ScotlandsFest: Trust Issues, Fake News, Real Poems
Spoken Word
Poetry
Talk

ScotlandsFest: Trust Issues, Fake News, Real Poems

Alan Riach / Luath Press • Professional company

Google Alan Riach / Luath Press
60 minutes•Hall
Alan Riach’s new poems centre on the question; what – and who – can you really trust, these days? What the Sea Gives was described in 2023 by Bard-Google's AI chatbot as: ‘A collection of poems that explores themes of nature, memory, and the Scottish landscape. Riach’s poems are lyrical and atmospheric, and they offer a profound appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the natural world'. In 2023, neither title nor book existed – but they do now! Delivered live, in person, not by hologram.

About the show

ScotlandsFest: Trust Issues, Fake News, Real Poems is a spoken word event by poet Alan Riach, presented by Luath Press at the Hall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show centres on a timely question: what — and who — can you really trust these days? In a wry twist, Riach recounts how an AI chatbot once described a poetry collection of his that did not yet exist — but which does now. The show is delivered live, in person, not by hologram. It runs for 60 minutes and is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over. Tickets are £10.

Why see this show?

A poet grappling directly with questions of truth, trust and the strange unreliability of AI-generated information — and turning it into live poetry. Timely, witty and grounded in real experience.

Tickets

£10 (7)

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When

Monday 24 August 2026

All performances at 15:00

Duration

60 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Venue
Hall

14 Johnston Terrace

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

The show is performed at the Hall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the age guidance?

This show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

What does a ticket cost?

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

Are there any content warnings?

No content warnings are listed for this show.

What type of show is this?

This is a spoken word event combining poetry and talk, delivered live by poet Alan Riach.

About This Performance

ScotlandsFest: Trust Issues, Fake News, Real Poems is a spoken word performance at Hall 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 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

  • •Read recent reviews for audience reactions
  • •Check venue accessibility if needed
  • •Allow time to find unfamiliar venues
  • •Download venue apps for digital tickets

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £10

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.ScotlandsFest: Trust Issues, Fake News, Real Poems represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

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