What’s in Grace’s Satchel? Peace Circle at Venue 38.
Six people. Two sides. One circle.
Alright love, brace yourself for this production at Edinburgh Fringe — this one’s not a frothy musical about toast or a bloke dressed as a duck doing interpretive dance (yes, that’s a real thing I saw in 2019). No, this is the show that made me stop mid-Biscoff biscuit and actually think. I know. Terrifying.
Now, as a proud Yorkshire lass myself (yes, I may post in postcode EH but my roots are firmly in flat caps and proper brews), I’ve got a soft spot for anything coming out of Sheffield — and Peace Circle is no exception. Sheffield University Theatre Company (that’s SUTCo to those in the know) have been flying the flag for South Yorkshire drama since 1960, and they don’t mess about. Grit, graft, and a good helping of raw honesty – it’s theatre with backbone, pet.
Peace Circle lands at theSpace Triplex this August, and it’s already got me scribbling potential five stars in the margins of my notebook — and I haven’t even nicked a flyer yet.
Written by Lucy Singer (winner of the Alpine Fellowship Theatre Prize 2024, no less – someone give this woman a crown), this one’s for anyone who’s ever sat across from someone and wondered: “How on earth do I look at you, when you’ve torn my world apart?” Big questions, darling. But that’s what the Fringe is for – and this show asks them boldly.
Inspired by real-life restorative justice processes (yes, it’s a thing – I looked it up between parcels), Peace Circle brings victims and offenders into the same space to talk. To really talk. Grief, addiction, messy family ties. Before you think it’s all heavy going, it’s laced with sharp, black humour — the kind that sneaks up on you when things feel too real to handle straight.
Brought to you by the Sheffield University Theatre Company (SUTCo to the cool kids), this lot are young, gutsy, and ridiculously talented. Some of them have even popped up in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (I mean, come on). They might still be students but don’t let that fool you — they’ve got more stagecraft than some touring pros.
✨ Short on time? It’s just 50 minutes. Big on heart? Absolutely. Fancy something that isn’t a stand-up comic shouting about dating apps? This is your pick.
So, meet me in the circle. But don’t expect to leave unchanged.
Grace’s Stamp of Approval: Pack tissues. And maybe don’t bring your ex.
Venue 38: theSpace @ Triplex, 19 Hill Place
18–23 August 2025
14:05 (50 mins)
£10 / £8 concessions
0131 226 0000
Peace Circle | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Suitable for ages 15+
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