From politics to cinema and everything in between, it’s been a busy ol’ time in the world of Edinburgh Festival headlines. This week, the Film Festival announced its closing film, Mick Lynch is heading to The Stand and the International Festival unveiled a king’s ransom of free events. 

Closing film for Edinburgh International Film Festival announced…

… as the deadpan dramedy Fremont. Revolving around the insomnia of a twentysomething Afghan immigrant trying to live the American dream, the film stars indie darlings Anaita Wali Zada, Gregg Turkington and Jeremy Allen White (who some might recognise from sleeper hit show The Bear). Expect more news from the film festival next week when the full programme is announced. 

Edinburgh International Festival presents free city-wide events this August…

… with 39 free events to choose from. Lasting from Friday 4-Sunday 27 August, the events include ensemble performances from Intercultural Youth Scotland, Grit, Drake Music Scotland, Tinderbox Collective, Musicians in Exile and the Edinburgh Ukrainian Choir 'Oberih', solo music shows from Alexei Grynyuk and Matthew Herbert, as well as many conversations, discussion panels and theatre shows. 

Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director of Edinburgh International Festival (EIF), said, ‘Our free programming sees iconic spaces around Edinburgh come alive with some incredible artists. I’m particularly proud that there are opportunities like this for our audiences and community members to get closer to the artists across our 2023 Festival programme. It’s our audiences who play a key part in creating the magic of what takes place on our stages and upholding the wonderful standards of this world-class event. A festival is a place of joy and discovery, and I hope everyone will get involved and come together to experience some of this magic this August.’ Read the full programme here. 

Mick Lynch is hitting the Fringe…

…as part of a speaking series dubbed In Conversations With announced this week. The British trade unionist and activist will take to the stage at The Stand’s New Town Theatre on Saturday 5 August to discuss his career, his politics and the recent wave of strike action across the country. Other speakers appearing as part of the series include Labour MP Andy Burnham, Prolific writer and broadcaster Billy Kay, and current leader of the Scottish Labour Party Anas Sarwar. 

Gilded Balloon reveal new charity partner Equality Network for Pink Wednesday…

… in what the venue describes as ‘a fun-filled day of ticket discounts, competitions and celebrations, all whilst raising money for charity.’ Taking place on Wednesday 9 August, Pink Wednesday will allow tickets buyers to purchase tickets for five pounds, with a percentage of sales donated directly to Equality Network to support LGBTI+ activism in Scotland. Representatives of the Equality Network will also be visible at the venue to collect donations on the day. 

Katy and Karen Koren, Directors of Gilded Balloon said, ‘We’re delighted to launch our new charity partnership for 2023 and are thrilled to work with Equality Network who are doing vital work throughout the country to advance equality and human rights for the LGBTI+ community in Scotland. We’re proud of our diverse roster of shows this year and look forward to working closely with the Equality Network to further our support of the LGBTI+ community within the arts. Pink Wednesday is a special day in Gilded Balloon’s Fringe calendar, where artists, staff and customers can come together to celebrate the very best of Fringe whilst raising money for an important cause, particularly in the current climate, and we're already looking forward to this year's event!’

Four stars or more 

The comedy/performance art mashup of Frankie Thompson and Liv Ello will bring Body Show to the Fringe this year, performing at the Pleasance Courtyard from Wednesday 2-Sunday 27 August. We loved Thompson’s solo outing Catts last year, awarding it four stars for its absurd and completely unorthodox style. ‘What ensues can only be described as an unhinged YouTube compilation come to life,’ wrote our reviewer Rachel Cronin. ‘An incredibly quick collection of cat videos and references features everything from audio clips of The Apprentice to interviews with a young Jacob Rees-Mogg(ie). Thompson flawlessly lip-syncs her spiky dialogue at record time, while impossibly noisy facial expressions have her audience in tears. ‘Catts is a ridiculously funny comedy hour and a powerful comment on how we distract ourselves from our most hopeless thoughts.’ Read the full review here.