“★★★★★
Sublime ... blends songs, poetry and spoken word, all delivered in soothing, honeyed tones, to celebrate the wondrous natural beauty of the tree and to praise the generations of keepers who ensured its survival.””
Raw Material
WINDBLOWN
Writer, Director, Composer & Performer Karine Polwart
Composer & Sound Designer: Pippa Murphy
AV Design: Jamie Wardrop
Set Design: Neil Haynes
LX Design: Lizzie Powell
Movement Director: Janice Parker
Pianist Dave Milligan
Too old and unsteady to move, too vulnerable to survive on its own, the lofty Sabal palm of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden reflects on two hundred years of containment, dislocation and human care, as it surpasses the limitations of its 19th century glasshouse home and approaches its chainsaw demise, making way for a new conservation research facility.
Award-winning writer-musician Karine Polwart imagines the poetic and musical voice of the old Sabal itself, in an exploration of historical legacies, ecological loss, collective ritual and the multi-generational promise of gardens. With acclaimed pianist Dave Milligan.
“★★★★★
A work of monumental beauty... Karine Polwart and Pippa Murphy’s songs - a rich blend of chamber folk stylings - give voice to Old Sabal with clarity and heart.””
“★★★★★
Pure magic ... an exquisite 60-minute song cycle””
“★★★★★
Sublime, a tender, glowing paean to nature, humanity and life itself” ”
“★★★★★
This is a truly wonderful show. An extraordinary, anthropomorphic, elegiac hour.””
“★★★★★
Extraordinary ... A remarkable piece of storytelling, quiet and serene, as subtle as it is smart, both parable and not.””
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Executive Producers Gillian Garrity & Margaret-Anne O’Donnell
Associate Producer Jana Robert
Production Manager Suzie Normand
Company Stage Manager Naomi Stalker
Sound Technician Joe Seal
LX & AV technician Daniel Pirie
Costume Supervisor Victoria Brown
Design and Marketing Manager Niall Walker
Press Manager SM Publicity
Social Media Manager Nicola Watson
Bookkeeper Mark Jacques
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2025
9-13 AUGUST 2025: The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh
PART OF MADE IN SCOTLAND SHOWCASE 2025
Set design images:
