Scott Turnbull Brings Edutainment to Life at Edinburgh’s Summerhall
At the Edinburgh Festival 2025, Scott Turnbull’s Surreally Good offers an innovative blend of humor, storytelling, and artistry that captivates audiences of all ages. Presented as a faux seminar, Turnbull’s project merges education with entertainment, showcasing his childlike passion for creativity and his knack for making mundane facts engaging and fun.
A Unique Approach to Storytelling
Armed with an overhead projector and acetate sheets, Turnbull assumes the role of an “edutainment tutor.” His quirky lessons tackle topics like rising sea levels, youth clubs, and even vampire bunnies. Seamlessly combining limericks, songs, live illustrations, and audience interaction, the show is a treasure trove of offbeat creativity. Audience members are even rewarded with badges for their participation, reinforcing the playful, inclusive atmosphere.
A Heartfelt Tribute and a Family Saga
The narrative isn’t just about humor. Turnbull weaves a heartwarming family saga featuring the Tees Valley Projector Club, a fictional group now overseen by him following his father’s passing. From sketches of ancestors—like the great-great-grandmother who caught the eye of Beethoven—to tales of pioneering lesbian scientists and quirky adventures involving rabbits and cigarette ads for babies, every element is as unpredictable as it is entertaining.
Room for Improvement
While the show’s scattershot nature delights, it occasionally falters. The bunny narrative feels overly extended, and the subplot involving a menacing boss threatening to shut down the “business” doesn’t land as strongly as it could. However, these minor hiccups don’t detract from the overall charm of the performance.
An Artistic Tribute to Family and Folklore
Turnbull’s gentle stage presence and enthusiasm for storytelling make his heartfelt tributes to his parents truly touching. The final sequence, a beautifully crafted folktale, ties the show together in a moving and imaginative way, leaving audiences eager for what might follow.
Surreally Good leaves a lasting impression with its whimsical artistry and heartfelt narrative. Running at Summerhall, Edinburgh, until 25 August, this DIY-style production reminds us of the joy found in creativity and connection.
