Assembly Roxy is our year-round home and is a beautifully converted former church in Edinburgh's Old Town, housing four theatre spaces. Out front on Roxburgh Place, the Roxy garden houses the Roxy Outside venue and provides a spacious seating area with a bar and box office to soak up the Festival atmosphere


The Taskmaster New Zealand star returns, having told over a thousand jokes and received countless rounds of applause and bouts of laughter. Not to mention the smiles he's procured. Everyone is telling Paul that this is gonna be his year and he's feeling very optimistic about how it's going to go. Just don't look at him. **** (Times). **** (List). **** (Skinny).

Paul Williams: Don't Look at Me

Old God is a foppish, irreverent oracle. A singer of doom. A weaver of myth. A being so old they have forgotten their own name. With beautiful costuming, painted canvas backdrop and fancy golden foot lights, this white face clown seems to have walked out of the theater houses of the 1800s. Pantomime is performed along side improvisational feats of language. No one can keep up as Old God buries the audience beneath a sea of imagery and play spinning wildly in topic but elegantly in body.

Old God

Winner: 2023 Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award. Nominee: 2025 Leicester Comedy Festival Awards Best Debut Show. Arab. Muslim. Brummy. 'Deliciously funny' (Guardian) Hasan Al-Habib's parents left Baghdad for the land of opportunity (Birmingham). But when Britain invaded Iraq, friends and teachers saw him as the enemy within. Featuring Big Tescos, why Saddam Hussein would've loved Drayton Manor and - amidst a search for those pesky weapons of mass destruction – finding self-acceptance. 'Al-Habib will be famous' (Rolling Stone). 'Edgy and silly in exactly the right balance' (Sara Pascoe). Directed by Jet Vevers.

Hasan Al-Habib: Death to the West (Midlands)

Seven acrobats and thirty metres of rope... Long spools of white rope run through pulley sheaves and wrap around bodies, connecting the artists' movements above and off the ground. By a Thread weaves virtuosic acrobatics and intricate choreography through moments of confusion, hilarity, romance, playfulness, fear and friendship, uncovering the threads of connection present in all relationships. Australian circus at its best, By a Thread is an exploration of tensions physical, emotional and relational. 'An exquisitely choreographed human poem' (InDaily.com.au). 'An intricate and mesmerising piece of art' (ArtsHub.com.au). 'Intoxicating to witness' (StageWhispers.com.au).

By a Thread

We all know tangerines, don't we? In Taiwan they come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Drawing parallels between Western holiday traditions and Asian family gatherings for Lunar New Year, Yinalang Group's endearing, imaginative family show deftly illuminates this seasonal fruit's personality, history and cultural meaning. As specialists in object theatre, the company's sweet, juicy blend of spoken text and beguiling DIY visual design will spur warm thoughts of home and belonging. It's a work of delicacy, mischief and sheer craft. You may never look at a tangerine the same way again!

Taiwan Season: Where Has All the Fruit Gone?

Move over, Moby Dick! There's a mysterious new whale at large in the ocean. Set on a small island, this fun and word-free family show uses ingenious puppetry, nimble physical theatre and magical shadow play to chart the budding friendship between a lonely old man and a naughty little boy. One's brimming with curiosity, the other's stuck in routine. But, lured by an elusive sea mammal, together they embark on a voyage of discovery, hope and renewal. This charming intergenerational tale is an endearing treat for all ages. European premiere.

Taiwan Season: Whale, Where Are You Going?

A thunderous celebration of rhythm and movement, The Land of Beat fuses traditional Korean percussion, dynamic dance and mesmerizing melodies into an electrifying spectacle. Pulsing with energy, each beat rises from the earth, resonating with the power of Korea's cultural heritage. From the deep, commanding echoes of traditional drums to the fluid, explosive choreography, this performance immerses audiences in a breathtaking journey through sound and motion. Experience the raw essence of Korean artistry – where rhythm becomes emotion, movement tells a story, and every beat ignites the stage. Don't just watch – feel the pulse!

The Land of Beat

Buckle up, buttercup! In Jack Offerman's Big Uncut Flick, a quirky 1970s small-town broadcast unravels into a chaotic collision of campy commercials, outrageous characters and a gripping 1930s noir-style crime story. Enjoy the meltdown!

Jack Offerman's Big Uncut Flick

Multi award-winning writer, performer and actor Rob Auton brings his debut story to the Edinburgh Fringe. Having written 11 critically acclaimed shows on specific themes, Rob Auton is now keen on telling you a story he has written about a man he made up called CAN. At one point in his life CAN was the world's number one motivational speaker... and then something happened. 'A genuine original' (Guardian). 'You will walk out feeling transformed. And fully alive' (Scotsman). 'Brilliant' (Stewart Lee). 'The mother freaking greatest' (James Acaster). 'A genius' (Bridget Christie).

Rob Auton: CAN (An Hour-Long Story)

Winner: Best Kids Show – Leicester Comedy Festival 2025. Mr Sleepybum is back with a brand-new show. A zany, high-energy kids' comedy about a man who just can't dream. So, he invents a machine that magically brings dreams to life – with dinosaurs, robots, the world's largest blanket and more! This interactive show is packed to the brim with sketches, slapstick, and silliness, and it is full of fun for both kids and grown-ups. Written and performed by character comedian Jody Kamali. 'Children are left in stitches' **** (List). 'Kids are riotously entertained' **** (ThreeWeeks).

Mr Sleepybum's Dream Machine

Award-winning writer and performer Kit Loyd presents a gloriously frenetic debut hour of physical comedy. Bursting with all the whacky dynamism and giddy joy of a Roadrunner cartoon. Like witnessing Mr Bean on acid. 'Inspired brilliance' (TheStage.co.uk). 'A superb physical comedian... head and shoulders above the other acts' (BeyondTheJoke.co.uk). 'A TV star in the making' (ReviewsHub). 'An absolute star' (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk). 'Loyd's rubber faced clowning is a joy' (LondonTheatre1.com). Winner of the British Comedy Guide Talent Award 2023. Shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Awards 2024.

Kit Loyd: Frenzy

Barnie (half of Different Party, 100% of Juan Vesuvius), a funny boy from New Zealand, recently found a tape of his mum talking to an astrologist in 1980 during which his entire life was predicted. It has been strange to see how much of it has come true. And a little bit oooky pooky. Join Barnie for a subversive hour of his own peculiar blend of funny – part stand-up, part physical comedy, part surreal storyteller. There is never a show quite like a Barnie show.



Barnie Duncan: Oooky Pooky

What is art?? Am I a genius?? Both of these questions I will be answering 'yes' to in my show. It's going to be hot. So f*cking hot. TITCLOWN is an absolutely breathtaking hour of clown/performance art/pure f*ckery that was "birthed" in California, at fellow genius performance artist Claire Woolner's theatre. Public Displays of Altadena. Jessica has been performing regularly on the London comedy circuit since 2019, completed a sold out run at London's Vault Festival, has two Edinburgh Fringes under her belt and has had more artistic influence than Picasso himself.

jessica aszkenasy: TITCLOWN

The Mayor and his daughter are in crisis. The soul of their beloved village is in tatters, besieged by the demonic forces of modern Britain. But there's a light in the darkness. When they discover a sacred tome – a boxset of Russell Howard's Good News (Series 2) – they make it their mission to repair their fractured community with laughter, by performing a genuine appreciation of comedy. Think The Krankies crossed with The Wicker Man. Nominated for Best Debut at Leicester Comedy Festival 2025.

The Mayor and His Daughter: A Genuine Appreciation of Comedy

The gorgeously gross new piece from Rosa Garland, the creator of Trash Salad, one of The Telegraph's Funniest Shows of the Fringe. Join Rosa on a slimy trek into the recesses of our erotic imaginations, celebrating pleasure in its ugliest forms, and the hard work of accessing desire. Like Jackass if Johnny Knoxville was Gwyneth Paltrow, this new comedy experiment will stop at nothing to investigate the mucky mind-corners we prefer to ignore. Come into the bog; the mud's just fine. 'A force of nature' (TheWeeReview.com). 'A knock out... riotously funny' (BingeFringe.com).

Rosa Garland: Primal Bog

26-year-old comedian Will Owen thinks the future looks bright (no further questions). Following his five-star debut, Will seeks to replace the empty gratifications of his forlorn life with the deep profundity of light entertainment. He's gay! He's lonely! But most importantly, he's live! In three, tw... One of 2024's best reviewed shows of the Fringe. Winner: Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year. Tour support for Ania Magliano and Rhys Nicholson. ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ***** (ThreeWeeks). ***** (Entertainment-Now.com). 'Dazzling' **** (List). 'Hilarious, authentic, in control... gives us what we didn't know we needed' **** (OnTheMic.co.uk).

Will Owen: Looking Fab at Fifty

A renowned theatre producer, used to mingling with celebrities and top-level entrepreneurs, leaves behind success for a transformative journey. Like the monk who sold his Ferrari, he travels the world with a purpose: to share the power of miracles – those that happen daily and those we create with our minds. There are miracles that change the world, happen around us, and ones we can create. The Guru is an inspiring talk revealing our world's everyday miracles.

The Guru: Miracles that Changed the World

After captivating audiences with cult physical theatre show Un Poyo Rojo, Argentine sensation and social media star Luciano Rosso returns with Apocalipsync, a high-energy solo show blending physical theatre, mime, dance and lip-sync mastery. In this electrifying performance, Rosso morphs his body and face into a kaleidoscope of characters and absurdities, exploring themes of isolation, hyper-connectivity and human expression. Set to an eclectic soundtrack – from Mariah Carey to Mozart – Apocalipsync takes us on a hilarious, poignant journey. Rosso's explosive presence and creative brilliance promise an hour of pure, unfiltered energy where comedy meets virtuosity.

Apocalipsync

Join multi-award-winning musical comedian and body roll enthusiast Katie Pritchard, as she dresses head to toe in the finest unitard she could make and embarks on this award-nominated arena tour (to a shipping container). This 'absolutely electric' ***** (PepperandSalt.uk) show features pumping pop anthems and dance moves you never thought the human body capable of. Think Lady Gaga... on acid! 'A one-woman comedy music powerhouse' ***** (VoiceMag.uk). Winner: WeGotTickets Musical Comedy Awards. Nominee: Best Variety Show, Leicester Comedy Festival 2025.

Katie Pritchard: I Kiss the Music

From Friday Night Dinner, Plebs. Arctic Monkeys' album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, hit shelves on January 2006. Tracks like I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor and When the Sun Goes Down became anthems, showcasing Alex Turner's sharp lyrics and observational storytelling. Tom Rosenthal's show, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am, hits the Fringe in August 2025. Jokes like Wimbledon, Daniel Radcliffe and Some Weather We're Having have the potential to become classics, showcasing Rosenthal's sharp nose and observational squawking.

Tom Rosenthal: Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am

She used to have dreams, now she has a baby. A sad, aging sack full of milk and regret. Madonna On The Rocks is a visceral, hilarious call to arms. A neon-lit, techno-soundtracked, mental breakdown at the Stay and Play. It’s about egos, responsibilities and the struggle to be an artist, or to have any career at all really, and still be a relatively decent parent. With songs inspired by Madonna, Peaches and Nina Simone. Written and performed by Marie Hamilton, composed in Berlin by Cameron Mackintosh Award winner Ben Osborn with dramaturgy from Bryony Kimmings.

MADONNA ON THE ROCKS

Spilling the chai at his new book launch! Here Sanjay Lago's neuro-delicious mind takes you on a whirlwind of love, identity and Bollywood-fuelled daydreams. From being a Gaysian man searching for romance and navigating the dating scene to unpacking what made him into his fabulous self. Expect tangents, tea and tasty truths. Winner of the Emerging Talent Award (Neurodiverse Review Awards, Fringe 2024) and fresh from two sell-out nights at Soho Theatre's Soho Rising Festival (2025), this (fictional!) book launch promises heart, humour and a whole lot of spice! ART Award Winner 2025.

Love Me Like a Chai Tea Latte

'In a dark, dark house on a dark, dark, street, a house of horrors wakes from sleep'. Mime and slapstick performer David Hoskin – 'Phenomenal' **** (BroadwayWorld.com) – presents A Haunted House: a hysterical, terrifying and surreal tale, about one hair-raising night in a haunted house. A show about memory, murder and dancing zombies, A Haunted House is like spending the night with the League of Gentlemen and Jacques Tati but in the Saw franchise. This ghost train of a tale is for those who like their laughs big and their scares spine-chilling!

A Haunted House

Following their Fringe debut in 2023, India's most-watched crowd work duo return to Edinburgh with a brand-new improv show. Welcome to the Positivity Centre, where everyone is encouraged to confess their worst mistakes. Literally the worst evil things or opinions you have. Anonymously, of course. Abishek and Nirmal are Guruji and his assistant, here to justify your submissions and find the positive aspects, no matter how messed up they are. Everyone is happy here. No roasting, only positivity. (This is satire).

Abishek and Nirmal: The Great Indian Positivity House CANCELLED 

An outcast god. A powerless king. A mother who kills her only son. Glasgow's acclaimed Company of Wolves present an earth-shattering solo retelling of the myth of Dionysos: an epic of rejection, vengeance and rebirth told through story, dance and ancient song. Written and performed by Ewan Downie, The Bacchae blurs the lines between binaries: human and animal, male and female, victim and perpetrator, and takes us on a transformative journey from repression and denial to renewal and release. A hymn of rebirth for our shattered selves.  **** (Herald). **** (Times). 'Heart-shuddering' (Exeunt, on Achilles).

The Bacchae

Ever feel like the universe has it in for you? Acclaimed storyteller Smita Russell unpacks a real-life mystery full of misfortune and truths stranger than fiction. Blending myth, medicine, math and memory, she explores what happens when science fails us, and we're left to take control of our own story. It's autobiographical, but never predictable: a sharp, genre-defying solo show that finds humour in heartbreak and meaning in chaos. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll shout, 'Oh hell no! What did you do?!' And you'll learn that, sometimes, what nearly breaks us becomes the story that saves us.

Odds Are

In her debut hour, award-winning NZ comedian dives into the delicate art of keeping a cat (your inner weirdo) hidden in a bag. A joyous hour of unique storytelling and observations told with the voice of a kids cartoon and cheeky wit of an adult comedian. Winner Best Debut NZ International Comedy Festival 2019. Best Female Comedian NZCG Awards nominee, 2022. Hoots Fringe Act of the Year finalist, Edinburgh 2023. 'Full of zest and energy' **** (One4Review.co.uk). 'Becky quite knocks me over' (Theatrereview.org.nz). 'Had us in stitches' (Rat World Magazine).

Becky Umbers – Put That Cat Back in the Bag

A stand-up turns up to stand-up... and does anything but stand-up. A joyously stupid clown-mime original song-filled show that does not, and cannot, tick the correct boxes. From critically acclaimed Lecoq-trained clown Claire Parry. 'Mesmerising clowning' ***** (Daily Express). 'Seriously silly' ***** (Everything-Theatre.co.uk). 'Poignant satirist' ***** (MixUpTheatre.com). 'Hysterical' **** (VoiceMag.uk). 'Masterful' **** (TheatreWeekly.com). 'Very funny' ****** (Claire Parry). 'Lithe and precise mime' (Scotsman). Claire Parry is an alumni of Soho Theatre Labs, was nominated for the Artist Choice Award at Vault Festival and runner-up for the Funny Women Comedy Shorts Award with Pitchlash.

I am Claire Parry (very funny stand-up)

Joey is a Bad Gay™. He's never had sex with a man, not even once. But tonight is the night, and he is determined to make sure he will not die a virgin. Filled with Catholic guilt, internalised homophobia and fear of the local GAA lads – Joey embarks on a hapless quest to 'get his hole' before it's too late. Homo(sapien) is a joyful, queer, coming-of-age one-man show about overcoming your fears. The debut play from Conor O'Dwyer – an Irish playwright and performer based in Edinburgh.

Homo(sapien)

'Undoubtedly one of the greatest variety artists working today' (Scotsman) returns with his five-star, sell-out, one-man circus cabaret. Previous Herald Angel award winner, Fringe and West End sell out show, '...the quintessential showman' (FringeGuru.com), is back at the fringe and he has brought his trademark world class trickery with him! 'Terrific' (Guardian). 'Breathtaking' (Evening Standard). Big laughs and big tricks for all ages. Shenanigans and surprises absolutely guaranteed. 'The best variety act in the business. A man who is most comfortable doing the seemingly impossible in front of an enraptured audience' (BroadwayBaby.com).

Mat Ricardo: The Extraordinary Gentleman

Startling revelations about Edy Hurst's ('bursts with comedic joy' (Skinny)) relations have set him on vision quest to contact his ancestors. But around every corner there echoes the siren call of the Vengaboys. What's all that about? 'A fine example of neurodiversity in action' (Scotsman). 'A delightfully witchy adventure' **** (Young-Perspective.net). Commissioned by Developed With Lowry. Supported by Arts Council England.

Edy Hurst's Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself

Directed by former Cirque du Soleil artists, Imago is contemporary aerial-dance that explores the space between holding onto and letting go of another. It's a gripping duet brought to life through cinematic original music, visceral floor-to-air choreography and dreamlike visual design. Winner of the Isadora Award for Excellence in Choreography, Corporeal Imago's previous show was nominated for a Total Theatre Award in Physical and Visual Theatre and described as a 'dark, quietly riveting gem of aerial drama' (List). Part of Spotlight Canada 2025, supported by the High Commission of Canada and The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation.

Imago

A captivating tale of sibling rivalry in post-Troubles Northern Ireland. With gut-punch gags and emotional blows, Caroline reckons with her lifelong battle with her younger brother, who loves trains and getting his way. Directed by Ben Target. Audiences are calling it 'funny and beautiful'. 'Caroline is seriously funny and smart' (Sean McLoughlin). Komedia New Act of the Year semi-finalist and 3x Funny Women nominee. Host of 3x Chortle Awards winning night, Comedy Bandits.

Caroline McEvoy: Train Man

Australia's high priestess of eco-sexual rebellion delivers a genre-defying spectacle. As the world experiences climate collapse and patriarchal violence, Grumble emerges as weapon and balm. This collision of performance art, raw physicality and rock'n'roll is a radical act of revenge, reclamation and release. Winner: Outstanding Experimental Work (Green Room Awards) and Best Experimental Work (Melbourne Fringe). After triumphing across Australia, Grumble brings her acclaimed show to Edinburgh – an unforgettable love letter to the transformative power of the flesh. Transformative and wild... see Grumble.

Betty Grumble's Enemies of Grooviness Eat Sh!t

Winner, Best New Comedy at Melbourne Fringe 2024. Nominee, Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025. This stand-up comedy show feels like a tipsy chat with a good mate! Reformed people pleaser Robyn Reynolds plunges you into her world of laugh-out-loud embarrassing moments. Artfully weaving between generational trauma and chronic illness, the audience is roaring with laughter before they can register the subject matter. The perfect mix of heartfelt and hilarious, with a few songs thrown in. What doesn’t kill you, makes you really f#%king funny. ***** (Time Out). ***** (TheatreMatters.com.au). **** (Chortle.co.uk).

Robyn Reynolds: What Doesn't Kill You

Queendoms is a journey into the archaic female cults that followed the primordial one of the Mother Goddess. The cult of the Goddess has crossed all civilisations, a single essence that changes shape, to the rhythm of sacred drums. Each song is dedicated to a goddess, evoking her world, invoking her powers. Agadez composed it to induce a state of trance. Antonio Forcione plays guitar like a shaman uses his drum: his contribution enhances the shamanic qualities of Agadez's music. Queendoms live is the result of their collaboration: a concert conceived as a ritual.

Agadez and Antonio Forcione: Queendoms Unplugged

Rêves (Dreams) is a powerful and poetic fusion of circus, choreography and physical theatre, created by Ukrainian company Inshi. Performed by a troupe of young artists, the show evokes memory, childhood, faith and resistance – a dream that pulses through their bodies and surpasses reality. Born in response to war, Rêves is both a celebration of life and a fierce declaration of hope. Following last year's acclaimed Fringe run, with multiple 5-star reviews including from The Scotsman, Inshi brings the dream back to Edinburgh – bold, tender and unforgettable.

Reves CANCELLED

An immersive sound bath and communal listening space guided by live ambient electronic music. Designed to care for and reinvigorate the audience, the space invites you to sit, stand or lie down. The audience is invited to offer their own sounds to help create the sonic meditation, with the intention of promoting connection, attention and radical listening. This is a moment for attentive listening in a landscape that often overloads us with information. It calls us to action to turn our attention towards each other and the world around us, finding connection through the collective effort of listening.

Channel

DUSK/NIGHT/DAWN is an experimental aerial pole dance explosion created and performed by the NYC collective VERTICAL DREAMSCAPE, featuring US Pole Art Champion Donna Carnow and interdisciplinary artist/performer Gina Alm. Their hour-long montage of dream worlds is a sensual and cinematic, dark yet dazzling vision of a journey when the sun goes down – from the luminous tones of Dusk, the darkest underbelly of Night, into the messy brilliance of Dawn. This durational work pushes the performers' bodies and minds to the limit, producing a powerful, visceral and transcendent product that feels vibrant, textured, unpredictable and of an alien world.

DUSK/NIGHT/DAWN

Experience Shakespeare like never before in NYCP's critically acclaimed debut production: a contemporary acrobatic spectacle weaving madness and passion into every heart-stopping moment. The ghost of Hamlet's father soars high above the young prince, Ophelia contorts in a display of agonized devotion and Hamlet himself is engulfed by madness, flipping through a tumultuous psychological landscape. This bold reimagining of the classic tragedy showcases delirium, heartbreak and betrayal through world-class acrobatics, making literature's most famous tragedy accessible, engaging and awe-inspiring for all audiences.

HAMLET by New York Circus Project

Two friends perform breathtaking aerial shows. They fly, spin, hang from the rooftops and fall out of the sky... But they weren't always so glorious. How did they transform from feeling like outsiders to the fantastical creatures they always knew they had inside them? A touching story of a girl who wants to be a monster and a boy who wants to fly. This dynamic and visually stunning aerial show for ages 8+ explores the universal yearning to belong and the joy of friendship. Part of MadeInScotlandShowcase.com

The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl

When Shaun turned his back on the church, he found a new home in music. Confronted now with acute degenerative hearing loss, he’s making the choice to live joyfully in the face of life's many unanswerable questions. An exhilarating and celebratory true story about losing faith and finding hope in the darkest of places. The Olivier Award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer bring you this intimate and rousing new musical experience featuring creative captions. From Obie-winning indie-folk duo The Bengsons. 'Spills over with heart and humour’ – New York Theatre Guide on The Keep Going Songs.

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