We're shaking things up this December with stories from Edinburgh’s writing talent, young voices with fresh perspectives, and stunning performances that break boundaries and genres.
Bold stories that question the world and give voice to fear and hope - from Edinburgh and far beyond - fill the Traverse stages and popular bar this December. Curated by the theatre’s team of new writing specialists, creative voices belonging to people of all ages and experiences are set to entertain and challenge audiences who come together to coorie doon over the festive season.
Linda Crooks said: “The Traverse is a place where everyone is welcome – on stage and off. It’s warm, it’s inviting, it’s welcoming, and it’s a place where we can come together to explore challenges we face, to celebrate the best of humanity and life. This December we do that through a brilliantly broad range of voices across spoken word, music and song, poetry and new theatre created by young people who can teach us so much, and who share so creatively. With the inspirational and other worldly, the vibrant and fresh-takes set amongst our established partners in Soundhouse, set to bring ten concerts as part of the Winter Festival, and 4PLAY, we look forward to transporting our audiences with an abundance of talented artists.
“It’s especially important to us that this is an affordable offer for all, and so our £1 tickets continue for those receiving low-income benefits or under 25. We would love you to come and experience these stories with us, that make sense of our lives.”
In a time threatened by energy crises, food shortages, corruption of the elites, civil uprising and global war, the Traverse is proud to present Paul Tinto’s Trouble In Spiritland, a tale with an ever-sharpening cultural significance, posing questions of morality and the human spirit’s propensity for compassion in such times. Adapted from the mythic epic narrative poem of the same name, this theatrical spoken-word presentation is a thought-provoking and exciting work, packed with energetic live music and sound scaping, and vibrant and poetic language. Its themes draw parallels with both Scotland’s current social struggles and the individual’s never-ending strive for equality. (17 & 18 Dec).
Nominated in the upcoming Creative Edinburgh Awards, Traverse presents Mary: A Gig Theatre Show blends folk-rock music and rich spoken word to create a stirring depiction and fresh look upon of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. The show’s vibrant storytelling questions the treatment and portrayal of women both historically and today. A sell-out during the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this remarkable production, created by six sensational early career theatre-makers, has been met with consistent audience and critical acclaim and an overwhelming demand for more. (19 – 21 Dec)
The abundance of talent among Edinburgh’s young minds sees The Class Act Showcase returning for the second time in 2024! Young people in schools and youth group settings across Edinburgh have been working with professional artists during the Autumn term to explore the craft of playwrighting and write their own scripts. Over three performances this December these new plays bring fresh perspectives and incredible energy to the Traverse’s stage presented by a team of professional theatre-makers. (12 & 13 Dec)
Following two sell-out years for the 4PLAY team’s scratch nights of new work, this December the new writing group returns with four new full-length plays, supported by the Traverse. These snapshots of life in Scotland’s capital set against familiar backdrops from the city’s Festivals to its East End football club, see Edinburgh playwrights Ruaraidh Murray, Mikey Burnett, Andrea McKenzie and Katy Nixon take to the stage for the first time in two double-bills across four nights. 4PLAY is embedded in the Traverse’s continued commitment to support emerging and early-career artists in the development of their craft. (4-7 Dec)
The inaugural year of Music at the Traverse wraps-up with established Scottish music artist and producer Pictish Trail, who will appear alongside special guests in their all-day Christmas party – HUMBUG! Audiences keen on musical adventures can look forward to blissed out folky dreamscapes, break-neck indie rock, mind-warping psychedelia and explorations in electronica. (14 Dec) Our long-term partners Soundhouse share their Winter Festival and also present ever popular Dean Owens & The Sinners for a night of unfestive songs, humour, melancholy and great music all intertwined (16 Dec).
The Traverse is proud to continue its relationship with Edinburgh Beer Factory, sponsors of the December Sessions with Paolozzi’s new Session Lager.
