The Fringe First awards were introduced by The Scotsman in 1973 to encourage new theatre writing. Here, their 40th anniversary is celebrated by rehearsed readings of four plays that won the award, one for every decade. I attended the reading of ‘Stalinland’, the breakthrough play by now highly acclaimed playwright David Grieg, which premiered at the Fringe in 1992. Grieg introduced the reading by praising the Fringe for the opportunities it affords young talents, allowing artists such as him to succeed. The play was read by solid actors, who engaged the audience and delivered the humour, despite the lack of staging and time afforded them. The event is a celebration of the fresh, unearthed talent that surfaces at the Fringe.

Pleasance Courtyard, 4, 11, 18, 25 Aug, 11.30am.
tw rating 4/5 | [Julian Joseph]