Identities and Hybridity. Cavaliere Mary Contini OBE, Director Valvona & Crolla; one of Scotland’s best-known Italian cooks; author, broadcaster and journalist. Her books include Dear Francesca, Dear Olivia, Dear Alfonso and Valvona & Crolla, A Year at an Italian Table. Hilda De Felice, creator of two plays, Loving The Enemy, and The Badly-behaved Poets’ Society; an after-life encounter between Rabbie Burns and the Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli. Ann-Marie di Mambro, playwright and television screenwriter; author of Tally’s Blood, an option on the SQA English curriculum, and Brothers of Thunder. Dr. Anne Pia, poet, essayist, food writer. Her work includes award-winning Language of My Choosing, Keeping Away the Spiders, Magnaccioni: My Food My Italy and The Sweetness of Demons, translations and responses to Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 28 Nov–Tue 30 Dec) Join us in celebrating the magic of picture books! The Picture Hooks exhibition showcases artwork from emerging children’s book illustrators and their acclaimed illustrator mentors: Jill Calder, David Melling, Sara Ogilvie, Francis Martin and Debi Gliori. Let your imagination run wild and soak in the colours, characters and stories that make picture books so powerful for any age. The mentoring programme offered by Picture Hooks provides opportunities for development and networking for new illustrators under the guidance of established professional illustrators, with mentees and mentors carefully paired and working together for nine months.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 28 Nov: 7:30pm) Gallus, guid-hertit, thrawn, dour, scunnered, daft, contrary, in a dwam: a celebration in story and song of what makes us who we are! Led by guest storyteller James Spence Another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club held upstairs in the Waverley Bar, with the usual open-floor section for anyone to share a story, song or poem around the theme or otherwise. ~~~~~ James Spence has been a professional storyteller since 2002 and has been invited to tell stories at weddings, birthdays, holiday camps, schools, nursing homes, theatres, festivals and sleeper trains! He became a student and great friend of the late Traveller storyteller Stanley Robertson, gathering many of his stories and wisdom in the process. James has had several books of poems published, gave Scots translation to the graphic novel, ‘Unco case o Dr Jekyll an Mr Hyde,’ and his collection ‘Scottish Borders Folk Tales’ was published in 2015. Supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) through Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
The Waverley Bar
(Sat 29 Nov: 12pm) Come along to the home of Scottish storytelling for a drop-in session of traditional tales with storytellers Mark Borthwick and Alice Fernbank. Suitable for all ages, these two expert storytellers will welcome anyone into their fairy circle for as many stories, myths, riddles and wondertales as they would like. The storytellers have also been given the magic key to the John Knox House museum, and can give participants access for free. With something to amuse every bouche, tickle every funnybone and beguile every intellect, this will be a jolly ceilidh that will be suitable for all ages. This event is 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.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 29 Nov: 7:30pm) New South Wales, 1790. Britain's nascent colony is starving while aboriginal resistance simmers in the background. Three convicts venture into the forest, conspiring to commit heinous murder in the hope of a reward. But as they become lost, it's clear they are ensnared in a nightmare of their own making... Actor and writer Paul Case's nightmarish solo horror theatre piece explores the intersection of class, race and sexuality during the violent beginnings of Australian history. 'An evocative and bloodily marvellous new piece of theatre' ★★★★ (BritishTheatreGuide.info)'Atmosphere in spades. Exceptional storytelling' ★★★★ (TheQR.co.uk)'Absolutely gripping. Mesmerising' (ThreeWeeksEdinburgh.com)'A command that's hard to beat. A darkness all its own' - ★★★★ (Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sun 16 Nov & Sun 30 Nov 2pm) Our lives are stitched with stories. Each of us imagines a story in our own unique way. None more so than children. This project by storyteller Beth Cross provides a quiet informal space for stitching into life children's drawings of stories imprinted on a quilt. Come for the chat and stories, add some stitches, no experience or prior skill required. The quilt currently being worked bears drawings that children of Tiree drew from a session of sea stories. The illustrated quilts provide a place for further children to sit for story sessions adding their own contributions to this living ever evolving record of how stories thread through our lives. Image credit: Sarah McFadyen
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Wed 3 Dec: 7pm) Nights are growing long and dark. Cold nips the air. It’s time to braid our evergreen circle - time to join the Burgh Blatherers for their Winter Warmer. Members of Edinburgh's own storytelling club present a heartfelt season finale to their year of storytelling ceilidhs and fan the embers of the year into flame of warming cheer and conviviality. Sit back and enjoy!
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Thu 4 Dec: 7:30pm) Welcome to Queer Folks’ Tales, our hugely popular bi-monthly storytelling series where queer storytellers from a diverse range of backgrounds, ages and cultures around Edinburgh and Scotland share stories of LGBTQ+ lives, past, present and future. Sometimes hilarious, often moving, occasionally shocking, the mix of true and fictional stories across the year is as varied as the range of storytellers invited. Household names feature alongside new and diverse queer storytellers from the different communities of Scotland. Many of the stories told in the Queer Folks' Tales evenings will be true stories of LGBTQ+ experience in Scotland today. Hosted by Edinburgh’s Turan Ali, joined on 4 December by performance artist Sadiq Ali, singer-songwriter Megan Black and stand-up Amanda Dwyer, ~~~~~ Turan Ali has been a producer, director and writer of BBC radio dramas and comedies for over 20 years. He’s been a stage storyteller since 2012, and a stand up since 2021. He tours internationally and has two sell out monthly storytelling shows in Vienna. Turan is the creator, producer and host of Queer Folks’ Tales for which he won the Creative Edinburgh Leadership Award 2024. QFT now tours across Scotland and is Creative Scotland funded. Sadiq Ali is a ground-breaking circus artist and theatre-maker whose award-winning work The Chosen Haram has toured internationally, fusing Chinese Pole with storytelling, poetry and the politics of identity. His performances delve into queerness, faith and vulnerability - transforming physical strength into a language of truth. For his current show A Bohemian Dream he ascends into a world of 1900s Paris - elegant, defiant, transcendent. Megan Black is an award-winning Scottish artist creating music that combines the nostalgia of 70's blues rock with the modern sound of queer, feminist pop. Megan has toured extensively including sell out shows and festivals across the UK and Europe, and has contributed to film soundtracks. Megan's music focuses on her own experiences as a queer woman and has been called "a vital new talent" by the BBC. Amanda Dwyer is an up-and-coming Glaswegian comedian on the Scottish scene who performs regularly at comedy clubs in Scotland and across the UK. Her solo shows, including I Did Something Bad, have had sell-out runs in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Her upcoming solo show Better Than Revenge will be touring in 2026. She has a weekly podcast & monthly live show with Susan Riddell called Material Girl. ★★★★★ 'Edinburgh's most vibrant, authentic and exciting storytelling event' (The Wee Review)★★★★★ 'Utterly fabulous' (TheQR.co.uk)★★★★★ (BroadwayBaby.com) Queer Folks' Tales is supported by Creative Scotland
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 5 Dec: 7pm) This winter, hope is on the move. Join human rights organisation Amos Trust at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for Beyond The Rubble: Steps of Hope UK Tour this November and December — a powerful night of music, dance, poetry, film and conversation that celebrates Palestinian culture and resilience. The Amos Trust will be joined by Dr Abdelfattah Abusrour and a group of young dabke dancers and musicians from Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society, based in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem. Together they bring the heartbeat of Palestine to stages across the UK with their new production Anfaas (Breaths) — stories of loss, love and defiant joy, told through rhythm, movement and music — beautiful resistance in action. All proceeds will support Amos Trust's Christmas Appeal, funding Alrowwad’s work in the West Bank and trauma support and education for children in Gaza. For more information please visit the Amos Trust Christmas Appeal website. This event is being run in collaboration with Welcome To the Fringe, Palestine @welcometothefringe.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sun 7 Dec: 1pm) Come with family and friends to dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Ceilidh Band. All dances will be called and there'll be easy-to-follow circles for wee ones. A fun introduction to sociable dancing with live music.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sun 7 Dec: 3:30pm) An informal celebration of the many contributions of James MacDonald Reid to the traditional arts of Scotland and beyond. Join James to enjoy contributions from friends and fellow artists blending music, dance, song and story. All welcome for an afternoon flowing in friendship.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 12 Dec: 6:30pm & Sat 13 Dec: 8:30pm) We all have happy memories of our school Nativity:- Our school crush finally asking us out…- Mum coming to watch us…- Our character actually having lines unlike the mute boulder we played in last term’s Sound of Music. For the cast of A Christmas Michael Miracle however, these memories could soon become the stuff of nightmares! When the drama teacher suddenly skips the dress run due to stress, the kids are left to pull this inexplicably George Michael-themed Nativity together all by themselves. Will the play even make it on stage? Perhaps… but only if they have faith. Performed by Strange Town 11-14 group (Fridays). Strange Town are supported by: Awards for All, Backstage Trust, The Caram Trust, The Crear Trust, CEC Local Events, Dr Guthrie's Association, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Kirkhope Young, Scottish Children’s Lottery, Tillyloss Trust, Youth Arts Open Fund, WCH Trust
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 12 Dec: 8:30pm & Sat 13 Dec: 6:30pm) It’s Christmas Eve and all the lights are out. When the clock strikes midnight, ten kids get out of bed. They can’t sleep, but it’s nothing to do with Santa Claus - there’s something calling for them out on the streets, something lurking in the shadows. If only they can make it disappear before Christmas morning… Performed by Strange Town 11-14 group (Wednesdays). Strange Town are supported by: Awards for All, Backstage Trust, The Caram Trust, The Crear Trust, CEC Local Events, Dr Guthrie's Association, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Kirkhope Young, Scottish Children’s Lottery, Tillyloss Trust, Youth Arts Open Fund, WCH Trust
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 13 Dec: 11am) Gather round the Christmas tree with storytellers Linda Williamson, Jane Mather and Heather Yule for an hour of stories, songs and live harp music inspired by, and drawing from, Tell Me a Story for Christmas: Traveller Tales by Duncan Williamson. A session sure to delight all ages young and old.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 13 Dec: 3pm & Sun 14 Dec: 11:30am) Have you ever sold your cow for magic beans? No? Well, Jaq has. And you’ll never guess what she did next. Strange Town returns to the Storytelling Centre presenting one of our favourite pantos with a twist to delight all the family! Performed by Strange Town 8-11 group (Fridays). Strange Town are supported by: Awards for All, Backstage Trust, The Caram Trust, The Crear Trust, CEC Local Events, Dr Guthrie's Association, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Kirkhope Young, Scottish Children’s Lottery, Tillyloss Trust, Youth Arts Open Fund, WCH Trust
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sun 14 Dec: 2:30pm) For the first time Strange Town is excited to present the work of their film groups at the Scottish Storytelling Centre alongside the youth theatre performances. They are delighted to present 4 short films made by 2 Red and Black film groups (ages 11-18). Red Group FilmsDuck Duck Hadley - In all of their movies, Hadley always had to be the one to die, but now, things are going to change. With help from their talking stuffed duck, Hadley is finding ways to get revenge on basically everyone he knows. Will he succeed, or will he get caught red-handed?Under the Mask - When Leo's worst fear happens, mistaking his girlfriend for someone else, chaos erupts. What happens when we look under the mask of a loved one? Black Group FilmsThe Psychology Assignment - Britney and Charlotte are BFFs. But Charlotte is into Britney's BF. And Britney is cheating with Charlotte's twin. TNTL. Britney is screwed AF. Can she save her friendship before the psychology kids turn it all into a documentary?!A Doll's Haunt - Farrah's siblings have never shown her any kindness, at least until her sister Laura gifts her an old doll. As the only friend she's ever had, Farrah would do anything to protect her new doll... but what will the doll do to protect her? Strange Town are supported by: Awards for All, Backstage Trust, The Caram Trust, The Crear Trust, CEC Local Events, Dr Guthrie's Association, Garfield Weston Foundation, John Kirkhope Young, Scottish Children’s Lottery, Tillyloss Trust, Youth Arts Open Fund, WCH Trust
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Tue 16 Dec: 7:30pm) Join our company of wordsmiths and musicians Kath Burlinson, Ada Grace Francis, David Francis and Simon Thoumire for a seasonal miscellany of stories, poetry, music, and readings from Yuletide and beyond.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(17-30 Dec) Welcome to the 16th Edinburgh International Magic Festival! Sixteen is a curious age. Old enough to drive, almost old enough to vote… and for us, it feels like MagicFest has stepped into its own adulthood. The city is buzzing again, and the festival is proud to bring magic right into the heart of it—sharing wonder, championing new talent, and opening doors for wider audiences to experience the arts in unexpected ways. Like any sixteen-year-old on the cusp of adulthood, the festival is full of energy, restless creativity, and the confidence to try bold new things. These are not just highlights of our programme, they’re the very values at the core of MagicFest. So dive in. Explore. Laugh. Wonder. Question. Celebrate. Whether this is your first MagicFest or your sixteenth, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s Keep Edinburgh Curious, One Astonishment at a Time! Book tickets
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Multiple Spaces
(Sat 20 Dec - Tue 23 Dec: 11am & 2pm) It’s time to shout “Oh yes it is!” because Macastory are bringing their Panto for wee ones and big ones back to the Scottish Storytelling Centre – and you’re invited! Join Cinderella, her nasty sister and her even nastier Stepmother, along with a cast of colourful characters in a laugh-out-loud, family-friendly show filled with songs, silliness, and plenty of chances for the audience to join in the fun. Be part of the magic – cheer for Cinders, boo the baddies, and help make sure that Cinders gets home from the ball before the clock strikes midnight! Grab your tickets fast! And don’t forget to wear your best shoes! Specially designed by Macastory as a lovely introduction to Pantomime.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 24 Jan: 11am) Come and learn some of the songs Burns wrote while living at his inspirational Dumfriesshire home of Ellisland Farm. Situated on the banks of the river Nith, Ellisland is considered as the place where Burns connected most with nature and produced some of his finest work. Multi award-winning singer Emily Smith has toured all over the world with her blend of traditional and original songs. Her voice is often described as pure, expressive and deeply connected to place - especially her native Dumfries and Galloway.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Training Venue
Thu 29 Jan 2026 (7:30pm), Sun 15 Mar 2026 (2pm), Sat 13 June 2026 (2pm), Fri 20 Nov 2026 (7:30pm) Iddo: "I'm making this performance piece Svjetlana. It explores human freedom. Would you like to be part of it?" Svjetlana: "Absolutely yes, Iddo, of course. What did you think?" Iddo: "Great. Here's the script" Svjetlana: "Thanks Iddo. I really don't want to memorize lines though. Can I improvise?" Iddo: "Yes OK, if that's what you want" Svjetlana: "It is!" Balancing in Freedom is a journey through the landscape of personal story, searching for meaning, connection and expression. In this unique blending of multiple art forms, Iddo Oberski takes us on a deeply personal exploration of his family’s Holocaust history, his own disability and Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. In regular dialogue with his larger-than-life collaborator Svjetlana, Iddo is shown gently how such diverse and challenging experiences may never be fully understood. They shape us, and through creating art we may come closer to making some sense of ourselves, human life and the world we live in. After a sold-out standing ovation premiere at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in 2025, Balancing in Freedom will return to the stage four times in 2026. Written and performed by Iddo Oberski with Mark Kydd as Creative Mentor and Co-Director. Funded by Creative Scotland. Sponsored by the Authentic Artist Collective and the Salisbury Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 14 Feb: 2pm) England, 1945. The lives of two strangers are changed forever by a chance meeting at a railway station. But this isn't Brief Encounter... We're all extras in the lives of others, but the stars of our own. What happens when you pan the camera away from the leading players? Fresh from a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, Mark Kydd’s solo show turns the spotlight onto a supporting artist with his own surprising tale of first, forbidden love. This Valentine's Day, celebrate LGBT+ History Month with Our Martin in the Background: the queer love story Noël Coward didn't write. 'a compelling story, cleverly framed' (AllEdinburghTheatre.com)'all the class, comedy and an undercurrent of melancholy of an Alan Bennett Talking Head' (Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Online On-Demand) Another Story is our podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in recent festivals. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond. So join us for Another Story... Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode! Listen Here
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
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