Live At The Edinburgh Fringe: Brian Cox and James Graham!
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Newscast
This episode is titled:
Live At The Edinburgh Fringe: Brian Cox and James Graham!
Notable Quotes
"I think the financial crisis has a Scottish accent."
"We have a Scottish disease that we have of not just shooting ourselves in the foot, but holding up the foot and shooting each toe individually."

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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
This episode of Newscast originates live from the Edinburgh Fringe, held at the National Museum of Scotland. The host engages with the audience, highlighting the exciting atmosphere of various festivals happening in Edinburgh, including the Fringe, the Book Festival, and the International Festival. The unique setting offers a blend of news content with a touch of art and creativity. A major theme is the impacts of Storm Floris, a significant summer storm causing widespread travel disruptions in Scotland and northern England.
As the episode progresses, the host introduces guests Brian Cox, a renowned actor, and James Graham, a playwright, who discuss their collaboration on the new play 'Make It Happen,' centered on the 2008 financial crisis and its Scottish context. They delve into the historical significance of Scotland in the realm of capitalism and explore the character of Adam Smith, played by Cox, as a figure who juxtaposes compassion with the harsh realities of the financial world. The conversation highlights the complexity of the crisis, the characters it portrays, and the cultural relevance of evolving narratives around economics and politics in Scotland. The duality of entertainment and serious topics is underscored throughout the discussion, culminating in thoughtful reflections on the role of theatre and storytelling today.
As the episode progresses, the host introduces guests Brian Cox, a renowned actor, and James Graham, a playwright, who discuss their collaboration on the new play 'Make It Happen,' centered on the 2008 financial crisis and its Scottish context. They delve into the historical significance of Scotland in the realm of capitalism and explore the character of Adam Smith, played by Cox, as a figure who juxtaposes compassion with the harsh realities of the financial world. The conversation highlights the complexity of the crisis, the characters it portrays, and the cultural relevance of evolving narratives around economics and politics in Scotland. The duality of entertainment and serious topics is underscored throughout the discussion, culminating in thoughtful reflections on the role of theatre and storytelling today.
Key Takeaways
- The Edinburgh Fringe is a vibrant hub of culture and events, highlighting both entertainment and artistic expression.
- Storm Floris is affecting travel and events in Scotland, showcasing how environmental factors can impact large gatherings like the Fringe.
- The new play 'Make It Happen' creatively addresses the Scottish perspective on the 2008 financial crisis, tying together themes of capitalism and morality.
- Brian Cox and James Graham emphasize the importance of nuanced storytelling in theatre, particularly in how they portray complex characters like Adam Smith.
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