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 Sean Kempton about their show SAND.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
Sand is a beautiful non-verbal circus theatre show exploring dementia with coastal erosion as a physical metaphor. With 4 highly skilled acrobats and jugglers, they build a joyful and touching show that leaves the audience smiling with a tear in their eye. In our own words, we love it and think it reflects our ambition to truly match the physicality of circus with the story depth of ensemble theatre.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
The very first Kernel was an exploration into how we could translate material into physical action, incorporating all the senses. For example, if I throw a damp clump of sand on the floor, how can we translate a wet slap into a circus action? At the same time, Sean (one of the Co Directors ) had been working closely with people living with dementia. With Vamos Theatre, London mime commissioned a show called Love through Double glazing, which Rachel Savage (Vamos Theatre’s artistic director) and Sean toured outside the windows of care homes during lockdown. This, along with working with care homes, left a strong imprint that seemed to seep into all the explorations we did. It made sense to embrace it eventually. I always feel that the show you are meant to tell always seems to hunt you down, even if the starting point is somewhere far from the end product
How have you approached developing the show?
We began with a 2-week R&D in 2003 in our home base in North Devon. We worked with people living with dementia at local memory cafes and spoke with experts from Exeter University. Next, Kook was invited to join the National Theatre's Generate program, where we explore the show’s dramaturgical shape. One more week at the national centre of circus arts to further develop the physical acrobatic shape before a final rehearsal period back in North Devon, prior to a National tour. We are now about to do a final development rehearsal before we hit Edinburgh
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Acrobatic,joyful,poignant.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Good question, this show is both emotionally and physically quite tiring. Making sure the show is very much in the performers' bodies so they are free to play. Making sure we have built in downtime, it is hard not to get caught up in the pace of the fringe. We are leaving all the Fringe noise to the Artistic directors, so the cast and crew can just focus on playing. I think there is something about really enjoying other people’s work that makes you feel you’re part of something bigger, which can take the pressure off. We know this is a really strong show, which helps with pre-fringe anxieties.Oh, and Summerhall have a sauna, so that might help x
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
It is always the other people and the other shows.It is great to be part of a mass community of people all working towards the same aim. That support is really great and also the surprises of shows and performers we have never met.Also walking the hills,Sometimes you need a bit of silence.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
There are plenty of shows we don’t know but are looking forward to.Here are some friends shows check out Ed Gaughan:The Emperor daft absurd Stand up just the tonic at the caves
Ockham’s Razor Collaborator: A charming exploration into 2 decades of creating work.Pentland theatre at the pleasance at EICC
And see as many circus shows as possible
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
Sean 7 streams of the river of Ota, a 9-hour epic from Robert Le Page.I had just left drama school, and it was a masterclass of epic ensemble storytelling that found the perfect balance of play and pain
Michaela - Peeping Tom’s 32 Rue Vandenbranden A great exploration of pushing physical boundaries and visual images and Thier show Mother – in which Michaela and Sean’s daughter Chloe performed
in and Michaela hung about like a super fan.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
We want them to be moved and feel a sense of warmth from the show. It would be great if they wanted to investigate the subject further, and we will be on hand at the end with materials to give out if people want to know more or find signposting. Alzheimer’s Research UK have kindly supplied some great writing resources.
Where and when can people see your show?
Sand is at the Edinburgh Fringe at Summerhall from 6 – 17 Aug (not 12) at 1:30pm. Ticket information here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sand
- How would you describe the style of the show?
- Ensemble, physical and highly visual. We like to balance our shows with fun playful joy and sit them alongside the more difficult times in the characters' lives. It was very important for us to ensure that the acrobatic and physical skills were fully embedded in the show's emotional storytelling. It would be a combination of theatre, circus and dance with none of them winning over the other
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