Sgeulachdan às an Táin – Tales from the Táin
See the world’s first ever puppet adaptation of the pan-Gaelic epic Táin Bó Cúailnge premier at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe! This is for everyone anywhere who loves puppetry, storytelling, and the language(s) and culture(s) of the Gaels!
This 30-minute theatrical gem combines handcrafted marionettes, professional puppeteers, and a hilariously inventive script to bring ancient legends to life like you’ve never seen before.
We are, to our knowledge, the only theatre group in human history – or, for that matter, in the history of any other species – to ever to adapt the Táin to puppet format. Our show has a thirty minute run time; is suitable for any adult who enjoys puppet-shows, storytelling, or Gaelic epics; and will run for most of the duration of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
How it Works
Why See This Show
- A Gaelic Treasure: Experience the epic through a witty, English-language script peppered with Scottish Gaelic – a tribute to the vibrant language and culture of the Gaels.
- Puppetry Perfection: Marvel at bespoke marionettes and expert puppetry that’ll make you believe in magic.
- Celtic Comic Relief: Laugh, gasp, and cheer as the Táin’s frame tale unfolds with both reverence and irreverence.
Who’s It For?
If you love:
- Puppetry – You’ll be enchanted.
- Storytelling – You’ll be enthralled.
- Gaelic culture – You’ll be at home.
Join us, whether you’re a seasoned Fringe-goer or a curious newcomer!
Meet the Dream Team Behind the Puppets!
Andrew McGregor – Director + Puppeteer
A piper, chess expert, martial arts teacher, and all-around modern-day Renaissance man – is drawing from his experience in the worlds of puppetry, voice acting, theatre tech, and Scottish Gaelic to create this show.
Dr. Adam Dahmer – Writer
A professor of Gaelic at East Tennessee State University (Tennessee), Sgoil Gàidhlig Bhaile an Taigh Mhòir (Maryland), and Colaisde na Gaelic (Nova Scotia) – earned his PhD in Celtic Studies at the University of Edinburgh, which gives him the expertise necessary to transport the Tàin from the monastic page to the modern stage with both fidelity to the medieval source materials and a healthy dose of contemporary comic relief! He has also translated a pan-Gaelic epic titled the Tàin Bó Cúailnge into an English-language puppet show that we’re working to debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August
Dr. Selena Milanovic – Performer
A curious alchemist of science, art, and imagination, enthusiastically blending her rational and creative sides to weave a tapestry of wonder. During her PhD at Oxford, she playfully mapped the human brain with mathematics, a modern-day cartographer of consciousness. Now at Siemens Healthineers, she shapes the future of medical technology while also channeling her boundless curiosity as a storyteller with the Berlin Stage Whisperers theatre group, crafting tales that shimmer with life’s endless possibilities.
Born in the heart of the Balkans and carried by the winds of curiosity across eight European countries, Selena has collected accents and stories. As a young representative of the World Economic Forum, she inspires young minds—especially girls—to embrace science and envision their future without boundaries.
Whether she’s guiding global healthcare or bringing characters to life on stage, Selena invites the world to imagine, create, and connect with no limits.
Violette Rose – Performer
Musician, Vocalist, Artist, Dance Instructor, Community Collaborator and Nurse Educator
Violette grew up in the USA, playing music on the bass viol with international youth symphonies across Europe for six consecutive summer seasons. She studied nursing and music at university, playing trad- folk-rock and with community orchestras.
She began making fiber art, selling her wares at music festivals for extra income. This blossomed into a wide variety of artistic mediums including glass mosaics, felting, jewelry, painting and costume creation. She opened a retail shop selling musical instruments, began an artists collective and retail gallery, and later managed a studio venue hosting dance classes and live music.
She started teaching American style bellydance and other folk dance styles in the studio and at summer festivals. After working as a community nurse for five years, Violette returned to university to complete a Masters of Science degree in Nursing and Nurse Education. She relocated to Scotland in 2021 with her family to work as a Community Nurse and Clinical Educator for the NHS in Edinburgh.
Violette is the founder of Beltane Soundsphere, a community organisation dedicated to music and sound exploration, serving as an arts incubator for area performers. Out of this she formed a dark-folk-Celtic band called Rùnach Beathrach, and is an active member and performance organiser for the Beltane Fire Society, dedicated to the to advancement of the traditions of the Celtic lunar calendar fire festivals and their relevance to contemporary culture. She plays Bass Viol, Viola, Vocals, some Hurdy Gurdy and other instruments, with original musical arrangements.
Why Edinburgh Fringe?
Dùn Èideann (Edinburgh) is more than just the host city – it’s a central character in this story. With its deep Gaelic roots and legendary arts scene, there’s no better stage for this historic world premiere.
What to Expect
- Show Length: 30 minutes of pure magic.
- Languages: Primarily English, with Gaelic sprinkles for cultural flair.
- Vibes: Playful, intelligent, and utterly unique.
- Accessibility: Perfect for adults who love puppetry, storytelling, or Celtic lore.
When and Where?
Catch us throughout the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Exact dates and venue details coming soon.
Be Part of the Legend!
This isn’t just a show – it’s a moment. A historic meeting of ancient myth, cutting-edge puppetry, and Edinburgh’s iconic arts festival. Don’t miss your chance to witness the magic firsthand.