Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023
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Jul

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting journey of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, an iconic celebration of arts and culture that has captivated audiences for decades. Just a short distance from our Edinburgh, Eurocentral, and Glasgow hotels, many of our guests journey to Scotland to revel in the mesmerising acts. We embrace this renowned celebration and cast a spotlight on its opulent heritage. Read on as we delve into the rich history of the Edinburgh Fringe, offering exclusive interviews with some highly anticipated acts of 2023.

Where to stay near Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

Three of our gorgeous hotels are located across Scotland, you can find us in Glasgow city centre, South Queensferry on the doorstep of Edinburgh city centre, and Eurocentral in Motherwell. Make Dakota your sanctuary as you enjoy the unmissable performances taking place across Scotland this fall. Take advantage of our latest collaboration with Scottish Citylink and travel in ultimate style and comfort from Motherwell straight to the heart of Edinburgh when you book our exclusive Discover Scotland package.

Behind the scenes: An exclusive interview Greta Titelman.

Comedy lovers can look forward to uproarious sets from renowned comedians, both established and up-and-coming. Prepare to laugh until your sides ache as hilarious observations, witty one-liners, and clever storytelling take centre stage. We caught up with comedian, actress, and writer Greta Titelman, who is flying all the way from Los Angeles to Scotland to perform her upcoming show “Exquisite Lies”.

Can you tell us more about your show “Exquisite Lies” and what inspired you to create this intimate evening of storytelling and song for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

I have always dreamed of going to Fringe so as I was developing this show, taking it to Edinburgh was always the goal. Exquisite Lies takes you through an excavation of my past, to find out who I am in the present. It’s the distillation of who I am as a performer. It’s song, it’s dramatic, its razzle dazzle, it’s heightened, it’s cringey, and it most importantly teases the question “was that all just one big lie?”

Who are your biggest influences, and do you have any role models who have helped shape your comedic style?

I of course grew up loving Lucille Ball, and classic actors like Faye Dunaway, Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo. I love Jennifer Coolidge, Parker Posey, Amy Sedaris, and of course I have been most inspired by my peers, like Julio Torres and Ana Fabrega who are also at the festival this year.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse performances. How do you plan to connect with the audience and create an intimate, memorable experience amidst the hustle and bustle of the festival?

So much of my show is about cultivating a deep connection with my audience and the content of my show is supremely intimate and singular. I have no doubt that every audience member will leave my show with the feeling that they are my new best friend, or at least that they experienced something special that is me.

If you had to suggest one other act performing at The Fringe festival this year to our readers, who you recommend?

I can’t just name one so I will name two: Patti Harrison and Ruby McCollister!

You can watch the razzle dazzle of Greta’s Exquisite Lies performance for yourself at the pleasance courtyard in Edinburgh between August 2nd – August 27th. Book your tickets and prepare to ask yourself the question: ‘Was that all just one big lie?’ You can read more about Greta and her upcoming performances: Here.

An exclusive interview with Laura Ramoso.

The theatre program is set to transport audiences through mesmerizing narratives and powerful performances. From thought-provoking dramas to sketch comedy performances, the diverse theatrical offerings are sure to cater to all tastes and leave audiences in awe. We spoke with popular Canadian-based sketch comedian Laura Ramoso to discuss her newest performance at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival: “FRANCES.”

Hi Laura, can you tell us a little bit about your background as a performer and what led you to participate in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year?

I moved to Canada to take theatre in university and always thought I’d be more of a classical, dramatic actor. Though I enjoyed playing comedic roles the most, it wasn’t until I discovered sketch comedy via ‘The Second City’ in Chicago that I realised comedy is what I wanted to pursue! I then relocated from Victoria, BC to Toronto to begin my comedy education in 2017. I took every improv, clowning, and sketch class under the sun, and started to produce and perform in my free time as well.

In 2019, I wrote my first sketch hour, DIANE – which went on to win the Best New Show of the year award at the Bad Dog Theatre in Toronto – which was featured at both the Chicago and San Francisco Sketch Comedy Festivals, and became the first solo-show ever to win the 2020 Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival’s Best of the Fest award in its 15-year history. When COVID hit, I started to make short-form sketch videos for Instagram and TikTok to pass the time, little did I know that would change the course of my career! I’m best known for my characters such as German Mom, Italian Dad, and the “Girl Who Just Got Back From…” series.

As the world slowly returned to normal, I wrote and opened my second sketch hour FRANCES in August 2022, which I subsequently took on a mini-Canadian tour. I am BEYOND thrilled to bring FRANCES to Edinburgh this year not only for my Fringe debut, but my Europe debut as well! It has been a life-long bucket list item to play at one of the biggest performing arts festivals in the world, I am sure it will be an experience I’ll never forget!

How does it feel to transition from creating digital content to performing live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? Are there any unique challenges or opportunities you anticipate?

Since I made my start in live theatre and comedy, I found my 2020 transition into digital creation very difficult at first. Writing a sketch or character for the stage vs the online world requires the same foundation, but a completely different set of technical and creative skills – which took a LOT of trial and error to figure out. Jumping back and forth between the two has gotten easier now, as I’ve been able to optimise my process for both mediums. I anticipate the Fringe might provide an enticing opportunity to create festival-based digital content on the side! Who knows what sort of interesting characters and audience members I’ll get to meet…

The Fringe Festival often attracts a wide range of audiences. How do you hope your performance will resonate with people from different backgrounds and cultures who attend the festival?

FRANCES is, at its foundation, a story about love and heartbreak sandwiched between funny characters and sketches. I believe I’ve written a show that audiences will be able to relate to regardless of where they’re from, because that experience is inherently human. Any culture, location, or otherwise specific – based jokes and bits in the show will be amended and changed to cater to the Edinburgh festival audience before I open. On top of that, the beauty of sketch and improv is that things can be easily changed from show to show, so if something isn’t working, I’ll be able to swap it for something better!

Are there any other performers or acts at the Fringe that you are particularly excited about, and would you consider collaborating with them in the future?

I’d love to see as much comedy as I can. Here are a few on my list currently: Tatty Macleod: Fugue, Grace Campbell: A Show About More Me(n), and St. Doctor’s Hospital.

You can enjoy FRANCES performed for the first time in Scotland at Pleasance Dome, Jack Dome in Edinburgh on selected dates between August 2nd – August 28th. Book your tickets and prepare yourself for an evening with a range of delightfully thoughtful and relatable characters, guaranteed to have you belly laughing. You can read more about Laura and her upcoming performances: Here.

An exclusive interview with Choir! Choir! Choir!

For music enthusiasts, the festival will be a sonic delight. From soulful ballads to foot-stomping rhythms, a variety of genres will resonate throughout the festival venues. Prepare to be moved by the melodic talents of solo artists, bands, and orchestras alike. Making their debut performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year, and certainly no strangers to the art of community song and dance are dynamic duo Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman (AKA Dabu) who make up Choir! Choir! Choir!, we asked them about their Fringe debut and what audiences can expect to see from them in their upcoming show.

As you prepare for your first appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, what are your expectations and hopes for the impact your show will have on the festival-goers and the local community?

The Fringe has been so hyped to us that our expectations are through the roof. We want to get to that place when absolute chaos grinds up against beautiful harmony. We want to put song after song into people’s heads so that they’re singing at the tops of their lungs, having the greatest time ever, and sharing that energy all over the festival!

Your shows are known for their interactive and inclusive nature, creating an electric atmosphere. What is the secret behind getting the audience involved and turning them into singing superstars?

We do whatever it takes to get people to open up – like great hosts throwing a party night after night. We quickly create a safe place that inspires audiences, unlocking emotions to be creative and share that with strangers in the theatre. It all starts with laughter. If we can get the room laughing, then they’ll sing and move so freely.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is renowned for its vibrant arts community. What are you most looking forward to experiencing or exploring while you are there? Any favourite spots you are eager to visit?

The reputation of the Fringe precedes itself so there are all the amazing shows we want to see and to get to meet the performers. You have incredible galleries and museums that we’ve heard a great deal about. Nobu has also heard there is a vibrant tennis community in the city and wants to get in on that. Daveed wants to rappel from Arthur’s Seat singing REO Speedwagon’s “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” at the tops of his lungs. We can’t wait!

You can catch Daveed and Dabu performing at the Underbelly in Edinburgh on selected dates between August 4th – August 27th. Book your tickets and limber up your vocal cords as you get ready to become the third member of Choir! Choir! Choir! for an evening of pure enjoyment. You can read more about Choir! Choir! Choir! and their upcoming performances: Here.

Dakota Edinburgh.

Dakota Edinburgh serves as your gateway to the vibrant Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Nestled in a scenic location, just 25 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, our hotel offers a perfect blend of tranquillity and accessibility.

At Dakota Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on providing comfortable and convenient accommodation, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds. Whether you’re attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or exploring the surrounding attractions, our hotel offers a haven of relaxation and easy access to all the excitement. Book your stay with us and create unforgettable memories during your time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Dakota Eurocentral Citylink Package.

Experience the ultimate blend of luxury and convenience with our Dakota Eurocentral City Link Package. Discover Scotland’s vibrant cultural scene while enjoying a seamless journey to the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Our City Link Package is the perfect choice for festival enthusiasts looking for a hassle-free experience. With a convenient link to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, you can immerse yourself in the world’s largest arts festival without worrying about transport. Our dedicated team will assist you in planning your travel, making sure you arrive at the heart of the action with ease.

Book your Dakota Eurocentral City Link Package today and embark on a remarkable journey that combines the magic of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the luxurious comforts of our hotel. Experience Scotland like never before and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Edinburgh Fringe: An enchanting journey into the world of the Arts.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival holds a special place in the hearts of art lovers worldwide. As we eagerly await the arrival of the 2023 festival, we embrace the festival’s rich history and anticipate the diverse lineup of acts that will undoubtedly make this year’s event unforgettable. Prepare for an enchanting journey into the world of arts and culture at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023.