Kaleidoscope are proud to welcome the writers collective, Caught by the River. Described as a culture clash between art and nature, the online platform was formed in 2007 as a meeting place for pursuits such as walking, fishing, looking, and thinking. Their extended stage slot features H is for Hawk author Helen Macdonald, in conversation with BBC Radio producer and author Tim Dee – who edited the anthology Ground Work: Writings on People and Place, to which she contributed. There will also be author John Andrews, long-time contributing poets Will Burns and Martha Sprackland and former Hefner frontman Darren Hayman will also be making an appearance to perform songs and talk all things Thankful Village, a project about rural life.
Elsewhere, the eccentric cyclists of Handlebards who carry all their set, props and costume to perform enigmatic, offbeat, portable versions of Shakespeare’s plays across the globe in sustainable fashion. The Edinburgh award-winners will be bringing a brand new compressed version of Twelfth Night just for the festival.
Stand up poetry collective Bang Said the Gun will be crossing poetry with comedy in a unique and cutting-edge concept. Featuring the hilariously eccentric comedian and poet Rob Auton, London-based poets and founders, Daniel Cockrill, and Martin Galton, with help from author and host Laurie Bolger. With poet Andrew Motion calling it “a vortex on energy and enthusiasm” it’s definitely a stage to swing by at the festival.
Finally, funny man Eshaan Akbar who is frequently named one to watch. Since 2014, he has established himself as a performer with serious potential. The winner of the Piccadilly Comedy Club New Comedian of the Year 2016, he presents ‘Prophet Like It’s Hot’ ahead of his Edinburgh appearance.
