Full cast announced for Skye: A Thriller, at Edinburgh Fringe

Dawn Steele to star in Ellie Keel's first play Skye: A Thriller at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025.

Casting news: Dawn Steele to star in Ellie Keel's first play Skye: A Thriller at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

K Media and Summerhall Arts today announce that acclaimed actress Dawn Steele will star as Annie in the world premiere of SKYE: A Thriller, the debut play by Ellie Keel, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. Steele will be joined by James Robinson (Brawn), with direction by Matthew Iliffe.

The production opens at Summerhall on 2 August 2025, with previews from 31 July, and runs until 25 August.

Set on the Scottish island, SKYE: A Thriller explores ghosts, grief, and family relationships, as four siblings see their father standing on a beach, several years after his death.

Dawn Steele

Dawn Steele today said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be performing SKYE: A Thriller at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. From the moment I first read the script, I was captivated by Ellie’s writing and the depth of these beautifully crafted characters. I come to the Edinburgh Fringe every year and love it but I have never performed in a show for the whole Festival.

I have previously worked at the Traverse Theatre with John Byrne’s The Slab Boys and Cuttin’ A Rug but that was a while ago! I can’t wait to start rehearsals and share this powerful piece of theatre with audiences at the world’s largest arts festival.”

Ellie Keel added, “I’m delighted that two such talented and renowned actors are bringing my first play to life under Matthew’s direction. Dawn and James capture the Annie and Brawn of my imagination beautifully while also bringing something fresh and compelling to both roles. In particular, I feel very lucky that Dawn has chosen this project to mark her return to the stage alongside her distinguished screen career. Rehearsals start next week — I can’t wait to thrill audiences for a month at Summerhall.”

What is Skye: A Thriller about?

'Real' is subjective. Subjective means you decide.

1995. Holidaying on the Isle of Skye, Annie and her siblings glimpse their father across the beach. Which seems impossible, because he died four years ago.

What follows is a relentless search for the truth, on a rugged island where real people and ghosts seem to walk hand in hand among the mountains and lochs.

A chilling, propulsive debut thriller by Sunday Times bestselling author and Olivier-nominated producer Ellie Keel, whose Edinburgh Festival Fringe hits include Callisto: a queer epic, SAP, An Interrogation, Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz and The Last Show Before We Die. Winner: The Stage Producer of the Year 2024.

K Media and Summerhall Arts

in association with The North Wall and Sheffield Theatres presents

SKYE: A THRILLER

By Ellie Keel

Cast: Dawn Steele (Annie); James Robinson (Brawn)

Director: Matthew Iliffe; Designer: Rūta Irbīte; Lighting Designer: David Doyle;

Sound Designer: Hattie North; Casting Director: Matilda James; Producer: Natasha Ketel

See it at Edinburgh Festival Fringe:

31 July – 25 August 2025

at Summerhall, Edinburgh

Tickets from £10: Box Office: 0131 560 1580 / www.festival.summerhallarts.co.uk