This classic building in the heart of the New Town is now the centre of a fantastic festival hub, hosting some of the finest theatre, comedy and music from around the world. The Assembly Rooms hosts three spaces indoors: the Music Hall, Ballroom and Drawing Room, with a Spiegeltent (The Bijou) and a studio space (Front Room) outside on George Street.

Mia loved writing. She spent every night coming up with the most wonderful stories, writing them down and hiding them, never telling anyone about their existence. It wasn't until her parents moved house that we discovered them. There were dozens of boxes in a hidden space in Mia's old room. All boxes were labelled Mia's Tales of Wonder. And there was a note. It said 'For Tim. As promised. You know where to open them.' I do. And I hope to see you there. 'One of the most fascinating experimental theatrical minds at the Fringe' (BritishTheatreGuide.info).

Muller's Tales of Wonder

Two friends, one year, two births, a death, 18 bursts of laughter, 34,000 tears (each) and one piece of chunky jewellery. It was a year to forget but instead Natasha and Jude turned it into a show. This is a comedy that bites. An achingly joyous celebration of sisterhood, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster with open-hearted, brutal honesty. These uncompromising performers team up with Olivier Award-nominated Ben Duke of Lost Dog to create this unflinchingly honest, human and hilarious show. 'Genuinely moving and life affirming' **** (Herald). MadeInScotlandShowcase.com

Chunky Jewellery

The longest-running burlesque show at Fringe returns with iconic International headliners, innovators, showstoppers and iconic tributes. Legends! Five-star sell-out runs since 2013. A celebration of bodies, tradition, acceptance and inclusivity. Performed in the opulent surroundings of the Bijou Spiegeltent. With cabaret, strip-tease and a variety of art forms involved (and with quite a bit of skin on display) – the show amazes and delights audiences. With changing acts every night, the show is truly unique every time you see it. Best of Burlesque is a celebration that we should all be party to.

Best of Burlesque: Iconic

Bite-size tasters of the best comedy, cabaret, family entertainment and circus, all for you to enjoy in the heart of the New Town, in the beautiful Assembly Rooms Ballroom on George Street. With line-ups changing daily, we have something for everyone, so let us bring you the best of the fest! See AssemblyFestival.com for line-ups. 'An all round crowd pleaser' ***** (ThreeWeeks).

Best of the Fest Daytime

It wouldn't be the Fringe without some Sunshine! Captivate's five star, vibrant, energetic, emotional, sell-out production is back in the ballroom. This funny and moving story by Stephen Greenhorn features songs from Edinburgh favourites, The Proclaimers. 'Toe-tapping and filled with hometown love, Captivate Theatre's production of Sunshine on Leith at the Assembly Rooms Ballroom is fun and energetic.' (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). 'The show has found an appropriate home at the Edinburgh Fringe, offering audiences a chance to see a musical that really reflects the spirit of city life' (KatMasterson.com).

Sunshine on Leith

1916. Drawn from two years of Sussex retirement for the funeral of his friend, Dr Watson, Holmes returns to Baker Street to resolve the last act of his epic career. A theatrical evening then unfolds, with fourteen characters all played by Nigel Miles-Thomas in a tour de force performance. Cross-examinations, heated arguments between Holmes and Watson, and all manner of comic and serious interactions, between many famous Conan Doyle characters. As the play concludes the great detective reveals a shocking secret. Written by Conan Doyle expert David Stuart Davies, directed by award-winning Gareth Armstrong.

Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act

A grad student's confrontation with her professor over the fifty sexual assaults in Ovid's Metamorphoses sparks a magical yet terrifying transformation shattering both their ideas of gender, sexuality and desire. Actor Sarah Baskin morphs into gods, goddesses, boyfriends, girlfriends, tricksters and fiends in a whiplash comedy-drama that is Freaky Friday meets the classics. Through seventeen characters and 120 transformations, this show cuts to the duality in all of us: aggressor and victim, teacher and student, god and mortal. 'You'll never think of classical literature again without these women coming into your head' (Sydney Morning Herald).

A Poem and a Mistake

Sceptical? Good. We're here to blow your mind right open. In the first ever magic show made for people that don't believe in magic, Kevin dares you to see the impossible, transforming your scepticism to belief, using science to deceive you... in the way only a former Physics PhD could. Scottish Comedy Award nominee; trained by Penn & Teller. Expect big gasps and raw, unfiltered magic from a world-class showman. Think you know what's real? Think again. 'Astonishing' ***** (Edinburgh Evening News). 'Defies imagination' ***** (Advertiser, Adelaide).

Kevin Quantum: Unbelievable Magic for Non-Believers

'Some of the most glorious vocal moments I have ever experienced in a theatre... transporting us into the life of a fading icon' (StageAndCinema.com). After a highly acclaimed Los Angeles premiere season in 2024, DIVA brings its magic to Edinburgh. The brilliant Vivienne Powell displays her glorious musical and physical prowess in bringing to life the once great Australian opera singer, Louisa McCrae. By unpacking a suitcase of cherished items, Louisa is transported back to the transformative events that shaped her extraordinary life. Directed by award-winning director Peter Blackburn.

DIVA

Marnina and Micah had a pitch-perfect wedding, minus the venue burning down. Now they're on their actual honeymoon, chasing off existential dread with catchy songs and Muppet-y energy. 'There's nothing they can't sing and laugh their way through' (New York Times). 'Catchy, memorable lyrics… infectious' (LarchmontBuzz.com). 'Non-stop hilarious… a show that embraces all the hard stuff and still leaves you feeling lighter' (Emmy-winner Rob Kutner (Conan, Daily Show)). Directed by Fringe champions Chris Grace and Eric Michaud.


Couplet recently garnered two Hollywood Fringe awards, two nominations, and >5 million views online!

Couplet: Honey Honey Moon Moon

Through the eyes of a perplexed, queer Canadian immigrant, Sorry chronicles Connor Malbeuf – a comedian-filmmaker – as he delivers sharp, raw commentary on the chaos of American politics and culture. Balancing fascination and exasperation, Connor tackles the absurdities of modern life with wit, heart and a desperate plea for the madness to end. Sorry is a reckoning and a release – a comedic deep dive into a world that refuses to make sense. Malbeuf has produced for John Mulaney, Bassem Youssef, Jon Stewart and Dave Chappelle, bringing a comedic sensibility to his work.

Sorry: A Canadian's Apology for America

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of FDR and "First Lady of the World", fought all her life for peace, democracy and universal human rights. Today, all she stood for is under attack throughout our dangerous world. Her voice of sanity and compassion echoes down more than 80 years as she tours Britain at the height of WWII. Returning to Assembly for the third time, Alison Skilbeck's one-woman show explores the public and hidden life of one of the most extraordinary women of the 20th century. ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). ***** (Irish Mail on Sunday).

Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London

A new British musical based on the iconic TV series following the fall and rise of captain's wife Tanya Turner as she schemes to save her marriage and her husband's career. Rewind to 2002 when Premier League football was the new rock'n'roll – with the money, glamour and bad behaviour to match. Spoiler alert: Contains scenes of an adult nature, drug-taking, noughties fashion, attempted murder, offensive language, outmoded attitudes, sexual impropriety, drama, heartbreak, comedy, singing, dancing – and absolutely no football! 'Gloriously OTT sass with brains and heart' (Musicals Magazine).

Footballers' Wives: The Musical

Circus! Slapstick! Cleaning products! Spray and Wipe try their very best to keep things clean but can't stop making messes. Until one day, they arrive at a magician's house... For ages 3+, the show features wobbly ladders, magical confetti and spinning brooms that won't stay still! After sell-out seasons across New Zealand, the world's messiest cleaners make their UK debut. 'Gleeful physical comedy... Highly recommended' (TheatreView.org.nz). 'A masterclass in family entertainment" (FlatCityFieldNotes.com) Winner 2024 Production of the Year, Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa.

Messy Magic Adventure

Are we alone in the universe? If we could speak to the planets, what would they say back? Cameron Sinclair Harris, earthling, non-binary deviant and fully qualified astronaut will hurl themselves into the galactic void in order to discover the answers. Join them as they become every planet! Every planet! Yes! Planets! is a low-budget space odyssey, an existential breakdown disguised as a character comedy show, a howl into the uncompromising yonder of space. Strap in for an hour of rampant silliness and cosmic yearning that will leave you forever stargazing.

Cameron Sinclair Harris: PLANETS!!!

In a world where politics dominates the headlines, NewsRevue shines a light in the darkness. This Guinness World Record-holder has been delivering razor-sharp satire since 1979. The fast-paced mix of sketches and parody songs tackle current events with 100% new material every year, making it a must-see for fans of topical humour. Playing year-round at London's iconic Canal Café Theatre and an annual hit in Edinburgh, the show helped launch the careers of Bill Bailey, Bridget Christie and Sara Pascoe. Delivered by four preposterously talented writer-performers, accompanied by the brilliant Fergus Carver, NewsRevue is an unmissable Fringe experience.

NewsRevue

'She appeared to disappear'. Buzz is a raw, stand-up tragedy chronicling events in the life of Trish Lyons, an artist whose sense of self is shattered by tragic events. Through dark humour and poetic storytelling, Trish shares her turbulent journey – from living in fear to reclaiming her life. Her story unfolds in images as visions, fragments of memory and artworks, moving between past and present as she navigates the art of perception – of seeing and being seen, of disappearing and of witnessing. Buzz is kaleidoscopic – part lecture, part confessional, part hymn to survival.

Buzz

Edinburgh Fringe premiere! Come From Away has received widespread critical acclaim for its heart-warming story, powerful performances and uplifting music. With its soaring music, the joyous story tells of the spirited locals of Gander and the global passengers who unexpectedly came together to forge friendships that will stay with them forever in the wake of tragedy of September 11th 2001: kindness, humanity and community. Grab your tickets now, for this is sure to be a sell-out show.

Come From Away

MOJO is a foot-stomping, barn-storming celebration of some of the most iconic and best-loved musicians of Jewish origin. Internationally renowned singer-pianist and frontman Jeremy Sassoon brings his acclaimed one-man show to the Fringe and takes you on a journey from the golden era of Gershwin and the Great American Songbook to the 21st century, honouring artists such as Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Randy Newman and Amy Winehouse. Full of surprising and hilarious anecdotes and some of the most unforgettable songs you've ever sung along and danced to, MOJO is illuminating, uplifting and joyous entertainment.

Jeremy Sassoon's MOJO (Unplugged)

With bigger prizes and brand-new rounds, Scotland's premiere quiz company triumphantly returns with the Elimination Game: Round Three! Through a series of make-or-break questions that pit you against your fellow audience members, test your knowledge – and your luck – to see if you will face elimination, or be crowned champion! A five-star reviewed hit in both 2023 and 2024, this unique blend of competition and camaraderie has something for everyone, from classic pub trivia to weirdly specific topics. There's only one winner per round, will you claim your moment of glory?

Goose's Quizzes Elimination Game

Comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh and a guest wine expert guide you through five wine tastings, and at least five jokes. Everyone from savvy sauvignon swiggers to clueless chardonnay chuggers will find something to make their glass half full, as the wine industry's hardest-hitting questions are answered. Ticket includes five tastings, with an alcohol-free option. 'Quick-witted humour and slick pace' ***** (EdinburghGuide.com). 'One of the best starts to any Fringe night out you could possibly have' **** (List). Best Eat and Drink Award, Adelaide Fringe 2024. Best Comedy, Perth Fringe 2024.

In Pour Taste: A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience

A new hour of nocturnal stand-up about grappling with notions of neurodiversity, sexuality and lunacy. Arooo! As heard on the Here Comes The Guillotine podcast. Star of the comedy specials Oh No and Scary Times. Host of BBC New Comedy Award and Scotland Stands Up. Opener for Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe, Kevin Bridges, Shane Gillis and David Cross. 'Scotland is producing some compelling young comics right now, with CMB chief among them' (Ashley Davies). 'Hit after hit after hit' (Si Hawkins). 'Adroitly marries engaging, observational humour with surprisingly unique and personal stories' (Jay Richardson).

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Howling at the Moon

There's chaos in the kitchen when Signor Baffo is left in charge! The restaurant is about to open, nothing is going to plan – and he needs your help! Get ready for a whirlwind of silly games, outrageous misunderstandings and a menu full of surprises. Can you help Signor Baffo complete his list before disaster strikes? Expect plenty of giggles, unexpected twists and even a rock'n'roll concert in this supremely silly, interactive adventure. A laugh-out-loud treat for children 3+ and their families – served with a generous helping of fun and mischief!

Signor Baffo

'Breathtakingly sweet, achingly sorrowful in parts and acerbic in its wittiness' **** (The Age). What if the DMs of a meme page held the blueprint for how we love, and how we lose? 0G Crush dives into the wired chaos of online romance, where e-girls, soy-boys and late-night voice notes collide. Willing set out to document digital desire and ended up living it, falling for a reply guy, which turned into a gravity-defying romance. His latest work is part theatrical fever dream, part adult contemporary opus – a musical memoir about meaning-making in the algorithm age.

0G Crush

Best Music Award winner and the biggest show of Adelaide Fringe, this must-see live rock-umentary will get you praying to the rock gods for more. Featuring music and lore from Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix, the 27 Club members are saluted by some of Australia's top rock icons including Sarah Mcleod (The Superjesus) and Kevin Mitchell (Jebediah). Come as you are to this celebration of the legends who will forever be 27 and their legacy left behind. 'I have never been more entertained' ***** (InDaily.com.au). 'Nothing short of mesmerising' ***** (Radio Adelaide).

27 Club

This high-energy fusion of commercial dance entertainment is back again to deliver an all-ages show of ballet and street dance, contemporary and breaking and non-stop, five-star entertainment. A magnificent blend of classic and commercial music plus a wonderful cast of multi-talented dance athletes, this show continues to dazzle with cutting-edge entertainment. Don't miss your chance to see Australia's hottest commercial dance theatre production! 'A colourful, energetic, fresh dance show' *****(LondonTheatre1.com). 'The ultimate mash up of classicalballet and modern street dance' ***** (MusicalManda.site).'Highly recommend this amazing dance experience' *****(One4Review.co.uk).

Beats on Pointe

The sister show to the highly acclaimed Beats on Pointe, this extravaganza of ballet, jazz, street dance, breaking and commercial dance will take you on an exhilarating journey of high-energy entertainment fused with comedy, freestyle acts and dance theatre. This is another feel-good show that will entertain the entire family. With a magnificent blend of classic rock and commercial music plus a wonderful cast of multi-talented performers, this show blazes with cutting-edge entertainment! 'Lifts the roof with its perfect theatrical fusion of classical and commercial dance styles' (DanceWriter.com.au).

Raise the Barre

The show is a tribute to Brazilian cuisine, which brings together cultures from various corners of the world, through a dramaturgical and gustatory journey divided into five acts, each one centered around one of the senses: smell, hearing, sight, taste and touch. It features stories and memories from both professional and amateur chefs, sharing their passion for food. In this immersive setting, the audience not only experiences the stories but also tastes a selection of dishes and drinks made with ingredients sourced from the local area, enriched with Brazilian culinary touches.

What's in the Kitchen

The South African street party erupts onto the stage with incredible energy. Prepare for a breath-taking visual feast of amazing music, the stunning physicality of dance and acrobatics – all linked by the one thing that has meaning for us all, water. Water is part of our being, but in Africa is at the heart of survival. Our young hero leads us on a quest to revive his drought-stricken home, but in doing so touches on the soul of his community and ours. An awe-inspiring show for all ages. Nothing short of mesmerising.

Africa Power: The Colour of Water

After serving 18 years in prison for her uncle's murder, Denise returns to her mother's home in a small mountain town, confronting the daughter she hasn't seen since birth. Laurel, now a college freshman, was raised by her grandmother and harbors resentment, believing Denise is responsible for the tragedy. Struggling with memory loss from her teenage addiction, Denise begins to question her guilt after flashbacks while hiking Shake Rag Hollow. As buried secrets surface from the basement, the family must confront the past. Can Denise, Laurel and her grandmother heal from the trauma that's haunted them all?

Shake Rag Hollow

Larry's been spending a lot of time with his granny lately. He wants to tell you about it. Join the thrice Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated, two-time star of Live at the Apollo for the hilarious hit show about identity, heroes and the benefits of being a dafty. 'A beautiful show that will have audiences laughing and wanting to call their nans' ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). 'At the top of his game' ***** (Independent). 'Twinklingly charismatic... the gag rate is ridiculously high' ***** (Telegraph). As seen on Royal Variety Performance, Mock the Week, House of Games and Michael McIntyre's Big Show.

Larry Dean: Dodger

The world is on fire, and the news feels relentless. Rights are being rolled back across the globe, and the UN says gender equality is still 286 years away. However, WOW – Women of the World believes there’s still much to celebrate. Join Jude Kelly and special guests for powerful stories and bold conversations as we take a fresh look at feminism today. For 15 years, WOW has brought millions together to celebrate women, girls and non-binary people and inspire action – always with humour, energy and passion. For a complete lineup please see the show website.

 

The WOW Show

What if you could build the perfect partner from scratch? When Lauren's husband dies, the young widow stumbles upon an unsettling solution to her loneliness – one that involves moulding someone to her exact specifications. But as her desires grow increasingly specific and strange, the facade starts crumbling. Inspired by the absurd humour of Yorgos Lanthimos and the power games of Harold Pinter, Strangewife is a darkly comic two-hander exploring identity, power and love in a world where every aspect of our lives is under threat of commodification.

Strangewife

Support 10 amazing women as they complete a special comedy challenge to raise funds for The Glitter Project. The finale to months of coaching and practice for a comedy performance of a lifetime, they've worked with trusted Funny Women collaborators and comedians to showcase their performance skills. Inspired by Jo Fletcher-Cross, diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour in 2022, funds raised by The Glitter Project – A Safe Place go towards her legacy to provide inclusive and accessible places for women to explore their creativity, develop self-confidence and find their voice through comedy.

Funny Women: The Glitter Challenge

Now in its 22nd year and backed by BBC Funny Parts, the Funny Women Awards are bigger and more brilliant than ever. Expect big laughs, fresh voices and unstoppable talent from the next generation of comedy stars. Join us for an unmissable night of comedy as the sharpest new acts take the stage in the Funny Women Awards 2025 Semi-Final. From stand-up to sketch, songs to sheer silliness, this showcase has it all. Who will make it to the final? Find out – and say you saw them first!

Funny Women Awards 2025 Semi-Final – Sponsored by BBC Funny Parts

In their Dublin local, two old friends meet regularly for good conversation, good craic and more than a few good pints. Blisteringly funny, but packing an emotional punch, Two Pints explores the friendship of two men, as they attempt to support each other through life's triumphs and tragedies, one pint at a time. Incredibly witty and wonderfully poignant, this sharp observational comedy is written by award-winning Irish author Roddy Doyle (The Commitments, the Booker Prize winning Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha) and directed by rising Irish star Sara Joyce (The Last Return, Fringe First).

Two Pints

Hello blue sky! Hello flowers! And hello to our new friends! Join Mint, Rosemary, Lemongrass and Lavender on a sensory journey through the seasons in their fairytale flowerbed; a place where bees dance from flower to flower, humming sweet melodies and the autumnal bonfire brings light to even the darkest of nights. There's a world of seasonal wonder to be discovered in this interactive multi-sensory performance for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities and special educational needs. Welcome to our garden, we share it with you!

Once Upon A Flowerbed

Inspired by the Book of Jonah – and probably God – award-winning shunt veteran, Mitchell and Webb writer, John Finnemore's Souvenir Programmer (and Keith Darren Dean in Ghosts), Simon Kane, regurgitates his highly acclaimed, horrifyingly evergreen divine comedy about the extremist in us all. See the unmapped complexities of the human soul brought to embarrassing life in this exciting biblical adventure, in which you are the hero! Played by him! 'Delirious, spellbinding' (Guardian). 'Simon Kane is staggering' (Derren Brown). 'A very funny, very silly, sad c***' (Lucy McCormick).

Jonah Non Grata

Multi award-winning guitarist and composer Antonio Forcione returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with a mesmerising solo performance. Inspired by decades of global touring, he brings to life the sounds and rhythms of the world. Blending breathtaking virtuosity, deep emotion and playful spontaneity, Sketches of the World is a heartfelt homage to a changing world, seamlessly weaving jazz, soul, Spanish, African and Brazilian influences. Hailed as 'one of the greatest acoustic guitarists of our time' (Guardian), Antonio delivers an unmissable musical experience.

Antonio Forcione: Sketches of the World

Jéssica Teixeira shines bright boxing ring lights on the brutality that societal conceptions of normality exercise on bodies. Starting with the story of Julia Pastrana, a multitalented Mexican artist known as the "monkey woman", who was brutally exploited in freakshows of the 19th century and didn't peace even after death. Teixeira crafts a mosaic out of philosophical reflection, infectious songs, radical performance art and humour. In the light of the disco ball, she invites us to distinguish between the myth of reality and not repeating the past. 2025 winner of the prestigious Shell Awards, Brazil for Best Director

Monga

Facility 111 is a surreal new audio play, written/performed live by Inge-Vera Lipsius. Taking place in darkness, it asks audiences to visualise poetic images in two interconnected cities: one made of glass, another of sand. Are we ultimately less different from one another than we think? Developed with Soho Theatre Labs. Lipsius is an American/Dutch director, writer, performer. Staging sold-out productions in London and Amsterdam, her play Quad Loop, the first on the Kamila Valieva scandal at the 2022 Winter Olympics, was selected for the Bomb Factory Theatre New Writing Showcase at the Bush Theatre.

Assembly Rooms

About this venue

Spaces at this venue

Contact details