Elaine C Smith to star in play 'written with her in mind' in theatre summer line-up

Elaine C Smith is to return to the stage of Edinburgh theatre the Traverse for the first time in 26 years during this year's festival season, with a piece written especially for her.

Cathy, by Eilidh Loan, will headline TravFest26, along with the world premiere of KT Tunstall "gig theatre" piece The Singer, written and directed by Cora Bissett.

Cathy is part of a trio of Traverse-led premiere productions which also includes After Party, a major new play by Morna Young and Supposing  by Zinnie Harris.

Also to form part of the August line up is Little Animals, a new work written and performed by Paul Ready, star of BBC's Motherland, about climate anxiety.

Elaine C Smith is to perform at the Traverse in Edinburgh this summer. (Pic: Lisa Ferguson) | Local Library

Running from Friday 31 July to Sunday 30 August, TravFest26 brings together work by emerging, mid‑career and internationally acclaimed playwrights.

Chief executive and executive producer of Traverse Theatre, Linda Crooks said: “Traverse Festival is our international showcase and most visible expression of what we do all year round – nurturing writers, taking risks, and creating the inspiring work that speaks to the world as it is now.

“This year’s programme brings together artists at different stages of their careers, bringing their different perspectives to our stages, all united by the ambition, the desire to entertain, and a passion to connect with audiences, amidst the backdrop of a refusal to play it safe.”