The Life and Times of Nat King Cole

The Life and Times of Nat King Cole by Tenderly is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at The Jazz Bar. It has 5 performances listed, running from Wed 26 Aug, 14:30 to Sun 30 Aug, 14:30. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.

About this show

Award-winning artist Duane Forrest brings the timeless music of Nat King Cole to life through soulful performance and storytelling. Blending velvety renditions with personal reflection, he explores how a Black artist in 1950s America became a cultural pioneer while navigating a world that celebrated him onstage but resisted him off it. Raised in Toronto, Forrest reflects on his own journey with jazz and belonging, discovering how Cole’s presence opened doors. Tenderly is a moving exploration of legacy, dignity and the quiet power of simply showing up.

Details

  • Performer: Tenderly
  • Venue: The Jazz Bar
  • Space: Venue (Partially Seated)
  • Genre: THEATRE, Jazz, Historical
  • Country: CANADA
  • Running time: 60 minutes
  • Room size: about 120 seats (Venue (Partially Seated)) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
  • Performances listed: 5, of which 0 still to come and on sale

Accessibility

  • Venue notes: Accessible entry: Two flights of stairs, totaling 25 steps, down into the space. Stairs: 20+ Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.

Performance dates and ticket availability

  • Wed 26 Aug, 14:30 — Already performed — £15.00
  • Thu 27 Aug, 14:30 — Already performed — £15.00
  • Fri 28 Aug, 14:30 — Already performed — £15.00
  • Sat 29 Aug, 14:30 — Already performed — £15.00
  • Sun 30 Aug, 14:30 — Already performed — £15.00

View on the official Fringe site

More shows at The Jazz Bar

Plan the rest of your Fringe

Still building a day around The Jazz Bar? These are the rest of the Edinburgh Fringe 2026 programme's shows at the same venue, in the same genre, and on the same dates.

Ed Fringe Guide is an unofficial, fan-made guide. Not affiliated with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society or edfringe.com.