The connection between theatre and the city of Edinburgh is inherently strong. Selling millions of tickets every August, people travel across the world for the performing arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe. It might feel like come September, everything is winding down: tourists head home, banners come down and the city returns to normalcy as the academic year begins. Theatre in Edinburgh, however, never ends. Students have access to a diverse range of performing arts opportunities. Many, but certainly not all, are centred around Bedlam Theatre, on the cusp of Old Town and the University’s main Campus, Bedlam is home to the Edinburgh University Theatre Company. Student-run and producing over 40 shows a year, with many returning in August to partake in the Fringe, Bedlam’s incredible opportunities are testament to the talented artistry it establishes.
Bedlam is not Edinburgh’s only theatre group; rather, it is part of a multitude! These include EU Footlights, focusing on musical theatre and the EU Savoy Opera Group (the clue’s in the name!), both of which produce multiple shows across each year. Alongside this, the Shakespeare Society adds a more classical theatrical dimension, whilst stand-up comedy group The Edinburgh Revue and alternatively experimental Theatre Paradok establishes a rich quantity of varied opportunities for students.
Throughout Freshers Week, all theatre societies ran events to broaden the accessibility of theatre to both new and returning students at the University. All had stands at the Activities Fair throughout Welcome Week, and through their online platforms provide information and opportunities for auditions, production and viewing for all.
The opportunities to watch theatre in Edinburgh are also plentiful. Bedlam’s tickets have student concession, making theatre an affordable pastime, something it is notoriously known for not being! Outside of the University, theatres including The Lyceum, Leith Theatre, Edinburgh Playhouse and Traverse Theatre, further establish its cultural importance. The Lyceum boasts upcoming productions of A Streetcar Named Desire, Treasure Island and The Merchant of Venice, selling all student tickets at just £10, keeping theatre affordable for students.
The opportunities for student involvement in Edinburgh theatre are all around us, and although undoubtedly daunting, the positive and connecting effects they have are something I’ve experienced first-hand this year, it truly reflects the importance of theatre to the city we all love. So, all that’s left to say is to jump in, take the risk and, of course, break a leg!
“Stage Door Theatre Breaks in London” by AndyRobertsPhotos is licensed under CC BY 2.0.