Jen Brister - The Optimist
Has the pandemic changed Jen Brister for the better or is she the same old pessimistic naysayer she's always been? Find out when she brings her new show The Optomist to the Traverse Theatre!
About Jen Brister - The Optimist
If Jen Brister has learned anything in the past 18 months, it’s that she’s no good in a crisis. (Unless you count getting into the foetal position in under 30 seconds.) Has the pandemic changed her for the better or is she the same old pessimistic naysayer she’s always been? I think we all know the answer to that. Let’s just hope she can make it funny.
Age 18+
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Traverse Theatre
Edinburgh Tradfest: Morag Brown & Lewis Powell-Reid
Morag Brown and Lewis Powell-Reid play a rich repertoire of instrumental music from Scottish traditions along with many others.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: The Hot Seats
The Hot Seats are returning to Scotland for the first time since the pandemic and they play Edinburgh Tradfest for the first time!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: The Travelling Janes
Led by celebrated Scottish-American jazz vocalist Ali Affleck, The Traveling Janes is an all-women international ensemble. Catch them at the Traverse Theatre on 7th May!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Beth Malcolm
Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm plays the Traverse Theatre on Wednesday 7th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Ellie Beaton
Enjoy an hour in the company of Ellie Beaton, this year’s BBC Scotland Young Trad Winner, at the Traverse Theatre on 8th May!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Seckou Keita
Enjoy uplifting and contemplative music from Seckou Keita, a renowned Kora virtuoso who stands as a luminary amongst African traditional musicians!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Catherine Maclellan & Lucy Farrell
Though they grew up half a world apart, Catherine Maclellan & Lucy Farrell connect through the quiet brilliance of their songcraft and the warm clarity of their delivery.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Kathleen Macinnes
Enjoy a super special gig from Kathleen Macinnes, one of Scotland’s national treasures, as part of Edinburgh Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Claire Hastings (Relaxed Performance)
In a new departure for ETF25 we present a very special one hour gig designed to appeal to all ages, from new babies upwards.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Rhona Stevens & Joseph Peach
Their sound of Rhona Stevens & Joseph Peach is best described as cinematic alt-folk, fusing elements of folk, classical, jazz, indie, electronic and alternative music. It’s unbelievably beautiful.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Finlay MacDonald Band
The Finlay Macdonald Band has been coming very much to the fore over the past couple of years and you can catch them at the Traverse Theatre on 10th May as part of Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Rebellious Truth 25: Joy Dunlop + Fraser Fifield
The talk by Joy Dunlop will give insight into her own Gaelic journey; from learning Gaelic songs phonetically, to being the face of multi-platform learning brand, SpeakGaelic.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Pelkkä Poutanen
Don't miss Pelkkä Poutanen, a hypnotic and unique artist known for her distinctive voice and masterful throat-singing techniques, at the Traverse Theatre as part of Tradfest!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: ETF Spotlight
Each year we present a show that will throw a light on some of the most exciting new performers in folk and traditional music today.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest: Siobhan Miller Band
Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the Siobhan Miller band in full flight at the Traverse Theatre as part of Tradfest!
READ MORE
Failure Project
Following her critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Festival, BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy returns with her bold new show, Failure Project.
READ MORE
Benji Waterhouse: You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here - Book Tour 2025
NHS psychiatrist, award-winning comedian, and Sunday Times best-selling author Benji Waterhouse — is going on his first book tour and brings it to the Traverse Theatre on Saturday 17th May!
READ MORE
The Rheingans Sisters
The Rheingans Sisters, Rowan and Anna, return to the Traverse Theatre on Monday 19th May!
READ MORE
Blinded By The Light
Writer Sylvia Dow brings her piece Blinded by the Light, a story of survival, of beliefs tested, of spirit and endurance, to the Traverse Theatre on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st May!
READ MORE
Mama’s Broke
Catch Mama’s Broke, a powerful folk duo that deliver a compelling performance with heart and raw energy, when they play the Traverse Theatre on Thursday 22nd May!
READ MORE
Martin Hayes
Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most significant talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music and he plays the Traverse Theatre on Monday 2nd June!
READ MORE
Every Brilliant Thing
Following a totally sold-out run at the Fringe Every Brilliant Thing, the smash-hit show by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe comes to the Traverse Theatre!
READ MORE
Firelight Trio
Firelight Trio is a mighty new group playing European music that is evocative, inventive, and endlessly exciting!
READ MORE
Soundhouse: Sian
Sian comprises three of today’s most exquisitely gifted young Gaelic singers. Catch them live at the Traverse Theatre on Wednesday 11th June!
READ MORE
Lacunas Music Society - love loss data
Comprised of Blythe Duff, Malcolm Lindsay and Yvonne Lyon, don't miss Lacunas Music Society's live at Traverse Theatre on Thursday 12th June!
READ MORE
Livin’ on a Prayer
If life is work, then what is it to live forever? A divine mystery exploring life, death and the paths we choose between the two.
READ MORE
In The Cult of Work
In The Cult of Work is a surreal adventure of toxic friendship, the hurry to grow-up and the bushes who just want to burn.
READ MORE
The Stars and After
The Stars and After is a post-apocalyptic political play questioning class, entitlement and sacrifice.
READ MORE
Nick Costley-White Quartet
Catch the Nick Costley-White Quartet at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 23rd June!
READ MORE
An Evening with V.E. Schwab
Join The Portobello Bookshop in welcoming V.E. Schwab to the Traverse Theatre to celebrate the launch of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.
READ MORE
Black Hole Sign
Black Hole Sign takes a razor-sharp scalpel to the absurdities, tragedies and hilarity within of one of our most beloved but besieged institutions... the NHS.
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
The Big Show
Enjoy a night of top stand-up comedy at The Big Show every weekend at Monkey Barrel Comedy, come see a line-up featuring outstanding local, national, and international comedians!
READ MORE
Stand Up Horror
Actor, writer and tour guide Alex Staniforth invents a horror story every night at Stand Up Horror... you decide what the characters do, find and sometimes - yes sometimes - even love!
READ MORE
The Saturday Show
Join us at The Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh for a mixed-bill five act show every Saturday!
READ MORE
Free For All
Free For All is back at Monkey Barrel - with a fresh new vibe! Full-on, no holds barred live comedy for anyone and everyone.
READ MORE
Top Banana
Catch the comedy stars of the future and pro comics trying out new material every Wednesday night at Monkey Barrel Comedy's 'Top Banana'!
READ MORE
The Early Saturday Show!
Join us at the Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh for a mixed-bill act show!
READ MORE
Spandex Comedy
Don't miss out on Spandex Comedy! Join us every Tuesday night for a top night of laughs featuring stand up comedians from across the country dropping in to liven up the start of your week!
READ MORE
The Best of Scottish Comedy
Talk about doing what it says on the tin! Here you go a carload of simply the best comics on the contemporary Scottish circuit.
READ MORE
The Friday Show
Let your hair down at the end of the week with fabulous Friday fun at The Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh!
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links