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Hot ticket: UK’s first sauna theatre draws swimwear-clad audiences
The 80-seat venue at Edinburgh fringe combines sauna rituals with theatre, music, storytelling … and sweat
TL;DR
- The Edinburgh Fringe features the UK's first theatre venue built inside a working sauna.
- The 80-seat venue can reach temperatures of 90C (194F) and requires audience members to wear swimwear.
- Performances include aufguss (a sauna ritual with choreographed towel-waving), storytelling, theatre, and music.
- Co-founders James Grieve and Lucy Osborne aim to create art that specifically thrives in a sauna setting.
- The venue includes professional lighting, a sound booth, tiered seating, and amenities like showers and hairdryers.
- Challenges have included audience etiquette, with some visitors initially misunderstanding the concept.
- Organizers hope to bring the sauna theatre back next year, with audiences better understanding the unique concept.