Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 1d

We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Manchán Magan, a giant in Irish and international theatre and culture. Manchán was a huge advocate for Irish Gaelic and brought his acclaimed play Arán & Im  to Traverse Theatre in October 2024.

Portrait of a man with medium-length brown hair and glasses, wearing a jacket and collared shirt, standing outdoors with blurred green trees in the background. Below the portrait, white text on a black background reads '1970 - 2025', indicating the years of birth and death.

1 6

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 2d

A week today, the latest A Play, A Pie and A Pint arrives! Maybe Tomorrow is a hilarious new musical by Brian James O'Sullivan + Hannah Jarrett-Scott about a faded starlet and the dream she can't shake

14-18 OCT
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/a-play-a-pie-a-pint-maybe-tomorrow-autumn-25

A performer with light hair pulled back and a patterned shirt is seated at a table covered with props, including a pink cloth, a rhinestone-covered spray bottle. They are holding a pen and reaching out expressively, possibly mid-performance or rehearsal, with sequin-covered chairs in the background.

Two performers are interacting closely and looking at something in one of their hands. One has long, wavy brown hair and is wearing a blue puffer vest and jeans. The other has long, light hair with glasses on their head and is wearing a patterned shirt. Both appear engaged and excited, sharing a moment of discovery or rehearsal insight.

A performer with reddish hair tied in a bun is actively gesturing and speaking, pointing toward something off-camera. They are wearing a black and turquoise zip-up jacket with striped details. Seated at a cluttered table with laptops, water bottles, and papers, they appear to be in a rehearsal or creative discussion with fellow actors.

Two people are seated at a table engaged in a discussion. The person in the center, with shoulder-length light hair, is speaking and gesturing with their hands, holding a pen, and wearing a beige and black sweater. The person on the right, with long dark hair, is listening attentively and wearing a light-coloured top. The table in front of them has various items, including a water bottle, a coffee mug, and papers. In the background, there is a shelf and a white wall, suggesting a collaborative or meeting environment.

1

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 2d

Also receiving an honorary doctorate is Olivier award-winning Jack Lowden - who you'll recognise from his incredible roles in Dunkirk, Mary Queen of Scots and Slow Horses. But you might also remember him as one of the guest artists performing in NASSIM during Travfest23!

1

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 2d

Congratulations are in order! Phillip Howard is to receive an honorary doctorate from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, in recognition of his impact on Scottish theatre. 🎓 Phillip was Associate Director at Traverse Theatre from 1993-6, before becoming our longest-running Artistic Director 1996-2008.

Man wearing a black sweater with colourful geometric patterns standing outdoors against a blurred natural background. Man dressed in a white t-shirt layered with a black jacket featuring a shearling collar, posed indoors against a light wooden wall.

1 3

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 4d

3 DAYS until Black Hole Sign! You don't want to miss this powerful new work by NHS nurse Uma Rada-Najah, directed by Gareth Nicholls

8-18 OCT
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/black-hole-sign-autumn-25

A Tron Theatre and Traverse production, in association with National Theatre of Scotland

3

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 7d

We have £15 tickets to Black Hole Sign for NHS workers. Use code BLACKHOLE15 online or present your Blue Light Card to our Sales Desk

8-18 OCT
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/black-hole-sign-autumn-25

A Tron Theatre & Traverse production, in association with National Theatre of Scotland

Promotional image offering £15 tickets for NHS workers, with the instruction 'Use code BLACKHOLE15'. The image shows a smiling elderly woman in a hospital gown sitting and holding a mug, while a young NHS nurse in scrubs stands beside her, smiling and holding sparkly silver boots. They are in a clinical setting with a blue curtain and overhead light.

7 5

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 8d

One more week until Black Hole Sign arrives at the Traverse!

Black Hole Sign
by Uma Nada-Rajah
Directed by Gareth Nicholls

WED 8 - SAT 18 OCT
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/black-hole-sign-autumn-25

A Tron Theatre + Traverse production, in association with National Theatre of Scotland.

1

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 29d

Our Brother by Jack McGregor opens in one week - get a sneak peek here!

Enamoured by the regime, a Scottish professor is invited into the Khmer Rouge inner circle...

A @playpiepint.bsky.social production, co-presented with Traverse.

TUE 16 - SAT 20 SEP, 1PM
www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/eve...

Three people stand in a room with serious expressions. The man in the foreground holds a glass and looks off to the side, while another man with an orange gingham scarf and a woman in a navy and white outfit stand behind him, appearing mid-performance. Black-and-white photos are again visible on the wall.

A director with dark hair, wearing a light striped shirt, stands next to a wall with several black-and-white photos taped to it in vertical rows. The setting appears to be a workshop or discussion session.

Two men sit on a bench, talking and smiling at each other. One man wears a black t-shirt and jeans, holding papers and a pen. The other man, wearing a black shirt with a bright orange gingham scarf and grey pants, is laughing. Behind them are columns of printed documents and sticky notes taped to the wall.

A man and woman stand facing each other in a dark room lit with dramatic red lighting. The woman holds a small light source pointed toward the man, casting large shadows of both figures on the wall behind them. Background documents and photos are faintly visible.

3

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Aug 25

After a what has been a joyous, yet very busy few weeks, our team are taking some well deserved time off!

Phone lines will be open Tue-Fri, but the Sales & Welcome Desk will be closed this week.

We look forward to seeing all your friendly faces again from next week 🤗

1 2

Reposted by Traverse Theatre

Trisha Elliott @trishaelliott.bsky.social · Aug 23

Just seen She’s Behind You at @traversetheatre.bsky.social.

I expected it to be good with lots of laughs, but my goodness, that was powerful.

A story told from the heart, by Johnny McKnight, with personal insights into the life of a panto dame & as a young gay man in the early 2000s

#TheatreSky

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 29

It's panto season! Oh no, it's not!? ✨

Well, it's definitely festival season and She's Behind You has arrived at #TravFest25

Here's a first look at the world premiere of She's Behind You with Dorothy Blawna Gale storming the Traverse stage until the 24 August! 👠

2 5 10

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Aug 22

The Traverse are partnering with Citizens Theatre and bringing Class Act to Edinburgh and Glasgow this year! We’re looking for inspiring, dynamic and encouraging facilitators. Sound like you? Apply by Tuesday 2 September, 5pm.

More details here: www.traverse.co.uk/jobs/class-a...

2 6

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Aug 19

📖 We’ve just had our first table read of Black Hole Sign, a sharp new play by NHS critical care nurse Uma Nada Rajah, directed by Traverse Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls.

BLACK HOLE SIGN
WED 8 - SAT 18 OCT
www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/eve...

Playwright Uma Nada-Rajah wears a light grey sweater and smiles while in conversation with actor Beruce Khan who is wearing glasses and a white t-shirt. They are sitting at a table with scripts and notebooks.

Actor Ann Louise Ross who has short white hair and glasses leans forward intently while reading from a script.

A wide shot of a script reading session, showing around 15 people seated in a large circle of tables in a black-walled studio space. Scripts, water bottles, and coffee cups are spread across the tables. A few people are chatting and smiling.

A close-up of a printed script cover page that reads: black hole sign Uma Nada-Rajah Draft Date: 5th August 2025

3 10

Reposted by Traverse Theatre

Trisha Elliott @trishaelliott.bsky.social · Aug 14

What an amazing show that was!

Lost Lear at @traversetheatre.bsky.social was a superb piece of theatre approaching the complex subjects of dementia, memories and family relationships.

Brilliantly performed and staged, especially the lighting and set.

#EdFringe
#TravFest25
#TheatreSky

Picture of woman with face half old and half young. Wearing a crown and flowers around head.

2 7 15

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Aug 14

We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Lane, founder and first Artistic Director of the Traverse. Terry built the theatre in 1962 and helped shape its bold spirit and commitment to new writing. We’re deeply thankful for his vision and legacy.

Terry Lane wearing a black shirt sitting against a white tiled wall with years 1937 - 2025 displayed below.

3 6

Reposted by Traverse Theatre

Steve Fisher, BFA, CD (he/him) @gracingthestage.bsky.social · Aug 8

#BZ 2b Theatre Company!! I'm very glad I caught RED LIKE FRUIT at its #TheaTO premiere in May/June at Soulpepper, as part of Luminato. #CdnCult

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Aug 8

🎉 WINNER WINNER 🎉

We are delighted to have won TWO Scotsman Fringe First Awards! She's Behind You by Johnny McKnight & Red Like Fruit by Hannah Moscovitch scooped the awards this morning & we couldn't be more chuffed.

Join us in congratulating them on this huge achievement👏

1 2

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Aug 8

🎉 WINNER WINNER 🎉

We are delighted to have won TWO Scotsman Fringe First Awards! She's Behind You by Johnny McKnight & Red Like Fruit by Hannah Moscovitch scooped the awards this morning & we couldn't be more chuffed.

Join us in congratulating them on this huge achievement👏

1 5

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 29

📸Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Written and performed by Johnny McKnight and directed by John Tiffany.

Produced by the Traverse Theatre, in association with the @ntsonline.bsky.social as part of #TravFest25

BOOK NOW
www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/shes-...

She's Behind You | National Theatre of Scotland

Johnny McKnight has spent a lifetime in the pantosphere. After playing eighteen dames and writing more than thirty pantomimes, he invites you to take a pee

www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 29

It's panto season! Oh no, it's not!? ✨

Well, it's definitely festival season and She's Behind You has arrived at #TravFest25

Here's a first look at the world premiere of She's Behind You with Dorothy Blawna Gale storming the Traverse stage until the 24 August! 👠

1 1

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 26

Tune in to BBC Radio Scotland for an interview with the Lost Lear team before #TravFest25 previews start tomorrow: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

27 JUN - 24 AUG. Book now: www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/eve...

riverbankarts.bsky.socialriverbankarts.bsky.social / mermaidartscentre.bsky.social

A promotional image for interview with "Lost Lear" on BBC Radio Scotland's The Arts Mix. The image shows a dramatic, dimly lit scene with an elderly person seated and surrounded by concerned younger individuals, possibly caretakers or family members. A figure stands in shadow in the foreground. The title "Lost Lear" is prominently displayed in bold, distressed white letters, and beneath it reads: "Listen on BBC The Arts Mix Radio Scotland."

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 25

A tornado has swept through Edinburgh (typical summer weather) and dropped off the festival's most colourful star, Dorothy Blawna Gale 🌈 Grab a ticket to She's Behind You at #TravFest25 and be here in just three clicks of your heels 👠

www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/eve...
@ntsonline.bsky.social

A lively performer in a theatrical costume poses playfully on a cobblestone street. The person wears a blue and white gingham dress with puffed sleeves, white lace trim, fishnet stockings, red shoes, and a large red wig topped with a white bow. They hold a wicker basket and strike a cheerful, exaggerated pose with one foot lifted. Behind them, a crowd of people walks along a colourful street with brightly painted buildings and hanging bunting, creating a festive atmosphere.

3

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 19

Need we say more? 🤩

Get your tickets to She's Behind You - written and performed by Johnny McKnight, directed by two-time Tony Award winner John Tiffany. World premiere at #TravFest25.

www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/eve...

A performer in a colourful, rainbow dress and wig poses comically with pigtails against a blue background. Surrounding text highlights praise for Edinburgh 2025 theatre shows from various media outlets, conveying excitement and anticipation.

1

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 15

@playpiepint.bsky.social returns to the Traverse this autumn for a season of new Scottish writing! Highlights include a hip-hop musical about Braveheart, a dark comedy about Irish dancing, and a high-stakes game of chess.

Book now via our box office / website
www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/a-p...

Stylized poster for "A Play, A Pie and A Pint." Features a pie, pint, and bell tower on a green plate. A seagull flies overhead. Text reads "Autumn 2025."

3 2

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 11

Grab a cuppa and find out more about A Gambler's Guide To Dying ahead of it making its return after 10 years!

Gary and Gareth reflect on the past decade and tell us a wee bit more about what you can expect from the show 👀

Thu 31 Jul - Sun 24 Aug
#TravFest25

Reposted by Traverse Theatre

National Theatre of Scotland @ntsonline.bsky.social · Jul 10

SHE’S IN REHEARSALS! ✨🌈

A massive panto welcome to the company of She’s Behind You as they start rehearsals ahead of the Fringe.

Writer and performer Johnny McKnight, director John Tiffany and the creative team are positively glowing in the sunshine outside Rockvilla.

Five people are stood outside a grey steel building, smiling at the camera.

1 3 9

Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · Jul 10

Hot on the heels of a thrilling TravFest25, meet the first of the performances joining us from September.

Our Autumn season sees some of the most exciting shows take centre stage with new productions and returning favourites alike.

Find out more: www.traverse.co.uk/news/announc...

Announcement: Autumn 2025 Season

Scotland’s engine room of new writing reveals Autumn programme of home-grown performances and thrilling new work from Scotland and further afield

www.traverse.co.uk

1 4