Somewhere in a parallel universe little Alfie’s natural comedic performance skills were recognised by his doting parents who encouraged and developed his blossoming talent. After several years as a stage school brat Alfie’s angelic face was launched on stage and screen and the rest is history. Meanwhile, in this universe Alfie Moore was told to stop messing about in class before being ‘encouraged’ into the grinding, grimy world of an apprenticeship in the Sheffield steelworks. When recession hit he traded steel for copper by joining Humberside Police. In his 40s the two universes collided when Alfie made a bid for showbiz success – but unfortunately 30 years of shift-work and being punched in the face quite a lot, had left him with ‘a face for radio’. A face not so much ‘lived in’ as inhabited by a settlement of squatters with little regard to property maintenance and repair. This is the true story of ‘Fair Cop’ Alfie’s big plan to transition from the BBC radio waves to TV star. Could it be done? Or had Father Time decided that his time had passed?

Victor Richards Streets Paved with Gold is a long-running, successful solo play by Victor Richards, set during the Windrush era. Through the story of Augustus Cleveland Johnson, who arrives at Tilbury Docks in 1948, the play explores the experiences of African-Caribbean migrants navigating life in a new and unfamiliar Britain. With themes of hope, resilience and identity, this poignant performance captures the struggles and triumphs of those seeking opportunity and belonging. Rich in storytelling and emotional depth, Streets Paved with Gold offers an intimate and moving reflection on a pivotal moment in British history, resonating deeply with audiences. None Age category: 12+

Victoria Evaristo Norkor Arts The story of a mixed-race Liverpudlian great-grandmother of Nigerian and Irish heritage celebrating her birthday, recalling a rollercoaster of memories – from her childhood in a Welsh convent to meeting her Nigerian Husband. Going on a journey to Nigeria only to discover 'In England I'm black. In Africa I'm white. It’s a funny, bloody world'. Celebrating life's triumphs and tragedies, and observing Liverpool’s social, economic and political life, from her uniquely humorous perspective. You think you know Scouse, well you’ve never tasted it like this before! Come have a natter in Ma Joyce's Parlour. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Angela King This one-woman play follows Faith’s battle against Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in a moving and thought-provoking way. We follow her battle as she struggles with the illness and family relationships for over 30 years. During this time, Faith must hold on to her faith and see light at the end of the tunnel. This play is a true eye opener that highlights the profound impact of PMDD on all relationships and aspects of life. A must-see moving production that will bring light, hope and faith to the audience. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing, More information Only one instance of swearing Age category: 12+

Edinburgh Little Theatre It's William Wallace's last day on earth as he awaits his trial. Held in a London cellar he tells his story and narrates his life in this moving and passionate play Bobby Bulloch brings to life. A must see for all that are interested in Scotland and Scotland's story. You can smell the battlefield and hear the noises as Wallace takes us through his story showing the passion in this huge Scottish historical figure. Tears at the end but a must for all Scottish patriots. Five-star reviews last year for a breathtaking performance and storytelling. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Edinburgh Little Theatre When the BBC directors try to hold auditions for the channel, disaster happens as they put the auditionees through their paces. A great, funny show that showcases the talent of Edinburgh youngsters. A must-see for families. The directors take the applicants through a series of sketches, and we see just how bad the directors are until the twist at the end reveals how some acting contracts are actually handed out. A very fast, lively, full of energy show that starts your Fringe day off the right way. The Scottish Theatre and Music School kids truly shine. Audience participation

Scottish Theatre and Music School When a group of school children crash land on a deserted Indonesian island and all adults are killed. They try to establish order, but things turn very badly quickly, and tribalism and chaos ensues. A must-see show. Based loosely on Lord of the Flies, we watch as the group descends into chaos and fighting with groups trying to take over and dictate to others. This talented Edinburgh cast showcase their talents in a disturbing and thought-provoking way which questions humanity's rules and standards. Will they survive and will they be rescued? Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Sound Events Scotland theatre When the plants come to take over the world and achieve world domination watch out. This fantastic comedy musical is a huge Fringe favourite as Seymour and Audrey try to survive their encounter with Audrey II. This talented and hard-working cast bring this classic musical to life with their stage delivery and great singing. Audrey II needs feeding and it just won't stop. Has Seymour created a monster just to win the girl? This musical has it all and audiences will leave the theatre singing the tunes and rushing to rebook the show. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence Age category: 12+

Edinburgh Little Theatre After rave reviews last year, The Court is back with a new case. Was it murder when George Geddes was pushed over the cliff? You decide! Join the jury or just watch. Pie and pint included. Brilliant! Did George stumble or was he pushed? Who did the pushing? You listen to the evidence, you decide the outcome in this fantastic audience participation play. If chosen, you can become part of the jury and cross examine the suspects to get to the heart of the case or, you can sit back and decide. A must see. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 16+

Edinburgh Little Theatre The story of Scotland's national bard as we see the talent and flawed nature of Burns through his, his wife's and friends' eyes. Brilliant storytelling with free haggis, neeps and tatties and a drink. Brilliant theatre! We hear his songs and his poems straight from the bard himself as we explore his life and times being among the people of the day. We hear the depth of his love and national feeling as this production tells his story with vim and vigour. A show everyone should see that will leave you crying, smiling and in awe. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Edinburgh Little Theatre After last year's success, a new case! Carry on dying! Professor Stiff has been found dead in the gynaecology department. Who had the motive for murder? You decide and work it out in cross examination. Through listening to evidence and cross examining the suspected candidates, it will take all your private investigator and Miss Marple knowledge and experience to solve this murder case. Brilliant comedy expertly acted out by the talented cast, delve into the world of intrigue and murder in this great show. A must see for the amateur sleuths in the audience. Audience participation Age category: 14+

Necessary Cat Limited Join us for a delightfully preposterous romp through the enchanted forest, where fairies meddle in the affairs of foolish mortals. Will Oberon and Titania ever stop their quarrelling? Will Egeus ever let Hermia marry the man she loves? Will Puck be able to sort out all the chaos he causes? And will the Mechanicals manage to get their play ready in time for Theseus’ wedding? Come and find out in Necessary Cat’s hilarious production of Shakespeare’s most magical comedy. 'A fortnight hold we this solemnity, In nightly revels and new jollity'. Don't miss it! None

Wooden Impact Marimba meets tap dance in a thrilling fusion of rhythm and melody. Experience how this Swiss duo turns music into motion with dazzling foot percussion and virtuosic marimba playing. Wooden Impact blends groove, melody and percussive artistry into a dynamic, genre-defying performance. Tap shoes become instruments, seamlessly interacting with the marimba’s rich tones in a captivating visual and auditory spectacle. From intricate footwork to delicate musical moments, every piece tells a story through rhythm, movement and pure artistry. Perfect for music lovers, dance admirers and anyone seeking a show full of passion, innovation and surprise! None

Wenjun Zhu and Stephan Fraser (LAC Art asbl.) Starting from the idea of bondage as a metaphor, the piece of physical theatre Bond-Age explores pain and pleasure, bonds and restrictions in relationships, not only between lovers but also between family members, between an individual and his/her home country or the society, between one and his/herself or gender role, etc. Are we tied down to/by anything or anyone? Would it be better to be tied down or to be completely free? We are bound to play, characterized by multi-genre dance and original music, the play is bound to be sensuous, symbolic and experimental. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature, Scenes of violence Age category: 16+

LBM Productions Charlie needed a new flatmate. Becca needed a flat. Think Normal People meets One Day. Think Fleabag without the Catholicism. This modern love story comes with twists, turns and a dollop of sexual tension. They don't know it yet, but the friendship they're about to build will spark a love that transcends time. Romantic or platonic? Even they're not sure. And when Emily (Becca's older sister) returns from her travels: let's just say... three is a crowd. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Nudity, Scenes of a sexual nature, Strobe lighting, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Mirth of Forth Productions Stand-up comedian Richard Pulsford (three-times Top 10 Funniest Jokes of the Fringe) hosts this show for history fans, its fifth year at the Fringe. Three guest comedians and history buffs perform short stand-up sets based ‘on this day’ in history before exploring some possible alternative histories of Edinburgh's people and events. Recorded for the It Just So Happened history podcast. Up-to-date details on the podcast website www.itjustsohappened.co.uk and @ItJustSo1 on Twitter. ‘A fascinating and funny history podcast’ 3.3 * (Edinburgh-Reviews.co.uk). ’A quirky history podcast with a friendly splash of humour’ 3.5 * (TheReviewsHub.com). Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Marimba Artist Manuel Leuenberger Lose yourself in the hypnotic world of the marimba – probably the biggest xylophone you’ve ever seen. In his new solo show Marimba Mirage – Sounds in Motion, the Swiss marimba artist Manuel Leuenberger blends rhythm, melody and movement into a mesmerising performance, featuring his own compositions, cloned friends, rolling blackouts and whirring mallets. From delicate whispers to thunderous waves, this show transforms the wooden bars of the marimba into a dynamic soundscape. With every strike, emotions resonate, creating a journey of sound, space and illusion. Prepare to hear the unexpected. None

McKenna / Wernick Productions In this one-act play, a young woman in a liminal space confronts a series of famous men whose poor adaptations of Lolita have done Nabokov's story, and women at large, a great disservice. Stanley Kubrick, Steve Martin and more take turns in the hot seat, as our narrator is forced to reckon with her own relationships with men and if healing is truly possible. Every woman deserves an apology. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Necessary Cat Limited 'It doth amaze me a man of such feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world, and bear the palm alone'. Anxious to prevent tyrannical rule of his beloved Rome, Brutus joins Cassius and his honourable men in a conspiracy to assassinate ambitious Julius Caesar. Shakespeare’s bloody historical tragedy has all the ingredients of a perfect modern thriller and is a timelessly relevant study of a terrifying political landscape. Using Shakespeare’s language, Necessary Cat Limited brings its production up to date, reminding audiences again to 'beware the Ides of March.'. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence, More information Weapons (knives, a gun); stage blood; flashing lights (not strobe) Age category: 12+

Edinburgh Little Theatre At St Cecilia's Catholic boarding school, we follow the students as they confront their awakening sexuality and all the questions and struggles that it brings. ELT brings this story to life with energy, grit and compassion. Just wow! This forceful, passionate and compelling musical deals with raw emotion and the struggle with rejection and acceptance. We see the anguish and guilt that some people struggle through as they discover who they are and where they stand in society. A heartbreaking and soulful production that you will be immersed in with this talented and energetic cast. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Happy Sad Productions Combining the spooky, silly and sentimental, this brand-new musical is about confronting the past and knowing when to let go. When Mortimer Removals, managed by three hapless siblings, are tasked with clearing out the possessions of someone they once knew, they discover there’s more to the house than it seems... With help from the resident ghosts, can the trio figure out what is causing these bizarre accidents, and prevent it from happening again? This bone-chilling and heart-warming tale blurs the boundaries between the living and the dead in surprising and often hilarious ways. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

St John Mckay Reenact the criminal trial of a real-life feminist activist martyr... but as a television gameshow. With talking monkeys. With you as the jury deciding her fate... WTF? It’s different every time but forever sad, nuts, tragic, absurd, heavy, bananas and intense. Daring to ask – does prison really make us safer? *All ticket sales go to criminal justice nonprofits. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Edinburgh Little Theatre The Gin Show is back! Come and taste three fantastic gins and find out how they are made, the history of gin and weird gin facts. Cabaret is included as you enter the world of gin. We have three brilliant and unique gins for you to try as we tell you about the gin making process, and how gin is flavoured and made. A great night out with cabaret and Fringe acts included, so raise your glass and come and celebrate our fantastic gin tasting show. None

Terry Victor Wizard Guide to Saving the World is a brand-new character comedy by critically acclaimed writer and performer Terry Victor. What if an actual wizard could sort out the mess we’ve made of the world? Shifting social attitudes shall be conjured to cast a spell over audiences who enjoy a blend of left-leaning political sensibility, smut and farfetched silliness. Wizard name drops, actual magic, jokes, danger, love philtres, charms enough to stop wars or climate change and words that feel uncomfortable in the mouth are foretold. Feel the power of a world-saving singalong. Audience participation, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

LunaVixen Curvy cabaret, glamour and tease with spectacular drag. Nudity, Scenes of a sexual nature

Matilda Booth Productions The artist Leah McBride is missing, presumed dead. Join us in celebrating her anthology of poems in a spirited reading, led by her dear friend Alice. Alice explores the dark themes that led to Leah’s untimely death… I mean, disappearance... Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing, More information Reference to suicide Age category: 14+

Edinburgh Cabaret Festival The Time Machine is set to whisk you away on a captivating expedition through the diverse and vibrant ages of burlesque and drag. Prepare to delve into the fascinating transformations and cultural shifts that have defined these art forms throughout history, uncovering the stories and influences that have shaped their evolution. Nudity

Marcus J Freed Fleabag meets Fiddler on the Roof. This is true story of one crazy night in LA: a hit-and-run, near-death experience, two brain surgeries, six failed marriage proposals, a psychic detective and a wayward Rabbi. Marcus is alive, but the real mystery is why and why are any of us here? Marcus is Alive is a heartwarming show about how the actor in front of you faced death in real life and fought back through a miraculous recovery to make the most of life. This one-man play will make you laugh, cry and question: why are we alive? None Age category: 12+

Catharsis Theater Company A poet languishes in solitary confinement for “heresy,” under relentless pressure to “recant”. Will he survive? Will he go mad? Will he stay true to his ideals of love and freedom beyond the power of tyrants and their bullies to suppress? A new dark comedy inspired by true stories of prisoners of conscience around the world. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 14+

The Wistful Company Sky-Scraping is The Wistful Company’s new innovative way of making poetry accessible. As the narrator (Jack) discovers poetry’s power to transform the city he calls home, the audience will watch the skyline transform across the ages. We cannot wait to share poems from over 700 years ago! We have reworked old classics into engaging, absurd and light-hearted tributes to authors that were seen as rude, progressive and funny within their time. Our show is a curated piece of performance art! A new coming of age story through poetry! Strobe lighting, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

UNCLE BARRY What makes for a fun party? People (you’re invited), gossip (someone has to spill the beans), booze (obviously), dancing (optional), flirting (encouraged), cake (yes), a good playlist (please)... and Uncle Barry! You're invited to share an evening with us celebrating Uncle Barry's Birthday, we know he'd love to have you. Audience participation, Audience required to walk or move around during the performance, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+