ScotlandsFest: Defending Freedom – The Spanish Civil War
Spoken Word
Talk

ScotlandsFest: Defending Freedom – The Spanish Civil War

Luath Press / Clifford Thurlow • Professional company

Google Luath Press / Clifford Thurlow
60 minutes•Hall
Best-selling author Clifford Thurlow relives the passion of his new novel We Shall Pass – love, loss and sacrifice among the volunteers who crossed the seas to fight fascism with the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. Thurlow’s grandfather manned the barricades when Mosley’s Blackshirts stormed East London’s Cable Street in 1936. His grandfather’s gift of Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia led him to explore the battle sites in Spain where the British Battalion gave their blood defending freedom and to write what Peter York has described as ‘something very powerful'.

About the show

ScotlandsFest: Defending Freedom – The Spanish Civil War is a 60-minute spoken-word talk at Hall, presented by Luath Press with author Clifford Thurlow. Thurlow discusses his novel We Shall Pass — a story of love, loss and sacrifice among the volunteers who crossed the seas to fight fascism with the International Brigade. His grandfather manned the barricades when Mosley's Blackshirts stormed Cable Street in 1936; that same grandfather's gift of Orwell's Homage to Catalonia led Thurlow to explore the Spanish battle sites where the British Battalion fought. Suitable for ages 12 and over.

Why see this show?

A personal family history that folds neatly into one of the most charged political struggles of the twentieth century. Thurlow's talk connects Cable Street in 1936 to the International Brigade with first-hand family inheritance.

Tickets

£10 (7)

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When

Thursday 7 August 2025

All performances at 10:30

Duration

60 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Venue
Hall

14 Johnston Terrace

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this event?

A talk by author Clifford Thurlow about his novel We Shall Pass, covering love, loss and sacrifice among International Brigade volunteers in the Spanish Civil War.

How long does it run?

60 minutes.

Where is it held?

Hall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the age guidance?

Suitable for ages 12 and over.

Are there any content warnings?

None listed.

How much do tickets cost?

£10. See the booking link on this page for current ticket prices.

About This Performance

ScotlandsFest: Defending Freedom – The Spanish Civil War is a spoken word performance at Hall during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.

Venue: Hall

Hall is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

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Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £10

Age Guidance: 12+

Content Warnings: None

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2025

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.ScotlandsFest: Defending Freedom – The Spanish Civil War represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

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