In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Corinne Harragin about her show Troubled Waters.
What can you tell me about your show?
Troubled Waters is a stand-up performance storytelling show for adults exploring the folklore of rivers, springs and wetlands. Expect leaping salmon, fishtail women, sacred springs and mythical raves as ancient legends meet contemporary questions about ecology, belonging and the ways we care for the world around us. It’s funny, surprising and a little bit sensual — an invitation to look beneath the surface and discover what stories are still flowing.
Troubled Waters is a stand-up performance storytelling show for adults exploring the folklore of rivers, springs and wetlands. Expect leaping salmon, fishtail women, sacred springs and mythical raves as ancient legends meet contemporary questions about ecology, belonging and the ways we care for the world around us. It’s funny, surprising and a little bit sensual — an invitation to look beneath the surface and discover what stories are still flowing.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Imagine if a folklore archive got swept downstream and landed in a comedy club. Troubled Waters blends traditional storytelling, physical performance, humour and a little bit of magic. It’s intimate, playful and immersive — no costumes, no props, just one storyteller conjuring whole worlds through voice, movement and imagination.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The first spark came while researching the Bristol Avon River and discovering how many stories, myths and beliefs are hidden beneath our everyday relationship with water. I realised that rivers aren’t just landscapes — they are characters, ancestors, places of transformation and sources of wonder. I wanted to bring these forgotten stories back into conversation with the world we live in now.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
We’re living through a time when our relationship with the natural world is being questioned and reimagined. Rivers are facing huge challenges, but people are also searching for new ways to reconnect with nature. Folklore reminds us that humans have always looked to water with curiosity, respect and imagination. These old stories feel incredibly alive right now.
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| Photo by Henry Kenyon. |
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Lots of swimming! Water is where I think, reset and recharge, so I’ll be seeking out Edinburgh’s rivers, beaches and swimming spots whenever I can. I’ll also be protecting my voice, building in rest days, and remembering that the magic of the Fringe comes from connection — not just endurance.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
A tiny vial labelled “Emergency River Wisdom” with the freshest, most delicious drinking water inside.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Probably a flask of tea. Storytelling is powered by hydration, caffeine and the occasional dramatic pause.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Success would be audiences leaving feeling entertained, surprised and slightly more curious about the waterways around them. Of course, I’d love new touring opportunities and connections, but the real success is when a story keeps travelling after the performance has ended.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
I’m always drawn to storytelling and comedy that sits between genres. I’m looking forward to discovering unexpected gems — one of the joys of the Fringe is stumbling across a performer you’ve never heard of and leaving with a new favourite. I’m looking forward to Jessie Cave and Sarah Baron’s Mothersl_ts.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people visit when they're not watching performances?
Arthur’s Seat — preferably early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Edinburgh is such a story-filled landscape, and seeing the city from above reminds you that places hold their own histories.
Troubled Waters runs at the Edinburgh Fringe at Scottish Storytelling Centre - George Mackay Brown Library from 7th to 30th August at 2.30pm. For tickets visit https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:6711/
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| Photo by Henry Kenyon. |
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