The North Wall Announces World Premiere of Overtone for Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
The North Wall Arts Centre is heading back to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a brand-new production. The Oxford-based public arts centre has confirmed it will stage the world premiere of Overtone, a play written by award-winning theatre-maker and Creative Associate Tom Brennan.
What to Expect from Overtone at the Edinburgh Fringe
Overtone offers a non-linear exploration of memory, love, and long-term relationships. The story follows two teenagers who cross paths after choir practice, forming a bond that defines their lives. Years later, an unexpected encounter with their former choir director forces the couple to confront lingering psychological impacts and complex power dynamics from their past.
Tom Brennan, recognized for previous works like Education, Education, Education and Last of the Pelican Daughters, teams up with director John Hoggarth for this new project. Hoggarth's previous credits include the award-winning Brown Boys Swim and the Olivier Award-nominated The B*easts.
A Tradition of New Writing in Oxford and Edinburgh
This upcoming production marks the third world premiere of a new play brought to the Edinburgh Fringe by The North Wall, building on previous successes developed through its ArtsLab artist development initiative. Past acclaimed productions from the programme include Karim Khan's Brown Boys Swim and Marika Mckennell's E8, alongside the family musical Rosie and Hugh’s Great Big Adventure.
Visiting the Production
Local audiences can catch local previews at the Oxford venue on 31 July and 1 August before the production heads north.
The official run takes place at Pleasance Dome during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 5 to 30 August, with performances daily at 2.40pm, excluding 12, 19, and 26 August. Further details and bookings can be found via the Pleasance ticketing page. For more information on privacy policies regarding centre updates, visitors can consult the official privacy promise.
To discover more cultural spots and upcoming performances across the city, you can explore the what's on exhibitions guide or browse the museums list on Musemap (musemap.art).
