Opening weekend reviews round-up
News
The first weekend of the 2019 Edinburgh International Festival has been awash with four and five star reviews. Read on to find out what the critics have been enjoying so far.
The Secret River | Photo: Ryan Buchanan
The Secret River
Until 11 August | More information and tickets
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A compelling historical epic'
Read more on the The Telegraph
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'combines masterly storytelling with metaphorical resonance'
Read more on The Guardian
⭐⭐⭐⭐ '‘an overwhelming lament for a nation’s shame’
Read more in The Herald
a sweeping saga with deep currents
The Crucible
Until 5 August | More information and tickets
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A triumph for the company’
Read more on The Herald
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Scottish Ballet has many achievements to celebrate in its new production’
Read more on The Scotsman
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘this Crucible has atmosphere, drama and paciness in spades’
Read more on The Daily Telegraph
Bewitchingly good
Peter Gynt
Until 10 August | More information and tickets
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'a fascinating, complex, vulnerable and very funny central performance from James McArdle'
Read more on The Scotsman
Night Walk for Edinburgh
Until 25 August | More information and tickets
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Cardiff and Miller remind us of the magic technology can create, and the darkness just under the surface of the city we inhabit.’
Read more on The Scotsman
La Reprise | Photo: Ryan Buchanan
La Reprise
Until 5 August | More information and tickets
⭐⭐⭐⭐ '‘A raw yet calculated spectacle from the world’s most controversial director’
Read more on The Daily Telegraph
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘a gripping evening’
Read more on The Guardian
Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools
Until 5 August | More information and tickets
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An electrifying reclaiming of cultural roots delivered with power and grace’
Read more on The Herald
9
Until 6 August | More information and tickets
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Physically intense piece that succeeds in giving a choreographic understanding of being profoundly deaf’
Read more on The Stage
9 | Photo: Ryan Buchanan
Los Angeles Philharmonic 1
Los Angeles Philharmonic 2
Yuja Wang & Gustavo Dudamel | Photo: Ryan Buchanan
Aberdeen Standard Investments Opening Event: LA Phil at Tynecastle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Film scores serve up a winning start’
Read more on The Herald
'The Edinburgh International Festival curtain-raiser was a resounding success, with Tynecastle rocking to music not normally associated with a packed football stadium'
Read more on Edinburgh Evening News
A cracker of a festival opener
Other news
blog
Five reasons to see HEAR WORD! Naija Woman Talk True
HEAR WORD! is a collection of multi-generational stories of inequality and transformation. Here are five reasons why it's a must see this August.
blog
A day in the life of Wallis Giunta
We take a peek behind the curtain at a day in the life of Canadian mezzo Wallis Giunta as she prepares for the opening night of Breaking the Waves.
news
Edinburgh International Festival Creates New Board for the Future
Six new members announced for Edinburgh International Festival’s Board of Trustees.