A one-woman take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic chiller and a homegrown tribute to the queen of country music are just two of the highlights of the second Dundee Fringe.
Following its debut last September, the performing arts festival returns to the city’s waterfront with a packed programme of theatre, comedy, music and more – with many shows featuring local talent.
Some 30 shows on offer
This year, Dundee Fringe runs over 10 days with around 30 shows that range from homegrown stand-up comedy gang Icebreaker, featuring Luis Alcada, Andy Bullick and Scott Redmond, with their current set Pale Males, to Heather-Rose Andrews’ award-winning Jekyll & Hyde: A One-Woman Show.
Families are also catered for with, among other events, soapy performances over two weekends of Poppy’s Brilliant Bubbles from Carnoustie-based entertainer Poppy Bubbles.
Once again, Dock Street Studios provides the Fringe’s performance space behind its café and gift shop for comedians, actors and musicians.
Dramatic comedy
Opening the festival is Dundee-based theatre company Elfie Picket’s debut performance of their dramatic comedy backed with live music, Dolly Parton Saved My Life.
In the play, a Dundonian teacher discovers a box of mementoes left by a late grandmother that uncovers revelations including her own unrealised musical aspirations. Thanks to support from Creative Scotland, this show is free, though still ticketed.
Elsewhere, cabaret artiste and Edinburgh Fringe performer Laurie Black plugs in her synthesiser for solo musical comedy show Dystopiano, fresh from support slots with pop icon Adam Ant.
For fans of more traditional music, Scottish Heritage Entertainment follow-up 2021’s popular Fringe night Sexy As Folk with The Sea Word, an evening devoted to shanties and other maritime-themed ditties, some with Dundonian connections.
Native folk songs and stories
Formed last year to promote native folk stories and songs, Scottish Heritage Entertainment has already brought them to life at heritage venues as varied as Glamis Castle and HMS Unicorn.
Group co-founder and folk singer Lynne Campbell promises an hour of “rollicking shanties, heartfelt local folk songs about the sea and excellent seafaring stories.”
Lynne’s knowledge of Dundee-based songs and folklore has come in handy, helping bring true local flavour.
One number is a whaling song that references ships built in the city, while the group have also unearthed a 300-year-old song about a Scottish pirate that wreaked havoc on the high seas, she explains.
Tailored for Dundee
“The great thing about shanties is that although they were universal, they could be tailored to a specific place,” Lynne says. “So expect Dundee-specific references in old, favourite tunes.”
Lynne is proud to be joining a bill that takes a chance on projects yet to be completed, including rehearsed readings and works in development.
“This is a great wee festival with an artist-first mindset,” she says. “It makes art accessible for those wanting to participate and create work, and to folk who want to see something different. It’s fantastic to be back for the second year after last year’s sell-out show.”
Her colleague Michael Warne is also offering unarmed and sword-based stage combat workshops, Lynne mentions. “He’ll teach you to fight like a pirate as well,” she adds.
Dundee Fringe runs September 16-25.
Conversation