K Media and Summerhall Arts have announced that acclaimed actress Dawn Steele will lead the cast of SKYE: A Thriller, the debut play by Ellie Keel, premiering at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025.
Steele will take on the role of Annie in this haunting new drama, joined by James Robinson (Brawn), under the direction of Matthew Iliffe.
SKYE: A Thriller opens at Summerhall on 2 August 2025, with previews beginning 31 July, and runs until 25 August.
Set on the remote Scottish island, the play explores themes of ghosts, grief, and fractured family ties, as four siblings are confronted by the impossible: the sighting of their long-deceased father on a beach.
Dawn Steele said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be performing SKYE: A Thriller at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. From the moment I first read the script, I was captivated by Ellie’s writing and the depth of these beautifully crafted characters. I come to the Edinburgh Fringe every year and love it but I have never performed in a show for the whole Festival.
I have previously worked at the Traverse Theatre with John Byrne’s The Slab Boys and Cuttin’ A Rug but that was a while ago! I can’t wait to start rehearsals and share this powerful piece of theatre with audiences at the world’s largest arts festival.”
Playwright Ellie Keel added, “I’m delighted that two such talented and renowned actors are bringing my first play to life under Matthew’s direction. Dawn and James capture the Annie and Brawn of my imagination beautifully while also bringing something fresh and compelling to both roles. In particular, I feel very lucky that Dawn has chosen this project to mark her return to the stage alongside her distinguished screen career. Rehearsals start next week — I can’t wait to thrill audiences for a month at Summerhall.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
