A brand-new venue hub for Fringe 2025: Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower. Located just around the corner from Teviot beside George Square, our new space will feature 7 versatile performance venues ranging from 40 to 300 seats, plus a lively bar and event space.

Come play the legendary Fringe game show! You're trapped in a retro video game with a sadistic boss. Escape and win £1000 or be brutally murdered by the audience! Will you: A) Find the light switch? B) Go north? C) Abandon hope? New deathtraps for 2025! 'A Rocky Horror for nerds... I howled' **** (Telegraph). Sold out: 2019 – 2024. Winner: Chortle Award. Viral on TikTok @RobbotronTwitch and Instagram @Mr_Dark_Room. As seen at Glastonbury, PAX, Download and MCM Comic Con. Nominated: Best Comedy (FringeWorld.com.au), Best International Act (New Zealand Comedy Festival), Runner-up Best Comedy: NextUp.

John Robertson's The Dark Room

Calling all Dungeons & Dragons fans! The Tartan Tabletop gang are back after their second sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Get ready for improvised comedy at the roll of a dice as our four heroes blunder their way through an adventure like no other – aided by the weird and wonderful Noblin the Goblin, played by a different guest star comedian every night! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of tabletop gaming, this show was made for you. Roll for initiative!

Tartan Tabletop: A Dungeons & Dragons Comedy

Be uplifted with positive vibes from Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists! Packed with real music and entertainment from rhythm and blues to rock and roll roots, the Jive Aces deliver an action-packed show! Together for nearly 30 years, the band is renowned for its high-energy performances in over 40 countries. Having played for HM the Queen, serenaded HM King Charles, sold out the Royal Albert Hall and become the first band to reach Britain's Got Talent finals, they're the UK's No.1 Jive and Swing band!

The Jive Aces: Feelin' Happy

A story of growing up on a punk rock-fuelled journey. A unique comedian, Sib blends stand-up and storytelling like no one else, sharing raw, relatable tales from the 1980s suburbs to stages with Metallica, The Ramones and Social Distortion. Growing up in California, Sib saw punk rock explode into the suburbs, shaping his life. From fronting Wax and 22 Jacks to co-founding SideOneDummy Records. This unforgettable show is personal and raw. An inspiring journey. 'Joe Sib's show is a cross between theatre, memoir and a loogie in the eye' (LA Times).

Joe Sib: California Calling

Mary Kennedy, yes one of those Kennedys, third cousins twice removed; all of the tragedy, none of the money. No Irish Catholic story is complete without a mention of a good Irish funeral! Join Mary as she lays her mother to rest. Through her mother's dying, Mary learned how to live. Hail Mary, None of the Grace is a rollercoaster of awakenings for Kennedy, which has created the woman she is today.

Hail Mary, None of the Grace

Adelaide Fringe Emerging Artist Award 2025. A love letter to Broadway's biggest misfires from a self-proclaimed musical theatre nerd who aims to prove that every show can be proud of at least one song! 'What an absolute joy to spend an evening in the company of the scarily talented Arthur Hull - a brilliant premise for a show.' ***** (List). 'Phenomenal. In Hull's hands it's hard to believe these songs were not smash hits.' ***** (Clothesline Arts Magazine). 'A standout of the Fringe this season.' ***** (Adelaide Diaries).

Arthur Hull's FLOP: The Best Songs From The Worst Musicals Ever Written

Following her sold-out Fringe run and a smash-hit tour, MP-turned-comedian Mhairi Black returns with some new stories and fresh material. Come along for a laid-back look at the last year. In this work-in-progress, Mhairi will be talking about life outside of politics, neurodiversity, joblessness and trying to get fit at the gym. In true ADHD fashion, it's all over the place.

Mhairi Black: Work in Progress

A laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos. When a priceless painting vanishes during a private auction, Detective Stuart Pidcock is brought in to unravel the mystery. But when he finds himself stumped, he must turn to an old adversary for help. The unlikely duo must question the colourful array of suspects living at the manor, all while trying to track down the cunning thief and solve the crime of the century. 'Good clean fun' (TheReviewsHub.com).

A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception

Britain's Got Talent star Accordion Ryan will sing and play your favourite songs like you've never heard them before! Adding in a few of his own hilarious tunes, this show is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! Join in and sing along during this night of music, laughter and overall fun! 'Don't miss this show' ***** (PerthHappenings.com.au). 'An all-singing, all-dancing PARTY' ****½ (TheQR.co.uk). 'Musical comedy gold' **** (List). 'You're funny, I like you' (Simon Cowell). Winner: Overall Best Cabaret (Fringe World). Winner: Weekly Best Cabaret (Adelaide Fringe).

Accordion Ryan's Pop Bangers

Alana Jackson, winner of So You Think You're Funny? 2024 brings her debut show to the Edinburgh Fringe. Tales of being from Glasgow, moving to London, going to drama school and working/drinking in pubs, Alana tells all, bringing to life the characters she's met along the way. Her winning set at So You Think You're Funny? was described by Chortle as 'relatable and witty, told with impact and flair'. Fest praised how she 'delivered with an amiability reminiscent of a good friend down the pub'.

Alana Jackson: Last Orders

Back at the Fringe with an electrifying, one-of-a-kind spectacle of slick, mind-bending magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, cutting-edge video production and astonishing illusions – magic like you've never seen before! Top family entertainment! 'Prepare to be spellbound' (StageWhispers.com.au), as Martin Brock delivers 'glamorous and polished work' (Penn & Teller), all created from scratch, with the finale alone taking seven years to perfect! 'His original stuff is wonderful and brilliantly magical' ****½ (GlamAdelaide.com.au). Guaranteed the most thrilling magic you'll experience this festival! 'One of the best Fringe shows I have seen. Go see it!' ****½ (FringeFeed.com.au).

Almost Impossible 2.0: Martin Brock

From the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to stages across the USA and UK, PENMAN, The Imaginator, takes you on a mind-bending journey beyond your subconscious limits to reveal the remarkable story of YOU: A modern mentalist with the energy of a hip-hop artist, Fraser Penman fuses hypnotism, comedy and audience participation with a high-energy soundtrack of summer anthems. Expect laughter, jaw-dropping moments and a fresh take on mentalism that inspires and astonishes. Unleash your hidden superpowers, rethink what's possible and experience the magic of YOU. Book now – before your mind changes!

PENMAN – The Imaginator – YOU

One man. Ten ironing boards. One epic soundtrack. Prepare to be amazed as physical comedian Jody Kamali skillfully transforms these everyday household items into the tools of a Hollywood-style, action-packed romance. With heart-pounding moments and emotional depth, the packed-out run at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe earned standing ovations. There's gunfire, there's a wedding, there's more gunfire and there's revenge – plus plenty of laughter along the way. 'Exuberantly, unapologetically mindless... it's too funny' (Guardian). 'An astonishing tour de force' (DarkChat.co.uk). 'More laughs than a laundry room full of nitrous oxide and easily amused hyenas' (GetYourCoatsOn.com). 

Ironing Board Man

Comedians Elliot Weber (Dead Dad) and Joshua Emerson (Dead Mom) want to make you laugh with jokes about death and grief. Dead Man Talking is a stand-up comedy show about the lighter side of death, interspliced with improvised eulogies from crowd submissions. A person dies twice: once when their heart stops beating and again when they are forgotten. Let us share a laugh together about a loved one you miss. Special guests and surprises every show.

Dead Man Talking

A charmingly dark, whimsically adult, joyously subversive, musical delight! Starring our titular character, Potty! A singing, talking, tap dancing, potted plant. When mysterious events begin to occur at Little Boo Boo's General Hospital, a ragtag bunch of dysfunctional nurses must pull together to save the day. What could be happening to all the missing children? Will the beautiful Miss Lacey ever find true love? Is there more to the nasty-looking Dr Acula than meets the eye? Potty The Plant is an hour of side-splitting, earwormy, musical fun, that begs the audience to not take anything too seriously.

Potty the Plant

Is Sophia performing stand-up comedy or are we just witnessing an acute psychotic episode? Either way, once she's getting attention, she doesn't care. Come and watch a charmingly lewd, self deprecating and 'delulu' grown woman who insists on dressing like a princess as she explores her experiences with men, Irishness, body image, feminism, unexpected motherhood and the cruel and vulgar reality of being in a human body, all tinged with a nihilistic and self-destructive dread that underpins her every thought. Finalist, So You Think You're Funny 2024.

Sophia Wren: Princess Melancholy

A fun, fast-paced comedy show, made up entirely on the spot from your suggestions! The Imps have been bringing critically acclaimed improv performances and up-and-coming comedic talent to the Fringe for over ten years. These high-energy shows come packed with Whose Line Is It Anyway?-style games, brought to life by Oxford's wittiest minds. Be prepared for improvised scenes, punning, raps, Shakespeare, musicals and much more! Perfect for teens and families.

The Oxford Imps

Finalists battle it out to take the crown in the climactic stage of the UK's most prestigious comedy newcomer competition! Following months of regional showcases around the UK and Ireland, see comedy's rising stars give their best performances in a bid to win So You Think You're Funny? 2025. 'Showcasing the stand-up stars of the future' (Comedy.co.uk). Previous winners and finalists from the competition include Aisling Bea, Tommy Tiernan, Maisie Adam, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Fern Brady, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Daniel Sloss and more.

So You Think You're Funny? Competition – Grand Final

Michelle Collins makes her Edinburgh Fringe debut in Motorhome Marilyn, a dark comedy by Ben Weatherill. The play follows Denise, an aspiring actress with an obsessive relationship with Marilyn Monroe, hoping to live up to the icon's fame and beauty. In the 1980s, she heads to Hollywood, but as her dreams falter, she is forced to confront the painful truth of unfulfilled aspirations. Inspired by Michelle's real-life encounter with a woman known as Motorhome Marilyn, the play reveals the toll of living in the shadow of an icon, exploring failure, aging, and the heartbreaking cost of unattained dreams.

Motorhome Marilyn

What happens when the thing you wished for your whole life turns out to be your worst nightmare? Eris wants a baby. Atlanta doesn't. They're best friends with very different views of motherhood. Eris sees it as a chance to create a better version of herself. Atlanta sees it as the opposite, an end to her freedom. As similar as they are different, their friendship is stretched when Eris finds herself pregnant. The debut play by Amelia Rodger about a woman's right to choose, coercive relationships and female friendship.

Jumper Bumps

Who doesn't dream of it? Clean cities, punctual trains, a functioning healthcare system – everyday life in Switzerland, for many a world far away. Luckily, Michael Elsener, the "Swiss John Oliver" and recent support act for Russell Howard, is here to reveal the path to paradise – and where the Swiss heaven turns into hell. The political scientist and queer artist delivers off-beat perspectives and spot-on impressions, combining incisive analysis with razor-sharp punchlines. Can his secret Swiss recipe save the world?

Michael Elsener: How to Live in Paradise

Never judge a book by its cover. Not many people know this, but that sentence is an idiom and not really about books. It literally means – never judge a person by their face. You might think Shamik's face belongs to a sensible, practical man. You'd be wrong. He's not the responsible older sibling. He's not good at chess. He's not a nerd. At least, not in a useful way. Despite Appearances is an effort to put things right and break away from shallow, face-driven stereotypes. But you should just watch it for a laugh.

Shamik Chakrabarti: Despite Appearances

Explores the relationship a young woman has with her mother through the relationship she has with her grandmother. She interconnects the history of their hands through generations with the help of shadow and sound in this love letter through time. After collecting her grandmother's stories, she began to dream up a way to share her grandmother's life and to better understand her own maternal relationship. Through the use of shadow puppetry, which has the ability to bend through space and time, life and death, she found her grandmother's voice and her own.

Not My Grandmother's Daughter

After complete sell-outs in 2023 and 2024, Insane Magic (Cameron Gibson, Elliot Bibby and Luke Osey) return with their biggest show yet! Fresh from a smash-hit run at the Adelaide Fringe, the trio bring a brand-new hour of mind-blowing magic, with some fan-favourite classics sprinkled into the mix. Witness 'three of the best magicians in the country' (EdinburghLive.co.uk), in a show that's 'so insanely good' (WorldMagicReview.com), it has to be seen to be believed!

1 Hour of Insane Magic

BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad, The Chief, and Absolutely, returns to the Fringe after a 2024 sell-out run. Favourite bits, classic bits, improvised bits and bits that aren't even really bits but are, nonetheless, still bits. 'An incredible hour of laughs' (Edinburgh Evening News). 'It's simply impossible not to love what he does on stage' (Scotsman). 'Masterful, superlative' (Chortle.co.uk). 'A hugely talented comic performer' (Sunday Times). 'Docherty's mighty presence fills the room' (ThreeWeeks). 'A maverick genius' (Herald). ***** (Daily Business) **** (Guardian). **** (List). **** (Evening Standard). **** (Skinny).


Jack Docherty in The Chief – Still No Apologies

In a deserted circus, drama, humour, music and songs tell the true story of actress Tilly Wedekind and her controlling, famous husband, Frank Wedekind (Spring Awakening). When Frank robs Tilly of her acting roles, he reduces her to a Nobody. Broken-hearted, she attempts suicide. Following her recovery, she reclaims her career, discovers her voice and writes her own story, so Tilly No-Body became a Somebody. This internationally acclaimed, magical, tour-de-force performance about love and identity asks: Why do we stay in relationships long after they've turned toxic? How can we take back our stories after we've been silenced?

Tilly No-Body

Beatboxing, spoken word and hip-hop dance reimagine the true story of the night Californian policemen shot dead nineteen-year-old Tyisha Miller as she lay unconscious in a car. Tyisha's depiction of the innocent pleasures of her life and hopes for the future, told with sweetness, humour and teenage insight contrast with the violence of her death shown in an autopsy report recited by a dispassionate coroner, describing each of her twelve bullet wounds in clinical detail. This highly acclaimed, clear-eyed look at the relationship between race, the body and violence has been performed across the US and the world.

Dreamscape

r/Conspiracy is a play for messy girls, hungry sleuths, and the chronically online. Alex tumbles headfirst into the rabbit hole when she spots a Reddit thread documenting a man with a machete roaming her local park. But the harder she digs, the deeper she falls... A timely reminder of the flaws of the internet, and a virtual mystery romp for 20-somethings with too much time on their hands, and the weight of the world on their shoulders, r/Conspiracy is written and performed by Ella Hällgren, and directed by Emma Ruse.

r/Conspiracy

A grizzled New York Detective embarks on his final, most deadly and most ridiculous case yet. Join Gumshoe as he attempts to solve the unsolvable case. Who did the whodunnit?! Embark on an exciting, comedy noir adventure written and performed by award-winning comedian Christian Dart. Can you solve the case? 'A joy to witness!' ***** (ThreeWeeks). 'Our faces hurt from laughing!' ***** (Number9Reviews.blogspot.com). 'Will have you in stitches. Case solved.' ***** (AdventuresInTheatreland.com). Best Show Nominee: Leicester Comedy Fest 2025. Finalist: Sketch-Off! 2025.

Christian Dart: Gumshoe!

So many comedians, so little time! In this unmissable Fringe institution, 12 top comedy and variety acts perform ridiculously short sets in one furiously fast-paced showcase, hosted by the best MCs around – and suitable for all the family. There's a different line-up every day, handpicked by Chortle's comedy experts – check the website for daily listings. It's a gloriously entertaining way to sample the festival in bite-sized chunks.

Fast Fringe: Family Edition

Celebrate Gilded Balloon's 40th anniversary with award-winning comedian Juliette Burton. Get in the party spirit with this Gilded gal, as she brings the best bits from her multiple sold-out Edinburgh Fringe shows. Cram over a decade of fringe into one jubilant hour of life-affirming hilarity with heart. Join in the joy of Juliette. As seen on BBC One and ITV. 'Seriously funny' ***** (Mirror). 'Educational, hilarious' ***** (EdFestMag.com). ***** (StarburstMagazine.com). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ***** (VoiceMag.uk). ***** (FemaleArts.com). ***** (LoveFringe.com). ***** (Daily Record). **** (Sunday Express). 'Fringe Favourite' (Guardian). 'Fringe legend' (FringeReview.co.uk). 'Refreshingly revealing' (Comedy.co.uk). 

Juliette Burton: Best of Burton

Surprise-filled, punchline dense comedy: Best Cult Ever is the show for the cult curious. Polygamy? More like Polyga-WEEEE! Hold on to your name tags! Get on in here for the silliest show written and performed by a former Mormon. A comedian returning for her fourth Edinburgh Fringe, Leah Renee's past shows have been described as: funny, daring and quite surprising in places with laugh-out-loud moments of wryness, poignancy, shock and tenderness.

Best Cult Ever: Leah Renee

Celebrating 40 years at the Fringe, Gilded Balloon is proud to bring back this iconic show starring unmissable lineups of powerhouse comedians who've made their mark on the world's comedy scene – past, present and future. Featuring all women and marginalised genders, this show laughs in the face of anyone who ever said women aren't funny. Check out gildedballoon.co.uk for daily line-ups.

Women in Comedy

The eleven-time Emmy and Tony Award winner, known for her legendary career in film, television and stage, brings her highly anticipated debut show to the Fringe following her recent move from across the pond. Join Rosie as she reflects on her life in the present, including why she moved to Ireland from the USA, and how that shift has shaped her future. With her signature blend of heart, humour and honesty, expect a night of laughter and reflection from a truly unique voice sharing her opinions on subjects that matter most – here and now.

Rosie O'Donnell: Common Knowledge

Alan is delighted to announce his return to the Edinburgh Fringe with his brand new show. He thinks he's Marty McFly but he's older than Doc Brown. He spends more time in the pharmacy than the gym. He needs to get his blood pressure down and somehow his manhood up. Subject to relentless eye rolls from his kids. What is he? A late middle-aged comedian. Funnier than ever, he says. 'One of the best stand-up comics out there' (Guardian). 'Your jaw will hurt from laughter' (NZ Herald). 'Deeply funny' (Big Issue).

Alan Davies: Think Ahead

Susan has a perfect life, a perfect love and perfect happiness. When she suddenly undergoes an unexpected loss, that all ends. Consumed by excruciating pain, she finds it nearly impossible to imagine any future worth living. Until, on an ordinary drive to the grocery store, The Voice tells her to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Susan obeys despite not believing in Voices and knowing nothing about this ancient pilgrimage. Told through 27 captivating characters and dynamic multimedia, this solo show is a walk through 540 miles of rain, resentment and redemption, exploring grief and surrender.

Buen Camino

Hey! Did you miss me? I missed you. It's been, like, what... six years? Let's hang out sometime – I've got so much to tell you! Here are the times and dates I'm available. Would be great to see you xxx

Bec Hill: Guess Who's Bec, Bec Again? Bec Hill's Bec! (Tell a Friend.)

Edinburgh-born, separated mum Sophie is a pure rocket who theatrically combines stand-up, skits, characters, stories (and even rap!) on the madness of modern parenting, mental health and more. About Sophie: One of List magazine's Top 25 Picks of Glasgow Comedy Festival 2025. Featured Edinburgh Evening News: Fringe debut, Mother Bored 2024. Sold-out shows Glasgow Comedy Fest 2024 and 2025. Funny Women Awards Finalist 2023. Featured BBC Scotland Short Stuff. Viral Morningside Mum with Zara Gladman. 'Hysterical' (Billy Kirkwood). 'A stand-out original' (Viv Gee).

Yer Ma's a Rocket: Sophie Rose McCabe

Your favourite movies translated badly. Each night, we take a different classic film script, run it through an online translator a dozen times and then read the results live on stage in character! The final twist is that the guest stars read the scripts on stage for the first time. To get the most enjoyment, we recommend you watch the film beforehand. Films are listed on https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/

Lost in Translation

Looking for a fun and engaging activity for your little one? These enchanting performance workshops from Effectus Theatre combine the power of music, sign and sensory play to create a magical experience for babies. Picture your child exploring the sounds of the animal kingdom while travelling alongside Bruce the butterfly. Together, they'll discover that being just one colour can be a bit dull. What wonders await when Bruce takes his adventure through the rainbow? A sensory-based performance/workshop tailored to infants aged 0-24 months. An immersive, creative experience in a customised, inflatable, sensory pod.

Sing, Sign and Sensory – On Safari

Get in, we're taking a road trip. Driving in Circles is a solo show traversing the highway between confessional monologue, stand-up comedy and rock concert – think Nanette meets Hedwig and the Angry Inch, or Mike Birbiglia with music. Set to an 'astonishingly cool' (TheatreMirror.net) electric art-pop score, Driving traces the aftermath of intimate violence, mapping our hero's darkly funny, deeply felt, defiantly hopeful journey through the bodymind-altering landscapes of trauma towards something like happiness. Ranked among the best shows of 2024 by The Boston Globe, who called it 'nothing short of riveting' and 'a remarkable achievement'.

Driving in Circles

The Comedy Arcade: competitive anecdotes game. Vix Leyton holds a bingo ball of surprise subjects and invites four different comics every night to spar with never-before-told stories, from the hilarious to the scandalous, to win points awarded by host and audience. 'Lives up to its billing likening it to a fabulous dinner party. Punters feel they are among spontaneously funny friends rather than hearing well-rehearsed professional anecdotes. We know these stories – and this particular alchemy will not be repeated again' **** (Steve Bennett, Chortle.co.uk).

The Comedy Arcade

Mmm... smells like desperation. A whirlwind, genre-bending new hour by self-identified genius Olivia McLeod (PASH, Junk Monkey) about the celebrated – and the overlooked. Unrepresented is both scathing analysis and desperate bid for fame, power and the elusive feeling of being crowned a genius (or what she imagines that might feel like). Directed by Lou Wall. Nominee – The Offies. Nominee – Best Solo Performance and Best Script, Stagey Place. ***** (Indiependent.co.uk). **** (Scotsman). **** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (GonzoMagazine.co.uk).

Olivia McLeod Is Unrepresented

The uproarious multi award-winning one-man musical comedy about sperm donation returns to Edinburgh. Darby James clicks on an IVF Clinic Facebook advert and must navigate a sea of existential mayhem, while considering the absurdities of procreation and pondering pathways to queer parenthood. In the midst of this hilarious and heartfelt adventure through genetic questionnaires, medical screening and psychological evaluations, Darby finds himself as a seaman stranded in moral purgatory, faced with the unanswerable question: should we be having children?

Little Squirt

After a total sell-out in 2024, The Cryptid Factor are back! Join Rhys Darby (Flight of the Conchords, Our Flag Means Death), Dan Schreiber (We Can Be Weirdos, No Such Thing As A Fish) and Leon 'Buttons' Kirkbeck (Cameo – £39 a video, 24-hour delivery guaranteed) as they take to the stage to record live episodes of New Zealand's longest-running podcast (allegedly). Featuring jokes, monster chat, weird tales, guest cameos and a whole catalogue of Darby sound effects – it promises to be an unforgettable experience, and that's a fact – you heard it here third!

The Cryptid Factor

Lewis Macleod returns with a brand new show of impersonations as featured on the hit BBC Radio 4 show, Dead Ringers. There's new characters, music and no doubt a certain US President. Come along! A chance to meet the man behind the voices, as 'the impressionists' impressionist' (according to Rory Bremner) delivers a hilarious one man show with a cast of hundreds! How does the viscount of voices do it? Here is your chance to find out! Photo credit: Jacques Villegier

Lewis Macleod is Not Himself

Join Lucky Jay and Unlucky Jayme in a hopeful, joyous fantasy tabletop adventure, brought to life through the rare and magical art of object theatre. As emergency masks plummet, engines squeal and hand baggage flies from overhead bins, two strangers on a plane find love in the most unusual of circumstances. Exploring luck, choice, fate and coincidence, Up is a captivating two-hander from critically acclaimed company Visible Fictions, where time twists, luck shifts and opposites unite. Performed by Zoë Hunter and Michael Dylan, directed by Dougie Irvine.

Up by Visible Fictions

Michelle Brasier and Chloe Petts host this sell-out Melbourne Comedy Festival late night cult hit as ex-lovers and co-artistic directors of an amateur theatre group looking for its next star. Festival favourites line up to perform their best 36 bars as Brasier and Petts bicker and humiliate the most talented among them. Previous auditionees include Broden Kelly, Zachary Ruane, Flo & Joan and Two Hearts. This show has never seen an unsold seat and is the worst thing to happen to musical theatre since Emelia Perez.

Comedians on Stage Auditioning for Musicals

It's a week until The Edinburgh Fringe, and The Bristol Suspensions still don't have a show. Sit in on the group's most unproductive rehearsal to date, where they offer 10 ways to get over heartbreak – from putting yourself out there on dating apps to... getting back with your ex? From International Champions and UK ICCA finalists, featuring songs from Stevie Wonder, Olivia Rodrigo and Wicked The Musical. This show is for anyone unlucky in love, in the friend zone or learning to fall in love with themselves.

The Bristol Suspensions: Ten Things I Sung About You

Why hello children! This is your Governess and I am here to prepare you future duchesses for your wedding night with, your cousin, the Duke. I will teach you everything you will need to know to be a good little wife (in keeping with the teachings of the Church of England and our great British Empire of course). Join Callaghans Questions for a hilarious, historically and scientifically accurate exploration of all things sex. Including, but not limited to the history of sex, gender, sexual pleasure, masturbation, homophobia and more!

#Hysteria: A History of Human Sexuality with Callaghans Questions

Grab your wands and apparate yourselves to the box office! A very magical improv show awaits... Spontaneous Potter is an entirely improvised Harry Potter comedy play, based on an audience suggestion of a fanfiction title. An entirely new Potter adventure is magically improvised on the spot – with live musical accompaniment! Previous titles performed include Harry Potter and the Neville Wears Prada, Harry Potter and the Rise of the Planet of the Snapes, Harry Potter and the Struggle for a Decent Mortgage in This Economy.

Spontaneous Potter: The Unofficial Improvised Parody

Arran R Hawkins, Director of Black is the Color of My Voice and creator of Lost in the Woods, brings you a new series of monologues based around the universal themes of love and loss. This work takes an honest look at what so many of us find difficult to deal with. The loss of love. Told with humour, openness and honesty, this moving and thought-provoking show reminds us that, although we may face loss, the imprint of the love we have experienced remains in our hearts always. Not to be missed!

After the Service: Tales of Love and Loss

You're invited to Lachlan-Thomas' sixth birthday party hosted by your favourite children's party entertainer, Hannah Banana! Hannah is a writer, performer and most importantly, a children's birthday party entertainer... on the weekends that is! But what do you do when you realise your side hustle is no longer on the side? And maybe being a clown is the only thing you're truly good at? Have an existential crisis during the Cha Cha Slide of course! Expect prizes, games and Hannah asking herself, what the f*ck am I doing with my life?!

Hannah Morton: Cha Cha Real Smooth

Meet Faye. She has a good salary, her own home and a paralysing fear of intimacy. Occasionally, she hauls her laptop to her local bar to run the daily gauntlet of rejection from her workday. One day, she buys a diary. During one of her usual one-night stands, an unexpected revelation triggers her buried past and forces Faye to take stock of her solitary life... By award-winning writer of BBC's Rab C Nesbitt, Ian Pattison. 'Gail Watson is a Tour De Force as Faye' (Scotsman).

Faye's Red Lines starring Gail Watson

Back by popular demand for it's third Fringe run! This fast-paced, chaotic comedy of confusion is a winner with all audiences. Armed with a suitcase full of everyday objects, Hansel and Gretel dive into stories that are not their own, telling rival fairytales with the help of whatever comes to hand, through shadow play, physical theatre, imaginative use of props, voiceover, music and laughter – Don't miss it!!! 'Outstanding... a true gem... go see this!' ***** (GetYourCoatsOn.com). 'Hilarious comedy... great storytelling' **** (EdinburghFestivalsForKids.com). 'An engaging and energetic experience' **** (LondonTheatre1.com).

A Family Fairy Tale: Lost in the Woods

Set entirely on a bed, Boy attempts to pursue his dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian, travelling the world and finding true love, all whilst confined to his bedroom's four walls. We see him unpacking items from a suitcase and reminiscing on each trinket until, slowly, the room becomes a depression-pit, bed-rotting mess. The story unravels to reveal an intricate web of lies, pointing to an unnoticed mental health crisis. Blending stand-up, monologue, music and dance, award-winning performer Ben Donaghy makes his Edinburgh Fringe Debut!

BED: A One Man Show

What would happen if you took the script from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, ran it through an online translator a dozen times and then read the results live on stage in character? Lost in Translation does PG Potter is a family friendly edition of Lost in Translation.

Lost in Translation does PG Potter

Award-winning character-comedian Susan Harrison presents a brand-new show, featuring a host of joyfully bizarre characters including an unconfident Sindy doll, a woman who's swallowed a girl in a well and a 90's panda. Is it ok to still be dressing up as weird characters as you get older? Join Susan as she tries to find out, whilst dressing up as weird characters. Directed by Ben Target. Seen/heard in: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Mischief Movie Night, BBC Radio 4. 'First class comic acting' (Guardian). 'A fantastic character comedian' (Chortle.co.uk).

Susan Harrison: Should I Still Be Doing This?

Enter the wickedly enchanted, suburban world of Elysium Court, where perfect lives unravel. From Ghouls Aloud, artists Milly Blue (Basement Jaxx, BBC Radio 4) and Jessie Maryon Davies (Kate Nash, Lips Choir) comes a satirical ghost story with original live music. Our story follows the development's newest residents, a couple in their late 30s. The woman plans to spend her maternity leave cultivating vegetables... and hopefully her online presence. But the moment she pulls up Elysium Court's standard-issue astroturf, their haven turns to hell. Join us for a moving, modern horror full of humour, moody melodies and spine-tingling truths.

Elysium

Tree of Dreams is an immersive theatrical experience combining music, object storytelling and live projection. Inspired by The Little Prince, The Alchemist and Where the Wild Things Are, this show follows a child navigating life in government housing, confronting fears, the future and embracing growth. They meet powerful creatures representing the forces that shape us. Created by the makers of Fringe sell-out shows Book of Dew and Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World, this production blends object storytelling, cinematic visuals and music to create an unforgettable journey into dreams, fear, the future and self-discovery.

Tree of Dreams

Lt Love Dr Hotty McTotty has come to us from the year 2075 on a mission to revive human connection and stop the loneliness epidemic... before it's too late. Your commanding but charming host will lead drills including (but not limited to): small talk, eye contact, flirting and throwing your phone in the lake. This highly interactive comedy show challenges today's digital-first culture and reminds us of what it means to be human again, if only for a night. A harrowing message full of fun, humour and heart!

Lt Love Dr's Boot Camp for Lonely People like You

After a three-year hiatus, St Andrews' infamous a cappella sensation The Other Guys are storming the Fringe once again – and yes, they've spent those years sweeping the Scottish A Cappella Championships! Expect 60 minutes of pitch-perfect harmonies, sharp suits and even sharper wit in a show packed with pop bangers, Scottish folk, musical theatre and much more. With their signature blend of irreverence, showmanship and comedy, The Other Guys serve up an unforgettable a cappella experience. Come for the tunes, stay for the laughs – this is your must-see musical comedy fix!

The Other Guys: Bad Academic Practice

An adult comedy show where you can bring yer bairn! A selection of our favourite comics from the Scottish scene and further afield performing to parents, carers and babies under one year old! The perfect morning show! A top compere will guide your way through the show and introduce two headline level quality comedians during the show. There will be adult language and material, so we recommend little ones younger than one-year-old please. The ticket price is for one adult. Babies go free! Venue has "parking" for strollers!

Bring Yer Bairn

What did Australia's foxiest morons get up to during the pandemic? August 2021, Kath is up to pussy's bow in sourdough bread, Kim's going viral and Sharon has had a severe reaction to all the hand sanitiser. Experience the worlds longest lockdown in the company of these iconic characters, parodied by Art Simone and Maxi Shield (RuPaul's Drag Race Downunder), Thomas Jaspers (The Gays Are Revolting) and Scott Brennan (Neighbours). Direct from sold-out Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney Opera House seasons – with quick wit and camp tunes, this is a fabulous show.

Fountain Lakes in Lockdown: A Drag Parody Play

After completely selling-out his 2024 show and winning Best Family Show at Aberdeen's Fringe Festival, Sid is back with his interactive journey of comedy, magic, song, poetry and dad dancing. Sid has bumped his head and discovered the powers of his sixth sense and is ready to blow your minds with his non-stop brand of family-friendly magical rhymes. Engaging nonsense for everyone from the age of eight to 80+.

1 Very Silly Old Man with Magical Rhymes

Offbeat comedy exploring the radical ladies of the past through puppetry, drag and special hats. Join ladies Rectitude and Reason, two of the three muses (Justice is on a wicked comedown) as they help Christine de Pizan to imagine a city constructed and populated exclusively by women. This is a necessary act of social justice for the sanctity and peace of women everywhere. But what does it mean to be a lady? Who gets to decide? And will there be Airbnbs? 'Perfect comedic timing' **** (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk). 'A genre-defying hour of informed silliness' **** (ToDoList.org.uk).

The City of Ladies

Frances Mercanti-Anthony is a Broadway actor who fell in love with a burly, bearded Maine man at age 40 and moved from the bustling suburbs of New Jersey to the rural coast of Maine. Her story, Frances Floats, is like a holiday romantic comedy but with much, much more profanity. After moving to a land of snow and lobsters, Frances promptly had two babies and got very fat. Frances Floats is her story of finding happiness in her forties and discovering that it has nothing to do with her dress size.

Frances Floats

'Masterful' (Audience review). After a psychedelic experience at a music festival with her aunt, a young woman discovers the true power of her thoughts and enters a magical world. Following a sold-out closing night at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, How to Escape was hand-selected for development at The Elysian Theatre in Los Angeles. A darkly funny, true-life testimony to following your heart as an artist. 'I couldn't look away' (Audience member). 'I'll think about this show forever' (Audience member). 

How to Escape

Legendary Canadian actress and comedian Caroline Rhea returns to the Fringe to celebrate Gilded Balloon's 40th Anniversary! As seen on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central Roast and The Conan O'Brien Show. 'A brilliant and consistently hilarious hour in the company of a very charismatic host' (BroadwayWorld.com). 'A seasoned stand-up with a wealth of experience at the highest level' (Herald).

Caroline Rhea

Tom Bolton: Magic Man is an interactive, nostalgic magic show that invites audiences on a journey through Tom's childhood fascination with magic. Set in a whimsical, toy-filled bedroom, the show blends heartwarming moments with jaw-dropping illusions. With 'perfect magic' (WorldMagicReview.com) and 'Bolton's friendly charisma and charm' (TheatreAndArtReview.com), it's a family-friendly experience where children become stars and adults rediscover wonder. Featuring levitations, Rubik's Cubes and Cluedo whodunits, Magic Man is, as one reviewer put it, 'a love letter to wonder itself' (FringeBiscuit.co.uk) – a show that proves the magic never really went away.

Tom Bolton: Magic Man

Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Duane Forrest presents his captivating, award-winning music-storytelling show at the Fringe. With a deep personal connection to his Jamaican roots and a profound admiration for Bob Marley, Duane takes the audience on a journey through the history, cultural impact and timeless songs of the reggae icon. Through storytelling, live music and audience interaction, he shares how reggae transformed his life and became a global phenomenon, all while capturing the essence of Bob Marley's music. 'Doctors should prescribe it as an antidepressant' (BroadwayBaby.com). Fringe 2024 sell-out show.

Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World

Neurotic comics Hal Cruttenden and Ronni Ancona have launched a podcast ten years too late, where they seek advice from celebrity friends about how to deal with stress. They do this while therapeutically completing a jigsaw (clearly a brilliant idea for an audio format) while riling their Gen Z producer who hates them, as well as their sponsors suing them for brand misuse. Past guests include Jo Brand, Omid Djalili, and Sally Phillips - now, at the Fringe, this hilarious chaos is going live for two shows only. Unpredictable, unhinged and not to be missed.

Hal and Ronni in Pieces

A heart-warming story of two recently divorced best friends who, inspired by the hit sitcom Kate and Allie, move their families into one Long Island household in the summer of 1986. Piecing together an intricate love story through the timeline of her own life, eldest daughter Kate Barry shares a hilarious and beautifully crafted tale of family and co-parenting to reveal a tender and unexpected discovery when her mom finally reveals, just two years ago, that it was more than just friendship and a solution to single motherhood – it was love all along.

Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower

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