First shows of Traverse Festival 2021 announced

The Traverse Theatre today announces the first shows of its Traverse Festival 2021, which will include in-person, outdoor and online events.

Article Source: Traverse Theatre
Last Updated: 30 June 2021 12:48

• A celebration of dynamic new writing, the spirit of Edinburgh, and our community

• Blended programme of in-person, outdoor and online events, from 3 August until mid-September

• In-person world premiere performances of Still by Frances Poet and This is Paradise by Michael John O’Neill in Traverse 1, and MOVE by Julia Taudevin at Silverknowes Beach

• Natalie McGrath’s powerful We’ll Meet in Moscow receives its world premiere in Traverse 3 as an immersive audio play

• Return of First Stages Festival of breakthrough creative talent and events

• Walk This Play takes listeners on an immersive journey through Edinburgh’s streets

• Online performances of Fishamble’s On Blueberry Hill and SHEDINBURGH - as well as MOVE, Still and This is Paradise for those unable to attend in person

• Traverse 1, Traverse 3 and Silverknowes Beach events Pay What You Can

• Guaranteed full refunds for bookers for in-person events, no questions asked

• Further events announced in coming weeks

This year more than ever, we celebrate our incredible city, its vibrant community, and are excited to share the fruits of some of the creative development journeys taken in collaboration with stellar artists as scripts move from first draft towards full production.

We are absolutely overjoyed to welcome audiences back into Traverse 1 for the first time since March 2020, for the world premiere of Frances Poet’s Still – a cathartic story of life, love and loss which takes place in familiar Edinburgh locations. Michael John O’Neill’s timely and powerful monologue about the fragility of peace in Northern Ireland, This is Paradise, will also be performed in-person for a limited Traverse 1 run, and we take to Silverknowes Beach for the first time, with in-person open air performances of Disaster Plan’s evocative MOVE.

Traverse 3 will present on demand versions of all in-person shows following their live performances, as well as the world premiere of We’ll Meet in Moscow – an immersive audio play written in response to Russian courts banning Moscow Pride celebrations in August 2012 for 100 years, a digital production of Fishamble’s On Blueberry Hill, and the return of SHEDINBURGH – both for a limited run.

TravFest21 spotlights writers at different stages of their careers, and invites those who might not yet consider themselves as creatives to ignite their imaginations with the Summer 21 edition of our First Stages Festival of creative development readings and workshops.

We are excited to present this blended model of events, which we are committed to continuing as we move beyond lockdown and into the future. Along with all events being sold on a Pay What You Can basis, and availability of £1 tickets across the programme for those under 25 or in receipt of government benefits, we will continue to both maintain and improve the inclusivity and accessibility of our work and stories.

Many more additions to the TravFest21 programme will be announced in coming weeks – this is just the beginning.

Traverse Executive Producer, Linda Crooks, said:

“Announcing the first shows of the Traverse Festival 2021 today is a moment worthy of celebration – of artists, compelling stories, our incredibly supportive audiences, and our unique and vibrant Edinburgh community. Our Festival programme aims to be a love letter to Edinburgh, and its spirit of resilience is embodied within the culture of the Traverse Festival. In Still, Walk This Play and MOVE, audiences have the chance to rediscover and reconnect with their city, both indoors and out, and shows including This is Paradise, We’ll Meet in Moscow, and On Blueberry Hill take us to very different worlds, shining a light on some of the most urgent and important issues facing us today We meet the world in Edinburgh and we take Edinburgh to the world. We’re committed to discovering new voices, sharing our passion for creativity, and giving you a first look at shows soon to be on our stages in the Summer 21 edition of our First Stages Festival. And we’re thrilled to be able to present our full programme in our digital venue, Traverse 3, for the very first time, capturing our in-person shows and making them available for audiences near and far, who may be unable to attend the live performances. The Traverse is here to entertain, challenge, comfort and welcome audiences, no matter where they are.”

Traverse Artistic Director, Gareth Nicholls, said:

“Over the past 15 months we’ve been bowled over by artists’ imaginations in using digital spaces and technologies to tell their stories and connect with audiences, who have been just as open minded in their enthusiastic embracing of this new way of enjoying and participating in our work. We’re now particularly overjoyed to be back in our Cambridge Street home to savour and celebrate some of our productions with audiences in person again. I’m delighted that Frances Poet’s Still will be the first Traverse production back on the Traverse 1 stage since March 2020. It’s a beautiful and cathartic story, full of life and love and live music, a celebration of and for Edinburgh, which is so deserved after a period of such upheaval and uncertainty, which saw our incredible local community come together to support one another and become stronger than ever. This city is a unique place with a singular spirit, and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the world, in-person and digitally, this August.”

Full programme and booking: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on

COVID-19 safety

We are adhering to social distancing for all in-person events. Traverse 1 will be an allocated venue for the foreseeable future, with audiences able to book specific seats in bubbles of 1, 2 or 4 seats comprised of individuals from the same household. Audiences will be required to wear masks whilst in the Traverse and throughout in-person performances, unless medically exempt.

As the world continues to open up, we know that some audiences may feel nervous about booking, so we guarantee any bookers for in-person events full refunds at any point before their booked performance, no questions asked.

Full COVID-19 safety procedures will be in place across all sites, which will be shared with bookers before their visit, and our current procedures can be viewed by anyone on the How We’re Keeping You Safe section of our website.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.

Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world

The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh

On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.

Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year

Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities

Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.

Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence

George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner

The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.

Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026

The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.

10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary

Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.

Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone

Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers

Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.

WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4

Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.

Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens

Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.

Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Santas little helpers, assemble

Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

First shows of Traverse Festival 2021 announced

The Traverse Theatre today announces the first shows of its Traverse Festival 2021, which will include in-person, outdoor and online events.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings