It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year!

Futuristic Folktales

Location:  Assembly @ Dance Base – Dance Base 3 (Venue 22)

Dates: Aug 13th-18th

Time: 15:50

Price: £14.00 Concessions £13.00

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/futuristic-folktales

Hello Tell us about yourself!

My name is Charlotte Mclean, I’m a contemporary dancer and choreographer from Arbroath, Scotland. I’ve been Highland Dancing since three years old and my sister is getting married this year, just before the Fringe! I’m really excited for it and I have to admit that although I trained, she’s definitely the best dancer in the family!

Tell us all about your show!

Futuristic Folktales – a dance for hope, scrutinises reproductive injustices by re-imagining the tale of the first womb, a folkloric creation narrative often silenced.

Both performers attempt to tell this momentous tale through storytelling, contemporary movement, Scottish Highland dance and acts of birth and un-birth, alongside an evocative soundscape of experimental bagpipes composed by Malin Lewis.

The performance invites audiences to engage in collective resistance and seeks to further dance as a form of political protest – otherwise, why dance?

How did you come up with the name of your show that you’re taking to the Fringe?

I’m currently questioning whether I want to have children and was wondering what folktales our children’s children’s children will tell of the times in 2024?

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

Choreographer Courtney Robertson, who is also from Arbroath. As well as Simone Mousset and Rob Heaslip! All three will be presented at Dance Base.

Have you done the fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe.

I’ve been going to the fringe since I can remember. I worked as an usher at Dance Base for many years, and worked my way up there! It’s quite surreal having my second show at the festival now! The advice I would give would be to take it slow. The city is bustling and you can easily get swept up in the excitement! I’d recommend taking it slow and buying some tartan!

Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe

This time round I’m not performing, so I won’t have to warm up, but I’m sure it’ll involve walking through the mass of flyer-ers, enjoying some street performances, checking for 1 or 5 star reviews, having a cup of tea in the dance base cafe and possibly a beer after the show!

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the Fringe?

Taking dance classes in the morning! Dance Base has a great programme of professional teachers throughout the Fringe. A little time to yourself, to focus on your body is a great way to start the day!

Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?

Fish n chips at the grassmarket. Greasy, fried goodness!

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

Watching all the other shows!!

Top tips for travelling around the Fringe and getting to shows on time?

Leave lots of time to travel to the next show, as no doubt you’ll get distracted on the street as so
much is happening!

What would be your top three items every performer must take to the fringe?

Rain jacket, umbrella, suncream!

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Trying to engage in meaningful conversations with people. Most of the time people are out to have a good time and they come from all over Scotland. We used to travel from Arbroath every summer with no plan! We’d just turn up and see what was on!

If people want to find out more about you, where can they follow you on social media?

Instagram @iamcharlottemclean or my website www.iamcharlottemclean.com

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

DANCE FOR HOPE