Shakespeare at Traquair take their double bill to the Fringe

With performances from August 5-13 at theSpaceUK’s prestigious Niddry Street venue just off the Royal Mile, the young performers of Shakespeare at Traquair are looking to repeat the success of their recent pre-Fringe run where audiences in Carlops and Peebles were regaled with 50 minute adaptations of Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.

With final rehearsals now underway, there’s a mixture of tingling excitement and tension amongst the cast.

For 12-year-old newcomer Imogen Smith it’s both her first experience of Shakespeare and the Fringe. She said: “This is very exciting, slightly nerve-wracking but great fun!”

And Ruth Tweedy, who departs to the US to start her degree course a week after the shows close, commented: “It’s one thing to do a show in your own backyard, but much more of a challenge to try and attract an audience where you’re unknown. But we’re up for it.”

You can see Hamlet at noon on August 5, 8, 10 and 12 and Romeo and Juliet at the same time on August 6, 9, 11 and 13. Both shows are at theSpaceUK, Niddry Street (Venue 9). Tickets are £8, £5 for children or £20 for a family of four from either Fringe Central on 0131 226 0000 or 0131 510 2383.

Make a day of it – you won’t be disappointed.