Our Martin in the Background

Our Martin in the Background

Mark KyddProfessional company

England, 1945. The lives of two strangers are changed forever by a chance meeting at a railway station. But this isn't Brief Encounter... We're all extras in the lives of others, but the stars of our own. What happens when you pan the camera away from the leading players? Mark Kydd’s solo show turns the spotlight onto a supporting artist with his own surprising tale of first, forbidden love. Our Martin in the Background is the queer love story Noël Coward didn't write. **** (Scotsman). **** (QueerGuru.com).

About Mark Kydd

Our Martin in the Background is a solo theatre show by Mark Kydd, performed at George Mackay Brown Library during Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. Set in England in 1945, the show follows two strangers whose lives are changed by a chance meeting at a railway station — but the focus is not on the lead characters. It asks what happens when the camera pans away from the leading players to rest on a supporting artist with his own tale of first, forbidden love. A queer love story, running 60 minutes. Age guidance 14+. Tickets are £14, concession £12.

Why see this show?

A solo show that deliberately places itself at the edge of the story, asking what gets missed when history focuses only on its leading players. Quietly inventive, with a queer love story at its heart.

Event Details

Wednesday 26 - Sunday 30 August 2026

All performances at 16:30

5 performances

60 minutes

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£14 (12)

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Our Martin in the Background about?

Set in England in 1945, it follows a supporting artist at a railway station whose own story of first, forbidden love unfolds while the main characters are elsewhere.

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £14, with a concession price of £12.

Where does the show take place?

The show takes place at George Mackay Brown Library.

About This Theatre Production

Our Martin in the Background is a theatre performance at George Mackay Brown Library during Edinburgh Festival 2026. 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 compelling storytelling brought to life by talented performers. Theatre at Edinburgh ranges from intimate black box productions to grand stage spectacles.

Venue: George Mackay Brown Library

George Mackay Brown Library 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

  • Check for trigger warnings if sensitive to certain topics
  • Most Fringe theatre runs without interval
  • Latecomers may not be admitted
  • Consider matinee performances for a relaxed experience

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £14

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: None

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

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

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.Our Martin in the Background represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API