Buy a Ticket. Back New Writing. Keep Arts Alive in Edinburgh.
In times of crisis, access to the arts is not a luxury — it is essential. It gives young people a voice, builds resilience and offers joy and connection when the future feels uncertain.
For more than 18 years, Leith-based charity, Strange Town, has provided life-changing access to the arts for hundreds of young people across Edinburgh each year. Through youth theatre groups, holiday programmes, film skills workshops, stage management experience, a Young Company and professional agency support, the organisation nurtures the next generation of Scotland’s creative talent — many of whom would not otherwise have access to these opportunities.
Strange Town is committed to creating meaningful professional pathways for early-career artists — opportunities that are increasingly rare in today’s funding landscape. All artists and practitioners are paid fairly and supported throughout. The charity also extends its impact beyond Edinburgh, enabling local performers to progress to stages in London’s West End and onto the small screen and major streaming platforms.
This March, the charity shines a spotlight on its Young Company (18–25), returning to Summerhall following previous sell-out runs with a newly commissioned production:
Aphrodite Rogue by Eleanor McMahon
Set in a near-future Edinburgh, Aphrodite Rogue follows four flatmates navigating heartbreak, climate dread and a flat that is quite literally falling apart. When one of them begins to suspect that something — or someone — is quietly sabotaging their lives, tensions rise in this sharp, timely comedy about love, uncertainty and the importance of trying again.
- TechCube0, Summerhall, EH9 1PL
- 27 and 28 March
- 7.30pm (1 hour)
- £14 / £12
- Open to ages 14+
Tickets: https://strangetown.org.uk/styc-aphrodite-rogue-by-eleanor-mcmahon/
In the same way as many other local organisations, Strange Town has been impacted by the funding cuts by the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB).
As a result, the future of its touring company, which often provides a young person’s first experience of live theatre, is now seriously at risk. The charity is actively fundraising to sustain this vital work that reaches more than 20,000 secondary pupils across 20+ local schools.
Anyone interested in lending support is encouraged to contact Steve Small, Artistic Director, [email protected]
By buying a ticket or making a donation, audiences are backing new writing, fair pay for artists and essential creative opportunities for young people across Edinburgh.
