Arts Council England launches pilot repayable grant scheme for large-scale theatre and dance tours. https://t.co/jHlK3wJ41P #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

Ahahahaa this is delightful. The optimism! The hubris!

ICYMI: Theatre companies @graeae and @20StoriesHigh have launched a manifesto that provides a "step-by-step guide" to improve accessibility for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and audiences 👇

One last Edfringe tweet - enjoyed gamble from @hellohannahlm and co. It’s all fun and games but there’s a campaigning heart and real lives at the heart of this look into the gambling industry

Just popping out of my Edinburgh bubble to observe that racism and violence *is* us as much as courage and kindness is. It’s been stoked by a divisive rhetoric but trying to pretend that it’s far away and outside of the mainstream doesn’t feel like the way forward.

I’m biased as @natsbellino is my favourite clown, but her first solo show Look After Her Knees is lovely. Grief and getting older but also getting to hang out with Natalie’s brain. Felt very connected with audience and performer :)

Began the day with a fantastic bit of folk horror in Birdwatching from @_blackbright . All the classic elements but feels modern with depth. All female team bring forth the uncanny (fortunately not too much if you’re a delicate flower like me ;) )

Before I started working at ACE, the process of spending reviews felt pretty remote from my role in the sector. I’m really glad we’ve shared this blog which gives an insight into how it’s very much connected. If you benefit from the work of Arts Council England do give it a read.

I’m not going to make a lot of recommended shows so here’s a thread of recommends. Saw 5 great shows today and current status is lying down wishing I could watch repair cafe.

Oh and also Where To Begin was very fun. Opening ceremonies are interesting and I think tricky to nail. This had a lot to like. What you don’t see is me grinning like a loon and getting to ‘light the fire’. Don’t want to spoiler but here’s the beginning :)

It took a little while for me but Please Right Back from 1927 fully pulled me in. I loved the risks taken, the heart and how utterly itself it is.

Identities by @CloseToHomeProd Builds such a rapport with the audience and holds us close (not like sports bra close). I loved the double act and the skilled delivery. And I learnt stuff too! A very enjoyable 60mins ;)

If you want to talk about a national scandal, better send in the clowns. #stuffed by @UglyBucket is sharp, angry and funny with a real sense of mission. I hope they sell out the whole run. (Also, appreciated captions and attention to access)

The inimitably titled @bumflareplay is much more sophisticated than the handle might suggest ;) cracker of a central performance and insightful writing on belonging and football

So Young @traversetheatre is a rich and nuanced look at grief and humans. Laughed more than I expected to but yes, also got me in the feels.

This is going to be amazing! 👇

A Little Inquest by @ThisEgg_ is clear eyed look at culture wars and real life. It doesn’t shy from asking difficult questions: of itself, of us. It’s more fun than I’m making it sound. It feels extremely timely and very worth watching.

First show Occupational Hazard by ACCA Dance was interrupted by fire alarm. Invested in the show and clearly trusting our air hostess hosts, the audience didn’t move until the door opened and we were advised to evacuate!

And once again I wonder why @CrossCountryUK run 3 carriages on one of the longest intercity routes in the UK..

Auspicious start to my #edfringe as I panic book a taxi to the station, board the train in good time .. and then promptly de board the train as on checking my seat I realise I am an hour early. Better early than late eh? ;)