Science Fiction On Stage – new theatre company reaches for the stars

Esc f8, the country’s only theatre company dedicated to producing science fiction is to take its maiden voyage this Friday in ‘Black Sky’ – an evening of science fiction stories.

The setting is the Scottish Storytelling Centre, but director Tom Freeman promises an intergalactic experience. “We have a great group of stories to tell, a touch of classic science fiction and some excellent local writers performing their own work. The audience will be taking an Intergalactic tourism flight with us, and we hope to provide some fun in-flight entertainment. Explore the strange and the strangely familiar; Time, Space and Worlds beyond this... oh and maybe even a robot or two if you’re lucky.”

Freeman is an experienced Edinburgh actor and will be performing, along with actress and clown Cat Somerville. ‘Dark Clown’ Harlequinade, and local writer Cam Wong will be performing their own work. Both are regular contributors to the fiction magazine Weaponizer. It is hoped this event will be a launch pad to further opportunities to see Science Fiction on stage in the capital. Esc f8 was founded this year by Freeman and physical performer Cameron Hall as a reaction to a lack of examples of the genre in local entertainment, and as a way to engage with writers and fans of the genre. “This storytelling event is just the beginning” Freeman explained, “We have plans for all sorts – Zombies, Cowboys, Victorians… just watch this space, if you excuse the pun.” www.escf8.org

The event starts at 7pm and tickets are £6/£4 from Scottish Storytelling Centre. As there will be some bad language under 12s are not advised to attend.

Lindsay Corr is Marketing Officer at the Scottish Storytelling Centre