Channel at Assembly George Square Review
With so much happening at the Edinburgh Fringe, it can be easy to forget to slow down. Between rushing across the city, squeezing in one more show and constantly thinking about what’s next, Channel offers something that feels surprisingly rare: an hour to simply stop and listen.
Created by Jack McGuire (Wet Hands), this immersive sound experience isn’t traditional theatre. There isn’t a narrative to follow or characters to invest in. Instead, audiences are invited to sit, stand or lie down while an evolving ambient soundscape fills the space, creating an environment that’s equal parts performance and meditation.
Inspired by composer Pauline Oliveros’ practice of “deep listening”, the show encourages audiences to become part of the soundscape if they wish. Microphones are available for anyone wanting to contribute sounds or vocals, which McGuire layers into the live composition. It’s an interactive idea, but there’s never any pressure to get involved. You can participate as much or as little as you like.
The sound design is what makes Channel work. Gentle electronic textures, drones and subtle shifts in rhythm gradually draw your attention away from everything happening outside the room. It’s impressive how much atmosphere can be created with so little, and before long the noise of the Fringe starts to disappear.
What stayed with me most was the sense of connection. Even though much of the experience is spent quietly with your own thoughts, you’re still aware of everyone else sharing the space. Small sounds from around the room become part of the performance, creating something different every time.
This won’t be for everyone. If you’re looking for a conventional theatre piece, you may find yourself waiting for something that never comes. Channel asks you to meet it where it is rather than where you expect it to be, and that’s what makes it such an interesting addition to the Fringe programme.
After a full day of fringing, though, it might be exactly what you need. Whether you spend the hour reflecting, properly switching off or even accidentally drifting off for twenty minutes, Channel offers a rare chance to pause before heading back into the chaos outside. In a festival built around constant stimulation, that feels like a worthwhile experience in itself.
Channel will be playing at Assembly George Square at various times until 30th August.
★ ★ ★ ★
Written by Liam Arnold for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
