EdFringe Talk: When We Were Young

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“As a punter, it’s dangerous for the bank balance! You head out to see one show and somehow end up seeing five.”

WHO: Liam Lambie

WHAT: “The public and critically acclaimed, multi award-winning When We Were Young is back for 2026. This five-star show goes beyond the tabloid stereotype of ‘neds’ to tell a powerful and hilarious story about the realities of gang culture and young team mentality in Glasgow during the 90s. Follow the lives of one of the many young teams who polluted the streets of the city during a time when it was known as the murder capital of Europe.”

WHERE: Space 2 at theSpace on the Mile (Venue 39) 

WHEN: Varies (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No – we made our Fringe debut last year, and what an introduction it was! We were lucky enough to have a completely sold-out run, pick up multiple awards and meet so many brilliant people along the way. It was everything everyone had told us it would be… and then some.

As a producer, the Fringe is equal parts exciting and terrifying. One minute you’re flyering in the rain wondering if anyone is going to turn up, the next you’re chatting to someone who’s travelled halfway across the world to see your show. There’s nowhere else quite like it.

As a punter, it’s dangerous for the bank balance! You head out to see one show and somehow end up seeing five. The best thing about the Fringe is that every corner has something happening. You can walk into a show knowing absolutely nothing about it and come out having discovered your new favourite performer. That unpredictability is what makes it so special, and why people keep coming back year after year.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest lesson for me has been to trust your instincts. It’s easy to second-guess yourself, especially when you’re creating your own work, but I’ve realised that if you believe in the story you’re telling, that’s what matters most. Last year really reinforced that. We took When We Were Young to the Fringe, backed ourselves, and the response completely blew us away.

I’ve also learned that you don’t have to do everything on your own. Surrounding yourself with people you trust, listening to your cast and creative team, and being open to new ideas always makes the end result stronger. I’m still learning every day, but I’d like to think I’ve become a bit better at trusting the process

Tell us about your show.

When We Were Young was written by me, Liam Lambie, and is produced by Geez a Break Productions. I originally wrote the play to tell an honest Scottish story that went beyond the headlines, exploring friendship, family, gang culture and the choices that can shape young lives.

The show premiered in 2022 and has since toured theatres across Scotland, picking up multiple awards, five-star reviews and building an incredible following along the way. Last year we made our Edinburgh Fringe debut with a sold-out run, and we’re delighted to be returning this year.

After the Fringe, we’ll be heading straight back out on tour, with performances across Scotland, including The Pavilion Theatre, East Kilbride Arts Centre, Lanternhouse in Cumbernauld and a number of other venues. It’s brilliant to see the show continuing to reach new audiences while welcoming back those who’ve supported it from the very beginning.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

One of my favourite things about the Fringe is discovering shows you’d never planned to see. You go in with no expectations and sometimes come out wondering why they’re not playing to thousands every night. So my advice would be to leave a few gaps in your schedule and take a chance on something you’ve never heard of.
The Fringe is at its best when everyone supports each other, so if someone hands you a flyer with a smile, maybe give them an hour of your time. You never know, you might just find your favourite show of the festival.

Go see AuldLang Sings. We have a few friends in that 🙂

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