Sauna Theatre debuts at Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Sauna Theatre, located behind the Summerhall arts centre, has emerged as a unique venue during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Co-founded by theatre makers James Grieve and Lucy Osborne, the 80-seat purpose-built facility introduces the concept of sauna theatre to the UK, drawing audiences in swimwear to witness performances that blend storytelling, music, and the art of aufguss.

Aufguss is a traditional practice where a sauna master uses towel-waving choreography to circulate fragrant steam created by infusing ice and water with essential oils. Recent performances at the venue have featured the music of composer Nils Frahm, utilizing his neo-classical and electronic compositions to complement the sensory experience of heat and scent. While the venue provides a specialized cultural setting, some attendees have noted practical challenges, such as the requirement to exit the sauna between performance sections.