The Lowry in Salford is mounting a curated programme of English theatre, dance, comedy and circus at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, running from 7 to 31 August. The season is being presented in collaboration with the British Council and is designed to put England-based artists in front of international delegates who attend the festival.
Connecting artists with international programmers
Organisers say the initiative will offer direct access to the Edinburgh International Performing Arts Delegation, a group of leading global theatre and dance programmers who attend the Fringe to identify new work and form partnerships. The Lowry intends the strand to act as a bridge between local creators and the international touring circuit.
"It's an incredibly difficult environment for artists and producers in England who want to engage with theatres and festivals internationally. In that context we are delighted to share such a fantastic programme – that fully reflects the breadth of our programme at Lowry – with delegates from across the world,"
The comment was made by Matt Eames, director of theatre and performance at the Lowry.
Support from the British Council
Rebecca Gould, the British Council's senior relationship manager for theatre and dance, said the council would promote the Lowry's season to its delegates with the aim of helping artists forge new connections.
"We’ll be sharing the Lowry programme with our delegates and hope they will build connections with artists and organisations featured in the programme, alongside the many other inspirational platforms and events taking place in Edinburgh."
Season highlights and practical details
The programme includes a range of work that reflects the Lowry's varied output. Highlights announced include:
- Collaborator by Ockham’s Razor — an intimate circus-theatre duet from a company partnered with the Lowry.
- Horrible Things — a clown-led piece commissioned by Soho Theatre and the Lowry, featuring Frankie Thompson.
- How’s Your Head? — a show by Aarian Mehrabani developed via the Lowry's 'Developed With' programme.
- The Wing Shuffle Spectacular — a Revel Puck Circus performance including daring feats such as balancing on the 'wheel of death'.
Organisers emphasise these productions will play at venues across Edinburgh rather than at the Lowry itself. Full dates and venues for the season have been published by the theatre.
| Show | Company / Commission |
|---|---|
| Collaborator | Ockham’s Razor (Lowry partner) |
| Horrible Things | Commissioned by Soho Theatre and the Lowry |
| How’s Your Head? | Aarian Mehrabani (Developed With programme) |
| The Wing Shuffle Spectacular | Revel Puck Circus |
For Salford’s arts community, the initiative represents a practical route to international exposure at one of the world’s largest arts festivals. The Lowry and British Council collaboration aims to ease the challenge artists face when trying to reach overseas venues and festivals, by placing them before decision-makers and potential partners during the Fringe.
Those seeking full season listings, specific dates and venue addresses are advised to consult the Lowry's published programme for Edinburgh.
