“There’s nothing quite like the energy of a room full of people sharing a live moment that only exists once, and then it’s gone”
Theatre Village were lucky enough to do an interview with Anthony Alderson who is the director of Pleasance
Theatre’s Trust.
What role does the Pleasance Theatre Trust play in promoting global creativity and artistic expression at the EICC venue?( Edinburgh International Conference Centre)
At the Pleasance Theatre Trust, we’ve always believed that creativity should cross borders. The EICC has given us a brilliant platform to welcome artists from all over the world, and we’re proud to present work that feels challenging and genuinely global. It’s about making space for new international voices, new perspectives — giving a stage to stories that deserve to be heard, wherever they come from. We also serve as a launch pad for so many pieces of work. In the past year, Dark Noon, which was presented at the EICC in 2023, has transferred to the US and Australia.
What measures are in place to ensure that productions at Pleasance Theatre remain accessible to a diverse audience?
We want everyone to feel at home at the Pleasance. Therefore, we keep ticket prices as low as possible, offer captioned and relaxed performances, ensure our spaces are accessible, and programme work that resonates with a diverse range of experiences. Our philosophy is to create a welcoming environment so that individuals from all walks of life will be eager to participate.
What inspires you in your role as director of the Pleasance Theatre’s Trust?
Honestly, it’s the artists. Watching someone’s idea grow into a show — seeing that spark catch fire in front of an audience — that’s what keeps me doing this. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a room full of people sharing a live moment that only exists once, and then it’s gone. Live theatre is irreplaceable for the genuine connections and shared heartbeat that it so often generates. The Festival Fringe has been a world leader, but if we want it to survive, we desperately need to support it.
If Pleasance Theatre could host any fictional character for a show, who would it be and why?
Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream — without a doubt. Mischief, magic, and a great deal of happiness… It feels like the Pleasance spirit to me! I think Puck would have an absolute field day across our stages.
For LOLA: A Flamenco Love Story, What challenges did the production team face while developing a story set during the Spanish dictatorship?
Back in Germany, while spending four hours in a stalled train, María García was flooded with inspiration – and LOLA: A Flamenco Love Story was born. The story is based on personal experience: García’s grandfather and her then 17-year-old father came from Spain to Germany in the 1960s to find work. Telling a story from such a time takes a lot of heart and care. The team had to find something that audiences today could really connect with. When it’s done right, like LOLA is, it’s incredibly powerful. We are delighted to be presenting this show at the EICC.
How does the Pleasance Theatre support emerging artists and performers through its programming?
It’s right at the core of who we are, and is embodied in Pleasance Futures, our development arm. Through initiatives like the Edinburgh National Partnerships, the Charlie Hartill Fund, the Young Pleasance, and Futures Fest, we help early-career artists get their work off the ground — whether that’s through funding, rehearsal spaces, mentoring, or simply championing their ideas. The Fringe is a tough place to break through, and we want to make that journey a little easier and a lot more exciting.
Can you share any notable success stories or memorable performances that have taken place at the EICC?
Every year, we see companies who perform at the EICC go on to tour internationally, win awards, and build amazing futures. What’s brilliant about the EICC is the scale — it lets artists dream a bit bigger. Shows include Dark Noon, Circopolis, Trainspotting Live, Requiem for Aleppo, Natalia Osipova’s The Mother, A Comedy of Operas. This year, LOLA: A Flamenco Love Story, and Champions will certainly be highlights.
If Pleasance Theatre were a character in a sitcom, what would its catchphrase be?
“Brace yourself — it’s about to get interesting!”
Because at the Pleasance, you never quite know what’s coming next… and that’s exactly how we like it.
Many thanks for taking the time.