Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#68): The Sonicrats, YOU’RE AN INSTRUMENT!

12 Jul

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we delve into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect. Today, we’re joined by The Sonicrats to chat about their interactive show for families, You’re An Instrument!

01. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

You’re an Instrument is a magical, musical science adventure where we turn someone into an instrument! We were inspired by years of working with kids, communities and new music technologies – and the joy that comes from anyone being able to play music. It’s a show for kids and families, and we conduct all sorts of wild experiments, which culminates in everyone playing a piece they made together. Expect musical chaos and a load of participation, regardless of whether you’ve ever touched an instrument in your life!

02. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

We felt it was time to unleash this joyful show on the international stage. After thousands of kids in Australia helped us refine it, we think we’re onto something special. The Fringe is the ultimate testing ground for bold, interactive work and You’re An Instrument is exactly that.

03. How would you describe your show in three words?

Magical musical interactivity.

04. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

We hope that they understand that anyone can be a musician! Whether you're 5 or 85, we believe that music-making is for everyone. We want audiences to leave feeling that music is something you do, not something you watch.

05. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Bring electrolytes and a sense of humour.

06. Where and when can people see your show?

10:30am at Pleasance Two, Pleasance Courtyard!