EdFringe Talk: Surreally Good

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“The themes of the show are universal and audiences from all over England have enjoyed sitting back and getting ‘Edutained’.”

WHO: Scott Turnbull

WHAT: “Say hello to Scott – the finest “Edutainment Officer” in the business, a leading expert in overhead animation and lo-fi storytelling, a renowned descendent of the Turnbull Family Edutainment programme and a grieving son. The only problem is, he’s gone a little bit freaky-deaky. With the Wilkes Booth Corporation breathing down his neck, our charming yet unreliable narrator is struggling with the pressure of real life. The award-winning show (Best Performance, Newcastle Fringe) is back at Edinburgh Fringe for a second year! ‘Nothing else like it at the festival’ (Scotsman). ‘Weird and wonderfully warm’ (Guardian).”

WHERE: Former Womens Locker Room at Summerhall (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 17:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to Edinburgh a few times – this time I’m returning with a successful show (which isn’t always the case) so I’m in a very lucky place where I can enjoy myself, instead of running around like a headless chicken trying to find a glue gun and a bag of googly eyes for a last-minute costume! This year will be so much fun – watching new stuff and drinking a few beers on the meadows.

I love the meadows – the big green space neighbouring the hustle and bustle of the city! The chatter and hubbub of expectant punters! It’s all very exciting to be visiting the big city again and getting in amongst the best live entertainment on the planet.

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

Wow BIG question: What have I learned? Owls have long skinny legs beneath their feathers!? DON’T put cooked food in the compost bin! The Arts council was founded in 1883!!! I learnt all that today, so to cover 365 days could take a while…

Professionally, I’ve spent the year touring Surreally Good to lots of cool little venues like The Puppet Barge in Little Italy and the Slung Low in Leeds and even some big city theatres – like Lowry and Live Theatre. The themes of the show are universal and audiences from all over England have enjoyed sitting back and getting ‘Edutained’. It’s been a right laugh sharing the show with people across the country and making new pals along the way.

Tell us about your show.

I collaborated with Ed Gaughan – a really talented, funny, supportive nincompoop. He writes and Directs for Milton Jones, Josie Long and Spy Monkey. Together we created Surreally Good as a bit of a greatest hits show – with lots of fun and silly sketches paired together with some sad and quite emotional story telling – “Theatre Darling – where the sacred meets the profane!”

With support from the ACE we’re collaborating on a new show with Beaford Arts and ARC Stockton, which might be coming to a town near you in 2027.

Despite being described as ‘Teessides Silliest Billy’ by The LIST – I will be performing the role of Geordie (Originally played by Daniel Craig) in Live Theatres new production of Our Friends in The North. Next stop – getting cast as James Bond.

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

Pickle Republic at Summerhall looks great! The End of the Fucking World was fantastic last year – a real anarchic, rag-tag knees up with live music, unreliable narrators and nudity. I also enjoyed two very funny clowns from New Zealand (or was it Australia?) who’s name I can’t remember (You’ll have to take my word for it) they were very funny, and naked. Speaking of nudity – I‘ve heard nothing but good things about the wonderful Garry Star and the Sudocrem covered superstar Frankie Monroe. The Farm was meant to be really brilliant too.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!