Out and about in Musselburgh: Announcing The Brunton’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme 2023
Musselburgh is easy to get to in East Lothian, bordering on the eastern edge of Edinburgh, with regular bus and train services. Enjoy a stroll on the beach, or by the river and sample some of the delicious ice cream on offer in the town, before enjoying a wealth of arts and entertainment events, programmed by Brunton Theatre Trust.
What’s on
Some of the highlights this year include soloists from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra with a unique and exclusive series at Northesk Parish Church (just across the road from The Brunton). Northesk Church is also the venue for a concert with BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners and hot folk property, Ímar as well as The Phoenix Choir, Edinburgh’s uplifting, high energy, fast paced soul and gospel group. Acclaimed Scottish folk singer and songwriter, Alex Hodgson rounds off the summer programme at Northesk.
Lunchtime, interactive theatre with Liam Rudden’s Silence in Court is at the Stables Pavilion at Musselburgh Links, whilst Musselburgh Grammar School will be filled with the sounds of the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra and The Glenn Miller Big Band Spectacular.
Loretto School Theatre hosts The Brunton’s community company with The Steamie, Christine Bovill’s extraordinary concert, From Piaf To Pop and There’s Been A Murder with Glenn Chandler who talks about creating the iconic TV series Taggart. The Brunton’s cinema programme continues at Loretto School Theatre this August with National Theatre Live’s Fleabag and the feel-good summer movie, Mamma Mia. The fun starts with a Greek themed supper at The Bistro at The Brunton, followed by Mamma Mia at Loretto School Theatre. Complimentary transport between venues, is provided for supper bookers.
Make a day of it
Brunton Theatre Trust has a long tradition of taking theatre outdoors for the Fringe, and this year they have expanded this to a whole Festival Day at Musselburgh Racecourse on Saturday 26 August. This family friendly day includes indoor storytelling with It’s In The Bag! and Macastory and outdoor theatre performances with Quantum Theatre’s The Wind In The Willows and Illyria’s Pride and Prejudice. Tickets holders can also enjoy face painting and entertainment from stilt walkers and jugglers, included in the price. The onsite deli provides takeaway or sit in refreshments during the day with Pinkie Bar open in the evening.
Michael Stitt, Chair of Brunton Theatre Trust said: “Brunton Theatre Trust plays a key role in the live arts and entertainment scene in Scotland. Our Fringe Festival programme is a highlight of the summer. We are delighted to partner with other Musselburgh venues this year, allowing us to continue to provide a varied and exciting Festival Fringe programme for townspeople and visitors alike.
“The Brunton building remains open for our box office counter, as well as for our friends at The Bistro. They have designed special summer menus to complement our programme, offering a special pre theatre supper as well as a popular lunch menu, tasty snacks and drinks.
“Musselburgh truly is the place to be this summer, for Festival Fringe fun!”
Full information about all these events can be found at www.thebrunton.co.uk / www.edfringe.com
Tickets can be purchased directly through The Brunton’s website or via the Box Office on 0131 653 5245, Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.