Ever fancied seeing Shrek strip to his skants while Bonnie Tyler’s ‘I Need A Hero’ blasts from a PA system? Well, you can live out that highly specific fantasy with Swamplesque, a raucous cabaret show that’s gracing the Assembly Hall this Christmas season from Thursday 5 December until Saturday 4 January. Tickets for the show go on sale today at midday. 

Describing itself as ‘fantasy meets fabulous’, the drag parody show was a big hit at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, consistently selling out thanks to its dizzying blend of burlesque and adult comedy. It has previously won Best Cabaret Weekly Awards at both the Adelaide Fringe and Perth Fringe World festivals.

Whilst the show (staged by Australian-based Trigger Happy Productions) is undeniable fun, it’s also a moving celebration of queer and plus-sized performers. So, if you’re bored of the same body types onstage at burlesque shows, this is the spicy alternative for you. 

Funnyman Jason Byrne will also pop in to Edinburgh this Christmas, performing two special shows on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December. Tickets for those performances will go on sale from Tuesday 15 October. 

Swamplesque and Byrne join an already stuffed line-up of festive fun across the capital, which includes a Light Night Concert (Sunday 17 Nov), St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh (Saturday 30 Nov), Nativity Carol Concert (Sunday 1 Dec), and an extra-special 20-year anniversary edition of the Santa Run (Sunday 8 Dec). Also in the mix is a Christmas Tree Maze, Santa Stories, Festive Workshops, an ice rink and an opportunity to pick up a few gifts from the Christmas Market. 

More Edinburgh festive fun is set to be announced as Christmas draws nearer. 

Tickets for Swamplesque go on sale at midday today. Tickets for Jason Byrne go on sale at midday on Tuesday 15 October.