THIS August sees a number of festival events catered towards Scottish political enthusiasts.
With the festival season descending on Scotland, followers of politics can look forward to seeing figures like Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Alex Salmond and Gordon Brown in interviews and debates about major issues.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival has many shows programmed with prominent politicians and broadcasters, with audiences given the opportunity to ask questions and lead discussions.
Alex Salmond will host “The Ayes Have It! The Ayes Have It!” from August 4-13, where politicians will divide into teams to debate political topics.
The full lineup was announced on Monday, and includes David Davis MP, John Bercow, Joanna Cherry KC MP, Mike Graham and Kate Forbes MSP.
For those looking for in-depth political discussion, a series of “In Conversation With …” events will take place at The Stand’s New Town Theatre with the following politicians:
- Mhairi Black MP (August 8)
- Joanna Cherry KC MP (August 10)
- John McDonnell MP (August 11)
- John Nicolson MP (August 12)
- Andy Burnham (August 22)
- Jeremy Corbyn MP (August 24)
- Anas Sarwar MSP (August 25)
LBC broadcaster and former Conservative candidate Iain Dale is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe with two shows.
Dale’s “All Talk With …” show lets audience members sit in on a recording of the popular podcast, where they can ask questions to the panel.
Guests will include:
- Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey, Mick Lynch (August 5)
- Penny Mordaunt MP, Chris Mullin and Sasha Swire (August 6)
- Wes Streeting MP, Harriet Harman MP (August 7)
- Alex Salmond and David Davis MP, Peter Hitchens and Polly Toynbee (August 8)
- Sir Vince Cable (August 9)
- Nicola Sturgeon MSP (August 10)
- Humza Yousaf MSP (August 11)
- Jess Phillips MP (August 12)
- Sir John Curtice and Brian Taylor (August 13)
Iain Dale will also be joined by Jacqui Smith – former Labour Home Secretary – for their “For The Many Live” show, which will see Peter Tatchell (August 9), Mark Drakeford MS (August 10), Kate Forbes MSP (August 11), Sir Ed Davey MP (August 12) and Ian Blackford MP (August 13) interviewed in front of a live audience.
Writer and presenter Matt Forde will be bringing his show “The Political Party With Matt Forde” from London’s West End to the Edinburgh Fringe.
The show will play for three nights with each night featuring a different guest – Humza Yousaf MSP (August 8), Angela Rayner MP (August 18) and Kate Forbes MSP (August 21).
Many shows offer a more light-hearted and satirical approach to politics.
Comedian Rosie Holt, best known for her “fake MP” character on Twitter, returns to the Fringe with her now show “That’s Politainment!” between August 2-14, 16-27.
Renowned satirical stand-up comedian Stewart Lee – a fan favourite at the Fringe – will perform “Stewart Lee: Basic Lee” between August 11-20.
There are also a number of politics-themed musicals, including “Dom – The Play”, a deep-dive into the controversies of Dominic Cummings’s career, as well as “TONY! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera]” which describes itself as “Minister meets The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival also has a big line-up of political events.
Politicians who will be holding events include Wes Streeting MP, Chris Bryant MP, Gordon Brown and Kezia Dugdale.
Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the Prime Minister of Iceland, will be talking about her crime fiction novel Reykjavik.
Scottish poets Jackie Kay and Carol Ann Duffy explore political ideas in their respective shows, with both poets showcasing new collections of poetry.
Journalist and National columnist Lesley Riddoch and Isabel Hardman, assistant editor for The Spectator, will also host events at the festival.
The Scottish Parliament's Festival of Politics returns for the 19th year between August 9-11, with a selection of panel discussions and interviews planned covering many Scottish topics such as "25 years of devolution in the UK" and "Scotland’s poverty problem".
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone MSP said of that event: “I am delighted to welcome you all to Holyrood.
“We present a programme that aims to engage people across Scotland on a range of issues, discussing everything from ethics in artificial intelligence to the future of Scotland’s arts and culture sector.
“We look forward to seeing you all at your Scottish Parliament.”
