Shay Mace
Part installation, part gathering space, Jack McGuire from Wet Hands invites you to step into something completely different this Fringe, an immersive, interactive electronic soundbath designed for deep rest and radical listening. Beginning with a restorative sonic reset, the experience gradually weaves live audience-contributed sounds into an evolving ambient composition. With such an intriguing offer, we caught up with Jack for a pixelated pint to find out what audiences can expect.
You can catch Channel at Assembly George Square Studios (The Cubicle) from August 5–16, 18–24, 26–30 (Mon–Thurs 18:00 & 20:30; Fri–Sun 16:00 & 18:30). Tickets are Available Through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Shay: Hi Jack McGuire, tell us about the importance of de-stressing during the Fringe and why you have decided to bring this to the stage now?
Jack: There is so much to see at the Fringe, and often you’re running between shows, doing your own show, and going out at night. And it can be pretty hard to find time to destress or just rest throughout the month. Making a show that is a reminder to take some time to slow down and recharge felt necessary. Why now? There’s more and more that is vying for our attention in our daily lives and I hope that this piece can be a reminder even after the festival is done.
Shay: How has the creative process been of putting the show together? Give us an idea of the journey you’ve been on with it so far.
Jack: It’s an interesting show to prepare for because it is mostly improvised. A lot of work has been done about how we welcome the audience and set an intention for the ways that they can interact with the show. I have enjoyed getting back to what drew me into Deep Listening, and the text scores that have inspired some of the prompts in this piece. The thing that has helped me to prepare the most is just tuning in to my own relationship with listening!
Shay: What will be the first thing the audience sees, feels, and hears as they enter the space?
Jack: A doorway. A portal that leads into a completely transformed space. Soft underscoring. Echoes of voices and sounds that have been collected over the life of the piece. Light reflecting on the walls. Comfort, stillness, peace.
Shay: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience, if anything?
Jack: I hope they leave feeling recharged and a bit more rested. Maybe it inspires them to listen a little differently, and find more moments to slow down.
Shay: What journey has the show been on to find itself at EdFringe 2026?
Jack: We had a good run of shows last year at Assembly Roxy and the Assembly asked us to come back! And they offered us a space that we used to do a show called Temping in. This is so exciting for the whole Channel team because we get to really build it out and it stays as an installation for the whole festival. We’re so excited to transform this space!
Shay: With EdFringe now just around the corner, what are you most excited for?
Jack: I can’t wait to eat some Fish and Chips. A crepe outside the Assembly bar. There’s so many friends from NYC that are also going so it will just be so fun to run around seeing shows and enjoying Edinburgh.
Shay: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?
Jack: Might be a bit unhinged but Dandelion and Burdock? I love that soda so much and it tastes like the Earth. It tastes very grounded and natural and kind of medicinal? It can make you take a pause with its bold flavor.
A reminder, you can catch Channel at Assembly George Square Studios (The Cubicle) from August 5–16, 18–24, 26–30 (Mon–Thurs 18:00 & 20:30; Fri–Sun 16:00 & 18:30). Tickets are Available Through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Image Credit: Alley Scott
Abbie Lowe
Roe McDonnell
Finlay Clench
