Traverse Theatre announces Edinburgh Fringe 2018 programme

The 2018 programme for the main space at Traverse Theatre as part of this year's Edinburgh Fringe has been announced.

Headlong will present their new show, Meek, written by Penelope Skinner. Produced in association with the Birmingham Rep, Meek is described as "a haunting vision of ruthless authoritarianism", and examines the nature of state control and how theocratic societies influence freedom of expression.

Skinner's previous work includes Linda at the Royal Court and The Promise at Donmar Warehouse. In 2011 she won the George Devine Prize for playwriting.

The show will be directed by Amy Hodges (Boys will be Boys) and designed by Max Jones with lighting by Zoe Spurr and sound and composition by Melanie Wilson. Casting for the production will be revealed soon.

The piece will open at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, before embarking on a UK tour. Dates and venues for the tour are to be announced.

Cora Bissett will return to the stage for the first time in eight years with the world premiere of her show What Girls Are Made Of, a co-production between the Traverse and Raw Material theatre company. Starting in 1992, Bissett recounts on her own life, and her journey from Fife schoolgirl to indie rock-star. The piece runs as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase.

The Lowry's production of Toast will also run at the Traverse, after premiering at the Manchester venue's Week 53 arts festival. Adapted by Henry Filloux-Bennett and directed by Jonnie Riordan, the production is based on the life and autobiography of food critic and broadcaster Nigel Slater.

Mark Thomas will perform the world premiere of his new show Check Up: Our NHS at 70, returning to the Traverse after February's Showtime from the Frontline. Directed by Nicolas Kent, the show explores the current demise of the NHS, and what the future may hold.

Soho Theatre will present the UK premiere of Underground Railroad Game, a piece examining the tropes of American history in collaboration with New York theatre company Ars Nova. The comedy is directed by Taibi Magar and created and performed by Jennifer Kidwell and Scott R Sheppard. The piece was the 2017 OBIE Award winner for Best New American Theatre Work.

The lineup for the smaller Traverse 2 space is to be announced.