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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!

Jen Brister - The Optimist

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+

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Escape The Past

Other Events at Traverse Theatre

She’s Behind You

25th July 2025 - 24th August 2025

Join us at the Traverse Theatre for this stunning, multi-faceted journey through the history of the Scottish panto dame as brought hilariously and poignantly to life by Johnny McKnight!

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Soundhouse: Paul Harrison’s Trio Mágico & Guests: Encontros

5th September 2025

This concert will celebrate the release of jazz pianist Paul Harrison’s long awaited new album Encontros – which brings a Scottish twist to the warmth and spark of Brazilian music.

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A Play, A Pie and A Pint

9th September 2025 - 1st November 2025

A popular feature of the Traverse programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór returns this Autumn!

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Cauld Blast Orchestra

13th September 2025

The legendary Cauld Blast Orchestra, dormant for 20 years, is reborn with a new expanded line-up and comes to the Traverse Theatre on Saturday 13th September!

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Man’s Best Friend

25th September 2025 - 27th September 2025

Man's Best Friend is Douglas Maxwell's hilariously heart-warming story about the give-and-take of companionship, don't miss it at the Traverse Theatre in September!

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Spælimennir

29th September 2025

The folk group Spælimennir, from the Faroes, have just celebrated their 50th anniversary and are touring in 2025 with a date at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 29th September!

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Night Waking

1st October 2025

A darkly funny and deeply unsettling one-woman play is coming to the Traverse Theatre. Night Waking is an urgent, razor-sharp meditation on motherhood, colonialism, and the things we leave behind.

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Black Hole Sign

8th October 2025 - 18th October 2025

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.

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BATSHIT

21st October 2025 - 25th October 2025

Back by popular demand, Fringe First winner and one-woman tour de force BATSHIT returns to Traverse Theatre in October!

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So Young

23rd October 2025 - 25th October 2025

Both touching and funny, So Young is a story about coming back together after time apart.

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Soundhouse: Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening

27th October 2025

Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening explore the connecting threads of music, landscape and people over a period of almost 2000 years.

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Babatunde Aléshé: High Expectations

2nd November 2025

Join multi-award-winning comedian Babatunde Aléshé as he this time guides us through family life, his new found fame and the joys of Costco in this hilarious new stand up show!

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Soundhouse: Erik Palmberg Quartet

4th November 2025

The Erik Palmberg Quartet has gained a lot international attention recent years and the group is one of the most interesting Scandinavian jazz acts today.

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Arlington

6th November 2025 - 8th November 2025

Enda Walsh's Arlington is a dark fable of surveillance, connection, and the power of imagination. Catch it at the Traverse Theatre this Autumn!

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Ryan Young

10th November 2025

Ryan Young is a multi award winning fiddle player injecting fresh and innovative ideas into the realm of traditional Scottish music.

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Òran

13th November 2025 - 15th November 2025

Don't miss the thrilling story of Òran and his journey to rescue his best friend from the Underworld at the Traverse Theatre this Autumn!

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Through The Mud

14th November 2025 - 15th November 2025

Against a stunning live soundtrack of gospel and blues, Through The Mud explores what it takes to become a revolutionary.

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Andy Irvine

17th November 2025

Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, don't miss him live at the Traverse Theatre on Monday 17th November!

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Opera Highlights

22nd November 2025

Scottish Opera's much-loved Opera Highlights come to the Traverse Theatre on 22nd November, as they tour around Scotland with a brand-new show!

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Jakub Klimiuk Quintet

12th January 2026

An accomplished London-based guitarist and composer, Jakub Klimiuk takes his quintet on tour with a brand new set of material, with a date at the Traverse Theatre on 12th January!

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Sponsored Links

Paisley First
Wonder & Co
Escape The Past
Open Pass Scotland
The Ivy
Great Run Company
Arc Inspirations

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Sponsored Links

Tea Green
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Link
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