The Assembly Rooms on George Street first opened in January 1787 as a meeting place for concerts, soirees and grand balls for the elite and fashionable of Edinburgh society.
Over two centuries on, this opulent building has had a lavish facelift to restore its grand Georgian design with contemporary style.
Launched for the Fringe 2012, the elegantly refurbished, multi-theatre venue and Spiegeltent created a circus atmosphere in the centre of the city. The Assembly Rooms attracted nearly 200,000 people and it was exciting to see the New Town become a focal point of Festival action once again.
Good news: for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013, George Street (between Hanover and Frederick Streets) will be traffic-free once again. The spacious Assembly Rooms, featuring Music Hall, Ballroom and studio theatres, will again be complemented by the Spiegeltent outside, staging cabaret and music shows, beside the Aperol Spritz Cocktail bar & beer garden for relaxing al fresco eating and drinking.
It’s welcome news too for the boutiques and bars along George Street. Thousands of city visitors and residents will take time out after a show to stroll along the broad boulevard, lined with classic, classy fashion, tailoring and jewellery stores, to enjoy easy, accessible shopping.
The luxuriously designed Rox (UK jeweller of the year/ Scottish fashion awards winner), believes the Fringe showcase is an asset to the street in August.
Fringe Director of the Assembly Rooms, Tommy Sheppard is confident the enhanced programme of shows will offer a bigger and better Festival destination: “We are offering the best theatre, comedy and music on the Fringe bar none. We have also been working with local businesses to improve the outdoor area of the Famous Spiegelterrace and are confident George Street will be the place to be this summer.”
Echoing his views, David Bates, the Australian Spiegelmaestro is delighted to bring his famous Cabaret Tent back again to “this inspired location . . . the most civilized and dynamic hub in the greatest festival in the world.”
So what are the Highlights this year? On the comedy stage are some of the most celebrated star performers: Omid Djalili, the Iranian stand up, described as “the most subversive, let alone funniest comedians”; the outrageously camp and outspoken Scott Capurro, and the equally offensive but hilarious Jerry Sadowitz – who is also a talented magician.
Refreshing new, younger names in comic entertainment, too, such as Zoe Lyons and a show called The Thinking Drinker’s guide to Alcohol (which most Fringe goers may have to see . . . ).
For Theatre lovers, the powerfully dramatic movie, The Shawshank Redemption, has been adapted for the stage from Stephen King’s original novel. Starring Omid Djalili, the poignant story of a fight for justice is sure to be a must-see play.
Pip Utton returns with two of his electrifying performances as Adolf Hitler and portraying Winston Churchill, a sell-out show in 2012. From Moscow comes Omega, an innovative spectacle about the dark side of circus freak shows and wizardry magic.
A series of literary and political discussions under Spoken Word events, as well as Entertaining Ideas – lunchtime chat with a host of writers and TV presenters, including George Galloway, Val McDermid, Monty Don and Jay Rayner.
In the Spiegeltent, a colourful feast of music, song and dance at the Five thirty Cabaret every afternoon for the perfect aperitif, to La Clique, at 10pm, a new version of the sensational sexy, brash burlesque show which has toured the world since 2003.
For children, shows like Princess Pumpalot, and Sing and Dance with Mr Boom, are sure to keep the little ones amused, while Ali McGregor’s Jazzmatazz sounds like a fun and lively cabaret for all the family.
For Programme listing and tickets, www.arfringe.com. Tel. 0844 693 3008.
The Assembly Rooms Box Office opens on 1st August.