Interview with Scott Kyle: It's Not Where You Start... at Edinburgh Fringe
- Lisa in the theatre
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Award-winning actor and producer Scott Kyle talks about bringing a very personal story to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year.
His new solo show "It's Not Where You Start..." follows Scott - a man who spent his childhood in and out of the care system - and who now finds himself as a foster carer, welcoming children just like him, into his home.
Scott Kyle interview
What is your new show about?
“It’s Not Where You Start” tells the inspiring life story of Scott Kyle, who overcame a troubled upbringing in Rutherglen marked by poverty and potential pitfalls.
Rather than falling into crime or despair, he chose a positive path, eventually becoming an award-winning actor and producer.
With honesty and heart, Scott reflects on his journey, offering a powerful message about resilience, hope, and the importance of compassion.
It sounds like an incredibly personal story: what made you decide that now was the right time to tell it?
It’s been a 5 year project and a real journey of discovery and healing. I think becoming a foster carer and sharing my story about being care experienced myself with the kids inspired me to tell my story.
You've taken shows to the fringe in previous years. How does this one differ? Are you more nervous because it's a solo show / personal story?
I think if I’m honest I know that every show starts off as one thing and evolves with each performance, I know that 'It’s Not Where You Start' is very much a part of a long term plan, so that takes some of the pressure off of me.
This years show is a chance for me to try out my show to an audience and tweak and change it daily to knock it into shape. I hope to use it as a platform to help sell my book.
Who is 'It’s Not Where You Start' aimed at?
I suppose it’s aimed at football fans who like Billy & Tim* and the story behind that, and theatre goers who are interested in how I’ve produced shows over the last two decades.
It also appeals to fans of the various acting projects that I’ve been involved with, so Outlander fans, member of the military (Kajaki), fans of Angels Share and Harrison Ford fans ha ha. But it’s also for anyone who has ever been involved with or knows anyone who is care experienced and who has been part of that journey.
*There are 3 Billy and Tim shows, with 3 different casts playing at the Edinburgh Fringe this year!
What do you hope audiences will take away from your solo show?
Hopefully people will leave feeling inspired by the story and informed about the highs and lows of an actor's career.
Where can we find you and "It's Not Where You Start..." at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe?
Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Pleasance Lomond suit 4pm 9th - 16th August
You can order Scott's book "It's Not Where You Start" at www.scottkyle.co.uk
About "It's Not Where You Start..." by Scott Kyle, at the Pleasance EiCC, Edinburgh 2025
9th Aug - 17th Aug
Award-winning actor and producer Scott Kyle — known for Outlander, Kajaki, The Angels’ Share, Billy & Tim and Once Upon a Time in Scotland — brings his most personal work to the Edinburgh Festival with a bold and emotionally charged spoken word performance.
It’s Not Where You Start…” is a powerful exploration of memory, resilience, and belonging. Drawing on his lived experience — from spending time in care as a child to becoming a foster carer — Kyle gives voice to stories often left unheard.
Blending heartfelt poetry with striking comic book-style projections, this is storytelling that is both intimate and visually unforgettable. It’s a tribute to the past, a reckoning with the present, and a timely call for compassion as the UK care system faces increasing scrutiny.
Winner of the Stage Award for Acting Excellence, Scott Kyle delivers a must-see performance filled with honesty, humanity, and hope.
