Gilded Balloon at the Museum opened in 2016. Containing the 210-seat, fully wheelchair accessible auditorium (entrance from Lothian Street), Gilded Balloon showcases the very best in comedy, theatre, music and children's shows. 

Award-winning musical comedy revue revealing all about musicals and the people who love them – on both sides of the curtain! Updated for 2025 with new songs. Lauded with an unprecedented 50 five-star reviews for multiple sell-out Fringe and London seasons. By Alexander S Bermange, directed and choreographed by Aaron Renfree (The Masked Singer, Now That's What I Call A Musical). 'Flawless' ***** (BritishTheatre.com). 'Sharp satire... undiluted fun' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Delightful' ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). 'Hilarious... wonderfully witty!' ***** (EdinburghGuide.com). 'Crisp, perfect, immaculate' ***** (MusicalTalk, podcast). 'Full of wit and pastiche' ***** (TheArtsDesk.com).

I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical

A journey through the minds that populate the planet and may populate the universe beyond. An hour of joy and curiosity with the presenter of the multi award-winning Infinite Monkey Cage. Expect stories of chimpanzees and astronauts, of starlight and falcons. We are the neurodiversity of the universe, a place of many minds and many imaginations. This new show is a celebration of our possibilities in a time when we've given too many platforms to the mean and the bullying, let us elevate those who strive for beauty and camaraderie.

Robin Ince: The Universe and the Neurodiverse

Join the greatest comedians from across the globe as they blur the line between arteFACT and arteFICTION in a wholly improvised set, prompted by genuine artefacts housed in the National Museum of Scotland! This unrehearsed and unrestrained show-and-tell might not be historically – or even culturally – accurate but it's guaranteed to be utterly entertaining. With different comics taking to the stage each night to deliver their unscripted, uneducaTED talks on Scotland's most cherished relics, what could possibly go wrong...? 'Hugely enjoyable' **** (Scotsman). 'One of the more ingenious late-night shows' **** (Herald).

Comedy Night at the Museum

I Was On A Sitcom is a show about finding out who you are when your TV show ends, and your real life begins. Because when you've played a character on TV for a decade, what exactly does it mean to be yourself? This show offers an intimate glimpse into a popular sitcom actor's real, raw life. It's funny, vulnerable and disarmingly casual – you will walk away feeling like you've made a new friend and learned more about birthing twins than you ever did before.

Eden Sher: I Was On A Sitcom

You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark's Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant's toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Awarded Best Kid's Show at Edinburgh Fringe by The Derek Awards, this interactive show promises to entertain and educate in the most spectacular way!

Mark Thompson's Spectacular Science Show

Fred MacAulay, one of Scotland's best-loved stand-ups, is back with his live chat show. Joining Fred each day will be stars from the worlds of sport, entertainment, business and politics – the colourful characters he has encountered along the way in his illustrious 30-year career. 'I so enjoyed In Conversation last Fringe,' said Fred, 'it was the perfect mix of guests and audience, who helped make each show truly unique.' Featuring different guests every day, including returning favourites from 2017-19. 'Brilliantly surreal comedy' (Scotsman). 'One of the best comedians Britain has produced' (Richard Osman).

Fred MacAulay in Conversation CANCELLED

A boy in school set my destiny with nine words, I'm gonna ask him why. Another hilarious and heartbreaking show from 'one of Australia's finest storytellers' ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au). Brasier takes aim at the idea of criticism in this ode to the drama teacher that made her and the kid who said something mean at school. She's tracking down her critics to ask them why they said what they said. A show for the theatre kids, the freaks, the queers; for anyone who's spiralled about something they did years ago.

Michelle Brasier: It's a Shame We Won't Be Friends Next Year

Fresh from their acclaimed performances across the UK and on Broadway, Aquapella is back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for their ninth consecutive year, ready to captivate audiences once again. With breathtaking harmonies, unique arrangements and boundless energy, this award-winning a cappella group brings an electrifying mix of vocal music to the stage. Whether delivering heart-wrenching ballads or upbeat pop anthems, their passion and precision make for an unforgettable viewing experience. From moments of raw vulnerability to pure exhilaration, Aquapella takes audiences on an emotional journey like no other. 'Forget Pitch Perfect, Aquapella are the real deal' (TheWeeReview.com).

Aquapella

Comedy icons Fiona Allen, Doon Mackichan and Sally Phillips horse around in conversation with broadcasting legend Kirsty Wark. Expect nosebags of nonsense, hoof beats of happiness, a gallop through a few favourite sketches and some new surprises with the stars of this double Emmy Award winning show. Join the Ponies as they reflect on their creative journey, the show's lasting legacy and reveal their plans behind the scenes. A must-see for Smack the Pony fans, offering an exclusive peek behind the curtain at one of the UK's most iconic shows.

Smack the Pony: Back in the Saddle

Join TV's Kaye Adams and her filter-free pal, Karen Mackenzie, as they discover How To Be 60. They've been at it for three years now on their popular bi-weekly podcast and it's not about slowing down, it's about shaking things up – however you want to do it. Karen is glad to be gray and Kaye is unnaturally blonde but they are both determined to slay 60 (as the kids never say), so join them for an hour of fast, funny chat before your afternoon nap.

Kaye Adams – How To Be 60!

Following 10 years of sold-out shows in London's West End, Matt Forde (Spitting Image, The Last Leg) returns to Edinburgh for three live podcasts. The UK's leading political podcast has over nine million downloads, is regularly an iTunes Top 10 comedy podcast and was listed by The i Paper as one of the 50 Greatest Podcasts. Previous guests include Tony Blair, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Nicola Sturgeon, Angela Rayner, Anthony Scaramucci and Alastair Campbell. ***** (Telegraph). ****½ (Chortle.co.uk). **** (Sunday Times).

The Political Party with Matt Forde

It's been a few years since Fred MacAulay brought a stand-up show to the Fringe, and even more years since he brought his first stand-up show to the Fringe (32 years!). Still one of Scotland's best loved comedians – and still funny. Find out what's been going on in his life and how he's coping with growing old gracefully (he's not) and being a grandfather (he's loving it, well, who doesn't). Touring this show in the Autumn. 'One of Britain's best comedians' (Richard Osman). 'Fred MacAulay – an elite level comedian' (Kevin Bridges).

Fred MacAulay: No Podcast – Live CANCELLED

Part comedy. Part tragedy. Mostly empowering. Come on a wild journey of self-discovery and liberation and learn how to f*ck the rule book of life!

Self-love with Luinluland

Gilded Balloon marks four decades at the festival with a series of special in-conversations featuring comedy greats. This edition features iconic comedian, novelist and actress Jenny Eclair. Join as she reflects on her incredible career so far, from being the first ever woman to win the coveted Perrier Award at the Fringe in 1995 to becoming one of the most notable names in comedy and a critically acclaimed author.

40 Years of Fringe: Jenny Eclair

Gilded Balloon marks four decades at the festival with a series of special in-conversations featuring comedy greats. In this edition, comedian Kieran Hodgson sits down with Doon Mackichan for a night of laughs and surprises. Together, they'll reflect on the Emmy and BAFTA winner's incredible career so far, including her work on iconic shows such as Smack the Pony, The Day Today, Plebs, Toast of London and her role as everyone's favourite nightmare neighbour in Two Doors Down.

40 Years of Fringe: Doon Mackichan and Kieran Hodgson

Gilded Balloon marks four decades at the festival with a series of special in-conversations featuring comedy greats. This edition features radio broadcaster, television presenter and singer Michelle McManus.

40 Years of Fringe: Michelle McManus

The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast, live at the Edinburgh Fringe. Adam Fleming is joined by friends of the podcast and special guests to talk about the big news of the day.

BBC Newscast Podcast

Vagabond Skies The Van Gogh Musical: gut-wrenching and uplifting in equal measure, this extraordinary must-see production depicts Vincent's later years. Emotive songs and vivid artwork portray resilience despite a life consumed by mental turmoil and failed relationships. As a sung through biographical musical, compelling musical performances and poignant lyrics, interlinked by the actual letters exchanged between two brothers, bring the stage alive. Going under the skin of Van Gogh's tragic life as he struggles with personal challenges and unappreciated art, this inspirational new musical stays with the audience long after the final curtain.

Gilded Balloon at the Museum

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