Army @ The Fringe is returning to Edinburgh for its fifth year this August, with new creative direction from veteran producer, writer and artist Harry Ross, and a new Chief of Engagement Lt. Col Hugo Clark MBE. Acting as a foil to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, this showcase of creativity aims to reframe the public perception of the military through plays, art, poetry and talks.  

^{Heroin To Hero}

At the heart of this year’s programme is the theme Different Voices – One Team, a celebration of the diverse voices and perspectives which make up the modern military. Included is Heroin To Hero (Drill Hall, 5–28 August, 7.15pm), about how former heroin addict Paul Boggie kicked his habit to become a member of the Queen’s Guard; For Queen And Country (Drill Hall, 5–14 August, 8.30pm), the 1940s-set adventure of spy Major Denis Rake MC who disguised himself as a drag queen to entertain Nazi officers in a Parisian nightclub; and Dots And Dashes: A Bletchley Park Musical (Drill Hall, 16–28 August, 8.30pm), the empowering story of six women cracking codes to shape the outcome of World War II.  

Expanding on the theme of diversity are shows centring on the cultural identity of Scotland. This includes I’ll Mak You Be Fain To Follow Me (Drill Hall, 16 August, 4.30pm), a discussion from senior soldiers and officers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland on how Robert Burns’ poetry inspires them in their personal and professional lives.  

^{Dots And Dashes: A Bletchley Park Musical/Picture: Callan Riches}

Also included in the programme is a series of dramatic readings and talks from NATO allies (Drill Hall, 5–13 August, 5pm) who the army has worked with for years, as they train soldiers in Ukraine. A special concert in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University will also take place at the end of the month (Craiglockhart Campus, 28 August, 1pm), featuring modern music from composers affected by war and student compositions inspired by the programme.  

As well as highlighting diversity and inclusion within the military, this year’s Army @ The Fringe will focus on accessibility to shows, presenting more work outside central Edinburgh and making around a quarter of their shows either free or ‘pay what you can’.  

Find the full Army @ The Fringe programme on the official site.