Under its iconic towers on Nicolson Street, ZOO Southside hosts a carefully curated programme of stunning international contemporary performance. Bar open every night until 02:00 with free live events.

For those that missed Lewis' entirely sold-out run in 2024, you're in luck – his life-changingly beautiful show is back, reduxed – if you managed to snag a ticket last time to this multi award-winning, highly decorated work, you're in for a surprise: Lewis has choreographed a new opening so the triple bill is now wholly his. See 'intense movers trip the light fantastic' (Guardian) for the last time before Lewis answers the call of the International Festival. A collocation of sound, light, movement, space, shape and form guaranteed to stir the emotions.

Triptych Redux

'Why I shot Andy Warhol and other chit-chat' Nona Demey Gallagher and Lieselot Siddiki are bringing Up Your Ass, Valerie Solanas' infamous 1965 comedy. The text has had a controversial status in the feminist and queer community for years, and is now seeing the international theatre light for the first time. Valerie Solanas is best known for her attack on Andy Warhol, after he refused to produce Up Your Ass. The directors got in close contact with Solanas' last living relative and were the first and only ones to get permission to perform the play.

Up Your Ass

Can (online) dating help bridge political divides? In Swiping Right, Sophie Anna Veelenturf explores what happens when political opposites connect. How do ideology and beliefs shape our desires and relationships? How do we navigate between attraction and resistance? Drawing on her own experience of doomed dates with conservative men, the self-proclaimed 'leftie' brings her personal quest to the stage. As Artist in Residence with renowned Belgian theatre company BERLIN, she blends stand-up, documentary theatre and re-enacted interviews with dates, couples and experts. With humour and sharp dialogue, she delivers a bold, intimate dive into love and politics.

Swiping Right

Step into a world where the boundaries between audience and performers dissolve. Eight-time Fringe First-winning theatre company Ontroerend Goed transforms traditional theatre into an experience that playfully shifts perspectives through video. Despite its interactive nature, you're free to simply observe as the performers navigate the space. This isn't about putting you on the spot – it's about recognising that without you, there is no theatre. Thanks for Being Here isn't just a show – it's a celebration of your presence. 'Radically hopeful' **** (DeMorgen.be).

Thanks for Being Here

Panoptikum amazes, entertains, and frightens. It has pace, humour and a strong theme with an emphasis on humanism. Thrilling, impressive dance which is an expression of total theatre, invites the spectator to a mystically decadent, visually compact freak show, over which the magical theatre dust of something ancient hovers. The world, inspired by the phenomenon of the nineteenth century, says a lot about our contemporary world. Panoptikum is about the fear of the stranger and the unknown, but also courage and hope. The multi award-winning dance theatre company returns to the Fringe! The Theatre Newspaper Award. Thalia Award Nominee. 

Panoptikum

KISS explores what happens when women enter a world created by men. What is it like to be expected to act like the men around them? Is it possible for them to find their own expression in world of raw physicality, ego battles and cheesy dad humour? Or is the air coming out of the balloon? Get ready for a powerful performance filled with quirky stunts and mental courage as the three female performers step out of their comfort zones to take on DON GNU's testosterone-fueled action universe.

Women in Socks and Sandals

GO! is at the crossroads of contemporary dance, martial arts and digital technology. In a choreography impregnated by the martial practice of the two dancers, and accessible from age 7+, these universes meet and mix to create a duet that combines humour, precision of gesture and beauty of movement.

Upside-down or right side up? On purpose or by accident? How do you like your eggs? From the mischievous minds of Full Out Formula comes I Think It Could Work, a daring and playful leap into the unexpected. With bright colours, dazzling acrobatics and unflinching trust, this Chicago-based contemporary circus collective invites you into a speculative world where your choices decide their destiny. It's circus like you've never seen before: live, improvised and unforgettable.


I Think It Could Work

A young man embarks on a thrilling journey from his small hometown to the big city, where he finds solace and joy in the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. However, his adventure takes a dramatic turn as he confronts a terrifying health crisis, largely ignored by the government. Eight electrifying dancers bring the legendary Paradise Nightclub to life with a community cast, who blur the lines between performer and audience, infusing the show with the joy and chaos of the club scene. Winner of the Creative Arts Award at the 2024 Proud Scotland Awards. MadeInScotlandShowcase.com

Small Town Boys

Shh... What's that noise? A squeak? A squeal? A bird? It's getting louder. Oh dear... Pekku takes a playful look at what happens when you want to be left alone and others have a different idea. A new show for 3 to 6-year-olds by the creators of White and Stick by Me. Co-commissioned by Red Bridge Arts, ROHM Theatre and Ricca Ricca Festival. Produced by Red Bridge Arts. First performed at ROHM Theatre, Kyoto on 15 July 2023. Part of Made in Scotland showcase. MadeInScotlandShowcase.com

Pekku

Joanna has always spoken her mind. When she unexpectedly becomes Queen, her father and husband are determined to silence her. She went down in history as Joanna the Mad – what if she wasn't insane, but furious? SIX meets Sondheim in this dark saga inspired by Catherine of Aragon's older sister. Featuring Locked Away, Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize finalist 2024. 'Funny, heartbreaking and rage-inducing' **** (AdventuresInTheatreland.com). 'Mmm, defiance!' (Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2). 'Evokes a classic theatrical sound... lilting melodies which melt into dissonant, menacing lullabies' (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk).

The Queen is Mad

Berlin, 1933. Heinz goes out to the cinema and never comes home. London, 2023. Clare claims the German citizenship her grandad Heinz gave up, but is it hers to take? In the shadow of Brexit, Clare shines a light on her grandfather’s extraordinary true story, taking a journey from the cabaret scene of 1930s Berlin to becoming an 'enemy alien' in 1940s Britain, getting arrested by everyone from the Soviets to Winston Churchill along the way. A vivid account of one Jewish refugee trying to find his way home, and his granddaughter searching for her roots.


I Was a German

'What if our aloneness isn't a tragedy? What if our aloneness is what allows us to speak the truth without being afraid?' A Jewish actor and predominantly Jewish team bring to life the story of Rachel Corrie, a courageous 23-year-old American who left her comfortable life in 2003 to stand between an Israeli bulldozer and a Palestinian home in Gaza. The script is based on Corrie's own words, edited for the stage by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner. This production offers an intimate, urgent exploration of resistance, hope and humanity in the face of injustice.

My Name is Rachel Corrie

A female street clown accidentally becomes famous overnight at Chickadee TV Studios as Chickadee the Sexy Clown. Her childlike mission to bring joy and connection into a world of chaos is misunderstood.
She is heartbroken to be valued through her sexual appeal rather than her art of clowning. A clash between pop culture and the art of clowning. Where does the need to bring joy come from? Why become a clown when you can have a serious job? What makes your heart ache? Dare to be a fool with Chickadee?


Chickadee

Follow the scandalous true story of Suffragette-turned-fascist Mary Richardson in this time-bending cabaret. Award-winning company IMPERMANENCE bring you a high-octane dance theatre experience exploring the chaos and turmoil of the early 20th-century. Featuring six chameleonic dancers, VENUS 2.0 is a white-knuckle ride through the evolution of Fascism. Enter a world of explosive physicality, hilarious cabaret and an obsession with the future. Why did it start? How does it stop? Where does it end? Fringe favourites IMPERMANENCE have been making groundbreaking productions since 2011, don’t miss this spectacle on the best stage for dance at the festival. 


VENUS 2.0

A memory: South London reggae pioneer Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee hears her radio debut from Holloway Prison. Another: She's engulfed in the Brixton uprising sparked by the police shooting of her sister. And now she is here, a silent retreat, seeking spiritual guidance from her brother Mooji and ancestor Nanny of the Maroons, and a moment of transcendence. Powered by high-octane musical numbers and a virtuoso performance, the critically acclaimed, award-winning The Legends of Them is a breathtaking, roof-raising chronicle of Sutara's singular, extraordinary life. 

The Legends of Them – Here & Now Showcase

Shell is a fantastical one person show that weaves between realities and awakens a wanting you may have forgotten was there. Hockey bro Andy is leading a new sex ed club to B(reak) R(eproductive) O(ppression). The Peanut in his hockey bag is hungry for your desires. And the performer beneath it all is cracking open. Part play, part interactive workshop, part unleashing, Shell confronts us with what we know and don’t know about our bodies, their power and what happens when we truly ask for what we want.

Shell

A thrilling, saucy rendition of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Macbeth. Picture the dark and twisted tale of ambition and betrayal reimagined with a sassy, sexy bluegrass flair! Award-winning theatre company, The Barden Party, is back with their signature blend of humour and heart, transforming Macbeth into an unforgettable experience full of music, mischief and magic. Imagine this: a talented troupe of travelling actors arrives, ready to perform Shakespeare's gripping drama infused with comedy, live bluegrass music, and all the heart you could need, as you become immersed in the scandalous, spirited and intimate world of Macbeth.

Macbeth

Masterful storytelling, daring dance and subversively stupid conversations from this unstoppable artist. Watch It! is an entertaining, tightly organised game show for one about identity, personal truth and political ideology. 'Superbly written and flawlessly delivered in the manner of an accomplished stand-up comedian. It's punchy and full of wit' (Gramilano.com). Wendy Houstoun teams up with Kate Champion (Australia) and Hannes Langolf (UK, Germany) to create this personal and irreverent solo. Made with financial support as part of DV8 Physical Theatre's Legacy Commissions.

Watch It!

Aspiring nihilist (and accidental optimist) Wayne Stewart wrestles with meaning and purpose as he reflects on why he walked 650 miles across France alone in July 2021. What begins as a search for answers unravels into something far less certain – a journey of unexpected humour, heartfelt reflection and a peculiar obsession with the colour yellow. Blending storytelling, travel journal entries and song, Wayne's deeply personal yet relatable story explores mental health, resilience and the human need for connection. Chrome Yellow invites audiences to laugh, reflect and find comfort in the beautifully chaotic process of figuring things out.

ZOO Southside

About this venue

Spaces at this venue

Contact details

Upcoming shows at this venue