Basket: £0.00
Basket: £0.00
(Sat 30 Nov: 7pm & Sun 1 Dec: 3:30pm) A new solo play, written and performed by Michael Daviot, tells the story of Duncan Macrae (1905-1967), long considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Featuring excerpts from Macrae’s finest roles in plays such as Jamie the Saxt, Gog and Magog and The Warld's Wonder, as well as his signature song, The Wee Cock Sparra. A Noble Clown also a celebrates the renaissance of Scottish Theatre in the mid-20th Century, delving into Macrae’s passionate advocacy of ‘theatre for everyone’ his championing of Scottish actors through his role in Scottish Equity, and his desire to free Scotland from Westminster control. A performance full of passion and respect for Macrae's public achievement and his private depth. Created as part of the Edinburgh900 celebrations and the Scottish Theatre History Weekend at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 24 Oct: 6:30pm & 7pm) Join Surgeons’ Hall Museums for this evening programme of their five-star medical history walking tour, with after-hours museum access included. Drawn from the archives you will hear little known accounts of iconic writers, chloroform tea parties, pioneering women, grave robbing and of course Britain’s first serial killers the infamous Burke and Hare. Book Tickets ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Surgeons' Hall Museums
(Fri 25 Oct: 12:30pm & 1:30pm) In past centuries people went to St Catherine’s ‘Oily Well’ for its healing properties and a good day out. Friends of Gracemount Mansion are reviving this tradition with storyteller Jane Mather. Meet at 12.30pm at Gracemount Walled Garden for community lunch and craft activities, then walk the route of a legendary secret tunnel to the Balm Well at Toby Carvery. Alternatively, meet at The Balm Well at 1.30pm for magical stories, heritage tales, and more fun! Access parking available at both venues. Info ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
External Venue
(Tue 13 Nov: 6:30pm) What is it like to talk ideas? Why are humans conscious, do animals have rights, does religion have any point, is/ was Scotland an enlightened society, is science only about facts? Is philosophy about stating our beliefs or exploring new ground through dialogue with others? Come to the philosophy café to find out. Hosted by Donald Smith at Newington Library, 17 Fountainhall Rd, ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
External Venue
(Sat 9 Nov: 2pm) Nordic Noir with feathers. Since the first tale was told, Ravens have strutted through myth and legend. Join storyteller Jan Bee Brown and musician Toby Hawks at Heart of Newhaven Community to solve some dark northern crimes. Who stole the light? Help a mother find her murdered son and discover how Odin lost his memory. This dementia-inclusive event is ticketed on the door at £10 full price, £5 concession. ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
External Venue
(Sat 30 Nov & Sun 1 Dec) A weekend of talks and performance exploring Edinburgh’s rich theatre history, presented as part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations. On Sat 30 Nov (7pm) and Sun 1 Dec (3:30pm) enjoy Michael Daviot’s performance as Duncan Macrae in A Noble Clown, his solo play which tells the gripping public and private story of the man considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Before that on Sat 30 Nov (2pm) we present a series of free talks with input on the Theatre Royal and Walter Scott’s dramas by Helen Graham, how the Edinburgh Festivals began by David Pollock, the Pleasance and Gateway Theatres by Donald Smith, and the restoration of the Kings Theatre. On Sun 1 Dec (1:30pm) we are pleased to welcome biographer Priscilla Barlow to give a pre-curtain talk on her research into Scotland’s vibrant theatre scene in Macrae’s lifetime. ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 18 Oct: 11am & 1pm) Join storytellers Jan Bee Brown and Beverley Casebow for a fun, family- friendly story trail through the National Library exhibition, Renaissance: Scotland and Europe, 1460-1630, featuring true and traditional tales from Scotland and beyond. Everyone welcome! Book Tickets ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
National Library of Scotland
(Fri 25 Oct: 6:30pm - SOLD OUT) An Edinburgh University Writer in Residence event with Edinburgh & Dublin UNESCO Cities of Literature, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, and the Goethe-Institut, on occasion of the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network Conference. The Making Moment features Conor O’Brien (Villagers), Hollie McNish, Sadaf Zahedi & Michael Pedersen. Venue: Gordon Aikman Theatre, 32 George Square, Edinburgh — with book signing afterwards by Lighthouse Books — Tickets FREE via Eventbrite below. Dublin has a long and legendary tradition of writers, and since Conor J. O’Brien adopted the name Villagers, the singer-songwriter-instrumentalist-dramatist has joined the club with a rich, deep and diverse body of work. Villagers have since become a formidable and glorious musical force – twice shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for Music, twice winning an Ivor Novello Award, and garnering many more sublime accolades. This event will serve as a celebration of Conor’s new book, with Faber Music, Passing A Message — an exciting publication presenting the lyrics to over 80 songs collected for the first time in one volume, with artwork and photographs, along with previously unseen notebook lyric drafts and drawings curated by Conor. It’s a truly stunning literary arrival. Hollie McNish is a Ted Hughes Award winning poet, a twice Sunday Times Bestselling author, and the first poet to record a poetry album in London’s Abbey Road Studios. Having published some six superb books, she’s sold out theatres of the scale of Hackney Empire and Liverpool Playhouse, penned a contemporary adaptation of Sophocles’ Athenian tragedy Antigone, and counts amongst her fans Matt Haig, Jodie Comer, Jo Brand and Lemn Sissay. Her recent book, Lobster & Other Things I’m Learning to Love, was an instant best-seller, and her work has been translated into French, German, Spanish, Hungarian, Japanese and more. She really loves writing. Sadaf Zahedi was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, came to Germany at the age of three as a child refugee of war, and grew up in Bremen. She developed a passion for writing early on and regularly performed her poetry to raise funds for charitable causes. Sadaf writes autobiographical stories and texts to raise a loud voice against the silent violence against girls and women. Her story Four Seasons was selected by the Erik Neutsch Foundation in the 2020/21 competition and published by Neues Leben in April 2022. Excerpts from it were integrated into the production of the play Dazwischen by the Transcultural Theater Osnabrück. Zahedi has recently completed her first novel about the oppression of Muslim girls and modern Afghanistan, and she has submitted this work to various competitions. Michael Pedersen is the Writer in Residence at Edinburgh University and the current Edinburgh Makar (Poet Laureate). His prose debut, Boy Friends was a Sunday Times Critics Choice and shortlisted for Best Non-Fiction at Scotland's National Book Awards. His third poetry collection, The Cat Prince, won the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Best Poetry 2023. Pedersen has also been shortlisted for the Forward Prizes for Poetry and won a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship. His work has been praised by the likes of Stephen Fry, Kae Tempest, Shirley Manson, Maggie Smith, David Shrigley & many more. This is part of a series of events that has seen esteemed cultural figures appear at Edinburgh University in-conversation with Writer in Residence, Michael Pedersen. Thus far we have hosted the likes of Alan Cumming, Sara Pascoe, Nicola Sturgeon, Irvine Welsh, Jackie Kay, and Val McDermid in some of Edinburgh University’s most stunning spaces. Book Tickets ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
External Venue
(Wed 23 Oct: 2pm) Born in Dublin, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne is a notable writer, folklorist and translator of Peig Sayers, the ‘Queen of Irish Storytelling’. In this special event, Éilís explores the interaction in her work between folklore sources and contemporary writing, which has been so fruitful in Irish and Scottish literature, and the power of storytelling to animate archives. Supported by Culture Ireland. Book Tickets ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
National Library of Scotland
(Sat 30 Nov: 7pm & Sun 1 Dec: 3:30pm) A new solo play, written and performed by Michael Daviot, tells the story of Duncan Macrae (1905-1967), long considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Featuring excerpts from Macrae’s finest roles in plays such as Jamie the Saxt, Gog and Magog and The Warld's Wonder, as well as his signature song, The Wee Cock Sparra. A Noble Clown also a celebrates the renaissance of Scottish Theatre in the mid-20th Century, delving into Macrae’s passionate advocacy of ‘theatre for everyone’ his championing of Scottish actors through his role in Scottish Equity, and his desire to free Scotland from Westminster control. A performance full of passion and respect for Macrae's public achievement and his private depth. Created as part of the Edinburgh900 celebrations and the Scottish Theatre History Weekend at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 24 Oct: 6:30pm & 7pm) Join Surgeons’ Hall Museums for this evening programme of their five-star medical history walking tour, with after-hours museum access included. Drawn from the archives you will hear little known accounts of iconic writers, chloroform tea parties, pioneering women, grave robbing and of course Britain’s first serial killers the infamous Burke and Hare. Book Tickets ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Surgeons' Hall Museums
(Fri 25 Oct: 12:30pm & 1:30pm) In past centuries people went to St Catherine’s ‘Oily Well’ for its healing properties and a good day out. Friends of Gracemount Mansion are reviving this tradition with storyteller Jane Mather. Meet at 12.30pm at Gracemount Walled Garden for community lunch and craft activities, then walk the route of a legendary secret tunnel to the Balm Well at Toby Carvery. Alternatively, meet at The Balm Well at 1.30pm for magical stories, heritage tales, and more fun! Access parking available at both venues. Info ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
External Venue
(Tue 13 Nov: 6:30pm) What is it like to talk ideas? Why are humans conscious, do animals have rights, does religion have any point, is/ was Scotland an enlightened society, is science only about facts? Is philosophy about stating our beliefs or exploring new ground through dialogue with others? Come to the philosophy café to find out. Hosted by Donald Smith at Newington Library, 17 Fountainhall Rd, ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
External Venue
(Sat 9 Nov: 2pm) Nordic Noir with feathers. Since the first tale was told, Ravens have strutted through myth and legend. Join storyteller Jan Bee Brown and musician Toby Hawks at Heart of Newhaven Community to solve some dark northern crimes. Who stole the light? Help a mother find her murdered son and discover how Odin lost his memory. This dementia-inclusive event is ticketed on the door at £10 full price, £5 concession. ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
External Venue
(Sat 30 Nov & Sun 1 Dec) A weekend of talks and performance exploring Edinburgh’s rich theatre history, presented as part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations. On Sat 30 Nov (7pm) and Sun 1 Dec (3:30pm) enjoy Michael Daviot’s performance as Duncan Macrae in A Noble Clown, his solo play which tells the gripping public and private story of the man considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Before that on Sat 30 Nov (2pm) we present a series of free talks with input on the Theatre Royal and Walter Scott’s dramas by Helen Graham, how the Edinburgh Festivals began by David Pollock, the Pleasance and Gateway Theatres by Donald Smith, and the restoration of the Kings Theatre. On Sun 1 Dec (1:30pm) we are pleased to welcome biographer Priscilla Barlow to give a pre-curtain talk on her research into Scotland’s vibrant theatre scene in Macrae’s lifetime. ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 18 Oct: 11am & 1pm) Join storytellers Jan Bee Brown and Beverley Casebow for a fun, family- friendly story trail through the National Library exhibition, Renaissance: Scotland and Europe, 1460-1630, featuring true and traditional tales from Scotland and beyond. Everyone welcome! Book Tickets ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
National Library of Scotland
(Fri 25 Oct: 6:30pm - SOLD OUT) An Edinburgh University Writer in Residence event with Edinburgh & Dublin UNESCO Cities of Literature, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, and the Goethe-Institut, on occasion of the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network Conference. The Making Moment features Conor O’Brien (Villagers), Hollie McNish, Sadaf Zahedi & Michael Pedersen. Venue: Gordon Aikman Theatre, 32 George Square, Edinburgh — with book signing afterwards by Lighthouse Books — Tickets FREE via Eventbrite below. Dublin has a long and legendary tradition of writers, and since Conor J. O’Brien adopted the name Villagers, the singer-songwriter-instrumentalist-dramatist has joined the club with a rich, deep and diverse body of work. Villagers have since become a formidable and glorious musical force – twice shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for Music, twice winning an Ivor Novello Award, and garnering many more sublime accolades. This event will serve as a celebration of Conor’s new book, with Faber Music, Passing A Message — an exciting publication presenting the lyrics to over 80 songs collected for the first time in one volume, with artwork and photographs, along with previously unseen notebook lyric drafts and drawings curated by Conor. It’s a truly stunning literary arrival. Hollie McNish is a Ted Hughes Award winning poet, a twice Sunday Times Bestselling author, and the first poet to record a poetry album in London’s Abbey Road Studios. Having published some six superb books, she’s sold out theatres of the scale of Hackney Empire and Liverpool Playhouse, penned a contemporary adaptation of Sophocles’ Athenian tragedy Antigone, and counts amongst her fans Matt Haig, Jodie Comer, Jo Brand and Lemn Sissay. Her recent book, Lobster & Other Things I’m Learning to Love, was an instant best-seller, and her work has been translated into French, German, Spanish, Hungarian, Japanese and more. She really loves writing. Sadaf Zahedi was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, came to Germany at the age of three as a child refugee of war, and grew up in Bremen. She developed a passion for writing early on and regularly performed her poetry to raise funds for charitable causes. Sadaf writes autobiographical stories and texts to raise a loud voice against the silent violence against girls and women. Her story Four Seasons was selected by the Erik Neutsch Foundation in the 2020/21 competition and published by Neues Leben in April 2022. Excerpts from it were integrated into the production of the play Dazwischen by the Transcultural Theater Osnabrück. Zahedi has recently completed her first novel about the oppression of Muslim girls and modern Afghanistan, and she has submitted this work to various competitions. Michael Pedersen is the Writer in Residence at Edinburgh University and the current Edinburgh Makar (Poet Laureate). His prose debut, Boy Friends was a Sunday Times Critics Choice and shortlisted for Best Non-Fiction at Scotland's National Book Awards. His third poetry collection, The Cat Prince, won the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Best Poetry 2023. Pedersen has also been shortlisted for the Forward Prizes for Poetry and won a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship. His work has been praised by the likes of Stephen Fry, Kae Tempest, Shirley Manson, Maggie Smith, David Shrigley & many more. This is part of a series of events that has seen esteemed cultural figures appear at Edinburgh University in-conversation with Writer in Residence, Michael Pedersen. Thus far we have hosted the likes of Alan Cumming, Sara Pascoe, Nicola Sturgeon, Irvine Welsh, Jackie Kay, and Val McDermid in some of Edinburgh University’s most stunning spaces. Book Tickets ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
External Venue
(Wed 23 Oct: 2pm) Born in Dublin, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne is a notable writer, folklorist and translator of Peig Sayers, the ‘Queen of Irish Storytelling’. In this special event, Éilís explores the interaction in her work between folklore sources and contemporary writing, which has been so fruitful in Irish and Scottish literature, and the power of storytelling to animate archives. Supported by Culture Ireland. Book Tickets ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
National Library of Scotland
2024 All rights reserved. Powered by
