The Edinburgh Fringe is back with a blast this summer. But the annual explosion of creativity has a new element. Gone are gloomy stage sets with heavy red curtains and an antique writing desk. At this first full-scale Fringe since Covid-19, digital screens make up the scenery and petri dishes the props. From experimental theatre addressing the climate crisis to the story of medical fraudster Elizabeth Holmes, there are more than 50 science and technology shows exerting their force of attraction. This year, science is topping the bill.
Why has this collision of arts and science happened? Neil Harris, who’s performing his comedy Codebreaker (14-26 August, Greenside) about cracking the Enigma cipher, says science brings new chemistry. “There are hundreds of traditional shows by some exceptionally talented comedians, but I wanted to create a more unique show so I started using my skills as a computer programmer.” […]
First published in E&T Magazine on 4 July 2023. Read online here.
CC photoby Markus Spiske