Night at the museum: Fringe to takeover National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland will be showcasing a taste of the Fringe and opening its doors after hours over three Fridays this month.

Each evening of the adults-only event will feature a variety of Fringe performers showcasing a sample of their talents across three stages, while resident vintage gramophone DJ Lord Holyrude will be spinning tunes in the Grand Gallery.

It all kicks off on Friday August 14, with acts including Morph choreography outfit ‘Discoteque Machine’, spoken word star Luke Wright and Kevin McMahon, known for his shows fusing science with magic and illusion.

The following week’s event will feature Stomp-meets-Animal-from-The-Muppets in ‘Fills Monkey: Incredible Drum Show’, interactive time travel-based one-woman show 'PiTH' and geek-friendly ‘Festival of the Spoken Nerd’ from stand-up mathematician Matt Parker, experiments maestro Steve Mould and songstress Helen Arney.

The finale on Friday August 28 is to include mysterious adventure ‘Dead Secrets Present… The Curiositorium’ and theatrical experience ‘Gobsmacked!’ alongside others still to be announced.

Access to galleries and special exhibitions will be available, plus activities tailored around the museum’s collections – including a historic photographic studio linked to the current ‘Photography: A Victorian Sensation’ exhibition. Street food stalls and three bars will be serving up food and drinks, and the Brasserie in the entrance hall will also stay open late for wines, beers and sharing platters.

Friday Fringe Takeover, Aug 14, 21 and 28, 7.30-10.30pm, National Museum of Scotland. Tickets £16 or £14 for members and concessions, including access to ‘Photography: A Victorian Sensation’.

Need help navigating festival time? See Time Out’s guide to the Edinburgh festivals.