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!

Small Town Boys

Location:   ZOO Southside – Main House (Venue 82)

Dates:  Aug 1st -3rd, 5th-10th, 12th-17th

Time: 19:15

Price: £18 Concessions £17

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/small-town-boys

Hello! tell us about yourself? 

Every step tells a story…

Shaper/caper is a diversity-led dance company and registered charity. we bring the work of multi-award-winning choreographer thomas small to new and diverse audiences, through our inclusive approach to dance-theatre. our work is inspired by stories and ideas from the people and communities we work with in dundee and beyond. we make space for the storytelling of seldom-heard stories. 

Our mission is to create safe, dynamic, and imagination-sparking spaces that nurture innovation and creative thinking; producing dance-theatre that connects society, reveals the extraordinary in people, and which helps make sense of the chaotic, unjust, and wonderful world we live in. 

We work with children and young people, working class families, lgbtq+ people, and vulnerable individuals (people with long-term health conditions, migrants, in care, in custody).  

Our values are kindness, respect, collaboration, and joy. we won the chamber champion award at the Dundee & Angus chamber of commerce awards in 2023 and the inspirational education and outreach work at the one dance UK awards in 2020! we won the extraordinary award for dance and beyond at the 2025 scottish dance awards! yay. 

We are delighted to be part of creative scotland’s multi year funded organisations portfolio from 2025-28.

Tell us all about your show!

A young man embarks on a thrilling journey from his small hometown to the big city, where he finds solace and joy in the vibrant lgbtq+ scene. however, his adventure takes a dramatic turn as he confronts a terrifying health crisis, largely ignored by the government.

Following sold-out performances across scotland in 2024, eight electrifying dancers accompanied by a community cast, bring the legendary paradise nightclub to life in this award-winning production with a soundtrack of 80s & early 9os anthems. bringing the joy and chaos of the club scene to life.

Choreographed by award-winning choreographer thomas small, designed by becky minto,

Small town boys will have audiences laughing, crying and dancing the night away.

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

we’re really excited about seeing some of the other made in scotland shows that we saw or heard about at the launch event e.g. 

• waxen figures by muto major (cryptic,  summerhall)– just wow!
• chunky jewellery by our friends at barrowland ballet (assembly rooms) 

… as well as brown girls do it too: mama told me not come (tilted, underbelly) ! 

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. 

it’s a long slog so get lots of sleep! (get 2-3 weeks of sleep beforehand cos you’ll get barely any when you’re there!)

Make sure to see other shows, be inspired and make connections…attend all receptions you can… and  keep hydrated!

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

check reviews, have breakfast. check reviews, have lunch etc etc!

(rub greyfriars bobby for luck) before having a treat dinner at the outsider on george iv bridge…end by dancing at cc blooms 

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

For cakes, coffee and tea – its go to be lovecrumbs on west port

For a treat dinner – the outsider on george iv bridge 

For delicious gelato and chocolate treats its mary’s milk bar on grassmarket 

Best thing about performing at the fringe

Audiences are really up for it – for a show like ours we hope that translates a mix of high and low culture. you can be anything and everything at the fringe – all the artforms in one show – and challenge what makes a good show. 

what is the hardest part about performing at the fringe?

keeping going & pacing yourself- it’s a marathon not a sprint!

Not drinking every night after the show, to stay fresh for the entire run?!

Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?

my dog walter (he’s a malshi) 

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

deodorant? condoms .. and an eyemask 

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Make it a performance or show bits of a performance as you flyer on the street . Target your audience(s) – so we’re gonna flyer the gay club queues, for our small town boys.

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

instagram is the best place – follow us @shapercaper for all small town boys updates, other shaper caper campaigns, workshops and shows- and fabulous content! 

and finally in three words – why should people come and see the show? 

queer joy dancing 

Thank you again for all your support in reading and engaging with the website.

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