The Traverse Theatre’s festival programme for August – TravFest25 – was announced at a launch event at the theatre in Edinburgh, and promises to be a treasure chest of delights.
The event was opened by Linda Crooks (CEO and Executive Producer) with a summary of the programme, and thanks to those who have helped support the Traverse. The 12 productions include 10 premieres, showcasing a range of talent, from homegrown in Scotland, Bristol, Ireland, to Canada and Melbourne, with artists covering themes of radicalisation, global conflict, family dynamics, in a way that unites us and our values.
Three of these productions were discussed in a guest panel chaired by Susie Gray from Premier PR: “She’s Behind You” with director John Tiffany and writer and performer Johnny McKnight; “Standing In The Shadows of Giants” with Bryony Shanahan (director, and Traverse associate artist); and “A Gambler’s Guide to Dying” with director Gareth Nicholls (and Traverse artistic director).
“She’s Behind You” is a reflection on Johnny’s life as a pantomime dame, through the eyes of Dorothy Blawna-Gale, and he and John explained how this was originally conceived as a Cameron Lecture, and the challenges of converting this to a show. Johnny spoke passionately about this has made him reflect on the changes that have been made over the last 20 years in Scotland, including the consideration of being implicit in the politics of the past and how things differ now, with the unique heart and joy that panto has in Scotland. John noted that there’s nowhere that takes, and holds on to, the anarchic subversive art form of the pantomime like Scotland.
We moved on to hear about “Standing In the Shadows of Giants” with Bryony Shanahan, which is the autobiographical story of Lucie Barât, and how her own journey of personal discovery whilst her brother, Carl, and his ‘strange little friend’ (aka Pete Doherty) hit rock-stardom as The Libertines. Bryony described it as funny, and honest, and although likely to attract attention with her proximity to the band, it’s very much her own voice and story, with reflections on relationships, gender expectations, her life, her art, as well as addiction and abuse.
The final show discussed was “A Gambler’s Guide to Dying”, which is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary, having been toured worldwide since its original premiere at the Traverse in 2015. Written and performed by Gary McNair, we were shown a pre-recorded prologue of the show – being Gary’s reflections as a child, and now, of his grandfather, who bet on England winning the World Cup in 1966, and then on defying cancer long enough to see in 2000. Gareth spoke about how much they were looking forward to revisiting the original script together and seeing how 2015 and 2025 versions of Gary may feel.
The panel went on to discuss some of their formative experiences with performing at the Fringe, the importance of its ecology, with Bryony extolling the quality and integrity of work being held by Traverse. The place of the Traverse as Scotland’s theatre for new writing was also touched upon, with John describing it as vital to the lifeblood of theatre. The benefits (and perhaps perils) of personal and professional relationships formed in the Traverse Bar afterwards were also discussed! This could be surmised as more than just a venue, it’s a place for likeminded people and community, without the forced nature of ‘networking’, with Johnny describing it as a place for anarchy, joy and stories above all else.
At the close of the panel, we were treated to a short but dynamic performance from Johnny, reflecting on his first panto experience in 1985, with Johnny Beattie in Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre, as the fourth wall was broken and he realised that not only do you see panto, but the interaction with the crowd means that panto also sees you…
It should also be mentioned that tonight’s event included BSL interpreting from Chloe and Ben, and particular kudos to Ben for interpreting Johnny’s performance with evident enthusiasm.
With tickets on sale now, and a tantalising tease from Susie that there is more still to be announced for the Festival, based on the sneak peek tonight, those looking for quality new writing and productions should keep TravFest firmly in their sights.
Traverse Festival runs from Friday 25 July – Sunday 24 August 2025
Full programme and booking: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/travfest-25