Birthmarked
A young Jehovah's Witness comes to terms with his sexuality and finds his feet (and high heels...) in a world he once believed would be destroyed at Armageddon.
About Birthmarked
A Jehovah’s Witness comes to terms with his sexuality in the autobiographical new gig theatre show Birthmarked, presented as part of the Horizon showcase. Written, performed and composed by Brook Tate, and directed by Olivier Award winner Sally Cookson (Jane Eyre, A Monster Calls, National Theatre), Birthmarked follows a young Witness on his journey from door-knocking on the street to finding his feet (and high heels) on the stage.
Birthmarked tells the true story of Brook's experiences growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness until he was disfellowshipped at the age of 23 because of his sexuality. In a faith that believes Armageddon is imminent, homosexuals will be destroyed, and everyone believes in ‘The Truth’, a young Witness experiences turmoil and pain before discovering his own truth. This funny and moving semi-improvised show follows Brook as he finds the strength to take a leap into the unknown, and shines a light on what it means to be marked... at birth.
Tate is supported live on stage by his five-person band, who multirole as characters in Tate’s journey and incorporate original songs into this story of self-discovery and self-determination.
Brook Tate comments, With a band of pals, a whale, a giraffe, and eventually a tap dancing zebra, I tell my story of being excommunicated from my family’s religion, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and hope to spread awareness for those who have experienced similar circumstances. The reception from audiences in Bristol was way beyond what I could have expected, and we are thrilled to be able to bring the show back bigger and better as part of the Horizon showcase.
Sometimes you see a show so moving that you don’t know how to talk about it. Here, with this rare and extraordinary beast, I wept… it is an extraordinary show, and Brook Tate is an extraordinary man (Bristol 24/7).
Supported by Frances and Craig Wilson and the Stage One Bursary Scheme for New Producers. Commissioned by Bristol Old Vic and developed in association with MAYK. Originally commissioned by The Wardrobe Ensemble. Birthmarked is also supported and part of the Horizon – Performance Created in England showcase for Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
As well as taking Birthmarked to the Edinburgh Fringe, Hannah Smith is also producing The Wardrobe Ensemble's Mog the Forgetful Cat and Flawbored's Its a Mother F**king Pleasure.
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? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Assembly Rooms or Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Almost Impossible 2.0: Martin Brock
Martin Brock is back at the Fringe with an electrifying, one-of-a-kind spectacle of slick, mind-bending magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, cutting-edge video production and astonishing illusions!
READ MORE
Ultimate 70’s Show
It was the decade that fashion forgot – but dig out your tank tops, polish your platforms, the Seventies are back in town on 7th November at the Assembly Rooms!
READ MORE
Thank You For The Music
Smash-hit tribute show, Thank You For The Music, brings all of ABBA's No. 1 hits to the Assembly Rooms in a production like no other!
READ MORE
Whitney Houston By Candlelight
Get ready to experience the best of Whitney Houston at this epic live concert, starring Kieshia Chun and her Million Dollar Band!
READ MORE
Just My Imagination - The Music Of The Temptations
It has been 65 years since the formation of the most successful Motown group in history... and what better way to celebrate than with Just My Imagination – The Music of The Temptations!
READ MORE
David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time
Join David Olusoga at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 22nd November as he uncovers the story of three firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors!
READ MORE
Hello Again - Neil Diamond Songbook
Join us at the Assembly Rooms for the world’s greatest celebration of the life and work of one of the best-selling singer-songwriters of all-time, Neil Diamond!
READ MORE
Boogie Down Broadway
Calling all Theatre Kids, Broadway Superfans and Showtune Partiers. For one afternoon only, the stunning Assembly Rooms will ring with Broadway’s greatest tunes, sung by you!
READ MORE
Malala Yousafzai - Finding My Way Book Tour
Join the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate and bestselling author Malala Yousafzai as she takes audiences through her deeply personal new memoir, Finding My Way.
READ MORE
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
After a sold out Worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, 'The Simon & Garfunkel Story' comes to the Assembly Rooms on Monday 1st December!
READ MORE
Mountains on Stage Winter Edition 2025
Enjoy a selection of the best films related to mountain activities at the Assembly Rooms on 2nd December!
READ MORE
Christmas by Candlelight
‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’, so join us at the Assembly Rooms for this magical evening of best loved festive hits performed live by Candlelight.
READ MORE
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight
Featuring a live Big Band and the UK’s number one Michael Bublé tribute act, returns for an unforgettable evening of Christmas hits made famous by the one and only Michael Bublé!
READ MORE
3D2D Assembly Rooms Christmas Fair
3D2D Events are delighted to be able to once again bring to the Assembly Rooms their spectacular Christmas Fair on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December!
READ MORE
Taylor Swift ERAS Tribute Concert
Katy Ellis a self Confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see!
READ MORE
John Barrowman: Camp As Christmas
This Christmas, join John Barrowman at the Assembly Rooms for Camp As Christmas... a brand-new show bursting with festive favourites showstopping tunes and plenty of glitz!
READ MORE
Step Into Christmas
This Christmas feel-good show brings all the magic of the season to life, with all your favourite songs you will know and love!
READ MORE
ABBA Christmas by Candlelight
Deck the halls with disco this Christmas season, and join us for the ultimate ABBA celebration, performed live at the beautiful Assembly Rooms, by candlelight.
READ MORE
Ho-Ho-Hogmanay!
Don't miss HO-HO-HOGMANAY, hosted by Susie McCabe and featuring - Chris Macarthur-Boyd, Larry Dean and Ayo Adenekan at the Assembly Rooms!
READ MORE
Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club
Enjoy a special Bairn’s Hogmanay Ceilidh Club giving young party-goers a chance to join the celebrations with a huge family ceilidh, live music, dancing and Hogmanay fun for all.
READ MORE
Hogmanay Ceilidh Club
The Hogmanay Ceilidh Club returns to the famous Assembly Rooms, with more live ceilidh action than ever before across two dancefloors, guaranteed to have you birlin’ through the bells!
READ MORE
The Luxury Scottish Wedding Show
The Luxury Scottish Wedding Show is delighted to be taking over one of Edinburgh city centre's largest and most impressive venues - The Assembly Rooms - on Sunday 18th January.
READ MORE
The Radiohead Project
The Radiohead Project is a stunning live tribute show that celebrates one of the greatest bands of all time... don't miss it at Assembly Rooms on Monday 26th January!
READ MORE
Meat Loaf by Candlelight
Join us for an unforgettable night of Meat Loaf Anthems, performed in the beautiful Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh by candlelight.
READ MORE
Eagles by Candlelight
Eagles by Candlelight comes to The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, featuring a cast of West End Singers and an incredible live band!
READ MORE
Sky Full of Stars
Get ready for an electrifying night of music and fun at Sky Full of Stars, the ultimate tribute to Coldplay, at Assembly Rooms on Friday 6th February!
READ MORE
Scottish Chamber Orchestra: The Great Grumpy Gaboon
Join the Grumpy Gaboon and friends on this brand-new musical adventure as together they discover the importance of friendship and forgiveness!
READ MORE
The Story of Swing
Presented by award-winning vocalist and world-class trumpet player, Gareth John, The Story of Swing takes you on a musical journey through decades of the iconic genre of swing and big band music.
READ MORE
Crooners - Uncaged
Crooners return to Scotland with their rip-roaring comedy music show chock full of crooner classics... don't miss it at the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh on Saturday 14th February!
READ MORE
Punk Off - The Sounds of Punk & New Wave
50 years since punk and new wave kicked the door in, Punk Off storms the stage—louder, bolder, and messier than ever.
READ MORE
80s Anthems by Candlelight
Calling 80s music fans “Everywhere”… this is your show! 80s Anthems By Candlelight is here, serving up the biggest and best rock anthems, power ballads and pop classics of the decade, LIVE!
READ MORE
Let Me Entertain You - A Tribute To Robbie Williams
Let Me Entertain You – A Tribute To Robbie Williams is a brand-new unforgettable concert show celebrating the music and energy of the UK's biggest selling artist of the 90s: Robbie Williams!
READ MORE
Gordon Buchanan - Lions and Tigers and Bears
Award winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan will hit the road again in 2026, with his live tour - Lions and Tigers and Bears. Join him at Assembly Rooms on Sunday 1st March!
READ MORE
Live Forever
Introducing 'Live Forever’ – a celebration of music from, and a tribute to, the greatest rock ’n’ roll band Britain has ever seen… Oasis!
READ MORE
K-pop Demon Hunta’z Live
K-pop Demon Hunta’z Live is a high-energy, concert-style performance that blends K-pop inspired dance, live audience interaction, and theatrical flair.
READ MORE
Beautiful Crazy - The Luke Combs Collection
Brand NEW for 2026 and coming to the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh, Beautiful Crazy is an exciting and authentic theatrical celebration of one of the biggest country stars on the planet... Luke Combs!
READ MORE
Go Your Own Way
Go Your Own Way is a brand new spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac, don't miss it at the Assembly Rooms in April 2026!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Festival 2026
Join Wine Events Scotland at the Assembly Rooms on 9th May for Edinburgh’s only independent spring wine festival – Edinburgh Uncorked – a celebration of wines from all over the world!
READ MORE
The Mersey Beatles
The Mersey Beatles – the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four - return to the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 17th May!
READ MORE
The Elvis Revolution 2026
Join 3 of the world’s leading Elvis Tribute Artists, Louis Brown, Ciaran Houlihan and Dylan Taylor as they take you on a magical journey back in time to when Elvis Presley ruled the musical industry
READ MORE
Too Much Too Young
Too Much Too Young is a powerhouse nine-piece band dedicated to celebrating the music and legacy of the 2 Tone movement. Catch them live at the Assembly Rooms on 13th June!
READ MORE
The Makings of a Murderer ‐ The Undercover Detective
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of true crime at The Adam Smith Theatre as Peter Bleksley reveals the harrowing reality behind solving murders and battling the criminal underworld.
READ MORE
Forth on The Fringe
Forth on the Fringe is the annual one stop shop for all the essential acts you need to see at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. Catch it at Edinburgh Playhouse on 7th & 8th August!
READ MORE
Love Hurts - Rock Anthem and Power Ballads
Back for its third year of rocking the UK, Love Hurts returns with the heartbreak soundtrack of a generation!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo
Come and enjoy an afternoon filled with Burlesque, Drag, and Cabaret at at The Lab in CC Blooms!
READ MORE
99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo
Come and enjoy an afternoon filled with Burlesque, Drag, and Cabaret with Red Hot Kitty Burlesque and Cabaret in the fabulous atmosphere at The Lab in CC Blooms!
READ MORE
Loud Poets Open Mic
Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, taking place monthly at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
READ MORE
Doctor Bonk’s Macarbaret
Dr Bonk, Scotland's silliest surgeon, presents the Macarbaret: a madcap hour of drag, burlesque, music, comedy, and medical mayhem!
READ MORE
Monster Cabaret
Join Madame Mabh for her haunted house party at the Banshee Labyrinth, featuring both classic cabaret acts and unusual happenings!
READ MORE
The Gateway Writing Festival
The Gateway Writing Festival is your chance to experience theatre at its most original and electric, with nine powerful stories over three unforgettable nights!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Gang Show
The Edinburgh Gang Show returns to the Festival Theatre in November 2025 for another brilliant week of making memories and bringing joy to Edinburgh!
READ MORE
The Glass Menagerie
Catch The Glass Menagerie, a gripping new staging of Tennessee Williams' iconic masterpiece, at The Lyceum Edinburgh in November!
READ MORE
A Celebration of Musical Showstoppers
Come and join the Livingston Players for a journey through their history and into their future with A Celebration of Musical Showstoppers at Reconnect Howden Park in November!
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links