Singer/songwriter/performer Hannah Reade is organising a not-for-profit 'micro-festival', or 'informal performance, workshop, and discussion space' or 'Fringe of the Fringe' in the Pilrig Street home where she grew up.
In an August programme labelled 'The Living Room', her family's living room will loom large, but expect bedrooms and corridors to feature too, whilst homemade soup, scones and jam will be on offer in the kitchen café.
This is Reade's first excursion as a Fringe producer, and the emphasis is on challenging and enjoyable events in a 'homey, cosy, inviting and accessible setting'.
With content aimed at both locals and visiting culture vultures, from 17–20 August 'The Living Room' will showcase devised theatre (a carefully rehearsed but not script-based form), acoustic music, short films, discussions, and more. Much of it involves Reade's contacts at Darlington, Dundee, and Bournemouth Colleges of Art.
She describes it as a chance to put your feet up after work or amid Festival madness, relax, and make friends. Spurtle thinks it all sounds delightfully offbeat and eclectic and creative, and will attend not least to hear more of the Wandering Swallows's original and enchanting music. We will of course take full advantage of the venue to study other people's under-sofa dustballs.
Most performances – between 2:00pm and 9:00pm – last up to an hour, and there's room for around 40 people. Events are free (except for the Brazilian drumming workshops), but voluntary contributions are welcome.
The Living Room is at 40 Pilrig Street. For a full programme, visit www.artsliving.wordpress.com.