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Historical, Live Music

Stitch in Time: A Knitting Cabaret

Excitement! Drama! Romance! And... knitting? An award-winning hour of lost wartime knitting songs. Bring your knitting (or crochet) and stitch along to toe-tapping, needle-clicking tunes. Come out and have a "ball"! During the World Wars, millions of women knitted for the soldiers. Mere days after the first bullet was fired, dozens of knitting-themed songs began to appear. After the wars these songs were lost, but this cabaret concert, this music – a clever, sweet and entertaining footnote in history – has been preserved and given a chance to live again. 'Amazing!' (Guardian). ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Family-friendly, Solo show

Sped Kid

Sped Kid is an award-winning, high-energy, genre-defying one-man show that blends comedy, music and storytelling in a raw and heartfelt performance. It tells the powerful true story of Adam Linn, a twelve-year-old boy going blind in 1984 Boston, a city divided by long-simmering racism, but alive with new music and breakdancing. In this gripping, autobiographical journey, Adam’s failing vision forces him to leave an all-white Catholic school and board a special education short bus to an inner-city public school, where he and his new friends find strength, humour and triumph through their shared love of music and dance.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Interactive, Storytelling

Puss in Boots - A Cat's Adventure

After years of adventure, Puss in Boots finds himself alone and lonely, so embarks on an exciting journey back to his past! Along the way, he meets new pals and learns what it means to find friendship again. StoryMakers Theatre creates innovative, interactive and exciting performances for young audiences. Filled with original music, interactive fun and exuberant characters, this show is the purrfect treat for the whole family. 'Wow, what a magical, fun packed show! Loved the songs and hilarious characters. The kids had a blast... storytelling at its best' (Audience review).

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Storytelling, Solo show

The Lost Priest

01 - 09 Aug
The Lost Priest is a deeply personal, one-person show exploring the complexities of growing up Jewish in America. Through poetic monologues, ritual reenactments and moments of raw reflection, the performer grapples with identity within an ethnicity divorced from religion. Blending humour and heartbreak, the play delves into themes of cultural alienation, family legacy and resilience. Intimate childhood memories, historical anecdotes and societal observations intertwine, creating a poignant narrative that captures the universal search for belonging.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Solo show

Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes to a Nightmare

A cri de coeur from author/performer Sandra Laub, wrestling with characters like Golda Meir and a Palestinian mother of martyrs, to make sense of the insane horror of October 7th. Can a progressive Jewish woman reconcile her Zionist heart with her liberal conscience? This tour de force, many-voices solo show, dares to ask for peace while grappling with war, whose antecedents and repercussions continue to shape our world. Hailed as a remarkably balanced and compassionate portrayal, the play respects the facts while standing firmly on personal, humanistic ground.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Musical Comedy, Theatre

PSA: Pelvic Service Announcement

The show that NoHo Arts District calls 'absolutely genius' (NoHoArtsDistrict.com), recipient of Best Musical Comedy Off-Broadway at United Solo in NYC, and SOLOFEST Best of Fest 2024. When a know-it-all NYC comedian seeks help for diffuse midsection issues, she quickly learns how little she knows about her body’s most basic functions – in spite of her OB/GYN father. Veltman shares it all in this raw and ridiculous extravaganza featuring unhinged characters, music, videos, and a medically unsanctioned chart. If you're reading this, you have a pelvic floor; you'll leave this brisk comedy knowing why it matters.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Storytelling

Ah-Ma

Ah-Ma – Fujianese for grandmother. Ten years ago, Ah-ma was diagnosed with dementia, struggling each day to remember the names of her loved ones. 'Ah-ma, if one day you forget everything, please try not to forget love'. Fringe First award (2023) and Hong Kong Young Artist award (2024) winner returns with a hauntingly beautiful new play, weaving together natural and social disasters, bodily deterioration and family sorrow. A lyrical, poignant tale of resilience, faith and humanity. A story of memories slipping away – only to be gently reclaimed.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Historical

Wilde

Tír na nÓg Theatre Company are delighted to present the world premiere of Wilde, a captivating new original musical that brings to life an intimate portrayal of Constance, wife of Oscar Wilde. Through poignant songs and rich storytelling, Wilde reveals a story of courage, loyalty and love, and the resilience of the incredible woman who stood alongside one of literature’s greats. Wilde is a labour of love by a talented ensemble of college students. Their dedication and creativity promise a moving and unforgettable experience for Fringe audiences.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Music, Performance art

Once Upon a Tune

Join a fairytale princess with her sing-a-long show of your favourite animated characters! With enchanting vocals and gorgeous gowns, this new show emulates the magic of the animated movies. Jasmine Alice is a professional singer/actress who has toured internationally with her engaging shows. Sing along to the most acclaimed Disney songs and you’ll discover a world of magic unfold in front of your eyes and ears. This Edinburgh Fringe show is certainly the best way for the whole family to start the day! This creative, dynamic children’s show is not one to miss!!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Drama

Supermarket 86

Supermarket 86 follows five girls who get stuck in a supermarket overnight, all connected in ways they may not yet realise. Before the power goes out, the cashier's ex-girlfriend walks in. Set in 2007 Upstate New York, the show is a character-driven dramedy featuring five complicated, lonely young women pushed to confront their unwanted realities and uncertain futures. Fundamentally, the show is about the desire to connect and how, sometimes, you are forced to find connection in places that initially seem mundane and stagnant.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Children's show, Musical theatre

Disney's Dare to Dream Jr

A revue of Disney hits, following a group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Disney Imagineering Studio. They help each other discover their dreams working together to unite, inspire and believe. Join us for a century of Disney magic in a theatrical celebration of music, creativity, and the dreams that live inside us all.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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LGBTQ+, New Writing

Out of Character

When reality fails to answer desire, the fictional world becomes home. They are the gangsters on screen, forbidden lovers to some, the perfect souls that never existed in reality. The overlooked, East Asian female creators project their emotions onto the imaginary, weaving intimate connections beyond the limits of the real world. When patriarchal narratives attempt to define love, desire and existence, these women reshape them through imagination – not just as passion, but as identity, as a profound connection known as fictosexuality. Fanfiction is not just fantasy, it is love that the world has yet to understand.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Rock, Musical Comedy

All Shook Up

1955. Into a square little American town rides a guitar playin’, motorcycle ridin’ Elvis character who changes everything and everyone in this hip-swivelling musical comedy. Nelson Youth Theatre (New Zealand), who in 2019 'Embodied the true spirit of the Fringe' (London Times), will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with a script that’s packed to the seams with comic one-liners and classic Elvis rock‘n’roll hits like Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear, Hound Dog, Devil in Disguise, Heartbreak Hotel, It’s Now or Never, One Night With You and All Shook Up.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Comedy, Storytelling

Brief Tales

Brief Tales, a memoir in underpants. South African/Australian actress Joanna Weinberg uses female undergarments to tell her intimate stories. Hilarious, moving and enormously skillful, this show was a hit in the boudoirs and salons of Sydney. Being born female gifted her a flasher in a park, periods at the piano, first time sex with a notable British writer, breastfeeding on an Edgar Allen Poe filmset and hot flushes while leaping out of a cake in Borneo. Joanna is a multi-talented international performer who will literally charm the pants off you.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Stand-up

199 Jokes Before Lunchtime: High Whisk

An insect joke? Tick. A tartan joke? Check. Join Danny Matinee (Times and Telegraph's Best Jokes of the Fringe 2024) for at least another 197 one-liners, alongside props, pictures, facts and more. Includes a farmer joke that's corny, and an optician joke that's cornea. Suitable for all ages, especially fans of Masai Graham, Milton Jones and Tim Vine. By the writer/performer of shows at Brighton Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe and Leicester Comedy Festival, and Not So New Comedian of the Year 2024 finalist. 'Fantastic... I utterly recommend this show... loved it' (Audience Review).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Devised

Dance Dance Involution

Three Gen Z Hong Kong actors hustle for stardom – will they shamelessly scam your ticket by just lying flat or will they blow your mind and shine? A daring, hilarious rollercoaster where ambition meets absurdity. Critically-acclaimed director Eugene Ma invites you to a smart, witty play where young people navigate the chaos of hustle and quiet quitting. Watch as these dreamers wrestle with their voices, their pasts and the unpredictable journey ahead. A thrilling blend of sweat, rage, burnout and moments of hope – come along for a wild, unforgettable ride!

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Musical theatre, Theatre

The Caterpillar and the Blackbird

Join us on the happiest musical journey of your life as a restless caterpillar meets a rock’n’roll black bird who will make all of her dreams come true. As the blackbird guides the young caterpillar around the woodland, he introduces her to a variety of creatures, from a nervous fox to an eco-frog, a timid hedgehog, diva cow and a wise old owl, alongside a troupe of playful squirrels. Along the way she will learn important life lessons. But the greatest lesson of all is the value of true friendship.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Children's show, Musical theatre

Disney's Frozen Jr

Aberdeen Academy of Performing Art's production of Disney's Frozen Jr is based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. This show will delight audiences young and old as it brings Elsa, Anna and the magical land of Arendelle to life on stage! Frozen Jr is sure to thaw even the coldest of hearts. This amateur production is presented by Musical Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI (mtishows.co.uk).

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Live Music, Tribute

The Carole King and James Taylor Story

Journey through these two remarkable, intertwined careers. I Feel The Earth Move, Natural Woman, You've Got A Friend and more presented by Will Sharp and Hannah Richards. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has gained them international recognition. This remarkable show links every song with stories that demonstrate the importance of love and friendship in not only Carole and James’ lives but all our lives! You’ll leave with a tear in your eye and a heart full of joy.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Artist(s) of Colour, Music

The Boy from Bantay

From his childhood in the Philippines – a technicolour blur of cartoons and classical music – Jeremy always knew he wanted to be a concert pianist. The Boy from Bantay takes us on his heartwarming journey of growth and self-discovery. This appearance is produced by Bantay Productions with support from Pace University.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Musical theatre

Remember That Time? A Musical

'Superb' (Hot Press, Ireland). Winner of Best Performance: International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. Embark on a retrospective journey with Annmarie, a seasoned musician who leaves her life in LA for love in Barcelona. Trading music for a corporate job, she loses herself, her connection to music, and ultimately, her wife. Reeling from the breakup, Annmarie returns to her native Dublin after 25 years away to start over. With on-screen cameos by Naimee Coleman and comedian Gearoid Farrelly, this inspiring, mixed-media, one-woman musical is a must-see for anyone at a crossroads in life.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Magic

The Telepath and The Conjuror

Step into a world of mystery and wonder with The Telepath and The Conjuror. This extraordinary show blends mind reading, magic and breathtaking illusions in a spellbinding performance that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality. Watch as The Telepath delves into the minds of the audience, revealing thoughts and secrets with uncanny precision, while The Conjuror astounds with impossible magical feats and sleight of hand. Together, they create an unforgettable experience full of amazement, intrigue and edge-of-your-seat excitement. Prepare to be astonished as the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary right before your eyes.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dark Comedy, Solo show

Dots

Nominated for IATCHK Performer of the Year and HK Theatre Libre Outstanding Lead Actress. Annie masterfully blends tragedy and comedy in Dots, a critically-acclaimed solo performance that lays bare the struggles of a high-achieving, yet insecure mind. Bold, moving and darkly humorous, it delves into high-functioning depression, the psychology of insecure overachievers and the relentless battle against inadequacy and hopelessness. 'This dark, autobiographical piece of theatre is brutally honest, extremely relatable and full of humour' **** (NorthWestEnd.co.uk). 'Beautiful, raw and real. Taps into universal human feelings and experiences whilst being courageously personal' (StageDoorApp.com).

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Comedy, New Writing

Cabin Fever

After a sell-out Fringe run in 2024, Fresh !nk Theatre Company returns with a sky-high spectacle! This must-see two-person show is a hilarious theatrical journey set 30,000 feet above the Atlantic. Join us on an unforgettable flight from London Heathrow to LAX, where two actors seamlessly shift between the disruptive passengers to the pilots in the cockpit. This relatable comedy takes turbulence to a whole new level, showcasing universal travel experiences we are all too familiar with! From unexpected friendships to in-flight shenanigans, buckle up for an unmissable joyride delivering an uproarious experience as the characters' stories unfold.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Family-friendly, International

Cantonese Opera x Children's Interactive Theatre: Dic Dic Chang Chang Playground

Our award-winning Cantonese opera adventure is back! Join Captain Dic Dic and Chang Chang at the Cantonese Opera Playground in Edinburgh, where the Cantonese Opera Fairy teaches them skills to outwit the Boring King. But they can't do it alone – they need you, the audience, to become secret agents in this interactive spectacle. Imagination unlocks mysteries, challenges come to life and families enjoy laughter, adventure and excitement. Experience the beauty of Cantonese opera and be part of this fun-filled mission. Book your tickets now!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Musical Comedy

How to Drive Yourself Crazy

A sexy, sassy, orgasmic two-woman musical comedy show, made for you! Yes, you! Created by Mimi Meier and Holly Hart, this show features vignettes about the insanity of wom­anhood through the lens of toxic women’s magazines and mixes relatability, musi­cality, vulnerability, and above all, humour. With sketches including a history lesson, a steamy infomercial, a beauty pageant, an influencer skincare routine, and five original musical numbers about everything from Twilight to the joys of living with female roommates, this show will make you laugh, cry and get abs in 10 days!

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Live Music, Tribute

Simon & Garfunkel and Beyond

From their years as the most successful duo of all time and beyond to their solo hits, journey through the careers of two all-time greats. The Sound of Silence, The Boxer, Bright Eyes, 50 Ways, Call Me Al and more. Presented by Dan Clews (endorsed by Sir George Martin) and Night Owls latest recruit, Peter Marchant, two artists with spellbinding instrumental and vocal mastery. A perfect match to express the ethereal music of the greatest pop duo of all time and the music they created beyond their celebrated duo years.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, Interactive

A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery: The Betray-tors

It’s the nation’s favourite game of murder, exile and ridiculous twists. But when a contestant is found dead having been literally hung drawn and quartered, can the killer be proven beyond treasonable doubt? Award-winning mystery maestros Highly Suspect return to the Fringe with a hilarious new interactive murder mystery for the audience to solve! Featuring a fiendish plot, evidence to examine, and cryptic clues to crack, can you deduce whodunnit? Fun, frivolity and fatalities guaranteed! Sold out 2021-2024. ‘Prepare to have your funny bones and little grey cells equally tickled!’ (BroadwayWorld.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

Bob Dylan Under Cover

Uncover the world and music of Dylan in this celebration of one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Hits Blowing In The Wind, Don’t Think Twice, Rolling Stone and many more. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take the tribute genre that has won awards, sold out shows and standing ovations worldwide. In this show Night Owl’s sublime Hannah Richards takes on a truly legendary set of songs as she seek to uncover the enigma that is Bob Dylan.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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LGBTQ+, Absurdist

And Then the Rodeo Burned Down

The rodeo is the best place in the world. Why would anybody burn it down? Unfortunately, rodeos don’t burn down on their own. More unfortunately, everything is expensive: becoming a cowboy, finding the culprit, and even keeping the lights on. This alleged tale of arson fractures into the story of two clowns desperately trying to afford to put on a show. An absurdist Western send up of the American Dream from consecutive 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fringe First Award-winners Xhloe and Natasha.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Children's show, Musical theatre

The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

This Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts amateur production of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. This hour-long edition of the hit Broadway musical is brilliantly adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series. Plunge into this all-singing, all-dancing dynamic stage show. Can SpongeBob and friends come together to save Bikini Bottom from a soon-to-erupt volcano? Suitable for all ages. SpongeBob SquarePants (2023 Viacom International inc) created Stephen Hillenburg. Book by Kyle Jarrow. Musical production conceived by Tina Landau.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Disabled-led, New Writing

Anatomy of Pain

Anatomy of Pain is a powerful and unflinching exploration of the dysfunctional healthcare system, following Alex’s journey to seek a diagnosis for the rare and debilitating condition, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Through an intimate and emotional performance, the show explores the impact of clinicians’ unfamiliarity and lack of empathy when faced with rare conditions. Audiences are invited to witness the devastating impact this has on every facet of Alex’s life, from identity to relationships. Beautifully crafted and deeply moving, this interdisciplinary performance is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of systemic failings.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Cabaret

The Lounge Suite

A comic cabaret in five movements, about love, loss and pies. The Lounge Suite is written and performed by Chris Murphy as the glittering, yet poignant Estar, with Joanna Weinberg as Kiki on the keys and dramaturgy by Deborah Pollard. Estar is off the couch and back into the light! Estar is the alter ego of NZ/Australian performer Chris Murphy, who has been treading the boards for 35 years. A journey over the past five years, The Lounge Suite brings you brilliant, funny songs and the very best of Estar; pluck, pathos and pith.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Performance art, Solo show

Good Morning and Goodbye

The story is about a daily routine, the ritual of a lady. Everything happens after she wakes up in the morning: she makes herself a cup of coffee and looks down the street from her room, soaking herself in the chill and easy vibes before she starts dressing, doing her makeup and sharing a little, intimate moment with herself. This is the preparation and self-soothing she performs before heading out to face real life.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Folk, Traditional

Hebridean Fire

Join us in celebrating the success of Hebridean Fire, a captivating sell-out show featuring multi-instrumentalists Elsa and Gary as they enchant audiences with the spirit of the Scottish Highlands and islands. This dynamic duo masterfully blend heartfelt ballads, high-energy jigs, reels and traditional Gaelic songs, creating an unforgettable musical experience. Their seamless storytelling transports listeners to the rugged beauty of Scotland, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the region. With each performance, Elsa and Gary ignite the stage, leaving audiences inspired and craving more. Don't miss your chance to experience this extraordinary celebration of Scottish music.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Immersive, Contemporary

Drawing from Life

Will you draw the nude body in front of you? Or will you draw from the life that has been stitched and stuffed inside the nude body? Experience a contemporary performance life drawing class which isn't skin deep. Art materials will be provided for those who wish to draw, and a performance will be provided for those who wish to spectate. You may even wish to join the nude body and unpick some of your own stitching...

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Live Music, Tribute

007 Voices of Bond

Immerse yourself in the world of 007 and the legendary voices that have accompanied Bond. Goldfinger, Skyfall, Diamonds Are Forever and more brought to life by the secret agents at Night Owl HQ. Night Owl Shows bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them standing ovations worldwide. This chronological trip through the music of 007 promises all the classics with fascinating facts delivered by our own onstage agents and agent M beaming on to a screen from his bunker in London.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Historical, Live Music

Piaf and Brel: The Impossible Concert

01 - 09 Aug
Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel: two French musical icons who sang of romance and heartbreak and lived passionate, dramatic lives. But they didn't ever appear onstage together – until now! This impossible concert features internationally acclaimed singer Melanie Gall. With Amsterdam, Milord, La Vie en Rose, and other French classics. Piaf and Brel has been performed in over 12 countries. Chosen to be part of the Fringe Encore series and awarded an off-Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse in New York City. 'Impeccable performance!' ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au) ***** (Winnipeg Free Press). Sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs 2017-2018.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Folk, Traditional

Caledonia

Highly skilled Scottish duo, Elsa McTaggart and Gary Lister, return to the Fringe to bring you the best of Scotland's folk and Celtic music. With their warmth and laughter, they create an atmosphere of ceilidh and craic, introducing music of old and threading it through modern arrangements and compositions with their many Celtic instruments and styles. Interspersed with storytelling and video footage, this is another gem of a show which will not disappoint. Garnering five-star reviews for every new production they have brought to the Fringe over the last 11 years, don’t miss this gem.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Elton John Story

The awe-inspiring journey of one of the all-time musical greats delivered by one of the UK’s finest, Angus Munro and Night Owl Shows. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards and sold out shows worldwide. Angus Munro and Night Owl’s incredible Night Owl Band will light up your Fringe with piano-led, full-band renditions of the anthems that made Reg Dwight one of the world’s biggest stars. You’re promised an incredible show of singing along and dancing in the aisles.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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New Writing, Solo show

Exhausted Paint: The Death of Van Gogh

Join us for a tilt-a-whirl trip through the mind and letters of Vincent Van Gogh. A terrible spinning wheel controls the manic, blissful, bitter artist as he frantically relives the constant struggle and turbulence of his life. Disoriented, out of control, reeling from idea to idea, the soul-crushing, chaotic randomness of creation shapes a deep and dark vision of Van Gogh, a man who was so much more than a severed ear.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Solo show

Shirley: A Ghost Story

Why do people write ghost stories? Is it to explain away the fear, or to reveal the ghosts inside? Shirley is a dark and intimate one-person play, inspired by the life of Shirley Jackson and the ghost stories of M.R. James. Shirley has felt haunted her entire life. Haunted by her responsibilities, her husband and a story that’s been with her since childhood. But will writing a novel finally release the horror that has been manifesting in her for a lifetime? Praise for previous work: ***** (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (Scotsman). **** (Skinny).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Magic, Family-friendly

Family Magic

The legendary magician The Great Baldini tells the story of his and Baldwin the magical dog’s life from their first tricks to the height of their careers: attempting Houdini’s greatest escape. The show is packed with magic, sweets, puppetry, sweets, water, sweets, eggs, sweets and escapology. It’s hilariously silly… with sweets. Come and see two true magical superstars (Baldini and Baldwin) at the very pinnacle of their powers. The Great Baldini is an award-winning member of the Magic Circle and the Bristol Stage Magic Champion. 'Incredible' (Front Row, BBC Radio 4). 'Charming, engaging and charismatic. A pleasure' (FringeReview.co.uk).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Drama

Almost Famous

Emily Benton, veteran actor and star of stage and screen, is back in the UK after a career that took her to Broadway and Hollywood. With her pedigree, she should be in Downton Abbey or the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, not auditioning for a role in a devised play that only become available when another, more famous, actor went to join the theatre in the sky. What cruel fate brought her here? Maybe there’s a secret she’s not revealing. From the makers of Make-up: 'A disarmingly truthful and humorous piece, adroitly constructed and beautifully performed' ★★★★ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

California Dreams

An immersive trip through California when a collective of legends changed the world. Hits from The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and The Byrds are brought to life by Dan Clews and Sara Leane. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards and sold-out shows worldwide. In this journey back in time every song is linked to the last with insightful stories that thread the artists of Laurel Canyon together into a show of spellbinding performances of your favourite hits. Sell-out show in 2021-2024.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Magic, Theatre

1 Moment in Time

After a hugely successful debut Ed Fringe with rave reviews, magician and mind illusionist Sean Alexander is back with his thought-provoking magic show as he reflects on the defining moments in time that shape each and every one of us. With jaw-dropping magic throughout, each instance is intertwined with powerful metaphors and storytelling. This show is unlike anything else. Discover your moments in time all over again... 'This should certainly be on your must-see list' (BritishTheatreGuide.info). 'One of the stand-out performances at the Fringe' (NorthWestEnd.co.uk). 'Pure delight and amazement' (FringeReview.co.uk).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Fleetwood Mac Story

After three consecutive sold-out runs, the celebration of the 120-million-album selling supergroup returns to Fringe. Features The Chain, Everywhere, Dreams and more delivered by Hannah Richards, Alex Beharrell and the Night Owl Band. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won awards and standing ovations worldwide. Experience the emotion and euphoria of Fleetwood. Don’t miss Night Owl’s flagship show which is sure to sell out with every show ending in a rapturous standing ovation. Winner of the Adelaide Fringe Weekly Music Award.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Music, Contemporary

Garden Party - Truman Capote's Black and White Celebration

A mysterious investigation of the great American writer, inspired by his scandalous life and the Black and White ball he hosted at the Plaza Hotel. A provocative journey through success, sabotage, addiction and true crime, from Garden City to New York. This adaptation, with original music, plunges the audience into a dangerous conflict where art and life are intertwined. Social hypocrisy, class power, gossip and murder are the guests of honour at a garden party worthy of Truman Capote. A new work by Kulturscio’k International Live Art Collective.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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New Writing, Drama

Seizure

A typical rehearsal quickly deteriorates when the actors find themselves unable to depict the difference between fiction and reality. A play within a play.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, New Writing

How to Become a Movie Star?

Felix Culpa Theatre Company successively produced The Woman He Lived With **** (One4Review.co.uk), and The Bad Daters ***** (TheReviewsHub.com) at the Edinburgh Fringe. This year's Fringe premiere, How to Become a Movie Star? is a joyous comedy about an actress with a unique plan to become a movie star by training to be a schoolteacher. She bases her career on an out-of-print biography, moves to New York, lives in a decrepit hostel in London and attends the strictest drama school ever while working in a pub. Based on a life well lived.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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LGBTQ+, Drama

Locusts

Orange Works is proud to present Locusts – a compelling mix of drama and northern humour – in which love, family and faith are put to the test. Locusts tells the story of Stephen, whose past resurfaces as Pete, a once-trusted church leader, reappears asking for Stephen’s help in repeating damaging mistakes. Stephen’s partner, Jeff, is facing problems of his own, and knows nothing of this part of Stephen’s past. Now, they must all face the truth. Locusts masterfully weaves together real-life experiences of gay conversion therapy within an evangelical church into a gripping and sensitively performed play.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Interactive, Drama

Piano Smashers

Piano Smashers is a new play by Rupert Page and Rob Thompson in which a mother bequeaths a precious piano to her children in her will, insisting they keep it. They do not want it because of what it represents to them, yet they can not bring themselves to dispose of it. Nominated Best Performance – The Actors, Brighton Fringe, 2024. 'Such hidden gems add greatly to the Fringe experience and remind us that there are superb ones which don’t get the audiences they deserve. Piano Smashers is one such show' (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). https://www.pianosmashers.co.uk

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Drama

After Shakespeare

What happens to Shakespeare's best-loved heroes and most reviled villains after the curtain falls? Come and join a host of familiar Shakespearean characters as they reflect back on their lives, including: Lady Macbeth, Portia, Hamlet and King Hal (Henry V). Lexi Wolfe weaves together Shakespeare's words, historical research and her own dramatic spark as she transforms into four distinct characters, to follow their onward journeys. 'A must-see show' ***** (EdinburghGuide.com). 'One of this year's standout shows' **** (GetYourCoatsOn.com). 'Refreshing and gifted writing' **** (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Storytelling

Little Boxes

An award-winning solo show by Joann Condon (Little Britain). Join Joann on a joyous and cathartic journey exploring a lifetime's worth of "boxes": the hopes and dreams of a child, the frustrations of an acting career, the tensions of being a parent, the grief in losing loved ones, the fear of being... herself. A story of breaking free from constraints and living life to the fullest. 'A show with profound heart... all need to see it' ***** (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk). 'Hilarious, moving, sad and uplifting' ***** (TheSpyInTheStalls.com). 'Condon’s comic timing is impeccable' **** (LondonTheatre1.com).

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Drama

Devil's Point

Ailsa and Sean are a young couple, at the height of bliss – for now. While on a romantic hiking trip up the mountain known as Devil's Point, shadows darken, tensions rise and someone – or something – makes its presence known. Paranoia and skepticism work together to ask a disturbing question: who is to blame for the whispers on the mountain? Devil’s Point is an experimental folk horror play weaving together folklore from the Cairngorms region of Scotland and the pressures of modern-day relationships. Cutty Sark Theatre returns from their acclaimed run at last year's Fringe.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Interactive

A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery: The Death of the Great Detective

Sherlock Holmes is dead! But can the killer really be Dr Watson, Mrs Hudson, Inspector Lestrade or Mycroft Holmes? The game's afoot in a mystery that's more than mere elementary... Award-winning mystery maestros Highly Suspect return to the Fringe with a hilarious interactive murder mystery for the audience to solve! Featuring a fiendish plot, evidence to examine, and cryptic clues to crack, can you deduce whodunnit? Fun, frivolity and fatalities guaranteed! Sold Out 2021-2024. ‘Prepare to have your funny bones and little grey cells equally tickled!’ (BroadwayWorld.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Historical

Mary's Daughters

‘Powerful call to arms… three remarkable women’ (ThePegReview.com). Centuries after their deaths, 18th-century radical Mary Wollstonecraft reunites with daughters Mary Shelley and Fanny Imlay to come to terms with their wounds, their writing and their reverberations through history. Through this feminist ghost story we hear the tireless writings of a genius out of her time, two sisters trying to reconcile wounds only families can create, and the birth of an iconic monster on the shores of lake Geneva. This new piece of writing is a rallying cry for a world that centers radical kindness above all things.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Live Music, Tribute

The Story of Sting and The Police

Angus Munro and Night Owl Shows present this award-winning show with classics Every Breath You Take, Roxane, Message in a Bottle, Fields of Gold and more. Night Owl Shows bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards worldwide. Experience the raw energy of the early Police, their passage to superstardom and Sting’s solo journey. All brought to life by the charismatic Angus Munro, who will wow you with his 4-octave range. Adelaide Weekly Music Winner and Derek Awards Best Voice.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, Cabaret

BOMBSHELL

BOMBSHELL follows three sparkly Vegas showgirls who put up environmentally-conscious cabaret acts in a rundown nightclub called Club Fistfight. Despite their best attempts at making global warming hot, the club is closing. For their final performance, Scarlett, Jane and Eliza decide to tell the audience a love story. But as the last show at Club Fistfight reaches a peak, Scarlett takes extreme action when a shocking secret is revealed. BOMBSHELL is about how far we'll go for love, for each other and for our planet, and who is really responsible for the end of the world. 

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Sketch Show, Family-friendly

Sketch Show Bingo!

Get your dabbers at the ready! It’s bingo! But instead of numbers, it’s hilarious comedy sketches, and the fun keeps rolling until someone gets bingo! Three-time Funny Women Award nominees Quirks & Foibles present their debut comedy show. No show is the same and there's a winner every time. Fun for all the family with an eclectic range of silly sketches... and who doesn’t love a bit of bingo!? Quirks & Foibles consists of Katie Bennett, Amy McCann and Amelia Stephenson. As featured on BBC Comedy, DMs Are Open, British Comedy Guide and Comedy Crowd Chorts finalists.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Blondie Story

A high-octane trip through the music of one of the architects of the punk/new wave movement. Following an award-winning run at Edinburgh Fringe 2023, Reine Beau and the Night Owl Band deliver a killer blow with versions of Atomic, Heart of Glass and One Way or Another. Night Owl Shows bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards, sold-out shows and standing ovations worldwide. Set to a cultural backdrop of imagery, you’ll be immersed in the moment and the music that cut through genres.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Choral, Vocal

Rock Choir Live

Join Rock Choir, the award-winning national phenomenon, for a spectacular concert of uplifting songs! Throughout August, more than 3000 Rock Choir members will light up the stage with feel-good hits from Aerosmith to Phil Collins. Rock Choir promises an exhilarating experience, blending the excitement of pop music with the magic of choir performances. Join us for an unforgettable night of singing, dancing and celebrating the power of music, which will leave you on a high note! Love pop? Love singing? Love the thrill of a choir? Then you'll love Rock Choir – the ultimate musical celebration!

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Comedy, Drama

When We Were Young

This five-star production tells a powerful and hilarious story about the realities of gang culture and young team mentality in Glasgow during the 90s, as we follow the lives of one of the many young teams who polluted the streets of the city during a time it was known as The Murder Capital of Europe. This heartbreaking story is both a hilarious and eye-opening look back to 90s Glasgow and the notorious postcode wars.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Drama

My Brother Was a Vampire

My Brother Was a Vampire delves into the haunted heart of sibling bonds tangled in love, trauma and the supernatural. Told in reverse, it exposes Skye and Callum’s raw, messy attachment, entwined with secrets, sharp humor and pain. Skye’s eerie abilities blur the line between control and illusion as they grapple with abuse and family dysfunction. This ghostly, suspenseful puzzle asks: Can we escape our past, or are we forever marked by it? Minimal staging and dark humor pull audiences into this unflinching exploration of survival and unbreakable family ties.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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LGBTQ+, New Writing

Roadkill Bambi

Portia and Alison are driving home from a wedding. They hit a deer. Portia dies. Portia and Alison are driving home from a wedding. They hit a deer. Portia dies. The deer gives a philosophy lecture. Portia and Alison are – wait what? They hit a deer. Portia dies. Forced to relive a car accident over and over, Portia must confront uncomfortable truths about her relationship while she tries to escape the surreal time loop. A thoroughly queer dirge for the imagined future, Roadkill Bambi asks how we make decisions while caught in the headlights of disaster.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Rise of The Eagles

Track The Eagles from their early days as Linda Ronstatd’s backing band to their crowning as the 70s biggest band. Take It Easy, Hotel California, Desperado and more from Alex Beharrell and the Night Owl Band. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won awards and sold out shows worldwide. Take one of the wildest rides in rock culture as you join Alex and his band on this meteoric journey from humble beginnings to one of the most important bands of the decade.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, New Writing

Operation Blank

Someone has dropped an atom bomb on Copenhagen. With all-out war looming, an underqualified junior staffer in the British government must somehow stimulate a response from his idiotic superiors. There is just one thing standing in his way: Microsoft Teams.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Magic, Theatre

Dan Bastianelli: Identity

Following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023 and 2024, Dan Bastianelli brings a brand-new magic experience which uses sleight-of-hand, personal stories and honest deception to help explore the simple question: How can you know anything when you don't even know yourself? 'Bastianelli is a very skilled performer' **** (WorldMagicReview.com). 'Dazzling' (Edinburgh Evening News).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Historical

Fragile Creatures

An unmissable journey through history, where science, superstition and myth collide. From 19th-century Parisian hysteria to the Radium Girls of the 1920s and the sedative ads of the 1950s, Hannah Rose Platt illuminates the shocking fight for women’s bodily autonomy. With gripping stories like Anne Greene’s miraculous survival of execution and the trailblazing Edinburgh Seven – performed at the Surgeons' Hall where these women made history – Platt exposes the ongoing battle for women’s health and equality. This powerful show uncovers the enduring gender health gap and celebrates the unyielding spirit of women throughout the ages.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Drama

ENOUGH.

Winner: Best Drama, Greater Manchester Fringe. Why does misogyny still thrive in 2025? Enough is a bold drama following new police recruit Irie as she battles systemic injustice within the Met. Inspired by real events, it holds a mirror to the institutions meant to protect us, exposing the societal complacency that enables discrimination. Drawing from the Met’s response to the 2021 Sarah Everard vigil, this gripping play challenges power, accountability, and the cost of speaking out. With standing ovation nominations and critical acclaim, Enough is a must-see theatre experience that gives voice to those who refuse to be silenced.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Live Music, Tribute

Women of Rock

Journey through time alongside the great women that rocked, from the 1960s to present. Ride with the genre defining ladies Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, Suzi Quatro, Heart, Gwen Stefani and many more. Experience the raw power of Reine Beau and the award-winning Night Owl Band as they highlight the importance of these incredible females and why there should be a higher acknowledgement in the published lists of the greats for them. You’ll leave with your soul well and truly rocked and a true appreciation of the women who fought against the tide to make it.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Spoken Word

A Year and a Day

An inexplicable curse causes Nathan to skip a year and a day into the future, whenever he falls asleep. Leaving behind a botched heist, his wife, his struggling family and a jaded criminal gang, Nathan must learn to adapt to his ever-changing existence. Spanning 65 years, this is a bold, darkly funny and poignant exploration of a man trying to right his wrongs as he rapidly skips through time. Under the careful direction of dramaturg Rosanna Mallinson, award-winning Christopher Sainton-Clark uses multi-roling to tell a beautiful story of love, loss, betrayal and crime.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Folk, International

Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse

Guitar brilliance and incandescent vocals. These exceptional performers connect and capture audiences all over the world through the power of song. It’s made even more special when sung in the rare Noongar language of Australia’s southwest, which has less than 400 native speakers left. Gina and Guy bring a fresh, modern take on ancient traditions, merging evocative sounds, natural acoustic instruments and poignant stories with that incredible, beautiful voice. These award-winning artists, whose music is a celebration of life, community and a shared humanity, will make you laugh, cry, sing, and leave you breathless.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dance, Performance art

Sole to Soul

This performance seamlessly blends the physical language of traditional Chinese opera with the expressive symbolism of modern dance. Through the reinterpretation of objects such as shoes and shopping bags, it explores the repetitive dilemmas of contemporary life, while embodying the cultural transition of Chinese women from tradition to modernity. By bridging different eras and societal contexts, the work highlights the evolving roles and identities of women, offering a profound reflection on how traditional symbols adapt and transform to resonate within modern narratives.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Live Music, Tribute

The Billy Joel Story

Journey through the life and music of the 150 million record-selling Piano Man in this uplifting show. Piano Man, Uptown Girl and Always a Woman brought to life by Angus Munro and the award-winning Night Owl Shows. They bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards and sold-out shows worldwide. Munro’s incredible storytelling will take you on a journey, as he documents the songs' origins and links them to the music through his passionate interpretations of one of the greatest back catalogues.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, Satire

Webber!

Obsessed with becoming a Lord, Webber makes a Faustian pact with the eternal spirit of Ruining Everything... who looks suspiciously like Margaret Thatcher. Hilarious ear worms, laser-focused wit and no holds barred. See it before the cease and desist arrives! Impeccably well researched and somehow still incredibly funny, whilst remaining unafraid to speak truth to power, Grant Sharkey is a comedian, satirist and composer whose previous Edinburgh shows include: Are You Worthy? ('A sing-along, laugh-a-minute rallying cry!' (Scotsman), **** (NDReview.nd)) and Trollbadour (**** (ThreeWeeks)), both of which toured nationally.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Clown, Farce

A Most Pressing Issue

A dark satirical comedy that follows four prison workers battling a fire with anything but water. As characters wrestle with existential crises, heartbreak and bureaucracy, an inevitable doom draws ever nearer, forcing this band of misfits to confront their long-forgotten responsibilities. Prepare for full speed, uninterrupted chaos from start to finish as Gaulier-trained clowns and sharp-edged comedians deliver a relentlessly funny tale of love, loss, fear and arrogance. This exciting piece of new writing is eager to push boundaries, electrify audiences and most importantly, make you laugh out loud.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Folk, Storytelling

Celine Dion Experience Featuring Jasmine Alice

Jasmine Alice is an internationally acclaimed vocalist who will take you on a thrilling musical journey through the life of the iconic Celine Dion. Witness dazzling vocals, show-stopping costumes and let yourself be transported on a musical journey of emotions with this charming homage to one of the most treasured divas of all time. Sing along to your favourite Celine hits and immerse yourself in pure vocal magic. After her success at the Fringe last year, Jasmine is returning with her new Celine Experience this year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Don't miss out.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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True-life, Solo show

Daddy, Tomorrow Will I Be a Man?

James Willstrop, cynical and driven only by his sporting success, is on the verge of becoming world number one in squash. A chance meeting leads to an agonising dilemma which threatens everything he has worked so hard for. Through tender recollections of his mother Lesley who died when he was 17, and by undertaking the hardest training session of his life in real time, he learns lessons about ambition, success and love. Daddy is a musical ode to beautiful mothers, sporting ambition and fatherhood.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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LGBTQ+, Political

ROADKILL

On the 31st October 2019, Cosmo was hit by a car in an act of transphobic hate and violence. This show is not about getting hit by a car. This is a show about sex. This is a show about period sex. This is a show about working at Tesco. This is a show about living with your parents. This is a show about trans euphoria, sexuality and survival.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Acoustic, Folk

When Judas Met John: Songs of Dylan and Lennon

Listed as one of 'five shows not to be missed at this year's Edinburgh Fringe' (Counter Culture), this show compares the like-minded and socially-conscious lyrics of Dylan and Lennon. It addresses key questions regarding their relationship: why was Lennon in awe of Dylan only to deride him years later? And why did Dylan keep it to himself that he 'really dug the Beatles'? Irish duo Brothers Broke compare, adapt and perform a unique interpretation of songs by both artists in their own acoustic folk and blues style.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Family-friendly, Improv

Absolute Improv!

For 15 years, Absolute Improv! has entertained sell-out audiences with off-the-cuff comedy performances from Scotland’s top improvisational comedy actors. Your ideas are shouted out to inspire side-splitting sketches, characters and tales, all created in the moment – truly you-had-to-be-there instant comedy gold. This Edinburgh Fringe, join us and the finest improv talent in Scotland once more for delightful and wacky performances that have never been seen before, and will never be seen again! You suggest, we perform, everybody laughs! Official Fringe sell-out show. ‘Absolute magic!’ ***** (Cream of the Fringe).

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing

Tall Tails

Five mermaids. People-pleasers retreat. Doing the work so you don’t have to. Dive into a hilarious coming-of-quarter-age comedy that makes waves navigating dating disasters, epic misadventures and the choppy waters between girlhood and womanhood. An ocean away from home, catch us entangled in the fishnets of friendship, big feelings and our tall tails. Witness the clam-ities, or don’t – we want what’s best for you!!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Legend of Queen

Take a regal journey through the incredible music of one of the greatest rock groups of all time with Peter Marchant and the incredible Night Owl Band. Includes hits Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Gaga, Don’t Stop Me Now and so many more. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won awards, sold out shows and standing ovations worldwide. Watch multi-instrumentalist Peter Marchant display his infectious stage presence coupled with a voice that can carry some of the biggest songs of all time.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Storytelling

Life Would Be Pretty Dull Without Sex, Raves and MDMA

Sex? Yes, please. Raves? Absolutely. MDMA? A dabble. Illegal raves find me high, staring at vaginas in abandoned museums. Meet Bex, a fortysomething woman struggling with expectations. A twist of fate, she rejects safe and abandons herself to life. Consequences be damned, embracing a reality that’s messy, exhilarating, cruel and wild. Showing you the world through her imperfect lens of love, loss and heartbreak, so you can make the leap and live intentionally – whatever that means. A rip-roaring, naughty, funny tale that will have you laughing into the dark.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dance, Performance art

Sàng Tsáu

The gods descend, banishing evil and clearing life’s burdens. Incense smoke rises with wishes, as drums and flutes echo. Mighty deities unite, exuding divine majesty to bring blessings and peace to all.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Comedy, Theatre

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

The cult hit returns to the Fringe! Don’t miss an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode, A Fashionable Way to Die, following last year’s riotous presentation of Paint Me a Murder. Jessica Fletcher is invited to Paris to visit a designer friend, but soon gets caught up in a murder mystery only she (or you!) can solve. See the show that has wowed audiences across the UK, Ireland, Australia and the Murder, She Wrote Festival 2025 in Mendocino (Cabot Cove). ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). ***** (Everything-Theatre.co.uk) 'It has the BEST host' (Time Out London).

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Fantasy, World music

Dunhuang

Step into the world of Dunhuang, where the ancient Silk Road meets the present, and centuries-old murals come alive. Follow A-Lai, a modern-day student, as she uncovers the secrets of Dunhuang's ancient caves and is thrust into a mystical journey alongside Liansheng, a mysterious figure from the past. As they delve deeper into the history of the murals, they are faced with life-altering choices that test the limits of sacrifice and destiny. Blending history, art, and spiritual exploration, Dunhuang offers a visually stunning and emotionally compelling journey that explores what we leave behind for future generations.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Cabaret, Pop

Eva by the Divas

Join us for an enchanting evening as vocalists Elsa and Jaz take to the stage in a breath-taking tribute to the legendary Eva Cassidy! Combining their exceptional vocal talents and shared passion for Cassidy's music, this show promises to be a memorable experience. Delight in the exquisite harmonies that will fill the air, as they breathe new life into timeless classics. With each note, Elsa and Jas will transport you into a world of emotion and beauty, showcasing their professional delivery and deep connection to the music. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of songs.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Classical, Drama

A Pound of Flesh

In Shakespeare's classic, The Merchant of Venice, only Portia's appearance in court and her implacable logic saves Antonio from Shylock's knife. But what would happen if she never came to Venice? Bassanio's need for money to woo Portia sets in motion the events that lead to the trial, but what are his real motives? And why is there so much hatred between Antonio and Shylock? With echoes of Romeo and Juliet, events in A Pound of Flesh move remorselessly to a tragic end.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Music, True-life

Frozen Love: A Buckingham Nicks Story

Frozen Love: A Buckingham Nicks Story, is the true story of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s rocky road to joining Fleetwood Mac. The creators of the piece, Georgie Banks and Jake Byrom, intertwine songs from Stevie and Lindsey’s scarcely-known debut duo album Buckingham Nicks and also show how some of the world’s favourite Fleetwood Mac songs came about. Their relationship during their time with Fleetwood Mac is infamous, but before that performance of Silver Springs, at the heart of it, they were madly in love and would do whatever it took for the music.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Alternative Comedy, Solo show

Lolo's Boyfriend Show

Lolo lands a dream-come-true European tour. But when it gets cancelled after just a few weeks, she’s forced to pack up her funky costumes and drag them back to her mum’s house in suburbia. Lolo thought she’d be famous by now. Her psychic told her she would be. Instead, she’s stuck in her childhood bedroom tormented by the ghosts of many failed relationships. Irreverent and soul-baring, Lolo captivates audiences as she journeys from self-harm to self-redemption. Lolo won Audience Choice at the NYC Fringe and rocked Off-Broadway at Playhouse 46. Lolo is dying to meet you!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The 80s Movie Mixtape

Relive the music that set off the 80s most nostalgic movie scenes. From Dirty Dancing, Breakfast Club, Top Gun to The Never-Ending Story, these 80s movies have one thing in common: iconic songs. Watch as the Night Owl band bring these nostalgic moments alive in this journey through the legendary soundtrack to your 80s. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take the tribute genre that has won awards, sold-out shows and ovations worldwide. Get ready for the ultimate feel-good show with the festival’s ultimate music collective.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Devised, Drama

Transfers

Eight very different people, eight very different situations. How does £500 get passed around? Willingly or violently? As a gift? Blackmail? Payment for drugs? Beauty treatment? A scam? Car repair? Is it stolen? Or lost? In cash or online? In someone's home? A nightclub? On the street? In a theatre? Perhaps all of these or none. In a newly devised show, see money circulate in a kaleidoscope of comedy, tragedy and the mundane in Britain today.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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LGBTQ+, Absurdist

What If They Ate the Baby?

There are three rules every housewife knows: never return a dish empty, always have dinner ready on time, and some things are best kept under the table. After all, you never know who’s listening. You’ve heard whispers of absent husbands? Missing children? Spaghetti recipes? Or was it scones? You just can’t trust everything you hear through the walls these days. An absurdist queer two-hander about surveillance, American womanhood, and bodily autonomy from consecutive 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fringe First Award-winners Xhloe and Natasha.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Improv

Improv Comedy with Box of Frogs

Box of Frogs, Birmingham’s award-winning Improv Group, brings you a night of high-octane improvised comedy nonsense, based entirely on your suggestions. Expect the unexpected as quick-witted players conjure up hilarious spontaneous songs, sketches and scenes on the spur of the moment! 'A Box of Stars Here' ***** (Derek Awards). 'Hilariously funny – highly recommended' ***** (Morish TV). 'Guarantee you’ll be laughing throughout' (@midlandstheatre). 'The brilliant and bouncy Box of Frogs is definitely a group to see at least once before you croak' (BumOnASeat.com).

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Horror, Solo show

Faustine: A Dissertation. A Confession. A Mental Breakdown

Faustine: A Dissertation. A Confession. A Mental Breakdown. Faustine is excited to share her dissertation with you, but all is not what it seems. She’s sold her soul to the devil in exchange for her brilliant thesis. Faustine lied, cheated and murdered to get here, and she won’t go back. This solo musical critique of academia, ambition and class (coming to you from a sold-out NYC run) is equal parts Xiu Xiu and Sondheim, Heathers and Hedda Gabler, pedestrian and academic, and hilarious and horrifying.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Horror, Dark Comedy

Baron Vordenburg's Guide to the Paranormal

We cordially invite you, monster hunter, to an unforgettable night. The world-renowned paranormal expert Baron Vordenburg and his helpers, Gothic and Grotesque, give away trade secrets and expertise on hunting the unknown. The first in a series of lectures, the Baron tackles the most cunning creatures of the night. Please RSVP as seats are limited for this most-special event. Photo and book signings will be available before and after the symposium. Your safety is our concern.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, New Writing

Cody and Beau: A Wild West Story

01 - 09 Aug
Cody and Beau have two things on their mind: becoming cowboys and… winning spelling bees?! Enthralled by tales of Billy the Kid and Butch Cassidy, the two plan to escape and fulfill their outlawing destiny. But when the boys find themselves against the hostile backdrop of 1889 Texas, the imagined starts to become all a bit too real. From the Edinburgh-based creative team of Dylan and Will comes a vibrant, immersive coming-of-age tale, inspired by the lasting legacy of the Wild West.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, New Writing

The Naked Neds

Paul’s about to be a dad, but doubt clouds his excitement. A night at the pub should be a distraction, yet Cammy’s suicide still lingers, unspoken but heavy. Struggling to move forward, the lads throw themselves into fundraising in his memory, desperate to make a difference. But when Paul finds a lump, fear grips him – fatherhood is no longer his only concern. Inspired by real events, The Naked Neds follows a group of Glasgow lads facing loss, life and NHS waiting lists. With nothing left to lose, they decide to bare all – the full monty!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Interactive

Iago Speaks

At first glance, Iago Speaks appears to follow the events immediately after Shakespeare's Othello. But this meta-theatrical, comedic romp quickly turns, introducing us to Iago’s hapless jailer, always landing in Shakespeare plays, but with no lines. His quest, as he languishes by Iago’s dungeon cell, is to discover the true purpose for his life, and – ultimately – theatre. A classic comedy duo, Iago and his jailer descend into a mad adventure, its ultimate purpose only revealed at the end. The play is boundless, ridiculous and constantly winking at the audience and yet, manages to make us think.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Drama

Baby CEO

When she discovers that her dad has stolen her identity, she has to face who she really is. A true-crime comedy about human trafficking, identity theft, cults, child actors, and the tragicomic omen of being born on the set of a Coen brothers movie to a mafia family.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Political, Science and Technology

Atomic Cabaret

Atomic Cabaret is a one-woman science-political musical about the existential risks of the nuclear age, starring Lynda Williams, the Physics Chanteuse. Provocative and wildly entertaining, the show exposes the reckless stupidity of the bomb, from Trident to Trinity, and explores how we can stop the madness – with science, satire and song that is smart, sexy, sassy and radical. Atomic Cabaret commemorates the 80th anniversary of the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and is a benefit for Scottish CND. 'Lynda will blow your mind!' (Kip Thorne, Nobel Prize-winning physicist). 'Williams puts the fizz in physics' (People Magazine).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dark Comedy, Live Music

Bluffstone is Starvin'

String Cheese Theatre brings you to the dust-choked town of Bluffstone, where farmers are grappling with a famine that plagues their settlement. Amidst the hardship, farmhand Isaiah hopes to win the hand of Clarence’s daughter, Dolly. However, the arrival of two drifters brings new competition and new mouths to feed… Follow these cowboys Noah and Durlin through the west, all brought to life by our live saloon band and original score. A black tragicomedy full of love, betrayal, and a bad pantomime horse costume.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Classical

Get Thee to a Nursery

Get thee to a… nursery? In this original comedy, a gang of four-year-olds are cursed by the spirit of Shakespeare for shredding his beloved Folio. Formerly inarticulate and screen addicted, the feral children awaken to find themselves fluent in the Bard’s language and conceiving character thoughts not their own. As the nursery politics magically weave through various Shakespearean subplots, the children bicker, fight and age through the Bard’s world and words. Debuting to rave reviews at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this imaginarium returns in 2025 performed by young adults channeling their inner infant.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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LGBTQ+, Absurdist

A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First

Boyhood is all about spit-shakes, rope swings, and playing soldiers, but only the good guys of course. Whether it’s stories around the campfire, pranks on their superior, or a prayer to their favorite president, these two scouts just want their moms to see the big strong men they’ve become. From three-time consecutive 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fringe First Award-winners Xhloe and Natasha comes an absurdist two-hander about the idealized American childhood and the boys it left behind

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Historical

The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness

How will history remember you? As the person you are or, the person you want to be? It’s 1939, Philomena is on her way from Dublin to London to join the British war effort. But can she live true to the poetry inside her when she is constantly being defined by her role in the war? Philomena McGuinness is a poignant and hilarious one-woman play, infused with poetry and inspired by the true stories of Irish nurses in WWII. 'From captivating to sublime' ***** (TheWeeReview.com). ***** (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Storytelling

A Geography of Rain

This intimate show invites the audience into a multimedia coming-of-age story about my life growing up as a working-class girl in Edinburgh and my powerful connection to Scotland. Through storytelling and poetry, coupled with original artwork and soundscape, this show explores the complexity of family, kith and kin, the ache of leaving home, the grief of being lost and the beauty of being found. Join me for a journey that crosses borders and boundaries, over seas and time, weaving through the depths of pain unraveled and joy rediscovered.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Magic

Mason King - The Mind Spy

Mind reader, mentalist and psychological magician Mason King returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a thrilling, interactive journey into the inner depths of your mind! Could YOU be a Mind Spy?! Step into the world of covert psychic experiments where the audience become the test subjects. Thought transmission, remote viewing and precognition are put to the test in this exciting and immersive experience inspired by the real-life psychic research conducted under Project Stargate in the 1970's. Let the transmission begin... 'Astounding!' ***** (FringeReview.ca). 'Mind Blowing!' **** ½ (TheatreAndArtReviews.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Neurodiversity-led

Baker Street Ladies

Sherlock Holmes is not at home this evening. Neither is his friend and colleague Dr Watson. Mr Holmes is rarely home unless knee-deep in a case (and unavailable anyway) or otherwise desperately waiting for a good one to come along. But on this particular evening, whatever the case, he is elsewhere. Three ladies, all with strong ties to the great detective, one after another, are drawn towards and into 221b Baker Street in the hope of finding him at home.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, Music

Frankie Mack Showman - The Next Stage: From Leith to...

From Leith to Las Vegas, Frankie Mack’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Inspired by legends like Dean Martin, Elvis, Freddie Starr and Robbie Williams, his high-energy show blends swing, rock'n'roll and modern classics to make every audience member feel part of the experience. More than just a performance, this is a night of powerful vocals, laughter and pure entertainment. A previous sell-out sensation – this is your chance to witness the next stage. Don’t miss it!

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Immersive, Character Comedy

Jason Thurston's Acting MasterClass with Jason Thurston

Join PROFESSIONAL actor Jason Thurston for a lesson in learning the act of acting. Jason's had a fabulous career in short film classics, Death Strikes Us All, F*ckless, and Mothers for Justice, and even in the feature films, Massacre 700 and Little Joe starring Ben Whishaw. Now he wants to impart his wisdom onto you (yes, YOU!), through the medium of trailblazing anecdotes, powerful acting exercises, and some good old-fashioned talking at people. He doesn't need validation, but he would like it, so please join him. Special guests also join Jason Thurston. Bonanza.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Storytelling, Pop

Scots of the Pops

Join us for Scots o' the Pops – a lively, interactive music show that celebrates the best of Scottish pop! Sing along to your favourite hits from iconic Scottish singers and bands, as we pack in as many chart toppers as possible. This engaging experience invites everyone to participate, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and joy. Whether you're a fan of classic favourites or contemporary sensations, there’s something for everyone. Bring your friends and family for a night of unforgettable music, fun and camaraderie. Don’t miss out on this musical celebration of Scotland’s finest!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Thriller, Dark Comedy

Three Can Keep a Secret

Top of the Hollywood Fringe 2024 nominee! It was supposed to be an easy score. Whack the mark. Stage the scene. Take the money. Retire to Cabo. At least, that’s how they planned it. But for poor Moose and Sonny, a really bad night is only just beginning. This darkly funny and twisted interactive crime thriller allows you, the audience, to choose how the story proceeds, while the anti-hero protagonists attempt to get away with murder. Literally. With multiple decision points throughout, and three different possible endings, no two performances will be the same!

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Family-friendly

Captain Narwhal’s Pirates vs French Dinosaurs

Captain Narwhal's happy band are at it again, stealing treasure from the local town. Only this time, they’ve taken more than they bargained for... Join them in their quest to right their wrongs whilst battling Captain Ouioui and his prehistoric crew! Swashbuckling has never been as swashbuckled as this! This new, interactive show from Gatepost Theatre Company is suitable for all ages. All children who join our pirate crew will also take away a piece of pirate treasure to remember the adventure forever.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Puppetry, Theatre

Here Comes Gudong

Here Comes Gudong! Where mystery roars and legends soar! This summer, unleash curiosity in a whirlwind adventure where myths collide and laughter rules! When a thunderous Gudong rattles the jungle, join Explorer Monkey and her quirky crew to crack the code. Is it Jingwei’s ancient cry, Nordic trolls’ burps or clock factories exploding? Dive into a sensory symphony of puppetry and live-camera wizardry, weaving east Asian folklore with western fables. Bursting with heart, humor and hands-on magic, this interactive quest turns families into myth-busters. Don’t just watch... sleuth, solve and soar. Curiosity is calling – Gudong!

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Musical Comedy, Theatre

Much Ado About Pirates

Gilbert and Sullivan meets Shakespeare in this song/dance/play mash-up, developed and performed by multiple National School Theatre Award winners. This time it is Jonathan who is leaving the Pirate King to become a Shakespearean actor. 'Parting is such sweet sorrow – here today, gone tomorrow'. What would Queen Victoria say? Our aim is that somebody's amused, even if it's not Her Majesty. Our previous productions include: Les Miserables, 'Tear-jerking... extraordinary teamwork' [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (BroadwayBaby.com), Sweeney Todd 'Highly talented boys' [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (BroadwayBaby.com), Waiting for OFSTED 'Serious, witty' [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (ScotsGay.co.uk), 14-18 Cyrano 'Stylish, original' [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (BroadwayBaby.com).

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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True-life, Drama

Find Me by Olwen Wymark

The powerful true story of Verity, a teenage girl institutionalised after a mental health crisis and later sent to Broadmoor, where she could only be released with permission from the Home Secretary. This gripping play explores the complexities of mental illness, the struggle for identity, and the devastating impact on both Verity and those around her. Find Me confronts society’s treatment of mental health, exposing the isolation, misunderstanding and failures of the system. A deeply moving and thought-provoking production; a true story that packs a punch.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Contemporary

Life Cycle of a Star

When they were four years old, Anna and Lily promised to be best friends for life, to sit side by side next to each other in their wheelchairs in the nursing home. But can a childhood promise survive the forces of time and space? Life Cycle of a Star presents the friendship of Anna and Lily 'against the life of the stars,' taking us on a journey through time, from prom to the nursing home, on cross-country and intergalactic space expeditions. Life Cycle of a Star asks: can you really promise someone a lifetime?

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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New Writing, Classical

Daphne

Daphne, the muse of Apollo, Ovid, Lorenzo Bernini ... of us. As Bernini begins to craft his tribute to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, he becomes enchanted by one of his subjects. He places himself within the chase as his desire for Daphne takes over. But what does Daphne desire? Does she want to be pursued? Does she want to be silenced? The play offers an alternative outcome to the myth. Watch as she steps out of the narrative that silenced her, and reclaims her own story.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Dark Comedy

Merrily Merrily Merrily

In Merrily Merrily Merrily, three friends gather for a boozy night of laughter and existential debates, unraveling the mysteries of love, the universe, God, and the proper way to eat a chocolate soufflé. But beneath the drunken chaos, one of them harbours a sinister agenda. As the night spirals into absurdity and revelation, the boundaries between humour and horror blur, exposing the fragile beliefs that keep us tethered to hope. Darkly funny and unnervingly sharp, this play is a wicked exploration of love, faith, and the hope we cling to when the soufflé collapses.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Blues, Food and Drink

2 Guys, 3 Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience

2022, 2023, and 2024 Fringe sell-out show. Join duo The Rhythm and Booze Project as they play some stomping blues music and serve you three superb Scotch whiskies. In a whirlwind 65 minutes, get ready to learn how to sound clever about whisky, appreciate top-quality drams, and enjoy some raucous tunes. 'A truly brilliant show' (EdinburghLive.co.uk). 'If you like blues and you like whisky then you’ve got to see this show' **** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'This provided the most euphoric experience I have ever had at the Fringe' ***** (MumbleMusic.uk).

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Revue

The Physician of Oz

The Malignant Humours are back at the Fringe, and this year, we’re off to see the wizard! The Physician of Oz is the medical comedy sketch show sure to leave you in stitches – no magic required. With 12 sell-out shows behind us, you won’t want to miss out before tickets vanish! Our cast of healthcare students are certified in emergency laughter procedures, so follow the yellow brick road to Surgeons’ Hall for 45 minutes of award-winning comedy. Wickedly funny and magically absurd – you won’t need a brain, heart or courage to enjoy!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Drama

Fun at Parties

Berlin Open Theatre presents Fun at Parties: an electrifying new play set in the underbelly of Berlin’s legendary club scene. While local partygoers seek hedonism, freedom, and true euphoria, organisers must battle to keep the dream alive for future generations. With a diverse, Berlin-based cast, Fun at Parties is a must-see for party lovers, culture seekers, and anyone who’s ever longed to dance till dawn in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Children's show, Musical theatre

Disney's Finding Nemo Jr

Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts presents Disney's Finding Nemo Jr – a musical adaptation of the 2003 Pixar movie. With new music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, lives with his kid Nemo who longs to explore the world beyond their home. Featuring memorable songs such as Just Keep Swimming and Go with the Flow, this show will delight audiences young and old. The book is adapted by Lindsay Anderson with musical arrangements by Myrna Conn. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Variety

Follies! A Showcase of Bits and Bobs

Comedy! Music! Fractured classics! Drama! And more! Do you like to be surprised? Is variety what you crave? We have just the ticket for you. The Flying Solo! Follies features short excerpts and vignettes performed by Fringe artists and companies from across the States showcasing new work, current Fringe shows and maybe even gems from their repertoire. Be adventurous and join us for 60 minutes of fun, laughter, tears and amazement. Two performances only; completely different line-up of performers for each show.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Neurodiversity-led, Musical theatre

I'm Autistic - A New Musical

Lauren, Nat and Chloe are young adults. They are going through big changes in their lives. And they are autistic. Lauren is a uni student who discovers she may be autistic when researching for an essay. Nat has been unlucky in love, until he meets the neurotypical Sophie who is everything he wants in a girl. Chloe is struggling with bullying at school, and the strain on her relationship with her best friend Liv, because of Liv’s sudden rise in popularity. We encounter love, loss, friendships, mental health and more in this new musical.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Storytelling, Solo show

The Lost Priest

11 - 23 Aug
The Lost Priest is a deeply personal, one-person show exploring the complexities of growing up Jewish in America. Through poetic monologues, ritual reenactments and moments of raw reflection, the performer grapples with identity within an ethnicity divorced from religion. Blending humour and heartbreak, the play delves into themes of cultural alienation, family legacy and resilience. Intimate childhood memories, historical anecdotes and societal observations intertwine, creating a poignant narrative that captures the universal search for belonging.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Family-friendly, Solo show

Sped Kid

Sped Kid is an award-winning, high-energy, genre-defying one-man show that blends comedy, music and storytelling in a raw and heartfelt performance. It tells the powerful true story of Adam Linn, a twelve-year-old boy going blind in 1984 Boston, a city divided by long-simmering racism, but alive with new music and breakdancing. In this gripping, autobiographical journey, Adam’s failing vision forces him to leave an all-white Catholic school and board a special education short bus to an inner-city public school, where he and his new friends find strength, humour and triumph through their shared love of music and dance.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Historical, Live Music

Piaf and Brel: The Impossible Concert

11 - 16 Aug
Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel: two French musical icons who sang of romance and heartbreak and lived passionate, dramatic lives. But they didn't ever appear onstage together – until now! This impossible concert features internationally acclaimed singer Melanie Gall. With Amsterdam, Milord, La Vie en Rose, and other French classics. Piaf and Brel has been performed in over 12 countries. Chosen to be part of the Fringe Encore series and awarded an off-Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse in New York City. 'Impeccable performance!' ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au) ***** (Winnipeg Free Press). Sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs 2017-2018.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Horror

Robert Louis Stevenson: The Body Snatcher

A chilling tale of greed, guilt and the macabre, The Body Snatcher exposes one of the darkest truths in history – the grisly pursuits of the so-called Resurrection Men. When medical student Fettes is recruited to assist the enigmatic scholar Wolfe Macfarlane, a chilling chain of events is set in motion. To what lengths will they go for the advancement of medical knowledge? This stunning adaptation brings to the stage Stevenson’s masterfully-weaved story of suspense and morality – exploring the dark depths of human ambition and its terrifying consequences.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, New Writing

Cody and Beau: A Wild West Story

11 - 16 Aug
Cody and Beau have two things on their mind: becoming cowboys and… winning spelling bees?! Enthralled by tales of Billy the Kid and Butch Cassidy, the two plan to escape and fulfill their outlawing destiny. But when the boys find themselves against the hostile backdrop of 1889 Texas, the imagined starts to become all a bit too real. From the Edinburgh-based creative team of Dylan and Will comes a vibrant, immersive coming-of-age tale, inspired by the lasting legacy of the Wild West.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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A Covert Affair

Set in Budapest at the heart of the Cold War, two operatives have been tasked with a mission of seduction and espionage to swap state secrets. The two are monitored by their Wires, older agents who attempt to instill professionalism and discipline in their protégées. However, through several dates on their companies' cards, the two end up falling for each other and inadvertently give up every sensitive piece of intel they possess. Pursued by their organisations, the two must navigate a tricky tightrope of half truths and hope.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Drama

After Juliet

Romeo and Juliet are dead. Peace has been ordered, but a tense truce holds between the Capulets and Montagues after the death of Romeo and Juliet. After bitterly blaming her cousin Juliet for her love Romeo’s death, Rosaline is bent on revenge. Torn between being voted the Capulet’s new Prince of Cats and giving into the grief and jealousy that torments her mind, this thrilling sequel shows the consequences of Romeo and Juliet’s actions. A stirring tale of love, violence and new beginnings. The order may be for peace, but the Capulets and Montagues are far from it.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Musical Comedy, Musical theatre

Nearlyweds the Musical

Nearlyweds is a brand-new musical comedy that will have you laughing, crying and singing along! We follow Lily, a people-pleasing Scottish bride as she runs away from her wedding, and Jake, an arrogant, jilted groom whose life isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Along the way they meet an array of vibrant characters each with weird quirks and have hilarious scenarios to overcome. Will Lily learn to stand up for herself and will Jake finally stop the awful puns? This relatable musical comedy by Jasmine Alice has extremely loveable characters and way too many puns!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Musical Comedy, Solo show

The Car Showroom Poet

Experience unforgettable, high–energy acts in this original, real–life story of exceptional talent emerging from car showrooms. The world’s first car-dealership poet delivers a one–of–a–kind automotive solo performance featuring song parodies, poetry, monologues and comedy. A celebration of car upmanship and musical theatre. Headlining is Supercali–Lotus, arguably the best parody in 60 years of iconic musical hits, alongside acts inspired by popular comedy culture, including the uniquely performed, Gloria Gaynor–inspired parody I Will Drive.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, True-life

A Yank in Scotland

The Highlands of Scotland – filled with misty moors and glens, rolling fields of heather and ghosts from Scottish history. They invite mystical ruminations, kindle existential questions, and spark the imagination to soar higher into uncharted territory. At any moment an ordinary situation can be transformed into an extraordinary one. Join Paul O'Brien and Bonnie Prince Charlie in the telling of one man's story of loss and discovery as he searches for mystery, meaning, and a lost wallet in the Highlands.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Political

UNCLE TOM'S WAR: Haiti and the Whipping Machine

The story of the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) in the context of the American and French Revolutions and the war against slavery. Fiery-hot poetry from a London, UK and BBC slam champion, David Lee Morgan. For previous shows: 'I am awed by Morgan's passion, his humorous, yet enraged, intellectual appraisal… An energetic, clever, passionate survey of human life' ***** (Time Out). 'One of those rare, passionate performances... bristling with energy and interesting ideas… a bracing crash course in how to read history… with a f*cking blowtorch' **** (Scotsman).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Film, In Conversation

Been There, Done That, Got the Symptoms!

Parky Players founded in 2020, first performing at the Edinburgh Fringe 2022. Since then, they’ve won the 2023 World Parkinson’s Congress song competition, performing their song in Barcelona to 2000 people. In 2024 they wrote, performed and toured a new comedy sketch show, Shaken Not Stirred, culminating in six days at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024. This is a chance to hear their inspirational story through an introduction by Parky Player co-founder Janet Shipton, followed by a screening of the documentary by award-winning filmmaker Dave MacFarlane, and finally a Q&A session with cast members.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Revue, Musical theatre

The American Dream - A Musical Journey Across the USA

Take an unforgettable journey through the heart of American musical theatre. The American Dream is a spectacular revue that celebrates the best of twentieth-century Broadway from its golden age to the present. Experience showstopping numbers that reflect social change, global influence and the evolution of the American stage. With powerful vocals and timeless classics, this dynamic production brings the magic of Broadway to the Fringe. Whether a lifelong theatre fan or new to musicals, prepare to be inspired by the passion and timeless storytelling of Broadway’s greatest hits!

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Theatre

Drama Girls

Ever wondered what turns your favourite stars into household names? The exact conditions that formed their rise to the top? Take a peek into the outrageously elite world of prestigious drama training, where talent is polished, egos are inflated and bank accounts drained. Equal parts sharp satire and painful realisations, Drama Girls invites you to laugh, cry and cheer for three women chasing dreams in a world that promises everything, but guarantees nothing.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Contemporary, Physical theatre

Evelyn

The show was born from the necessity to translate onto the stage human frailty in the face of imposed patterns. It also takes us toward the rediscovery of nature (the deepest human one). Evelyn, the protagonist, finds herself living in an extreme situation, locked inside a cramped space, manipulated and bombarded by a constant and pressing presence of messages and information. She cannot be herself – she is alone and induced, transformed to the point of being comic and funny, but also tragic at times. An ironically dramatic journey through a daily life, punctuated by fake rituals.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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A Cappella

Full Score Barbershop Choir Presents: You'd Boater Believe It!

You’d boater believe it because Full Score are bringing barbershop back to the Edinburgh Fringe for a 5th year following last year’s five-star rated, sold-out show! You’d Boater Believe It! promises to be an afternoon of classy quartets and outstanding full chorus numbers. Packed full of musical theatre, jazz, pop and Disney like you’ve never heard them before, there is bound to be something for everybody. Look out for their boaters and braces because you don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind show!

Location theSpaceTriplex

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LGBTQ+, New Writing

Someone Has Got to Be John

Speakbeast are doing a tribute act – and we think we’re doing a pretty convincing job. Paul is telling everyone how to stand. George keeps quitting and coming back. And nobody knows what Ringo’s on about. And if you really squint, we almost look like the real thing. But something is missing. And he keeps trying to get in. From Binge Fringe Queer Performer's Award winners Speakbeast, SHGTBJ is a fever dream we've been having about transmedicalism. About breakups. About separating reality from realness. And about separating The Beatles from John.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Storytelling, Jazz

Roving Mad: America and back in the 1960's

Jazz cabaret written and performed by Malcolm Windsor tells, in songs and stories, of his adventures in America in the 1960's. He is accompanied by two fine musicians Jeremy Thorp (piano) and Nick Gent (guitar) with songs of the era by Sinatra, Ella, Nat King Cole. Who knew that starting work at sixteen in the lab of a chocolate factory would lead to a scientific job in California, thanks to Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, and an international diplomatic post in Edinburgh? A fascinating, entertaining story told with lovely songs, fun and joy.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Artist(s) of Colour, Storytelling

Is This Normal?

Following its four-star debut at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, award-winning storyteller Ansa Edim returns with Is This Normal? A shockingly true, uncomfortably cringe storytelling show drawn from her real-life dating disasters, heartbreaks, and hard-won lessons. With humour and vulnerability, Is This Normal? unpacks the highs and lows of love, societal expectations, and the messy path to self-acceptance. Is This Normal? is a compelling, unforgettable journey of embracing power, breaking free from norms and finding joy in a beautifully imperfect story.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Thriller

Abhorrent Little Scrotum

Following acclaimed productions Blush of Dogs and Hell Yes I’m Tough Enough which took London by storm, Fragen Network returns to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time since their five-star 2016 show, 5 Out of 10 Men. Abhorrent Little Scrotum is a bold, high-energy dive into the subconscious, where computer hacking meets brain hacking. This electrifying, physical theatre piece follows one woman’s mission to rescue her friend from the depths of her own mind. Sharp, seductive and unrelenting, it’s a psychological thrill ride infused with wit, movement and raw theatricality. A must see.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Historical

Gladiatrix

In 200 AD, Emperor Septimius Severus decreed that women could no longer compete in the Gladiator Games. What happens when an empire mandates how women use their bodies? Gladiatrix brings this untold story to life through passionate vocals and gripping stage combat. Inspired by true events, this electrifying production explores the strength, sacrifice and resilience of the women left behind. Her story, lost in history.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Comedy, Classical

On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco

World-famous Russian playwright Anton Chekhov is best known for his major works including: Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and The Seagull. However before writing these, he was responsible for highly-acclaimed short comedies called vaudevilles. These explored the human condition including the beauty, heartbreak and loneliness people experience. On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco embodies all of these themes. Ivan Ivanovich Nyukhin is told by his wife to deliver a lecture on the dangers of smoking to one's health but digresses somewhat and begins laying bare his unhappiness and his failed dreams. A short comic masterpiece.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Stand-up, Alternative Comedy

Clever Comedy Chicago

A one-of-a-kind alternative comedy showcase straight from the Windy City itself. Join us in getting unhinged at Fringe for a show featuring some of the weirdest and most hilarious comedians from Chicago's indie comedy scene, that have been delighting audiences in clubs, back rooms of bars, improv theatres and elevated train cars for years. Clever Comedy features expertly crafted jokes, zany characters, musical guests and more. At Clever Comedy we embrace weird, because people are strange.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Theatre, Cabaret

Paris in a Jazz Age: The Memoirs of Eloise Defleur

Musical memories from a Parisian cafe. A journey through the vibrant swing scene of the 20s, 30s and 40s. Relive the songs, clubs and atmosphere of Paris in the Jazz Age, told by Eloise DeFleur, (Airlie Scott) and her talented band as she sifts through the music, her love story and tales of her Parisian life. A hot jazz blend of gypsy jazz, early swing, French chanson, blues and American songbook classics popular in Paris from the roaring twenties through occupation to liberation at the end of WWII.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Clown, Farce

A Most Pressing Issue

A dark satirical comedy that follows four prison workers battling a fire with anything but water. As characters wrestle with existential crises, heartbreak and bureaucracy, an inevitable doom draws ever nearer, forcing this band of misfits to confront their long-forgotten responsibilities. Prepare for full speed, uninterrupted chaos from start to finish as Gaulier-trained clowns and sharp-edged comedians deliver a relentlessly funny tale of love, loss, fear and arrogance. This exciting piece of new writing is eager to push boundaries, electrify audiences and most importantly, make you laugh out loud.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Interactive

Iago Speaks

At first glance, Iago Speaks appears to follow the events immediately after Shakespeare's Othello. But this meta-theatrical, comedic romp quickly turns, introducing us to Iago’s hapless jailer, always landing in Shakespeare plays, but with no lines. His quest, as he languishes by Iago’s dungeon cell, is to discover the true purpose for his life, and – ultimately – theatre. A classic comedy duo, Iago and his jailer descend into a mad adventure, its ultimate purpose only revealed at the end. The play is boundless, ridiculous and constantly winking at the audience and yet, manages to make us think.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Comedy

A Midsummer Night's Dream

It is what it is, the course of true love never did run smooth... In this summer’s Athenian villa, a bombshell has been dropped: the public have voted to split up the hottest couple in the game. Behind the scenes there’s dissent amongst the crew with the presenters’ stormy relationship on the rocks and the producers picking sides. Into this firepit of feelings and factions, the producers break their boundaries and introduce their own brand of magic that will see more sparks fly than your typical return from Casa Amor.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Comedy, True-life

Wet Dream With Jesus

Louisiana – home of Mardi Gras, Southern hospitality, and purity culture. This autobiographical comedy explores Alice’s teenage upbringing in the thick of America’s Bible Belt. Discover her LGBTQ+ identity and experience the South beyond its cowboy boots! Hold your beers tight as Alice plays over 20 characters with more flavour than a boilin' pot of gumbo. Expect chameleon-like storytelling as Alice recounts a series of events so shocking you won’t believe they’re real! Don’t be shy now – how much can happen to one queer high schooler swimming through a flood of Southern gossip?

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Jazz, Food and Drink

1 Gig, 2 Drams: Nicole Cassandra Smit

The team behind hit show 2 Guys, 3 Drams presents a special series of intimate gigs featuring superb Edinburgh singer-songwriter Nicole Cassandra Smit. Having made her name in the Scottish jazz and blues scene over the last decade – performing sell-out shows and touring with outfits including The Blueswater, Nicole & The Backup Crew, Smitten, and The Travelling Tent Show with Tenement Jazz Band – she'll present her songs alongside two delicious whiskies. 'Smit oozes soul and endless character' (Skinny). 'Expect Nicole Cassandra Smit to go far' (Scotsman).

Location theSpaceTriplex

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New Writing, Drama

Time Bends

More than twenty years ago, literature student David met an older man called Michael in the bar of an independent cinema. They spoke for an hour, developed a genuine connection, and never met again. Twenty years later, sitting in the same cinema with his wife, David sees a man that looks very familiar. In that moment, David goes back to the afternoon he could never forget.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Storytelling, Horror

Charles Dickens: The Hanged Man's Bride

'She comes towards me on the floor; always approaching; never coming nearer; always visible as if by moonlight whether the moon shines or not.' A writer struggling to reignite his creative vision. A real-life crime. And a visit to a supposedly haunted inn. As darkness descends, a ghostly tale is played out. But what is real and what is not? A tale of passion, deceit and the ethereal dance between the realms of life and death as the Hanged Man's Bride beckons from the shadows of the past.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Drama

Pandora's Bowl

Inspired by Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, this is a play about a woman's survival and a bowl called Pandora. Told through recaptured memories of childhood, and the experience of motherhood, as a daughter, mother and grandmother, our story will resonate with people of all ages as they sit and remember their own special memories. After all, everyone has their own washing up bowl... don't they? Starring Niki Mylonas (The Seagull, Othello) and written and directed by Wendy Reynolds (An Evening with Sir Thomas More, Survivors).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Traditional, World music

The Gael

Step into a world of vibrant sound as Celtic violinist Elsa presents her latest stage show, The Gael. This dynamic performance showcases the anthems of Scotland and Ireland like never before, blending traditional music of the Gaels with a contemporary twist. Armed with her electric violin, Elsa captivates audiences by infusing each beloved melody with modern effects and an electrifying energy. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Scotland through a fresh lens, designed to engage both traditionalists and new fans alike. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music that promises to leave you inspired and exhilarated!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Dark Comedy

Wish You Were Here

Set in a small town in Fife, Wish You Were Here follows a trio of working-class young men who are brought together for the first time in three years. Once a tightly-knit found family, time and circumstance has pulled the men apart. On the night of an engagement party, secrets are revealed and relationships are pushed to the brink. Will the group make it through this or have they been torn apart for good? This dark comedy explores themes of mental health, drug culture and homophobia in working-class areas in Scotland.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Dark Comedy

The Colour Red

Michael is a man who has decided that the best thing to do is to end his life. He feels this because of how destructive his OCD has been for him and his family. However, we get introduced to how Michael really feels, as he takes the audience through all the crazy ups and downs that come along with having 'severe and enduring' OCD! He'll take you on the journey from getting his OCD to spending four months in hospital getting peer-pressured by his therapist to have a wank! Join him for the decision.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Science and Technology, Theatre

James Arthur Isn't a Mathematician and Other Lies

The life of a mathematician is one that most people outside of the sphere don't understand. The mathematician is a shy reclusive animal, so says Joe Public. Imagine my shock when I realised I was one after walking off stage as Othello. Welcome to the life of a mathematician who isn't a recluse, has social skills and apparently likes being on stage. Come join me and work out how on earth this happened and maybe I'll tell some stories of other people just like me.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Immersive, Exhibition

Tethered

Rose and Taylor narrate their sensations and memories in an attempt to come to terms with their relationship to one another, their past and the world at large. Set in a future dystopia where genetic predispositions to chronic illness have been triggered by a worldwide technological phenomenon, this immersive installation fuses emerging technologies and dance theatre to question the importance of personal care and connection in a world of increasing isolation. We invite you to experience this new world as they do, embody and play with the boundaries of separation in performance.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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A Cappella, Musical theatre

100 Years of Musicals!

The UK's No1 Show Choir returns to the Fringe following their 2024 sell-out run, with an all-new show! Join us on another joyous journey through the rich history of musical theatre, in a fun-packed a cappella show for all the family. Starting in the raucous days of the music hall, you'll hear much-loved songs from genre-defining composers including: Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein – right through to big, modern day West End sensations like Kinky Boots and Miss Saigon. Join us for a glorious celebration of the very best of musical magic!

Location theSpaceTriplex

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New Writing, Thriller

113

49 and 64 are in the room. They cannot see each other but they can talk and pass notes. All they have is questions, wedding veils and dog tags. Who are they? Where are they? What is going on? And why? And who is J Doe? And why are they watching them? 113 focuses in on the ideas of identity and memory. It asks if memory is what makes our identity, and if we were able to see ourselves objectively, could we change?

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Dance

pAges

We’re back with a brand-new show, after the dazzling run of our 2024 show that earned four stars and Pick of the Fringe from Mervyn Stutter! Journal entries come to life through the company’s unique, dynamic fusion of tap, ballet, and contemporary choreography, enhanced by spoken word, props and puppetry. pAges tells the story of what happens when you dare to pursue the life of your dreams in a world that demands conformity. Depicting a lifelong journey from childhood awe to heartbreak, resilience and the quest for self-discovery, pAges is powerful, heartfelt theatre for those who dare to dream!

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Experimental, Tragedy

Hamlet

Tortured by his own conscience, the young prince of Denmark must overcome the betrayal of those closest to him and take revenge for his father's murder. A vibrant young cast of 10 actors presents a stripped-back telling of Shakespeare's profound tragedy, making innovative use of chorus to create Hamlet's world in this high-energy and haunting production. Raiser Theatre returns to the Fringe following their previous sell-out successes of The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth and Love's Labours' Lost.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Storytelling, Drama

Once Upon a Bridge

A tale for a modern age: early one morning on Putney Bridge, three strangers' lives collided for one fleeting second. Inspired by real events, Once Upon a Bridge weaves a tale about human triumph and frailty, about the power of destiny and chance, and why sometimes we choose to hate and other times, we choose to dance. Sonya Kelly's critically acclaimed play was premiered in The Mick Lally Theatre, Galway in February 2021. This adaptation from the Lace Market Theatre was met with critical and public acclaim following a UK tour.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Poetry

What Are You Laughing At?

Jump on board and let me take you down that bumpy road that we call life. Let's face it – life is pretty funny! We'll stop off on the way to enjoy I Found God Behind the Sofa, I Didn't Know I Was a Stalker, F**k You Death, Take it Off, Funeral Songs, Sex is Funny, Man-Oh-Pause, Elon's Been a Naughty Boy to name but a few. Life is all about perspective isn't it? And this is mine, in a rhyme – so hold on tight!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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A Night at the Musicals

Exeter Spotlights presents A Night at the Musicals. Exeter University’s only performance choir are returning to the Edinburgh Fringe for another musical extravaganza filled with beautiful harmonies, captivating dance and a brilliant live band! Prepare yourself for an action-filled spectacle featuring musical hits from your favourite shows whilst displaying themes of love, community and independence. This musical theatre showcase will provide a night full of energy, humour, fun and blossoming young talent. This is a performance you will not want to miss!

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Drama

Forget-Me-Nots

Two young people fall for each other with a strange sense of déjà vu in a story of love, loss and intimacy. Exploring the beautiful power of imagination, Isla Hall's poignant new play challenges perceptions of love and relationships and examines the fragile and complex nature of human connection. Forget-Me-Nots was originally written for the National Theatre's New Views competition and premieres at the Fringe 2025.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Storytelling

As We Face the Sun

As We Face the Sun is a moving and uplifting exploration of friendship and the passage of time. The story follows a group of West London classmates who, after the tragic loss of a friend, hold an annual party in her honour. As they transition from teenagers into adulthood, the gatherings become a reflection of shared memories and growth. Bought to life by talented West London drama students, the narrative reminds us of why we hold onto things and how we might start to let go.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Contemporary

Why Won't They Eat the Cake?

A messy kitchen, an uneaten cake, a shoe in the bath and two… friends? Why Won’t They Eat the Cake? is a raw exploration of the insecurities that shape our relationships. Written and performed by Evelina Rudasa and Keturah Peirson, this two-person play delves into self-discovery, identity and what it means to grow up. Because no matter how much you grow up, you can never really leave the past behind. Two girls. One cake. No party.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Sketch Show, Alternative Comedy

A Bad Taste Show

Feast yourselves on an irreverent meal of a comedy sketch show. Skip the appetisers, go straight to the main course. As smooth an experience as eating a Michelin award-winning dinner from a bin in a back alley. If you want taste, style, fancy ingredients, subtle flavours... go somewhere else. Sometimes dark, sometimes silly, the show is guaranteed to tickle the wishbone. These are laughs that your mother would be ashamed of. It’s bad, but it’s so good. Offers 'belly laughs and… memorable characterisation' (SouthernArtsReviews.co.uk). Come on!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Stand-up

Congratulations, Good for You - Cantonese Stand-Up Comedy

Join Tim for his new Cantonese stand-up comedy show, Congratulations, Good for You. In this performance, he humorously navigates life as a Hong Konger preparing to become a husband. With relatable anecdotes and witty observations, Tim shares the joys and challenges of this exciting transition, highlighting the funny moments that arise along the way. Expect an evening filled with laughter as he invites the audience to connect with his journey in a light-hearted and entertaining way. Don’t miss this chance for an unforgettable night of comedy!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, New Writing

The C Word

Back by popular demand! The C Word is a radical awakening to the extreme objectification, competition, and overall nonsense women face today. This play explores the hypothesis: All women Hate themselves with a capital H. Trapped in a museum while waiting to interview for an Associate Curator position, five young women must select a tribute to fight a terrifying C-word monster. In a reality where women are constantly pitted against each other, what must we learn about ourselves to truly know and love one another?

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Comedy, Solo show

Hairy B*stard

Meet Magenta. This 20-something icon is confident, creative and incredibly hairy – particularly on her face. Tonight she's going on a date – perhaps he'll be the love of her life! Or perhaps he'll just stare at her moustache. Either way, its time to pop a pill (birth control), wax ya eyebrows and throw on a primarni dress, because tonight – this hairy bastard is hitting the town! This semi-autobiographical play is based around the writer's experience with hirsutism and PCOS. Full of lots of interactive, challenging and comedic moments – this one woman show is hair-raising!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Horror

The Hammer and Helena

The true story of the most evil book ever written and its horrifying legacy. Innsbruck, 1485. A witch trial sees Helena become the obsession of a religious zealot. The consequences would doom women for centuries. Now Helena confronts her accuser one final time with her soul on the line and the kindling still lit. ArtsGroupie blends its acclaimed portrayal of historical events with contemporary drama and a frightening narrative worthy of their annual sell-out performances of Ghost Stories by Candlelight, featured in the New York Times.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Drama

Date, Desire, Divorce

Diana Stewart and Damian Corcoran perform as different older couples in four romantic tragi-comedies by Edinburgh writer Malcolm Windsor. Anne and John are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary, but somehow the taxi driver and the waiter are involved. Carol and Steve meet online and date for the first time but are they compatible? Sue and Dave discuss what they might want to improve their marriage, but do they have the same ideas? Sylvia, the moustache stalker, tracks down Martin 40 years later, but is it too late? Fun, games, tragedy. Life itself!

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Stand-up, Solo show

Henry Churniavsky... Life Lessons from a Jewish Grandfather (Zaida)

Henry has brought up twins (with his wife of course!) and now Henry is bringing his learnt life lessons to the next generation… his grandson. His parenting skills are still valid despite him getting older. His daughter may think differently as she has her own ideas of bringing up his grandson. He won’t be silenced. Listen to his top tips for life, learn how as a sexagenarian he deals with eating out at restaurants, the world of social media, his daughter's pregnancy and his medical procedures.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Science and Technology, Storytelling

Science Stories for Grown-Ups

Science communication that engages the heart and the mind. Two scientists turned performers, Giulia and Richard, share their passion for the fun, wild ideas hiding in science’s back catalogue. From fire to water, thermodynamics to the Twin Paradox, five stories will materialise to kickstart scientific wonder. Our stories anthropomorphise the scientific world, giving atoms personalities to explain their behaviour, adding emotions to chemical reactions and inserting the idiosyncrasies of science into the day-to-day. Full book of stories available to buy at the end of the show. We will reawaken the curiosity that your science teacher crushed.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Tragedy

Derby Day

A murder in a small Fife town has shaken the community to its core. A lifelong friend is gone, the investigation drags on, but does someone know more than they are telling? On the day of the Edinburgh Derby, secrets are revealed, the scars of the past burn anew and relationships are pushed to the breaking point. Derby Day, a new writing drama from Without Compromise Theatre, addresses the damage caused by sexual abuse and the consequences of unbroken cycles of violence in communities throughout Scotland.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Adaptation, Experimental

Hunger

Fragen Network, acclaimed for producing fun, heartfelt, uncompromising theatre, presents a bold and hilarious new adaptation of Knut Hamsun’s Hunger, reimagined as an experimental, immersive theatrical experience. This innovative production brings a world-renowned novel’s psychological intensity to life, following a struggling writer as he battles starvation, isolation and the self-sabotaging habits of his own mind. Blending comedy, movement, sound and striking visuals, Hunger offers a fresh perspective on one of modern literature’s most haunting works. Thought-provoking, visceral and deeply human, this is a must-see for audiences looking for daring and original theatre.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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LGBTQ+, Musical theatre

Stick Together

Trapped in a school locker room during a zombie invasion, three misfit field hockey players face a chaotic, unforgettable night of dark humour, secrets, unlikely friendships and romances. Forced to confront personal demons and an impending undead threat, they discover that survival isn’t just about dodging zombies – it’s about trusting each other and forging bonds through adversity. With hilarious banter, heartfelt musical numbers and unexpected twists, this coming-of-age musical challenges them to redefine what it means to be brave. Will their newfound unity be enough to overcome the night’s madness and change their futures forever?

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Burlesque, Ballet

Bella's Ballerinas

A daring fusion of classical ballet and modern sensuality, Bella’s Ballerinas presents a captivating performance blending heels technique, burlesque and breathtaking choreography. An unforgettable celebration of empowerment, passion and artistic freedom.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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New Writing, Dark Comedy

Chickens

Chickens is a sharp comedy-drama that explores the chaos of love, life and obsession. Set in a cozy Edinburgh flat, the story follows Jay, an eccentric British enthusiast, and Weronika, his pragmatic partner, as they grapple with clashing priorities and cultural differences. From egg-centric lectures to impulsive chicken coop projects, their relationship begins to crack under the weight of unbalanced expectations. With humour, tenderness and unflinching honesty, Chickens unravels the delicate fabric of love and asks: can unilateral decisions ever be justified by good intentions and the pursuit of happiness? Where is the line between care and control?

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Fantasy, Horror

Ghost Stories By Candlelight

The flickering flames wake spectral shadows of the past. Is the mind playing tricks or do these shapes come with a sinister purpose? It’s almost the witching hour, dare to come into the candlelight. The late-night sensation that revived a time-honoured tradition, according to the New York Times. ArtsGroupie blends classic frights for modern nights. Following three years of sold-out performances in the North West of England, don’t miss this spine chilling spectacle.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Theatre, Drag

Mr P From HR

Mr P from HR is an interactive drag-king performance, taking audiences down “recruitment road” and welcoming them to their new job induction day at luxury department store Gayrods (pronounced 'Gah-rods', not 'Gay-rods'... that would be absurd). Mr P has written songs, quizzes and NDAs for the amazing new sales team who will soon call the store hell... I mean home! But could this all be a ruse to conceal the secrets lying in the tunnels beneath the store's shiny floors? Don't be late and remember to be ready in full Gayrods attire upon arrival!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Theatre, Drag

3 Little Wigs

Three little pigs move to the big city, dreaming of pop stardom. They enter a talent contest run by the sly Big Bad Wolf and hosted by a fabulous presenter. With live vocals, lip-syncing, dance, and comedy, this electrifying show reimagines the classic tale. As the pigs advance through the competition, they revel in the glitz and glamour, unaware of the Wolf’s true intentions. The stakes rise as they discover the chilling truth – they’re destined to be the main course at the Wolf’s annual Feast of Champions. Can they escape before it's too late?

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dark Comedy, Live Music

Damp

The Rock pub has seen better days, more recently, it has seen damp. Tucked away in Lochhaven, a group of misfits find themselves trapped during a storm with no escape. Tensions are high and the walls are talking. They’re stuck. With tales, stories, a strange black slime, songs of spooky ghosts and supernatural goings-on, a fair bit of drinking, some insults for good measure, a spot of Monopoly, the odd jump scare and a sacrificial death. Will this unlikely group of idiots work out the antidote to control... the damp?

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Comedy, Classical

The Bear

As well as being world-famous for classical full-length works like The Seagull, Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard, Anton Chekhov was widely renowned for his short comedic plays known as vaudevilles. Written before he achieved worldwide success, these vaudevilles were short plays with a different style of humour and dialogue than were found in his later works. They explore the human condition, and the beauty, heartbreak and loneliness people experience. When a young widow, mourning the death of her husband, is visited by the irascible Smirnov demanding payment for her husband's debts, things take a surprisingly romantic turn.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Historical, Live Music

Stitch in Time: A Knitting Cabaret

Excitement! Drama! Romance! And... knitting? An award-winning hour of lost wartime knitting songs. Bring your knitting (or crochet) and stitch along to toe-tapping, needle-clicking tunes. Come out and have a "ball"! During the World Wars, millions of women knitted for the soldiers. Mere days after the first bullet was fired, dozens of knitting-themed songs began to appear. After the wars these songs were lost, but this cabaret concert, this music – a clever, sweet and entertaining footnote in history – has been preserved and given a chance to live again. 'Amazing!' (Guardian). ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Family-friendly, Solo show

Sped Kid

Sped Kid is an award-winning, high-energy, genre-defying one-man show that blends comedy, music and storytelling in a raw and heartfelt performance. It tells the powerful true story of Adam Linn, a twelve-year-old boy going blind in 1984 Boston, a city divided by long-simmering racism, but alive with new music and breakdancing. In this gripping, autobiographical journey, Adam’s failing vision forces him to leave an all-white Catholic school and board a special education short bus to an inner-city public school, where he and his new friends find strength, humour and triumph through their shared love of music and dance.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Interactive, Storytelling

Puss in Boots - A Cat's Adventure

After years of adventure, Puss in Boots finds himself alone and lonely, so embarks on an exciting journey back to his past! Along the way, he meets new pals and learns what it means to find friendship again. StoryMakers Theatre creates innovative, interactive and exciting performances for young audiences. Filled with original music, interactive fun and exuberant characters, this show is the purrfect treat for the whole family. 'Wow, what a magical, fun packed show! Loved the songs and hilarious characters. The kids had a blast... storytelling at its best' (Audience review).

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Storytelling, Solo show

The Lost Priest

01 - 09 Aug
The Lost Priest is a deeply personal, one-person show exploring the complexities of growing up Jewish in America. Through poetic monologues, ritual reenactments and moments of raw reflection, the performer grapples with identity within an ethnicity divorced from religion. Blending humour and heartbreak, the play delves into themes of cultural alienation, family legacy and resilience. Intimate childhood memories, historical anecdotes and societal observations intertwine, creating a poignant narrative that captures the universal search for belonging.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Solo show

Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes to a Nightmare

A cri de coeur from author/performer Sandra Laub, wrestling with characters like Golda Meir and a Palestinian mother of martyrs, to make sense of the insane horror of October 7th. Can a progressive Jewish woman reconcile her Zionist heart with her liberal conscience? This tour de force, many-voices solo show, dares to ask for peace while grappling with war, whose antecedents and repercussions continue to shape our world. Hailed as a remarkably balanced and compassionate portrayal, the play respects the facts while standing firmly on personal, humanistic ground.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Musical Comedy, Theatre

PSA: Pelvic Service Announcement

The show that NoHo Arts District calls 'absolutely genius' (NoHoArtsDistrict.com), recipient of Best Musical Comedy Off-Broadway at United Solo in NYC, and SOLOFEST Best of Fest 2024. When a know-it-all NYC comedian seeks help for diffuse midsection issues, she quickly learns how little she knows about her body’s most basic functions – in spite of her OB/GYN father. Veltman shares it all in this raw and ridiculous extravaganza featuring unhinged characters, music, videos, and a medically unsanctioned chart. If you're reading this, you have a pelvic floor; you'll leave this brisk comedy knowing why it matters.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Storytelling

Ah-Ma

Ah-Ma – Fujianese for grandmother. Ten years ago, Ah-ma was diagnosed with dementia, struggling each day to remember the names of her loved ones. 'Ah-ma, if one day you forget everything, please try not to forget love'. Fringe First award (2023) and Hong Kong Young Artist award (2024) winner returns with a hauntingly beautiful new play, weaving together natural and social disasters, bodily deterioration and family sorrow. A lyrical, poignant tale of resilience, faith and humanity. A story of memories slipping away – only to be gently reclaimed.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Historical

Wilde

Tír na nÓg Theatre Company are delighted to present the world premiere of Wilde, a captivating new original musical that brings to life an intimate portrayal of Constance, wife of Oscar Wilde. Through poignant songs and rich storytelling, Wilde reveals a story of courage, loyalty and love, and the resilience of the incredible woman who stood alongside one of literature’s greats. Wilde is a labour of love by a talented ensemble of college students. Their dedication and creativity promise a moving and unforgettable experience for Fringe audiences.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Music, Performance art

Once Upon a Tune

Join a fairytale princess with her sing-a-long show of your favourite animated characters! With enchanting vocals and gorgeous gowns, this new show emulates the magic of the animated movies. Jasmine Alice is a professional singer/actress who has toured internationally with her engaging shows. Sing along to the most acclaimed Disney songs and you’ll discover a world of magic unfold in front of your eyes and ears. This Edinburgh Fringe show is certainly the best way for the whole family to start the day! This creative, dynamic children’s show is not one to miss!!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Drama

Supermarket 86

Supermarket 86 follows five girls who get stuck in a supermarket overnight, all connected in ways they may not yet realise. Before the power goes out, the cashier's ex-girlfriend walks in. Set in 2007 Upstate New York, the show is a character-driven dramedy featuring five complicated, lonely young women pushed to confront their unwanted realities and uncertain futures. Fundamentally, the show is about the desire to connect and how, sometimes, you are forced to find connection in places that initially seem mundane and stagnant.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Children's show, Musical theatre

Disney's Dare to Dream Jr

A revue of Disney hits, following a group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Disney Imagineering Studio. They help each other discover their dreams working together to unite, inspire and believe. Join us for a century of Disney magic in a theatrical celebration of music, creativity, and the dreams that live inside us all.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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LGBTQ+, New Writing

Out of Character

When reality fails to answer desire, the fictional world becomes home. They are the gangsters on screen, forbidden lovers to some, the perfect souls that never existed in reality. The overlooked, East Asian female creators project their emotions onto the imaginary, weaving intimate connections beyond the limits of the real world. When patriarchal narratives attempt to define love, desire and existence, these women reshape them through imagination – not just as passion, but as identity, as a profound connection known as fictosexuality. Fanfiction is not just fantasy, it is love that the world has yet to understand.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Rock, Musical Comedy

All Shook Up

1955. Into a square little American town rides a guitar playin’, motorcycle ridin’ Elvis character who changes everything and everyone in this hip-swivelling musical comedy. Nelson Youth Theatre (New Zealand), who in 2019 'Embodied the true spirit of the Fringe' (London Times), will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with a script that’s packed to the seams with comic one-liners and classic Elvis rock‘n’roll hits like Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear, Hound Dog, Devil in Disguise, Heartbreak Hotel, It’s Now or Never, One Night With You and All Shook Up.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Comedy, Storytelling

Brief Tales

Brief Tales, a memoir in underpants. South African/Australian actress Joanna Weinberg uses female undergarments to tell her intimate stories. Hilarious, moving and enormously skillful, this show was a hit in the boudoirs and salons of Sydney. Being born female gifted her a flasher in a park, periods at the piano, first time sex with a notable British writer, breastfeeding on an Edgar Allen Poe filmset and hot flushes while leaping out of a cake in Borneo. Joanna is a multi-talented international performer who will literally charm the pants off you.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Stand-up

199 Jokes Before Lunchtime: High Whisk

An insect joke? Tick. A tartan joke? Check. Join Danny Matinee (Times and Telegraph's Best Jokes of the Fringe 2024) for at least another 197 one-liners, alongside props, pictures, facts and more. Includes a farmer joke that's corny, and an optician joke that's cornea. Suitable for all ages, especially fans of Masai Graham, Milton Jones and Tim Vine. By the writer/performer of shows at Brighton Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe and Leicester Comedy Festival, and Not So New Comedian of the Year 2024 finalist. 'Fantastic... I utterly recommend this show... loved it' (Audience Review).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Devised

Dance Dance Involution

Three Gen Z Hong Kong actors hustle for stardom – will they shamelessly scam your ticket by just lying flat or will they blow your mind and shine? A daring, hilarious rollercoaster where ambition meets absurdity. Critically-acclaimed director Eugene Ma invites you to a smart, witty play where young people navigate the chaos of hustle and quiet quitting. Watch as these dreamers wrestle with their voices, their pasts and the unpredictable journey ahead. A thrilling blend of sweat, rage, burnout and moments of hope – come along for a wild, unforgettable ride!

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Musical theatre, Theatre

The Caterpillar and the Blackbird

Join us on the happiest musical journey of your life as a restless caterpillar meets a rock’n’roll black bird who will make all of her dreams come true. As the blackbird guides the young caterpillar around the woodland, he introduces her to a variety of creatures, from a nervous fox to an eco-frog, a timid hedgehog, diva cow and a wise old owl, alongside a troupe of playful squirrels. Along the way she will learn important life lessons. But the greatest lesson of all is the value of true friendship.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Children's show, Musical theatre

Disney's Frozen Jr

Aberdeen Academy of Performing Art's production of Disney's Frozen Jr is based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. This show will delight audiences young and old as it brings Elsa, Anna and the magical land of Arendelle to life on stage! Frozen Jr is sure to thaw even the coldest of hearts. This amateur production is presented by Musical Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI (mtishows.co.uk).

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Live Music, Tribute

The Carole King and James Taylor Story

Journey through these two remarkable, intertwined careers. I Feel The Earth Move, Natural Woman, You've Got A Friend and more presented by Will Sharp and Hannah Richards. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has gained them international recognition. This remarkable show links every song with stories that demonstrate the importance of love and friendship in not only Carole and James’ lives but all our lives! You’ll leave with a tear in your eye and a heart full of joy.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Artist(s) of Colour, Music

The Boy from Bantay

From his childhood in the Philippines – a technicolour blur of cartoons and classical music – Jeremy always knew he wanted to be a concert pianist. The Boy from Bantay takes us on his heartwarming journey of growth and self-discovery. This appearance is produced by Bantay Productions with support from Pace University.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Musical theatre

Remember That Time? A Musical

'Superb' (Hot Press, Ireland). Winner of Best Performance: International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. Embark on a retrospective journey with Annmarie, a seasoned musician who leaves her life in LA for love in Barcelona. Trading music for a corporate job, she loses herself, her connection to music, and ultimately, her wife. Reeling from the breakup, Annmarie returns to her native Dublin after 25 years away to start over. With on-screen cameos by Naimee Coleman and comedian Gearoid Farrelly, this inspiring, mixed-media, one-woman musical is a must-see for anyone at a crossroads in life.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Magic

The Telepath and The Conjuror

Step into a world of mystery and wonder with The Telepath and The Conjuror. This extraordinary show blends mind reading, magic and breathtaking illusions in a spellbinding performance that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality. Watch as The Telepath delves into the minds of the audience, revealing thoughts and secrets with uncanny precision, while The Conjuror astounds with impossible magical feats and sleight of hand. Together, they create an unforgettable experience full of amazement, intrigue and edge-of-your-seat excitement. Prepare to be astonished as the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary right before your eyes.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dark Comedy, Solo show

Dots

Nominated for IATCHK Performer of the Year and HK Theatre Libre Outstanding Lead Actress. Annie masterfully blends tragedy and comedy in Dots, a critically-acclaimed solo performance that lays bare the struggles of a high-achieving, yet insecure mind. Bold, moving and darkly humorous, it delves into high-functioning depression, the psychology of insecure overachievers and the relentless battle against inadequacy and hopelessness. 'This dark, autobiographical piece of theatre is brutally honest, extremely relatable and full of humour' **** (NorthWestEnd.co.uk). 'Beautiful, raw and real. Taps into universal human feelings and experiences whilst being courageously personal' (StageDoorApp.com).

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Comedy, New Writing

Cabin Fever

After a sell-out Fringe run in 2024, Fresh !nk Theatre Company returns with a sky-high spectacle! This must-see two-person show is a hilarious theatrical journey set 30,000 feet above the Atlantic. Join us on an unforgettable flight from London Heathrow to LAX, where two actors seamlessly shift between the disruptive passengers to the pilots in the cockpit. This relatable comedy takes turbulence to a whole new level, showcasing universal travel experiences we are all too familiar with! From unexpected friendships to in-flight shenanigans, buckle up for an unmissable joyride delivering an uproarious experience as the characters' stories unfold.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Family-friendly, International

Cantonese Opera x Children's Interactive Theatre: Dic Dic Chang Chang Playground

Our award-winning Cantonese opera adventure is back! Join Captain Dic Dic and Chang Chang at the Cantonese Opera Playground in Edinburgh, where the Cantonese Opera Fairy teaches them skills to outwit the Boring King. But they can't do it alone – they need you, the audience, to become secret agents in this interactive spectacle. Imagination unlocks mysteries, challenges come to life and families enjoy laughter, adventure and excitement. Experience the beauty of Cantonese opera and be part of this fun-filled mission. Book your tickets now!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Musical Comedy

How to Drive Yourself Crazy

A sexy, sassy, orgasmic two-woman musical comedy show, made for you! Yes, you! Created by Mimi Meier and Holly Hart, this show features vignettes about the insanity of wom­anhood through the lens of toxic women’s magazines and mixes relatability, musi­cality, vulnerability, and above all, humour. With sketches including a history lesson, a steamy infomercial, a beauty pageant, an influencer skincare routine, and five original musical numbers about everything from Twilight to the joys of living with female roommates, this show will make you laugh, cry and get abs in 10 days!

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Live Music, Tribute

Simon & Garfunkel and Beyond

From their years as the most successful duo of all time and beyond to their solo hits, journey through the careers of two all-time greats. The Sound of Silence, The Boxer, Bright Eyes, 50 Ways, Call Me Al and more. Presented by Dan Clews (endorsed by Sir George Martin) and Night Owls latest recruit, Peter Marchant, two artists with spellbinding instrumental and vocal mastery. A perfect match to express the ethereal music of the greatest pop duo of all time and the music they created beyond their celebrated duo years.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, Interactive

A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery: The Betray-tors

It’s the nation’s favourite game of murder, exile and ridiculous twists. But when a contestant is found dead having been literally hung drawn and quartered, can the killer be proven beyond treasonable doubt? Award-winning mystery maestros Highly Suspect return to the Fringe with a hilarious new interactive murder mystery for the audience to solve! Featuring a fiendish plot, evidence to examine, and cryptic clues to crack, can you deduce whodunnit? Fun, frivolity and fatalities guaranteed! Sold out 2021-2024. ‘Prepare to have your funny bones and little grey cells equally tickled!’ (BroadwayWorld.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

Bob Dylan Under Cover

Uncover the world and music of Dylan in this celebration of one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Hits Blowing In The Wind, Don’t Think Twice, Rolling Stone and many more. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take the tribute genre that has won awards, sold out shows and standing ovations worldwide. In this show Night Owl’s sublime Hannah Richards takes on a truly legendary set of songs as she seek to uncover the enigma that is Bob Dylan.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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LGBTQ+, Absurdist

And Then the Rodeo Burned Down

The rodeo is the best place in the world. Why would anybody burn it down? Unfortunately, rodeos don’t burn down on their own. More unfortunately, everything is expensive: becoming a cowboy, finding the culprit, and even keeping the lights on. This alleged tale of arson fractures into the story of two clowns desperately trying to afford to put on a show. An absurdist Western send up of the American Dream from consecutive 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fringe First Award-winners Xhloe and Natasha.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Children's show, Musical theatre

The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

This Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts amateur production of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. This hour-long edition of the hit Broadway musical is brilliantly adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series. Plunge into this all-singing, all-dancing dynamic stage show. Can SpongeBob and friends come together to save Bikini Bottom from a soon-to-erupt volcano? Suitable for all ages. SpongeBob SquarePants (2023 Viacom International inc) created Stephen Hillenburg. Book by Kyle Jarrow. Musical production conceived by Tina Landau.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Disabled-led, New Writing

Anatomy of Pain

Anatomy of Pain is a powerful and unflinching exploration of the dysfunctional healthcare system, following Alex’s journey to seek a diagnosis for the rare and debilitating condition, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Through an intimate and emotional performance, the show explores the impact of clinicians’ unfamiliarity and lack of empathy when faced with rare conditions. Audiences are invited to witness the devastating impact this has on every facet of Alex’s life, from identity to relationships. Beautifully crafted and deeply moving, this interdisciplinary performance is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of systemic failings.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Cabaret

The Lounge Suite

A comic cabaret in five movements, about love, loss and pies. The Lounge Suite is written and performed by Chris Murphy as the glittering, yet poignant Estar, with Joanna Weinberg as Kiki on the keys and dramaturgy by Deborah Pollard. Estar is off the couch and back into the light! Estar is the alter ego of NZ/Australian performer Chris Murphy, who has been treading the boards for 35 years. A journey over the past five years, The Lounge Suite brings you brilliant, funny songs and the very best of Estar; pluck, pathos and pith.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Performance art, Solo show

Good Morning and Goodbye

The story is about a daily routine, the ritual of a lady. Everything happens after she wakes up in the morning: she makes herself a cup of coffee and looks down the street from her room, soaking herself in the chill and easy vibes before she starts dressing, doing her makeup and sharing a little, intimate moment with herself. This is the preparation and self-soothing she performs before heading out to face real life.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Folk, Traditional

Hebridean Fire

Join us in celebrating the success of Hebridean Fire, a captivating sell-out show featuring multi-instrumentalists Elsa and Gary as they enchant audiences with the spirit of the Scottish Highlands and islands. This dynamic duo masterfully blend heartfelt ballads, high-energy jigs, reels and traditional Gaelic songs, creating an unforgettable musical experience. Their seamless storytelling transports listeners to the rugged beauty of Scotland, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the region. With each performance, Elsa and Gary ignite the stage, leaving audiences inspired and craving more. Don't miss your chance to experience this extraordinary celebration of Scottish music.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Immersive, Contemporary

Drawing from Life

Will you draw the nude body in front of you? Or will you draw from the life that has been stitched and stuffed inside the nude body? Experience a contemporary performance life drawing class which isn't skin deep. Art materials will be provided for those who wish to draw, and a performance will be provided for those who wish to spectate. You may even wish to join the nude body and unpick some of your own stitching...

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Live Music, Tribute

007 Voices of Bond

Immerse yourself in the world of 007 and the legendary voices that have accompanied Bond. Goldfinger, Skyfall, Diamonds Are Forever and more brought to life by the secret agents at Night Owl HQ. Night Owl Shows bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them standing ovations worldwide. This chronological trip through the music of 007 promises all the classics with fascinating facts delivered by our own onstage agents and agent M beaming on to a screen from his bunker in London.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Historical, Live Music

Piaf and Brel: The Impossible Concert

01 - 09 Aug
Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel: two French musical icons who sang of romance and heartbreak and lived passionate, dramatic lives. But they didn't ever appear onstage together – until now! This impossible concert features internationally acclaimed singer Melanie Gall. With Amsterdam, Milord, La Vie en Rose, and other French classics. Piaf and Brel has been performed in over 12 countries. Chosen to be part of the Fringe Encore series and awarded an off-Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse in New York City. 'Impeccable performance!' ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au) ***** (Winnipeg Free Press). Sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs 2017-2018.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Folk, Traditional

Caledonia

Highly skilled Scottish duo, Elsa McTaggart and Gary Lister, return to the Fringe to bring you the best of Scotland's folk and Celtic music. With their warmth and laughter, they create an atmosphere of ceilidh and craic, introducing music of old and threading it through modern arrangements and compositions with their many Celtic instruments and styles. Interspersed with storytelling and video footage, this is another gem of a show which will not disappoint. Garnering five-star reviews for every new production they have brought to the Fringe over the last 11 years, don’t miss this gem.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Elton John Story

The awe-inspiring journey of one of the all-time musical greats delivered by one of the UK’s finest, Angus Munro and Night Owl Shows. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards and sold out shows worldwide. Angus Munro and Night Owl’s incredible Night Owl Band will light up your Fringe with piano-led, full-band renditions of the anthems that made Reg Dwight one of the world’s biggest stars. You’re promised an incredible show of singing along and dancing in the aisles.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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New Writing, Solo show

Exhausted Paint: The Death of Van Gogh

Join us for a tilt-a-whirl trip through the mind and letters of Vincent Van Gogh. A terrible spinning wheel controls the manic, blissful, bitter artist as he frantically relives the constant struggle and turbulence of his life. Disoriented, out of control, reeling from idea to idea, the soul-crushing, chaotic randomness of creation shapes a deep and dark vision of Van Gogh, a man who was so much more than a severed ear.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Solo show

Shirley: A Ghost Story

Why do people write ghost stories? Is it to explain away the fear, or to reveal the ghosts inside? Shirley is a dark and intimate one-person play, inspired by the life of Shirley Jackson and the ghost stories of M.R. James. Shirley has felt haunted her entire life. Haunted by her responsibilities, her husband and a story that’s been with her since childhood. But will writing a novel finally release the horror that has been manifesting in her for a lifetime? Praise for previous work: ***** (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (Scotsman). **** (Skinny).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Magic, Family-friendly

Family Magic

The legendary magician The Great Baldini tells the story of his and Baldwin the magical dog’s life from their first tricks to the height of their careers: attempting Houdini’s greatest escape. The show is packed with magic, sweets, puppetry, sweets, water, sweets, eggs, sweets and escapology. It’s hilariously silly… with sweets. Come and see two true magical superstars (Baldini and Baldwin) at the very pinnacle of their powers. The Great Baldini is an award-winning member of the Magic Circle and the Bristol Stage Magic Champion. 'Incredible' (Front Row, BBC Radio 4). 'Charming, engaging and charismatic. A pleasure' (FringeReview.co.uk).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Drama

Almost Famous

Emily Benton, veteran actor and star of stage and screen, is back in the UK after a career that took her to Broadway and Hollywood. With her pedigree, she should be in Downton Abbey or the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, not auditioning for a role in a devised play that only become available when another, more famous, actor went to join the theatre in the sky. What cruel fate brought her here? Maybe there’s a secret she’s not revealing. From the makers of Make-up: 'A disarmingly truthful and humorous piece, adroitly constructed and beautifully performed' ★★★★ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

California Dreams

An immersive trip through California when a collective of legends changed the world. Hits from The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and The Byrds are brought to life by Dan Clews and Sara Leane. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards and sold-out shows worldwide. In this journey back in time every song is linked to the last with insightful stories that thread the artists of Laurel Canyon together into a show of spellbinding performances of your favourite hits. Sell-out show in 2021-2024.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Magic, Theatre

1 Moment in Time

After a hugely successful debut Ed Fringe with rave reviews, magician and mind illusionist Sean Alexander is back with his thought-provoking magic show as he reflects on the defining moments in time that shape each and every one of us. With jaw-dropping magic throughout, each instance is intertwined with powerful metaphors and storytelling. This show is unlike anything else. Discover your moments in time all over again... 'This should certainly be on your must-see list' (BritishTheatreGuide.info). 'One of the stand-out performances at the Fringe' (NorthWestEnd.co.uk). 'Pure delight and amazement' (FringeReview.co.uk).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Fleetwood Mac Story

After three consecutive sold-out runs, the celebration of the 120-million-album selling supergroup returns to Fringe. Features The Chain, Everywhere, Dreams and more delivered by Hannah Richards, Alex Beharrell and the Night Owl Band. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won awards and standing ovations worldwide. Experience the emotion and euphoria of Fleetwood. Don’t miss Night Owl’s flagship show which is sure to sell out with every show ending in a rapturous standing ovation. Winner of the Adelaide Fringe Weekly Music Award.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Music, Contemporary

Garden Party - Truman Capote's Black and White Celebration

A mysterious investigation of the great American writer, inspired by his scandalous life and the Black and White ball he hosted at the Plaza Hotel. A provocative journey through success, sabotage, addiction and true crime, from Garden City to New York. This adaptation, with original music, plunges the audience into a dangerous conflict where art and life are intertwined. Social hypocrisy, class power, gossip and murder are the guests of honour at a garden party worthy of Truman Capote. A new work by Kulturscio’k International Live Art Collective.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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New Writing, Drama

Seizure

A typical rehearsal quickly deteriorates when the actors find themselves unable to depict the difference between fiction and reality. A play within a play.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, New Writing

How to Become a Movie Star?

Felix Culpa Theatre Company successively produced The Woman He Lived With **** (One4Review.co.uk), and The Bad Daters ***** (TheReviewsHub.com) at the Edinburgh Fringe. This year's Fringe premiere, How to Become a Movie Star? is a joyous comedy about an actress with a unique plan to become a movie star by training to be a schoolteacher. She bases her career on an out-of-print biography, moves to New York, lives in a decrepit hostel in London and attends the strictest drama school ever while working in a pub. Based on a life well lived.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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LGBTQ+, Drama

Locusts

Orange Works is proud to present Locusts – a compelling mix of drama and northern humour – in which love, family and faith are put to the test. Locusts tells the story of Stephen, whose past resurfaces as Pete, a once-trusted church leader, reappears asking for Stephen’s help in repeating damaging mistakes. Stephen’s partner, Jeff, is facing problems of his own, and knows nothing of this part of Stephen’s past. Now, they must all face the truth. Locusts masterfully weaves together real-life experiences of gay conversion therapy within an evangelical church into a gripping and sensitively performed play.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Interactive, Drama

Piano Smashers

Piano Smashers is a new play by Rupert Page and Rob Thompson in which a mother bequeaths a precious piano to her children in her will, insisting they keep it. They do not want it because of what it represents to them, yet they can not bring themselves to dispose of it. Nominated Best Performance – The Actors, Brighton Fringe, 2024. 'Such hidden gems add greatly to the Fringe experience and remind us that there are superb ones which don’t get the audiences they deserve. Piano Smashers is one such show' (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). https://www.pianosmashers.co.uk

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Drama

After Shakespeare

What happens to Shakespeare's best-loved heroes and most reviled villains after the curtain falls? Come and join a host of familiar Shakespearean characters as they reflect back on their lives, including: Lady Macbeth, Portia, Hamlet and King Hal (Henry V). Lexi Wolfe weaves together Shakespeare's words, historical research and her own dramatic spark as she transforms into four distinct characters, to follow their onward journeys. 'A must-see show' ***** (EdinburghGuide.com). 'One of this year's standout shows' **** (GetYourCoatsOn.com). 'Refreshing and gifted writing' **** (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Storytelling

Little Boxes

An award-winning solo show by Joann Condon (Little Britain). Join Joann on a joyous and cathartic journey exploring a lifetime's worth of "boxes": the hopes and dreams of a child, the frustrations of an acting career, the tensions of being a parent, the grief in losing loved ones, the fear of being... herself. A story of breaking free from constraints and living life to the fullest. 'A show with profound heart... all need to see it' ***** (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk). 'Hilarious, moving, sad and uplifting' ***** (TheSpyInTheStalls.com). 'Condon’s comic timing is impeccable' **** (LondonTheatre1.com).

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Drama

Devil's Point

Ailsa and Sean are a young couple, at the height of bliss – for now. While on a romantic hiking trip up the mountain known as Devil's Point, shadows darken, tensions rise and someone – or something – makes its presence known. Paranoia and skepticism work together to ask a disturbing question: who is to blame for the whispers on the mountain? Devil’s Point is an experimental folk horror play weaving together folklore from the Cairngorms region of Scotland and the pressures of modern-day relationships. Cutty Sark Theatre returns from their acclaimed run at last year's Fringe.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Interactive

A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery: The Death of the Great Detective

Sherlock Holmes is dead! But can the killer really be Dr Watson, Mrs Hudson, Inspector Lestrade or Mycroft Holmes? The game's afoot in a mystery that's more than mere elementary... Award-winning mystery maestros Highly Suspect return to the Fringe with a hilarious interactive murder mystery for the audience to solve! Featuring a fiendish plot, evidence to examine, and cryptic clues to crack, can you deduce whodunnit? Fun, frivolity and fatalities guaranteed! Sold Out 2021-2024. ‘Prepare to have your funny bones and little grey cells equally tickled!’ (BroadwayWorld.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Historical

Mary's Daughters

‘Powerful call to arms… three remarkable women’ (ThePegReview.com). Centuries after their deaths, 18th-century radical Mary Wollstonecraft reunites with daughters Mary Shelley and Fanny Imlay to come to terms with their wounds, their writing and their reverberations through history. Through this feminist ghost story we hear the tireless writings of a genius out of her time, two sisters trying to reconcile wounds only families can create, and the birth of an iconic monster on the shores of lake Geneva. This new piece of writing is a rallying cry for a world that centers radical kindness above all things.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Live Music, Tribute

The Story of Sting and The Police

Angus Munro and Night Owl Shows present this award-winning show with classics Every Breath You Take, Roxane, Message in a Bottle, Fields of Gold and more. Night Owl Shows bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards worldwide. Experience the raw energy of the early Police, their passage to superstardom and Sting’s solo journey. All brought to life by the charismatic Angus Munro, who will wow you with his 4-octave range. Adelaide Weekly Music Winner and Derek Awards Best Voice.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, Cabaret

BOMBSHELL

BOMBSHELL follows three sparkly Vegas showgirls who put up environmentally-conscious cabaret acts in a rundown nightclub called Club Fistfight. Despite their best attempts at making global warming hot, the club is closing. For their final performance, Scarlett, Jane and Eliza decide to tell the audience a love story. But as the last show at Club Fistfight reaches a peak, Scarlett takes extreme action when a shocking secret is revealed. BOMBSHELL is about how far we'll go for love, for each other and for our planet, and who is really responsible for the end of the world. 

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Sketch Show, Family-friendly

Sketch Show Bingo!

Get your dabbers at the ready! It’s bingo! But instead of numbers, it’s hilarious comedy sketches, and the fun keeps rolling until someone gets bingo! Three-time Funny Women Award nominees Quirks & Foibles present their debut comedy show. No show is the same and there's a winner every time. Fun for all the family with an eclectic range of silly sketches... and who doesn’t love a bit of bingo!? Quirks & Foibles consists of Katie Bennett, Amy McCann and Amelia Stephenson. As featured on BBC Comedy, DMs Are Open, British Comedy Guide and Comedy Crowd Chorts finalists.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Blondie Story

A high-octane trip through the music of one of the architects of the punk/new wave movement. Following an award-winning run at Edinburgh Fringe 2023, Reine Beau and the Night Owl Band deliver a killer blow with versions of Atomic, Heart of Glass and One Way or Another. Night Owl Shows bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards, sold-out shows and standing ovations worldwide. Set to a cultural backdrop of imagery, you’ll be immersed in the moment and the music that cut through genres.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Choral, Vocal

Rock Choir Live

Join Rock Choir, the award-winning national phenomenon, for a spectacular concert of uplifting songs! Throughout August, more than 3000 Rock Choir members will light up the stage with feel-good hits from Aerosmith to Phil Collins. Rock Choir promises an exhilarating experience, blending the excitement of pop music with the magic of choir performances. Join us for an unforgettable night of singing, dancing and celebrating the power of music, which will leave you on a high note! Love pop? Love singing? Love the thrill of a choir? Then you'll love Rock Choir – the ultimate musical celebration!

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Comedy, Drama

When We Were Young

This five-star production tells a powerful and hilarious story about the realities of gang culture and young team mentality in Glasgow during the 90s, as we follow the lives of one of the many young teams who polluted the streets of the city during a time it was known as The Murder Capital of Europe. This heartbreaking story is both a hilarious and eye-opening look back to 90s Glasgow and the notorious postcode wars.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Drama

My Brother Was a Vampire

My Brother Was a Vampire delves into the haunted heart of sibling bonds tangled in love, trauma and the supernatural. Told in reverse, it exposes Skye and Callum’s raw, messy attachment, entwined with secrets, sharp humor and pain. Skye’s eerie abilities blur the line between control and illusion as they grapple with abuse and family dysfunction. This ghostly, suspenseful puzzle asks: Can we escape our past, or are we forever marked by it? Minimal staging and dark humor pull audiences into this unflinching exploration of survival and unbreakable family ties.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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LGBTQ+, New Writing

Roadkill Bambi

Portia and Alison are driving home from a wedding. They hit a deer. Portia dies. Portia and Alison are driving home from a wedding. They hit a deer. Portia dies. The deer gives a philosophy lecture. Portia and Alison are – wait what? They hit a deer. Portia dies. Forced to relive a car accident over and over, Portia must confront uncomfortable truths about her relationship while she tries to escape the surreal time loop. A thoroughly queer dirge for the imagined future, Roadkill Bambi asks how we make decisions while caught in the headlights of disaster.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Rise of The Eagles

Track The Eagles from their early days as Linda Ronstatd’s backing band to their crowning as the 70s biggest band. Take It Easy, Hotel California, Desperado and more from Alex Beharrell and the Night Owl Band. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won awards and sold out shows worldwide. Take one of the wildest rides in rock culture as you join Alex and his band on this meteoric journey from humble beginnings to one of the most important bands of the decade.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, New Writing

Operation Blank

Someone has dropped an atom bomb on Copenhagen. With all-out war looming, an underqualified junior staffer in the British government must somehow stimulate a response from his idiotic superiors. There is just one thing standing in his way: Microsoft Teams.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Magic, Theatre

Dan Bastianelli: Identity

Following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023 and 2024, Dan Bastianelli brings a brand-new magic experience which uses sleight-of-hand, personal stories and honest deception to help explore the simple question: How can you know anything when you don't even know yourself? 'Bastianelli is a very skilled performer' **** (WorldMagicReview.com). 'Dazzling' (Edinburgh Evening News).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Historical

Fragile Creatures

An unmissable journey through history, where science, superstition and myth collide. From 19th-century Parisian hysteria to the Radium Girls of the 1920s and the sedative ads of the 1950s, Hannah Rose Platt illuminates the shocking fight for women’s bodily autonomy. With gripping stories like Anne Greene’s miraculous survival of execution and the trailblazing Edinburgh Seven – performed at the Surgeons' Hall where these women made history – Platt exposes the ongoing battle for women’s health and equality. This powerful show uncovers the enduring gender health gap and celebrates the unyielding spirit of women throughout the ages.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Drama

ENOUGH.

Winner: Best Drama, Greater Manchester Fringe. Why does misogyny still thrive in 2025? Enough is a bold drama following new police recruit Irie as she battles systemic injustice within the Met. Inspired by real events, it holds a mirror to the institutions meant to protect us, exposing the societal complacency that enables discrimination. Drawing from the Met’s response to the 2021 Sarah Everard vigil, this gripping play challenges power, accountability, and the cost of speaking out. With standing ovation nominations and critical acclaim, Enough is a must-see theatre experience that gives voice to those who refuse to be silenced.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Live Music, Tribute

Women of Rock

Journey through time alongside the great women that rocked, from the 1960s to present. Ride with the genre defining ladies Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, Suzi Quatro, Heart, Gwen Stefani and many more. Experience the raw power of Reine Beau and the award-winning Night Owl Band as they highlight the importance of these incredible females and why there should be a higher acknowledgement in the published lists of the greats for them. You’ll leave with your soul well and truly rocked and a true appreciation of the women who fought against the tide to make it.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Spoken Word

A Year and a Day

An inexplicable curse causes Nathan to skip a year and a day into the future, whenever he falls asleep. Leaving behind a botched heist, his wife, his struggling family and a jaded criminal gang, Nathan must learn to adapt to his ever-changing existence. Spanning 65 years, this is a bold, darkly funny and poignant exploration of a man trying to right his wrongs as he rapidly skips through time. Under the careful direction of dramaturg Rosanna Mallinson, award-winning Christopher Sainton-Clark uses multi-roling to tell a beautiful story of love, loss, betrayal and crime.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Folk, International

Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse

Guitar brilliance and incandescent vocals. These exceptional performers connect and capture audiences all over the world through the power of song. It’s made even more special when sung in the rare Noongar language of Australia’s southwest, which has less than 400 native speakers left. Gina and Guy bring a fresh, modern take on ancient traditions, merging evocative sounds, natural acoustic instruments and poignant stories with that incredible, beautiful voice. These award-winning artists, whose music is a celebration of life, community and a shared humanity, will make you laugh, cry, sing, and leave you breathless.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dance, Performance art

Sole to Soul

This performance seamlessly blends the physical language of traditional Chinese opera with the expressive symbolism of modern dance. Through the reinterpretation of objects such as shoes and shopping bags, it explores the repetitive dilemmas of contemporary life, while embodying the cultural transition of Chinese women from tradition to modernity. By bridging different eras and societal contexts, the work highlights the evolving roles and identities of women, offering a profound reflection on how traditional symbols adapt and transform to resonate within modern narratives.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Live Music, Tribute

The Billy Joel Story

Journey through the life and music of the 150 million record-selling Piano Man in this uplifting show. Piano Man, Uptown Girl and Always a Woman brought to life by Angus Munro and the award-winning Night Owl Shows. They bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won them awards and sold-out shows worldwide. Munro’s incredible storytelling will take you on a journey, as he documents the songs' origins and links them to the music through his passionate interpretations of one of the greatest back catalogues.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, Satire

Webber!

Obsessed with becoming a Lord, Webber makes a Faustian pact with the eternal spirit of Ruining Everything... who looks suspiciously like Margaret Thatcher. Hilarious ear worms, laser-focused wit and no holds barred. See it before the cease and desist arrives! Impeccably well researched and somehow still incredibly funny, whilst remaining unafraid to speak truth to power, Grant Sharkey is a comedian, satirist and composer whose previous Edinburgh shows include: Are You Worthy? ('A sing-along, laugh-a-minute rallying cry!' (Scotsman), **** (NDReview.nd)) and Trollbadour (**** (ThreeWeeks)), both of which toured nationally.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Clown, Farce

A Most Pressing Issue

A dark satirical comedy that follows four prison workers battling a fire with anything but water. As characters wrestle with existential crises, heartbreak and bureaucracy, an inevitable doom draws ever nearer, forcing this band of misfits to confront their long-forgotten responsibilities. Prepare for full speed, uninterrupted chaos from start to finish as Gaulier-trained clowns and sharp-edged comedians deliver a relentlessly funny tale of love, loss, fear and arrogance. This exciting piece of new writing is eager to push boundaries, electrify audiences and most importantly, make you laugh out loud.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Folk, Storytelling

Celine Dion Experience Featuring Jasmine Alice

Jasmine Alice is an internationally acclaimed vocalist who will take you on a thrilling musical journey through the life of the iconic Celine Dion. Witness dazzling vocals, show-stopping costumes and let yourself be transported on a musical journey of emotions with this charming homage to one of the most treasured divas of all time. Sing along to your favourite Celine hits and immerse yourself in pure vocal magic. After her success at the Fringe last year, Jasmine is returning with her new Celine Experience this year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Don't miss out.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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True-life, Solo show

Daddy, Tomorrow Will I Be a Man?

James Willstrop, cynical and driven only by his sporting success, is on the verge of becoming world number one in squash. A chance meeting leads to an agonising dilemma which threatens everything he has worked so hard for. Through tender recollections of his mother Lesley who died when he was 17, and by undertaking the hardest training session of his life in real time, he learns lessons about ambition, success and love. Daddy is a musical ode to beautiful mothers, sporting ambition and fatherhood.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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LGBTQ+, Political

ROADKILL

On the 31st October 2019, Cosmo was hit by a car in an act of transphobic hate and violence. This show is not about getting hit by a car. This is a show about sex. This is a show about period sex. This is a show about working at Tesco. This is a show about living with your parents. This is a show about trans euphoria, sexuality and survival.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Acoustic, Folk

When Judas Met John: Songs of Dylan and Lennon

Listed as one of 'five shows not to be missed at this year's Edinburgh Fringe' (Counter Culture), this show compares the like-minded and socially-conscious lyrics of Dylan and Lennon. It addresses key questions regarding their relationship: why was Lennon in awe of Dylan only to deride him years later? And why did Dylan keep it to himself that he 'really dug the Beatles'? Irish duo Brothers Broke compare, adapt and perform a unique interpretation of songs by both artists in their own acoustic folk and blues style.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Family-friendly, Improv

Absolute Improv!

For 15 years, Absolute Improv! has entertained sell-out audiences with off-the-cuff comedy performances from Scotland’s top improvisational comedy actors. Your ideas are shouted out to inspire side-splitting sketches, characters and tales, all created in the moment – truly you-had-to-be-there instant comedy gold. This Edinburgh Fringe, join us and the finest improv talent in Scotland once more for delightful and wacky performances that have never been seen before, and will never be seen again! You suggest, we perform, everybody laughs! Official Fringe sell-out show. ‘Absolute magic!’ ***** (Cream of the Fringe).

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing

Tall Tails

Five mermaids. People-pleasers retreat. Doing the work so you don’t have to. Dive into a hilarious coming-of-quarter-age comedy that makes waves navigating dating disasters, epic misadventures and the choppy waters between girlhood and womanhood. An ocean away from home, catch us entangled in the fishnets of friendship, big feelings and our tall tails. Witness the clam-ities, or don’t – we want what’s best for you!!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The Legend of Queen

Take a regal journey through the incredible music of one of the greatest rock groups of all time with Peter Marchant and the incredible Night Owl Band. Includes hits Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Gaga, Don’t Stop Me Now and so many more. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take on the tribute genre that has won awards, sold out shows and standing ovations worldwide. Watch multi-instrumentalist Peter Marchant display his infectious stage presence coupled with a voice that can carry some of the biggest songs of all time.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Storytelling

Life Would Be Pretty Dull Without Sex, Raves and MDMA

Sex? Yes, please. Raves? Absolutely. MDMA? A dabble. Illegal raves find me high, staring at vaginas in abandoned museums. Meet Bex, a fortysomething woman struggling with expectations. A twist of fate, she rejects safe and abandons herself to life. Consequences be damned, embracing a reality that’s messy, exhilarating, cruel and wild. Showing you the world through her imperfect lens of love, loss and heartbreak, so you can make the leap and live intentionally – whatever that means. A rip-roaring, naughty, funny tale that will have you laughing into the dark.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dance, Performance art

Sàng Tsáu

The gods descend, banishing evil and clearing life’s burdens. Incense smoke rises with wishes, as drums and flutes echo. Mighty deities unite, exuding divine majesty to bring blessings and peace to all.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Comedy, Theatre

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote

The cult hit returns to the Fringe! Don’t miss an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode, A Fashionable Way to Die, following last year’s riotous presentation of Paint Me a Murder. Jessica Fletcher is invited to Paris to visit a designer friend, but soon gets caught up in a murder mystery only she (or you!) can solve. See the show that has wowed audiences across the UK, Ireland, Australia and the Murder, She Wrote Festival 2025 in Mendocino (Cabot Cove). ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). ***** (Everything-Theatre.co.uk) 'It has the BEST host' (Time Out London).

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Fantasy, World music

Dunhuang

Step into the world of Dunhuang, where the ancient Silk Road meets the present, and centuries-old murals come alive. Follow A-Lai, a modern-day student, as she uncovers the secrets of Dunhuang's ancient caves and is thrust into a mystical journey alongside Liansheng, a mysterious figure from the past. As they delve deeper into the history of the murals, they are faced with life-altering choices that test the limits of sacrifice and destiny. Blending history, art, and spiritual exploration, Dunhuang offers a visually stunning and emotionally compelling journey that explores what we leave behind for future generations.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Cabaret, Pop

Eva by the Divas

Join us for an enchanting evening as vocalists Elsa and Jaz take to the stage in a breath-taking tribute to the legendary Eva Cassidy! Combining their exceptional vocal talents and shared passion for Cassidy's music, this show promises to be a memorable experience. Delight in the exquisite harmonies that will fill the air, as they breathe new life into timeless classics. With each note, Elsa and Jas will transport you into a world of emotion and beauty, showcasing their professional delivery and deep connection to the music. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of songs.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Classical, Drama

A Pound of Flesh

In Shakespeare's classic, The Merchant of Venice, only Portia's appearance in court and her implacable logic saves Antonio from Shylock's knife. But what would happen if she never came to Venice? Bassanio's need for money to woo Portia sets in motion the events that lead to the trial, but what are his real motives? And why is there so much hatred between Antonio and Shylock? With echoes of Romeo and Juliet, events in A Pound of Flesh move remorselessly to a tragic end.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Music, True-life

Frozen Love: A Buckingham Nicks Story

Frozen Love: A Buckingham Nicks Story, is the true story of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s rocky road to joining Fleetwood Mac. The creators of the piece, Georgie Banks and Jake Byrom, intertwine songs from Stevie and Lindsey’s scarcely-known debut duo album Buckingham Nicks and also show how some of the world’s favourite Fleetwood Mac songs came about. Their relationship during their time with Fleetwood Mac is infamous, but before that performance of Silver Springs, at the heart of it, they were madly in love and would do whatever it took for the music.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Alternative Comedy, Solo show

Lolo's Boyfriend Show

Lolo lands a dream-come-true European tour. But when it gets cancelled after just a few weeks, she’s forced to pack up her funky costumes and drag them back to her mum’s house in suburbia. Lolo thought she’d be famous by now. Her psychic told her she would be. Instead, she’s stuck in her childhood bedroom tormented by the ghosts of many failed relationships. Irreverent and soul-baring, Lolo captivates audiences as she journeys from self-harm to self-redemption. Lolo won Audience Choice at the NYC Fringe and rocked Off-Broadway at Playhouse 46. Lolo is dying to meet you!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Live Music, Tribute

The 80s Movie Mixtape

Relive the music that set off the 80s most nostalgic movie scenes. From Dirty Dancing, Breakfast Club, Top Gun to The Never-Ending Story, these 80s movies have one thing in common: iconic songs. Watch as the Night Owl band bring these nostalgic moments alive in this journey through the legendary soundtrack to your 80s. Night Owl bring you more than just the music with a new take the tribute genre that has won awards, sold-out shows and ovations worldwide. Get ready for the ultimate feel-good show with the festival’s ultimate music collective.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Devised, Drama

Transfers

Eight very different people, eight very different situations. How does £500 get passed around? Willingly or violently? As a gift? Blackmail? Payment for drugs? Beauty treatment? A scam? Car repair? Is it stolen? Or lost? In cash or online? In someone's home? A nightclub? On the street? In a theatre? Perhaps all of these or none. In a newly devised show, see money circulate in a kaleidoscope of comedy, tragedy and the mundane in Britain today.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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LGBTQ+, Absurdist

What If They Ate the Baby?

There are three rules every housewife knows: never return a dish empty, always have dinner ready on time, and some things are best kept under the table. After all, you never know who’s listening. You’ve heard whispers of absent husbands? Missing children? Spaghetti recipes? Or was it scones? You just can’t trust everything you hear through the walls these days. An absurdist queer two-hander about surveillance, American womanhood, and bodily autonomy from consecutive 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fringe First Award-winners Xhloe and Natasha.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Improv

Improv Comedy with Box of Frogs

Box of Frogs, Birmingham’s award-winning Improv Group, brings you a night of high-octane improvised comedy nonsense, based entirely on your suggestions. Expect the unexpected as quick-witted players conjure up hilarious spontaneous songs, sketches and scenes on the spur of the moment! 'A Box of Stars Here' ***** (Derek Awards). 'Hilariously funny – highly recommended' ***** (Morish TV). 'Guarantee you’ll be laughing throughout' (@midlandstheatre). 'The brilliant and bouncy Box of Frogs is definitely a group to see at least once before you croak' (BumOnASeat.com).

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Horror, Solo show

Faustine: A Dissertation. A Confession. A Mental Breakdown

Faustine: A Dissertation. A Confession. A Mental Breakdown. Faustine is excited to share her dissertation with you, but all is not what it seems. She’s sold her soul to the devil in exchange for her brilliant thesis. Faustine lied, cheated and murdered to get here, and she won’t go back. This solo musical critique of academia, ambition and class (coming to you from a sold-out NYC run) is equal parts Xiu Xiu and Sondheim, Heathers and Hedda Gabler, pedestrian and academic, and hilarious and horrifying.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Horror, Dark Comedy

Baron Vordenburg's Guide to the Paranormal

We cordially invite you, monster hunter, to an unforgettable night. The world-renowned paranormal expert Baron Vordenburg and his helpers, Gothic and Grotesque, give away trade secrets and expertise on hunting the unknown. The first in a series of lectures, the Baron tackles the most cunning creatures of the night. Please RSVP as seats are limited for this most-special event. Photo and book signings will be available before and after the symposium. Your safety is our concern.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, New Writing

Cody and Beau: A Wild West Story

01 - 09 Aug
Cody and Beau have two things on their mind: becoming cowboys and… winning spelling bees?! Enthralled by tales of Billy the Kid and Butch Cassidy, the two plan to escape and fulfill their outlawing destiny. But when the boys find themselves against the hostile backdrop of 1889 Texas, the imagined starts to become all a bit too real. From the Edinburgh-based creative team of Dylan and Will comes a vibrant, immersive coming-of-age tale, inspired by the lasting legacy of the Wild West.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, New Writing

The Naked Neds

Paul’s about to be a dad, but doubt clouds his excitement. A night at the pub should be a distraction, yet Cammy’s suicide still lingers, unspoken but heavy. Struggling to move forward, the lads throw themselves into fundraising in his memory, desperate to make a difference. But when Paul finds a lump, fear grips him – fatherhood is no longer his only concern. Inspired by real events, The Naked Neds follows a group of Glasgow lads facing loss, life and NHS waiting lists. With nothing left to lose, they decide to bare all – the full monty!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Interactive

Iago Speaks

At first glance, Iago Speaks appears to follow the events immediately after Shakespeare's Othello. But this meta-theatrical, comedic romp quickly turns, introducing us to Iago’s hapless jailer, always landing in Shakespeare plays, but with no lines. His quest, as he languishes by Iago’s dungeon cell, is to discover the true purpose for his life, and – ultimately – theatre. A classic comedy duo, Iago and his jailer descend into a mad adventure, its ultimate purpose only revealed at the end. The play is boundless, ridiculous and constantly winking at the audience and yet, manages to make us think.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Drama

Baby CEO

When she discovers that her dad has stolen her identity, she has to face who she really is. A true-crime comedy about human trafficking, identity theft, cults, child actors, and the tragicomic omen of being born on the set of a Coen brothers movie to a mafia family.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Political, Science and Technology

Atomic Cabaret

Atomic Cabaret is a one-woman science-political musical about the existential risks of the nuclear age, starring Lynda Williams, the Physics Chanteuse. Provocative and wildly entertaining, the show exposes the reckless stupidity of the bomb, from Trident to Trinity, and explores how we can stop the madness – with science, satire and song that is smart, sexy, sassy and radical. Atomic Cabaret commemorates the 80th anniversary of the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and is a benefit for Scottish CND. 'Lynda will blow your mind!' (Kip Thorne, Nobel Prize-winning physicist). 'Williams puts the fizz in physics' (People Magazine).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dark Comedy, Live Music

Bluffstone is Starvin'

String Cheese Theatre brings you to the dust-choked town of Bluffstone, where farmers are grappling with a famine that plagues their settlement. Amidst the hardship, farmhand Isaiah hopes to win the hand of Clarence’s daughter, Dolly. However, the arrival of two drifters brings new competition and new mouths to feed… Follow these cowboys Noah and Durlin through the west, all brought to life by our live saloon band and original score. A black tragicomedy full of love, betrayal, and a bad pantomime horse costume.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Classical

Get Thee to a Nursery

Get thee to a… nursery? In this original comedy, a gang of four-year-olds are cursed by the spirit of Shakespeare for shredding his beloved Folio. Formerly inarticulate and screen addicted, the feral children awaken to find themselves fluent in the Bard’s language and conceiving character thoughts not their own. As the nursery politics magically weave through various Shakespearean subplots, the children bicker, fight and age through the Bard’s world and words. Debuting to rave reviews at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this imaginarium returns in 2025 performed by young adults channeling their inner infant.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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LGBTQ+, Absurdist

A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First

Boyhood is all about spit-shakes, rope swings, and playing soldiers, but only the good guys of course. Whether it’s stories around the campfire, pranks on their superior, or a prayer to their favorite president, these two scouts just want their moms to see the big strong men they’ve become. From three-time consecutive 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fringe First Award-winners Xhloe and Natasha comes an absurdist two-hander about the idealized American childhood and the boys it left behind

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Historical

The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness

How will history remember you? As the person you are or, the person you want to be? It’s 1939, Philomena is on her way from Dublin to London to join the British war effort. But can she live true to the poetry inside her when she is constantly being defined by her role in the war? Philomena McGuinness is a poignant and hilarious one-woman play, infused with poetry and inspired by the true stories of Irish nurses in WWII. 'From captivating to sublime' ***** (TheWeeReview.com). ***** (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Storytelling

A Geography of Rain

This intimate show invites the audience into a multimedia coming-of-age story about my life growing up as a working-class girl in Edinburgh and my powerful connection to Scotland. Through storytelling and poetry, coupled with original artwork and soundscape, this show explores the complexity of family, kith and kin, the ache of leaving home, the grief of being lost and the beauty of being found. Join me for a journey that crosses borders and boundaries, over seas and time, weaving through the depths of pain unraveled and joy rediscovered.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Magic

Mason King - The Mind Spy

Mind reader, mentalist and psychological magician Mason King returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a thrilling, interactive journey into the inner depths of your mind! Could YOU be a Mind Spy?! Step into the world of covert psychic experiments where the audience become the test subjects. Thought transmission, remote viewing and precognition are put to the test in this exciting and immersive experience inspired by the real-life psychic research conducted under Project Stargate in the 1970's. Let the transmission begin... 'Astounding!' ***** (FringeReview.ca). 'Mind Blowing!' **** ½ (TheatreAndArtReviews.com).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Neurodiversity-led

Baker Street Ladies

Sherlock Holmes is not at home this evening. Neither is his friend and colleague Dr Watson. Mr Holmes is rarely home unless knee-deep in a case (and unavailable anyway) or otherwise desperately waiting for a good one to come along. But on this particular evening, whatever the case, he is elsewhere. Three ladies, all with strong ties to the great detective, one after another, are drawn towards and into 221b Baker Street in the hope of finding him at home.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Comedy, Music

Frankie Mack Showman - The Next Stage: From Leith to...

From Leith to Las Vegas, Frankie Mack’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Inspired by legends like Dean Martin, Elvis, Freddie Starr and Robbie Williams, his high-energy show blends swing, rock'n'roll and modern classics to make every audience member feel part of the experience. More than just a performance, this is a night of powerful vocals, laughter and pure entertainment. A previous sell-out sensation – this is your chance to witness the next stage. Don’t miss it!

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Immersive, Character Comedy

Jason Thurston's Acting MasterClass with Jason Thurston

Join PROFESSIONAL actor Jason Thurston for a lesson in learning the act of acting. Jason's had a fabulous career in short film classics, Death Strikes Us All, F*ckless, and Mothers for Justice, and even in the feature films, Massacre 700 and Little Joe starring Ben Whishaw. Now he wants to impart his wisdom onto you (yes, YOU!), through the medium of trailblazing anecdotes, powerful acting exercises, and some good old-fashioned talking at people. He doesn't need validation, but he would like it, so please join him. Special guests also join Jason Thurston. Bonanza.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Storytelling, Pop

Scots of the Pops

Join us for Scots o' the Pops – a lively, interactive music show that celebrates the best of Scottish pop! Sing along to your favourite hits from iconic Scottish singers and bands, as we pack in as many chart toppers as possible. This engaging experience invites everyone to participate, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and joy. Whether you're a fan of classic favourites or contemporary sensations, there’s something for everyone. Bring your friends and family for a night of unforgettable music, fun and camaraderie. Don’t miss out on this musical celebration of Scotland’s finest!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Thriller, Dark Comedy

Three Can Keep a Secret

Top of the Hollywood Fringe 2024 nominee! It was supposed to be an easy score. Whack the mark. Stage the scene. Take the money. Retire to Cabo. At least, that’s how they planned it. But for poor Moose and Sonny, a really bad night is only just beginning. This darkly funny and twisted interactive crime thriller allows you, the audience, to choose how the story proceeds, while the anti-hero protagonists attempt to get away with murder. Literally. With multiple decision points throughout, and three different possible endings, no two performances will be the same!

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Family-friendly

Captain Narwhal’s Pirates vs French Dinosaurs

Captain Narwhal's happy band are at it again, stealing treasure from the local town. Only this time, they’ve taken more than they bargained for... Join them in their quest to right their wrongs whilst battling Captain Ouioui and his prehistoric crew! Swashbuckling has never been as swashbuckled as this! This new, interactive show from Gatepost Theatre Company is suitable for all ages. All children who join our pirate crew will also take away a piece of pirate treasure to remember the adventure forever.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Puppetry, Theatre

Here Comes Gudong

Here Comes Gudong! Where mystery roars and legends soar! This summer, unleash curiosity in a whirlwind adventure where myths collide and laughter rules! When a thunderous Gudong rattles the jungle, join Explorer Monkey and her quirky crew to crack the code. Is it Jingwei’s ancient cry, Nordic trolls’ burps or clock factories exploding? Dive into a sensory symphony of puppetry and live-camera wizardry, weaving east Asian folklore with western fables. Bursting with heart, humor and hands-on magic, this interactive quest turns families into myth-busters. Don’t just watch... sleuth, solve and soar. Curiosity is calling – Gudong!

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Musical Comedy, Theatre

Much Ado About Pirates

Gilbert and Sullivan meets Shakespeare in this song/dance/play mash-up, developed and performed by multiple National School Theatre Award winners. This time it is Jonathan who is leaving the Pirate King to become a Shakespearean actor. 'Parting is such sweet sorrow – here today, gone tomorrow'. What would Queen Victoria say? Our aim is that somebody's amused, even if it's not Her Majesty. Our previous productions include: Les Miserables, 'Tear-jerking... extraordinary teamwork' [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (BroadwayBaby.com), Sweeney Todd 'Highly talented boys' [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (BroadwayBaby.com), Waiting for OFSTED 'Serious, witty' [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (ScotsGay.co.uk), 14-18 Cyrano 'Stylish, original' [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (BroadwayBaby.com).

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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True-life, Drama

Find Me by Olwen Wymark

The powerful true story of Verity, a teenage girl institutionalised after a mental health crisis and later sent to Broadmoor, where she could only be released with permission from the Home Secretary. This gripping play explores the complexities of mental illness, the struggle for identity, and the devastating impact on both Verity and those around her. Find Me confronts society’s treatment of mental health, exposing the isolation, misunderstanding and failures of the system. A deeply moving and thought-provoking production; a true story that packs a punch.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Contemporary

Life Cycle of a Star

When they were four years old, Anna and Lily promised to be best friends for life, to sit side by side next to each other in their wheelchairs in the nursing home. But can a childhood promise survive the forces of time and space? Life Cycle of a Star presents the friendship of Anna and Lily 'against the life of the stars,' taking us on a journey through time, from prom to the nursing home, on cross-country and intergalactic space expeditions. Life Cycle of a Star asks: can you really promise someone a lifetime?

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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New Writing, Classical

Daphne

Daphne, the muse of Apollo, Ovid, Lorenzo Bernini ... of us. As Bernini begins to craft his tribute to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, he becomes enchanted by one of his subjects. He places himself within the chase as his desire for Daphne takes over. But what does Daphne desire? Does she want to be pursued? Does she want to be silenced? The play offers an alternative outcome to the myth. Watch as she steps out of the narrative that silenced her, and reclaims her own story.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Dark Comedy

Merrily Merrily Merrily

In Merrily Merrily Merrily, three friends gather for a boozy night of laughter and existential debates, unraveling the mysteries of love, the universe, God, and the proper way to eat a chocolate soufflé. But beneath the drunken chaos, one of them harbours a sinister agenda. As the night spirals into absurdity and revelation, the boundaries between humour and horror blur, exposing the fragile beliefs that keep us tethered to hope. Darkly funny and unnervingly sharp, this play is a wicked exploration of love, faith, and the hope we cling to when the soufflé collapses.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Blues, Food and Drink

2 Guys, 3 Drams: The Ultimate Live Blues and Whisky Experience

2022, 2023, and 2024 Fringe sell-out show. Join duo The Rhythm and Booze Project as they play some stomping blues music and serve you three superb Scotch whiskies. In a whirlwind 65 minutes, get ready to learn how to sound clever about whisky, appreciate top-quality drams, and enjoy some raucous tunes. 'A truly brilliant show' (EdinburghLive.co.uk). 'If you like blues and you like whisky then you’ve got to see this show' **** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'This provided the most euphoric experience I have ever had at the Fringe' ***** (MumbleMusic.uk).

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Revue

The Physician of Oz

The Malignant Humours are back at the Fringe, and this year, we’re off to see the wizard! The Physician of Oz is the medical comedy sketch show sure to leave you in stitches – no magic required. With 12 sell-out shows behind us, you won’t want to miss out before tickets vanish! Our cast of healthcare students are certified in emergency laughter procedures, so follow the yellow brick road to Surgeons’ Hall for 45 minutes of award-winning comedy. Wickedly funny and magically absurd – you won’t need a brain, heart or courage to enjoy!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Drama

Fun at Parties

Berlin Open Theatre presents Fun at Parties: an electrifying new play set in the underbelly of Berlin’s legendary club scene. While local partygoers seek hedonism, freedom, and true euphoria, organisers must battle to keep the dream alive for future generations. With a diverse, Berlin-based cast, Fun at Parties is a must-see for party lovers, culture seekers, and anyone who’s ever longed to dance till dawn in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Children's show, Musical theatre

Disney's Finding Nemo Jr

Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts presents Disney's Finding Nemo Jr – a musical adaptation of the 2003 Pixar movie. With new music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, lives with his kid Nemo who longs to explore the world beyond their home. Featuring memorable songs such as Just Keep Swimming and Go with the Flow, this show will delight audiences young and old. The book is adapted by Lindsay Anderson with musical arrangements by Myrna Conn. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Variety

Follies! A Showcase of Bits and Bobs

Comedy! Music! Fractured classics! Drama! And more! Do you like to be surprised? Is variety what you crave? We have just the ticket for you. The Flying Solo! Follies features short excerpts and vignettes performed by Fringe artists and companies from across the States showcasing new work, current Fringe shows and maybe even gems from their repertoire. Be adventurous and join us for 60 minutes of fun, laughter, tears and amazement. Two performances only; completely different line-up of performers for each show.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Neurodiversity-led, Musical theatre

I'm Autistic - A New Musical

Lauren, Nat and Chloe are young adults. They are going through big changes in their lives. And they are autistic. Lauren is a uni student who discovers she may be autistic when researching for an essay. Nat has been unlucky in love, until he meets the neurotypical Sophie who is everything he wants in a girl. Chloe is struggling with bullying at school, and the strain on her relationship with her best friend Liv, because of Liv’s sudden rise in popularity. We encounter love, loss, friendships, mental health and more in this new musical.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Storytelling, Solo show

The Lost Priest

11 - 23 Aug
The Lost Priest is a deeply personal, one-person show exploring the complexities of growing up Jewish in America. Through poetic monologues, ritual reenactments and moments of raw reflection, the performer grapples with identity within an ethnicity divorced from religion. Blending humour and heartbreak, the play delves into themes of cultural alienation, family legacy and resilience. Intimate childhood memories, historical anecdotes and societal observations intertwine, creating a poignant narrative that captures the universal search for belonging.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Family-friendly, Solo show

Sped Kid

Sped Kid is an award-winning, high-energy, genre-defying one-man show that blends comedy, music and storytelling in a raw and heartfelt performance. It tells the powerful true story of Adam Linn, a twelve-year-old boy going blind in 1984 Boston, a city divided by long-simmering racism, but alive with new music and breakdancing. In this gripping, autobiographical journey, Adam’s failing vision forces him to leave an all-white Catholic school and board a special education short bus to an inner-city public school, where he and his new friends find strength, humour and triumph through their shared love of music and dance.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Historical, Live Music

Piaf and Brel: The Impossible Concert

11 - 16 Aug
Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel: two French musical icons who sang of romance and heartbreak and lived passionate, dramatic lives. But they didn't ever appear onstage together – until now! This impossible concert features internationally acclaimed singer Melanie Gall. With Amsterdam, Milord, La Vie en Rose, and other French classics. Piaf and Brel has been performed in over 12 countries. Chosen to be part of the Fringe Encore series and awarded an off-Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse in New York City. 'Impeccable performance!' ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au) ***** (Winnipeg Free Press). Sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs 2017-2018.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, Horror

Robert Louis Stevenson: The Body Snatcher

A chilling tale of greed, guilt and the macabre, The Body Snatcher exposes one of the darkest truths in history – the grisly pursuits of the so-called Resurrection Men. When medical student Fettes is recruited to assist the enigmatic scholar Wolfe Macfarlane, a chilling chain of events is set in motion. To what lengths will they go for the advancement of medical knowledge? This stunning adaptation brings to the stage Stevenson’s masterfully-weaved story of suspense and morality – exploring the dark depths of human ambition and its terrifying consequences.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, New Writing

Cody and Beau: A Wild West Story

11 - 16 Aug
Cody and Beau have two things on their mind: becoming cowboys and… winning spelling bees?! Enthralled by tales of Billy the Kid and Butch Cassidy, the two plan to escape and fulfill their outlawing destiny. But when the boys find themselves against the hostile backdrop of 1889 Texas, the imagined starts to become all a bit too real. From the Edinburgh-based creative team of Dylan and Will comes a vibrant, immersive coming-of-age tale, inspired by the lasting legacy of the Wild West.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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A Covert Affair

Set in Budapest at the heart of the Cold War, two operatives have been tasked with a mission of seduction and espionage to swap state secrets. The two are monitored by their Wires, older agents who attempt to instill professionalism and discipline in their protégées. However, through several dates on their companies' cards, the two end up falling for each other and inadvertently give up every sensitive piece of intel they possess. Pursued by their organisations, the two must navigate a tricky tightrope of half truths and hope.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Drama

After Juliet

Romeo and Juliet are dead. Peace has been ordered, but a tense truce holds between the Capulets and Montagues after the death of Romeo and Juliet. After bitterly blaming her cousin Juliet for her love Romeo’s death, Rosaline is bent on revenge. Torn between being voted the Capulet’s new Prince of Cats and giving into the grief and jealousy that torments her mind, this thrilling sequel shows the consequences of Romeo and Juliet’s actions. A stirring tale of love, violence and new beginnings. The order may be for peace, but the Capulets and Montagues are far from it.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Musical Comedy, Musical theatre

Nearlyweds the Musical

Nearlyweds is a brand-new musical comedy that will have you laughing, crying and singing along! We follow Lily, a people-pleasing Scottish bride as she runs away from her wedding, and Jake, an arrogant, jilted groom whose life isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Along the way they meet an array of vibrant characters each with weird quirks and have hilarious scenarios to overcome. Will Lily learn to stand up for herself and will Jake finally stop the awful puns? This relatable musical comedy by Jasmine Alice has extremely loveable characters and way too many puns!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Musical Comedy, Solo show

The Car Showroom Poet

Experience unforgettable, high–energy acts in this original, real–life story of exceptional talent emerging from car showrooms. The world’s first car-dealership poet delivers a one–of–a–kind automotive solo performance featuring song parodies, poetry, monologues and comedy. A celebration of car upmanship and musical theatre. Headlining is Supercali–Lotus, arguably the best parody in 60 years of iconic musical hits, alongside acts inspired by popular comedy culture, including the uniquely performed, Gloria Gaynor–inspired parody I Will Drive.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Storytelling, True-life

A Yank in Scotland

The Highlands of Scotland – filled with misty moors and glens, rolling fields of heather and ghosts from Scottish history. They invite mystical ruminations, kindle existential questions, and spark the imagination to soar higher into uncharted territory. At any moment an ordinary situation can be transformed into an extraordinary one. Join Paul O'Brien and Bonnie Prince Charlie in the telling of one man's story of loss and discovery as he searches for mystery, meaning, and a lost wallet in the Highlands.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Political

UNCLE TOM'S WAR: Haiti and the Whipping Machine

The story of the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) in the context of the American and French Revolutions and the war against slavery. Fiery-hot poetry from a London, UK and BBC slam champion, David Lee Morgan. For previous shows: 'I am awed by Morgan's passion, his humorous, yet enraged, intellectual appraisal… An energetic, clever, passionate survey of human life' ***** (Time Out). 'One of those rare, passionate performances... bristling with energy and interesting ideas… a bracing crash course in how to read history… with a f*cking blowtorch' **** (Scotsman).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Film, In Conversation

Been There, Done That, Got the Symptoms!

Parky Players founded in 2020, first performing at the Edinburgh Fringe 2022. Since then, they’ve won the 2023 World Parkinson’s Congress song competition, performing their song in Barcelona to 2000 people. In 2024 they wrote, performed and toured a new comedy sketch show, Shaken Not Stirred, culminating in six days at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024. This is a chance to hear their inspirational story through an introduction by Parky Player co-founder Janet Shipton, followed by a screening of the documentary by award-winning filmmaker Dave MacFarlane, and finally a Q&A session with cast members.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Revue, Musical theatre

The American Dream - A Musical Journey Across the USA

Take an unforgettable journey through the heart of American musical theatre. The American Dream is a spectacular revue that celebrates the best of twentieth-century Broadway from its golden age to the present. Experience showstopping numbers that reflect social change, global influence and the evolution of the American stage. With powerful vocals and timeless classics, this dynamic production brings the magic of Broadway to the Fringe. Whether a lifelong theatre fan or new to musicals, prepare to be inspired by the passion and timeless storytelling of Broadway’s greatest hits!

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Theatre

Drama Girls

Ever wondered what turns your favourite stars into household names? The exact conditions that formed their rise to the top? Take a peek into the outrageously elite world of prestigious drama training, where talent is polished, egos are inflated and bank accounts drained. Equal parts sharp satire and painful realisations, Drama Girls invites you to laugh, cry and cheer for three women chasing dreams in a world that promises everything, but guarantees nothing.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Contemporary, Physical theatre

Evelyn

The show was born from the necessity to translate onto the stage human frailty in the face of imposed patterns. It also takes us toward the rediscovery of nature (the deepest human one). Evelyn, the protagonist, finds herself living in an extreme situation, locked inside a cramped space, manipulated and bombarded by a constant and pressing presence of messages and information. She cannot be herself – she is alone and induced, transformed to the point of being comic and funny, but also tragic at times. An ironically dramatic journey through a daily life, punctuated by fake rituals.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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A Cappella

Full Score Barbershop Choir Presents: You'd Boater Believe It!

You’d boater believe it because Full Score are bringing barbershop back to the Edinburgh Fringe for a 5th year following last year’s five-star rated, sold-out show! You’d Boater Believe It! promises to be an afternoon of classy quartets and outstanding full chorus numbers. Packed full of musical theatre, jazz, pop and Disney like you’ve never heard them before, there is bound to be something for everybody. Look out for their boaters and braces because you don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind show!

Location theSpaceTriplex

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LGBTQ+, New Writing

Someone Has Got to Be John

Speakbeast are doing a tribute act – and we think we’re doing a pretty convincing job. Paul is telling everyone how to stand. George keeps quitting and coming back. And nobody knows what Ringo’s on about. And if you really squint, we almost look like the real thing. But something is missing. And he keeps trying to get in. From Binge Fringe Queer Performer's Award winners Speakbeast, SHGTBJ is a fever dream we've been having about transmedicalism. About breakups. About separating reality from realness. And about separating The Beatles from John.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Storytelling, Jazz

Roving Mad: America and back in the 1960's

Jazz cabaret written and performed by Malcolm Windsor tells, in songs and stories, of his adventures in America in the 1960's. He is accompanied by two fine musicians Jeremy Thorp (piano) and Nick Gent (guitar) with songs of the era by Sinatra, Ella, Nat King Cole. Who knew that starting work at sixteen in the lab of a chocolate factory would lead to a scientific job in California, thanks to Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, and an international diplomatic post in Edinburgh? A fascinating, entertaining story told with lovely songs, fun and joy.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Artist(s) of Colour, Storytelling

Is This Normal?

Following its four-star debut at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, award-winning storyteller Ansa Edim returns with Is This Normal? A shockingly true, uncomfortably cringe storytelling show drawn from her real-life dating disasters, heartbreaks, and hard-won lessons. With humour and vulnerability, Is This Normal? unpacks the highs and lows of love, societal expectations, and the messy path to self-acceptance. Is This Normal? is a compelling, unforgettable journey of embracing power, breaking free from norms and finding joy in a beautifully imperfect story.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Thriller

Abhorrent Little Scrotum

Following acclaimed productions Blush of Dogs and Hell Yes I’m Tough Enough which took London by storm, Fragen Network returns to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time since their five-star 2016 show, 5 Out of 10 Men. Abhorrent Little Scrotum is a bold, high-energy dive into the subconscious, where computer hacking meets brain hacking. This electrifying, physical theatre piece follows one woman’s mission to rescue her friend from the depths of her own mind. Sharp, seductive and unrelenting, it’s a psychological thrill ride infused with wit, movement and raw theatricality. A must see.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Historical

Gladiatrix

In 200 AD, Emperor Septimius Severus decreed that women could no longer compete in the Gladiator Games. What happens when an empire mandates how women use their bodies? Gladiatrix brings this untold story to life through passionate vocals and gripping stage combat. Inspired by true events, this electrifying production explores the strength, sacrifice and resilience of the women left behind. Her story, lost in history.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Comedy, Classical

On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco

World-famous Russian playwright Anton Chekhov is best known for his major works including: Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters and The Seagull. However before writing these, he was responsible for highly-acclaimed short comedies called vaudevilles. These explored the human condition including the beauty, heartbreak and loneliness people experience. On the Harmful Effects of Tobacco embodies all of these themes. Ivan Ivanovich Nyukhin is told by his wife to deliver a lecture on the dangers of smoking to one's health but digresses somewhat and begins laying bare his unhappiness and his failed dreams. A short comic masterpiece.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Stand-up, Alternative Comedy

Clever Comedy Chicago

A one-of-a-kind alternative comedy showcase straight from the Windy City itself. Join us in getting unhinged at Fringe for a show featuring some of the weirdest and most hilarious comedians from Chicago's indie comedy scene, that have been delighting audiences in clubs, back rooms of bars, improv theatres and elevated train cars for years. Clever Comedy features expertly crafted jokes, zany characters, musical guests and more. At Clever Comedy we embrace weird, because people are strange.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Theatre, Cabaret

Paris in a Jazz Age: The Memoirs of Eloise Defleur

Musical memories from a Parisian cafe. A journey through the vibrant swing scene of the 20s, 30s and 40s. Relive the songs, clubs and atmosphere of Paris in the Jazz Age, told by Eloise DeFleur, (Airlie Scott) and her talented band as she sifts through the music, her love story and tales of her Parisian life. A hot jazz blend of gypsy jazz, early swing, French chanson, blues and American songbook classics popular in Paris from the roaring twenties through occupation to liberation at the end of WWII.

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Clown, Farce

A Most Pressing Issue

A dark satirical comedy that follows four prison workers battling a fire with anything but water. As characters wrestle with existential crises, heartbreak and bureaucracy, an inevitable doom draws ever nearer, forcing this band of misfits to confront their long-forgotten responsibilities. Prepare for full speed, uninterrupted chaos from start to finish as Gaulier-trained clowns and sharp-edged comedians deliver a relentlessly funny tale of love, loss, fear and arrogance. This exciting piece of new writing is eager to push boundaries, electrify audiences and most importantly, make you laugh out loud.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Interactive

Iago Speaks

At first glance, Iago Speaks appears to follow the events immediately after Shakespeare's Othello. But this meta-theatrical, comedic romp quickly turns, introducing us to Iago’s hapless jailer, always landing in Shakespeare plays, but with no lines. His quest, as he languishes by Iago’s dungeon cell, is to discover the true purpose for his life, and – ultimately – theatre. A classic comedy duo, Iago and his jailer descend into a mad adventure, its ultimate purpose only revealed at the end. The play is boundless, ridiculous and constantly winking at the audience and yet, manages to make us think.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Comedy

A Midsummer Night's Dream

It is what it is, the course of true love never did run smooth... In this summer’s Athenian villa, a bombshell has been dropped: the public have voted to split up the hottest couple in the game. Behind the scenes there’s dissent amongst the crew with the presenters’ stormy relationship on the rocks and the producers picking sides. Into this firepit of feelings and factions, the producers break their boundaries and introduce their own brand of magic that will see more sparks fly than your typical return from Casa Amor.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Comedy, True-life

Wet Dream With Jesus

Louisiana – home of Mardi Gras, Southern hospitality, and purity culture. This autobiographical comedy explores Alice’s teenage upbringing in the thick of America’s Bible Belt. Discover her LGBTQ+ identity and experience the South beyond its cowboy boots! Hold your beers tight as Alice plays over 20 characters with more flavour than a boilin' pot of gumbo. Expect chameleon-like storytelling as Alice recounts a series of events so shocking you won’t believe they’re real! Don’t be shy now – how much can happen to one queer high schooler swimming through a flood of Southern gossip?

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Jazz, Food and Drink

1 Gig, 2 Drams: Nicole Cassandra Smit

The team behind hit show 2 Guys, 3 Drams presents a special series of intimate gigs featuring superb Edinburgh singer-songwriter Nicole Cassandra Smit. Having made her name in the Scottish jazz and blues scene over the last decade – performing sell-out shows and touring with outfits including The Blueswater, Nicole & The Backup Crew, Smitten, and The Travelling Tent Show with Tenement Jazz Band – she'll present her songs alongside two delicious whiskies. 'Smit oozes soul and endless character' (Skinny). 'Expect Nicole Cassandra Smit to go far' (Scotsman).

Location theSpaceTriplex

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New Writing, Drama

Time Bends

More than twenty years ago, literature student David met an older man called Michael in the bar of an independent cinema. They spoke for an hour, developed a genuine connection, and never met again. Twenty years later, sitting in the same cinema with his wife, David sees a man that looks very familiar. In that moment, David goes back to the afternoon he could never forget.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Storytelling, Horror

Charles Dickens: The Hanged Man's Bride

'She comes towards me on the floor; always approaching; never coming nearer; always visible as if by moonlight whether the moon shines or not.' A writer struggling to reignite his creative vision. A real-life crime. And a visit to a supposedly haunted inn. As darkness descends, a ghostly tale is played out. But what is real and what is not? A tale of passion, deceit and the ethereal dance between the realms of life and death as the Hanged Man's Bride beckons from the shadows of the past.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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New Writing, Drama

Pandora's Bowl

Inspired by Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, this is a play about a woman's survival and a bowl called Pandora. Told through recaptured memories of childhood, and the experience of motherhood, as a daughter, mother and grandmother, our story will resonate with people of all ages as they sit and remember their own special memories. After all, everyone has their own washing up bowl... don't they? Starring Niki Mylonas (The Seagull, Othello) and written and directed by Wendy Reynolds (An Evening with Sir Thomas More, Survivors).

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Traditional, World music

The Gael

Step into a world of vibrant sound as Celtic violinist Elsa presents her latest stage show, The Gael. This dynamic performance showcases the anthems of Scotland and Ireland like never before, blending traditional music of the Gaels with a contemporary twist. Armed with her electric violin, Elsa captivates audiences by infusing each beloved melody with modern effects and an electrifying energy. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Scotland through a fresh lens, designed to engage both traditionalists and new fans alike. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music that promises to leave you inspired and exhilarated!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Dark Comedy

Wish You Were Here

Set in a small town in Fife, Wish You Were Here follows a trio of working-class young men who are brought together for the first time in three years. Once a tightly-knit found family, time and circumstance has pulled the men apart. On the night of an engagement party, secrets are revealed and relationships are pushed to the brink. Will the group make it through this or have they been torn apart for good? This dark comedy explores themes of mental health, drug culture and homophobia in working-class areas in Scotland.

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Dark Comedy

The Colour Red

Michael is a man who has decided that the best thing to do is to end his life. He feels this because of how destructive his OCD has been for him and his family. However, we get introduced to how Michael really feels, as he takes the audience through all the crazy ups and downs that come along with having 'severe and enduring' OCD! He'll take you on the journey from getting his OCD to spending four months in hospital getting peer-pressured by his therapist to have a wank! Join him for the decision.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Science and Technology, Theatre

James Arthur Isn't a Mathematician and Other Lies

The life of a mathematician is one that most people outside of the sphere don't understand. The mathematician is a shy reclusive animal, so says Joe Public. Imagine my shock when I realised I was one after walking off stage as Othello. Welcome to the life of a mathematician who isn't a recluse, has social skills and apparently likes being on stage. Come join me and work out how on earth this happened and maybe I'll tell some stories of other people just like me.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Immersive, Exhibition

Tethered

Rose and Taylor narrate their sensations and memories in an attempt to come to terms with their relationship to one another, their past and the world at large. Set in a future dystopia where genetic predispositions to chronic illness have been triggered by a worldwide technological phenomenon, this immersive installation fuses emerging technologies and dance theatre to question the importance of personal care and connection in a world of increasing isolation. We invite you to experience this new world as they do, embody and play with the boundaries of separation in performance.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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A Cappella, Musical theatre

100 Years of Musicals!

The UK's No1 Show Choir returns to the Fringe following their 2024 sell-out run, with an all-new show! Join us on another joyous journey through the rich history of musical theatre, in a fun-packed a cappella show for all the family. Starting in the raucous days of the music hall, you'll hear much-loved songs from genre-defining composers including: Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein – right through to big, modern day West End sensations like Kinky Boots and Miss Saigon. Join us for a glorious celebration of the very best of musical magic!

Location theSpaceTriplex

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New Writing, Thriller

113

49 and 64 are in the room. They cannot see each other but they can talk and pass notes. All they have is questions, wedding veils and dog tags. Who are they? Where are they? What is going on? And why? And who is J Doe? And why are they watching them? 113 focuses in on the ideas of identity and memory. It asks if memory is what makes our identity, and if we were able to see ourselves objectively, could we change?

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Dance

pAges

We’re back with a brand-new show, after the dazzling run of our 2024 show that earned four stars and Pick of the Fringe from Mervyn Stutter! Journal entries come to life through the company’s unique, dynamic fusion of tap, ballet, and contemporary choreography, enhanced by spoken word, props and puppetry. pAges tells the story of what happens when you dare to pursue the life of your dreams in a world that demands conformity. Depicting a lifelong journey from childhood awe to heartbreak, resilience and the quest for self-discovery, pAges is powerful, heartfelt theatre for those who dare to dream!

Location theSpace @ Symposium Hall

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Experimental, Tragedy

Hamlet

Tortured by his own conscience, the young prince of Denmark must overcome the betrayal of those closest to him and take revenge for his father's murder. A vibrant young cast of 10 actors presents a stripped-back telling of Shakespeare's profound tragedy, making innovative use of chorus to create Hamlet's world in this high-energy and haunting production. Raiser Theatre returns to the Fringe following their previous sell-out successes of The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth and Love's Labours' Lost.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Storytelling, Drama

Once Upon a Bridge

A tale for a modern age: early one morning on Putney Bridge, three strangers' lives collided for one fleeting second. Inspired by real events, Once Upon a Bridge weaves a tale about human triumph and frailty, about the power of destiny and chance, and why sometimes we choose to hate and other times, we choose to dance. Sonya Kelly's critically acclaimed play was premiered in The Mick Lally Theatre, Galway in February 2021. This adaptation from the Lace Market Theatre was met with critical and public acclaim following a UK tour.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, Poetry

What Are You Laughing At?

Jump on board and let me take you down that bumpy road that we call life. Let's face it – life is pretty funny! We'll stop off on the way to enjoy I Found God Behind the Sofa, I Didn't Know I Was a Stalker, F**k You Death, Take it Off, Funeral Songs, Sex is Funny, Man-Oh-Pause, Elon's Been a Naughty Boy to name but a few. Life is all about perspective isn't it? And this is mine, in a rhyme – so hold on tight!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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A Night at the Musicals

Exeter Spotlights presents A Night at the Musicals. Exeter University’s only performance choir are returning to the Edinburgh Fringe for another musical extravaganza filled with beautiful harmonies, captivating dance and a brilliant live band! Prepare yourself for an action-filled spectacle featuring musical hits from your favourite shows whilst displaying themes of love, community and independence. This musical theatre showcase will provide a night full of energy, humour, fun and blossoming young talent. This is a performance you will not want to miss!

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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New Writing, Drama

Forget-Me-Nots

Two young people fall for each other with a strange sense of déjà vu in a story of love, loss and intimacy. Exploring the beautiful power of imagination, Isla Hall's poignant new play challenges perceptions of love and relationships and examines the fragile and complex nature of human connection. Forget-Me-Nots was originally written for the National Theatre's New Views competition and premieres at the Fringe 2025.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Storytelling

As We Face the Sun

As We Face the Sun is a moving and uplifting exploration of friendship and the passage of time. The story follows a group of West London classmates who, after the tragic loss of a friend, hold an annual party in her honour. As they transition from teenagers into adulthood, the gatherings become a reflection of shared memories and growth. Bought to life by talented West London drama students, the narrative reminds us of why we hold onto things and how we might start to let go.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Contemporary

Why Won't They Eat the Cake?

A messy kitchen, an uneaten cake, a shoe in the bath and two… friends? Why Won’t They Eat the Cake? is a raw exploration of the insecurities that shape our relationships. Written and performed by Evelina Rudasa and Keturah Peirson, this two-person play delves into self-discovery, identity and what it means to grow up. Because no matter how much you grow up, you can never really leave the past behind. Two girls. One cake. No party.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Sketch Show, Alternative Comedy

A Bad Taste Show

Feast yourselves on an irreverent meal of a comedy sketch show. Skip the appetisers, go straight to the main course. As smooth an experience as eating a Michelin award-winning dinner from a bin in a back alley. If you want taste, style, fancy ingredients, subtle flavours... go somewhere else. Sometimes dark, sometimes silly, the show is guaranteed to tickle the wishbone. These are laughs that your mother would be ashamed of. It’s bad, but it’s so good. Offers 'belly laughs and… memorable characterisation' (SouthernArtsReviews.co.uk). Come on!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Stand-up

Congratulations, Good for You - Cantonese Stand-Up Comedy

Join Tim for his new Cantonese stand-up comedy show, Congratulations, Good for You. In this performance, he humorously navigates life as a Hong Konger preparing to become a husband. With relatable anecdotes and witty observations, Tim shares the joys and challenges of this exciting transition, highlighting the funny moments that arise along the way. Expect an evening filled with laughter as he invites the audience to connect with his journey in a light-hearted and entertaining way. Don’t miss this chance for an unforgettable night of comedy!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Comedy, New Writing

The C Word

Back by popular demand! The C Word is a radical awakening to the extreme objectification, competition, and overall nonsense women face today. This play explores the hypothesis: All women Hate themselves with a capital H. Trapped in a museum while waiting to interview for an Associate Curator position, five young women must select a tribute to fight a terrifying C-word monster. In a reality where women are constantly pitted against each other, what must we learn about ourselves to truly know and love one another?

Location theSpace @ Niddry St

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Comedy, Solo show

Hairy B*stard

Meet Magenta. This 20-something icon is confident, creative and incredibly hairy – particularly on her face. Tonight she's going on a date – perhaps he'll be the love of her life! Or perhaps he'll just stare at her moustache. Either way, its time to pop a pill (birth control), wax ya eyebrows and throw on a primarni dress, because tonight – this hairy bastard is hitting the town! This semi-autobiographical play is based around the writer's experience with hirsutism and PCOS. Full of lots of interactive, challenging and comedic moments – this one woman show is hair-raising!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Horror

The Hammer and Helena

The true story of the most evil book ever written and its horrifying legacy. Innsbruck, 1485. A witch trial sees Helena become the obsession of a religious zealot. The consequences would doom women for centuries. Now Helena confronts her accuser one final time with her soul on the line and the kindling still lit. ArtsGroupie blends its acclaimed portrayal of historical events with contemporary drama and a frightening narrative worthy of their annual sell-out performances of Ghost Stories by Candlelight, featured in the New York Times.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Comedy, Drama

Date, Desire, Divorce

Diana Stewart and Damian Corcoran perform as different older couples in four romantic tragi-comedies by Edinburgh writer Malcolm Windsor. Anne and John are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary, but somehow the taxi driver and the waiter are involved. Carol and Steve meet online and date for the first time but are they compatible? Sue and Dave discuss what they might want to improve their marriage, but do they have the same ideas? Sylvia, the moustache stalker, tracks down Martin 40 years later, but is it too late? Fun, games, tragedy. Life itself!

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Stand-up, Solo show

Henry Churniavsky... Life Lessons from a Jewish Grandfather (Zaida)

Henry has brought up twins (with his wife of course!) and now Henry is bringing his learnt life lessons to the next generation… his grandson. His parenting skills are still valid despite him getting older. His daughter may think differently as she has her own ideas of bringing up his grandson. He won’t be silenced. Listen to his top tips for life, learn how as a sexagenarian he deals with eating out at restaurants, the world of social media, his daughter's pregnancy and his medical procedures.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Science and Technology, Storytelling

Science Stories for Grown-Ups

Science communication that engages the heart and the mind. Two scientists turned performers, Giulia and Richard, share their passion for the fun, wild ideas hiding in science’s back catalogue. From fire to water, thermodynamics to the Twin Paradox, five stories will materialise to kickstart scientific wonder. Our stories anthropomorphise the scientific world, giving atoms personalities to explain their behaviour, adding emotions to chemical reactions and inserting the idiosyncrasies of science into the day-to-day. Full book of stories available to buy at the end of the show. We will reawaken the curiosity that your science teacher crushed.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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New Writing, Tragedy

Derby Day

A murder in a small Fife town has shaken the community to its core. A lifelong friend is gone, the investigation drags on, but does someone know more than they are telling? On the day of the Edinburgh Derby, secrets are revealed, the scars of the past burn anew and relationships are pushed to the breaking point. Derby Day, a new writing drama from Without Compromise Theatre, addresses the damage caused by sexual abuse and the consequences of unbroken cycles of violence in communities throughout Scotland.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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Adaptation, Experimental

Hunger

Fragen Network, acclaimed for producing fun, heartfelt, uncompromising theatre, presents a bold and hilarious new adaptation of Knut Hamsun’s Hunger, reimagined as an experimental, immersive theatrical experience. This innovative production brings a world-renowned novel’s psychological intensity to life, following a struggling writer as he battles starvation, isolation and the self-sabotaging habits of his own mind. Blending comedy, movement, sound and striking visuals, Hunger offers a fresh perspective on one of modern literature’s most haunting works. Thought-provoking, visceral and deeply human, this is a must-see for audiences looking for daring and original theatre.

Location theSpace on the Mile

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LGBTQ+, Musical theatre

Stick Together

Trapped in a school locker room during a zombie invasion, three misfit field hockey players face a chaotic, unforgettable night of dark humour, secrets, unlikely friendships and romances. Forced to confront personal demons and an impending undead threat, they discover that survival isn’t just about dodging zombies – it’s about trusting each other and forging bonds through adversity. With hilarious banter, heartfelt musical numbers and unexpected twists, this coming-of-age musical challenges them to redefine what it means to be brave. Will their newfound unity be enough to overcome the night’s madness and change their futures forever?

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Burlesque, Ballet

Bella's Ballerinas

A daring fusion of classical ballet and modern sensuality, Bella’s Ballerinas presents a captivating performance blending heels technique, burlesque and breathtaking choreography. An unforgettable celebration of empowerment, passion and artistic freedom.

Location theSpaceTriplex

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New Writing, Dark Comedy

Chickens

Chickens is a sharp comedy-drama that explores the chaos of love, life and obsession. Set in a cozy Edinburgh flat, the story follows Jay, an eccentric British enthusiast, and Weronika, his pragmatic partner, as they grapple with clashing priorities and cultural differences. From egg-centric lectures to impulsive chicken coop projects, their relationship begins to crack under the weight of unbalanced expectations. With humour, tenderness and unflinching honesty, Chickens unravels the delicate fabric of love and asks: can unilateral decisions ever be justified by good intentions and the pursuit of happiness? Where is the line between care and control?

Location theSpace on the Mile

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Fantasy, Horror

Ghost Stories By Candlelight

The flickering flames wake spectral shadows of the past. Is the mind playing tricks or do these shapes come with a sinister purpose? It’s almost the witching hour, dare to come into the candlelight. The late-night sensation that revived a time-honoured tradition, according to the New York Times. ArtsGroupie blends classic frights for modern nights. Following three years of sold-out performances in the North West of England, don’t miss this spine chilling spectacle.

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Theatre, Drag

Mr P From HR

Mr P from HR is an interactive drag-king performance, taking audiences down “recruitment road” and welcoming them to their new job induction day at luxury department store Gayrods (pronounced 'Gah-rods', not 'Gay-rods'... that would be absurd). Mr P has written songs, quizzes and NDAs for the amazing new sales team who will soon call the store hell... I mean home! But could this all be a ruse to conceal the secrets lying in the tunnels beneath the store's shiny floors? Don't be late and remember to be ready in full Gayrods attire upon arrival!

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Theatre, Drag

3 Little Wigs

Three little pigs move to the big city, dreaming of pop stardom. They enter a talent contest run by the sly Big Bad Wolf and hosted by a fabulous presenter. With live vocals, lip-syncing, dance, and comedy, this electrifying show reimagines the classic tale. As the pigs advance through the competition, they revel in the glitz and glamour, unaware of the Wolf’s true intentions. The stakes rise as they discover the chilling truth – they’re destined to be the main course at the Wolf’s annual Feast of Champions. Can they escape before it's too late?

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

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Dark Comedy, Live Music

Damp

The Rock pub has seen better days, more recently, it has seen damp. Tucked away in Lochhaven, a group of misfits find themselves trapped during a storm with no escape. Tensions are high and the walls are talking. They’re stuck. With tales, stories, a strange black slime, songs of spooky ghosts and supernatural goings-on, a fair bit of drinking, some insults for good measure, a spot of Monopoly, the odd jump scare and a sacrificial death. Will this unlikely group of idiots work out the antidote to control... the damp?

Location theSpace @ Venue 45

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Comedy, Classical

The Bear

As well as being world-famous for classical full-length works like The Seagull, Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard, Anton Chekhov was widely renowned for his short comedic plays known as vaudevilles. Written before he achieved worldwide success, these vaudevilles were short plays with a different style of humour and dialogue than were found in his later works. They explore the human condition, and the beauty, heartbreak and loneliness people experience. When a young widow, mourning the death of her husband, is visited by the irascible Smirnov demanding payment for her husband's debts, things take a surprisingly romantic turn.

Location theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall