Key Concepts
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival: An annual arts festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, featuring theater, comedy, music, and other performances.
- Storm Flores: A severe summer storm that caused travel disruptions and venue closures in the UK, particularly in Scotland and northern England.
- Make It Happen: A play by James Graham starring Brian Cox, exploring the 2008 financial crisis and the fall of RBS through the lens of Adam Smith's economic theories.
- Adam Smith: An 18th-century Scottish economist and philosopher, considered the father of modern capitalism, whose ideas are central to Make It Happen.
- Fred Goodwin (Fred the Shred): The former CEO of RBS, whose actions are scrutinized in the play.
- Scottish Identity: The complex relationship between Scotland's historical contributions to capitalism and its modern left-leaning political landscape.
- Cancel Culture: A phenomenon where individuals face public shaming and professional repercussions for controversial actions or statements.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival & Newscast Live
The Newscast episode originates live from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, at the National Museum of Scotland. The presenter acknowledges the festival's vibrant atmosphere, attracting actors, comedians, musicians, and audiences. The show aims to blend traditional Newscast elements with the artistic environment of the Fringe. The King Singers have created bespoke newscast titles specifically for the week.
Storm Flores & Local Impact
The UK is experiencing Storm Flores, causing significant disruptions, particularly in Scotland. Trains from London north were canceled, flights were delayed. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo was canceled. The zoo is closed. The team attempts to find audience members affected by the storm, resulting in a lighthearted interaction with a festival attendee named Lindsay, whose coffee and donuts were scattered by the wind.
"Make It Happen" - A Play About the Financial Crisis
James Graham and Brian Cox discuss their collaboration on "Make It Happen," a play about the 2008 financial crisis focusing on the collapse of RBS and the role of Fred Goodwin.
- Inspiration: The National Theatre of Scotland and director Andrew Panton approached James with the idea. The focus is on the Scottish perspective of the financial crisis, contrasting with the common American narrative.
- Adam Smith's Role: Brian Cox suggested incorporating Adam Smith as a character, challenging the misinterpretations of Smith's theories, especially by figures like Margaret Thatcher. Smith's "Theory of Moral Sentiments" is highlighted as a counterpoint to his economic theories.
- Narrative Structure: Adam Smith appears as a ghost haunting Fred Goodwin, questioning his interpretation and application of free market principles. Laura Kuenssberg is a character in the play, who helped with research.
- Musical Element: The play incorporates music, with Brian Cox performing a Kylie Minogue song.
Adam Smith and Scottish Identity
The play explores the juxtaposition of Scotland being the birthplace of capitalism and its modern left-wing political leanings. Brian Cox attributes this to the influence of Thatcherism and Fred Goodwin's embrace of neoliberalism. He also refers to a Scottish tendency to undermine their own successes. He believes that Scotland is often treated as an "afterthought" within the UK.
Ticket Prices at the Fringe
The rising ticket prices at the Edinburgh Fringe are addressed, with Brian Cox attributing them to the high cost of rent in Edinburgh during the festival. He suggests a redefinition of the festival into a centralized Edinburgh Festival to simplify economics and booking. James Graham emphasizes that most artists barely cover costs and that intervention is needed to lower prices.
Career Advice for Young Creatives
Brian Cox emphasizes the importance of persistence in the face of rejection. He also notes the value of working with young, unknown talents who bring a unique energy and dedication to their craft. Graham encourages young writers to stay true to their passions rather than chasing trends. He emphasizes the importance of savoring the learning process and not rushing through their early years. Graham suggests that aspiring playwrights focus on writing a "big, passionate play" rather than many short pieces.
Brian Cox's Political Views
Brian Cox expresses his support for Scottish independence but advocates for a "counter-dependent" approach within a federal society comprising Wales, Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland. He believes that Scotland should be responsible for the notion of what a united kingdom is. He describes the Scottish National Party's shift towards the left.
Brian Cox's Directorial Debut: Glenn Rothan
Brian Cox discusses his first film as a director, Glenn Rothan, a "modest" and "gentle" film about brotherly love set in a family distillery. The film explores themes of family, reconciliation, and Scottish heritage.
AI summaries can miss context or contain errors. Check important details against the original video.
