The Edinburgh Fringe is often used by performers as a soapbox to push their politics or rants on the state of society.
One London theatre group, however, is using the platform for a worthwhile cause. The plague of knife crime dominating the headlines is the focus of a new play about gang violence on Britain’s streets.
The Chickenshed ensemble, who are responsible for Crime of the Century, know from personal experience the horror of this social evil.
Daniel Banton, actor, told STV News: "There's been three deaths, all relating to the cast. Everyone knew those people, worked with those people. One of those was my cousin and he died through knife crime."
That cousin was 14-year-old Shaquille Smith, murdered in a Hackney park in 2008. His mother's voice is used in the production as a haunting and poignant overture.
Each of the cast has personal experiences which have informed the content and style of the show, and inspired them to try and put things right.
Loren Jacobs, actor and assistant choreographer, added: "I've been in a hostage situation. I've been held at gun point. There's been this issue for so long and it's not an issue that's so easily stamped out, whereas we feel we've got a recipe for a start."
This is physical theatre in which every movement conveys meaning. The constantly shifting light and sound enhance the atmosphere without detracting from the storytelling.
Aesthetics aside, the company is confident its message will translate well to Scottish audiences.
Dina Williams, actor and assistant choreographer, said: "It's not just a London thing and it's not to do with race. It's not to do with a certain type of person. It's massive and it affects so many more people than we realise."
The actors hope that through their play they can strike a chord where political rhetoric and legislation have failed.
