For the first time in almost a decade, Shiplake College’s Drama Department is delighted to be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest celebration of theatre and performance. This August, a talented group of students from Years 11–13 will take to the stage with a vibrant adaptation of the Grimm fairy tale The Red Shoes.
The full cast includes Laurie Tate, Archie Parmar, Albie Ball, George Watson, Beth Redston and Jack Dag, all of whom have been working with commitment and creativity in preparation for the festival. This lively and imaginative production reworks the classic moral tale, exploring the dangers of greed and vanity, through a bold 1990s fashion-inspired lens. Combining striking visual style with energetic storytelling, the students have injected fresh pace and personality into a timeless story, creating a show that promises to entertain and provoke in equal measure.
The opportunity to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe is an exciting milestone for the students, who will be experiencing the festival for the first time. With thousands of theatre lovers descending on the city each August, the Fringe offers an unparalleled platform to showcase new and established talent while engaging with a global performing arts community. Mrs Emma Farrell, Head of Drama, shared the group’s enthusiasm, saying: ‘The students are incredibly excited to share their work with the thousands of theatre lovers who flock to the Fringe each August — an invaluable opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the wider performing arts community.’ Ahead of the festival, the cast also benefited from a brief talk by current support staff member and Old Viking, Mr James Hargreaves, who shared insights from his own experiences performing with Shiplake at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The group will present a run of four performances from 7–10 August, with tickets available to the public. In true Fringe spirit, students will also throw themselves into the festival atmosphere by taking part in daily show flyering before and after their performances - a hands-on experience that builds confidence, creativity and communication skills. Alongside performing, students will fully immerse themselves in the wider festival, attending a diverse programme of theatre and comedy shows and participating in creative workshops. This exposure to a broad range of styles and practitioners offers an exceptional learning opportunity, inspiring the next generation of performers, directors and theatre-makers.
The Drama Department is immensely proud of the students’ hard work and enthusiasm, and we wish them every success as they represent Shiplake College on one of the world’s most exciting cultural stages.
