Running from July 31- August 26, Assembly Festival is delighted to announce the launch of its new programme for 2019, bursting with big names, exceptional performances, ground-breaking new work, home-grown talent, breath-taking circus and dance, and hilarious children’s theatre.
Theatre and comedy are at the heart of this year’s programme, with over 235 shows programmed across six main venues. Highlights include Sir Ian McKellen returning to Edinburgh to celebrate his 80th (programmed by the EIF); Eddie Izzard presenting a work in progress of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations; legendary screenwriter Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, Queer as Folk); and author, actress and activist Rose McGowan making her Fringe debut.
Also amping up for the fest is Friendsical: A Parody Musical About Friends based on the TV hit show; Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical; Legally Blonde: The Musical; Cora Bissett’s What Girls Are Made Of; (I)sland T(r)ap – a reimagining of the Odyssey told through music and poetry which was a recent winner at the New Zealand Fringe Awards.
Assembly Roxy showcases Disruption – Assembly’s new season of contemporary work co-curated with HighTide and a premiere of this year's ART Award winner premiere Ane City - a one-woman show about an unforgettable night-out in Dundee.
Comedy to note sees US stars Nick Offerman and Jena Friedman who join Clive Anderson, Frank Skinner, Russell Howard, Jason Byrne, David O’Doherty, Nish Kumar, and Jessie Cave, and Arabella Weir.
Circus and cabaret showcase the UK premiere of Flip Fabrique’s Blizzard ;the return of Fringe sell-out Paris de Nuit; and The Atomic Saloon Show.
Entertaining choices for children include The Bubble Show, Morgan & West’s Unbelievable Science and a brand new LIVE show from digital TV sensation Little Baby Bum, award winner at this year’s Fringe World in Perth; and the return of Fringe favourite Monski Mouse.
Assembly’s full programme is now available at www.assemblyfestival.com