Appleton Tower

What's On @ Appleton Tower

Music

Blues

The Jive Aces: Feelin' Happy

31 Jul 2025 - 8 Aug 2025

The Jive Aces 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! None

Comedy

Improv

Tartan Tabletop: A Dungeons & Dragons Comedy

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Tartan Tabletop 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! Audience participation, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Theatre

Cabaret

Comedy

Accordion Ryan's Pop Bangers

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Accordion Ryan 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). Audience participation, Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing, More information Water splashing, Loud music Age category: 16+

Kids

Fast Fringe: Family Edition

30 Jul 2025 - 17 Aug 2025

Chortle in association with Gag Reflex 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. None

Theatre

Cabaret

Magic

1 Hour of Insane Magic

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Insane Productions 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! Audience participation Age category: 12+

Theatre

Tilly No-Body

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Andy Jordan Productions and Dr ACT 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? Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 14+

Comedy

Joe Sib: California Calling

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Joe Sib 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). None Age category: 14+

Comedy

Magic

Theatre

PENMAN – The Imaginator – YOU

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Fraser Penman 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! Audience participation

Theatre

r/Conspiracy

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Ella Hällgren / Emma Ruse Productions 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. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Theatre

Puppet shows

Not My Grandmother's Daughter

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Ines Wurth Presents 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. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 12+

Theatre

Musical

Potty the Plant

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Little Big Stack 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. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Comedy

Dead Man Talking

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

DeadRoom Comedy 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. Audience participation Age category: 16+

Comedy

Christian Dart: Gumshoe!

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Christian Dart A grizzled New York detective embarks on his final, most deadly and most ridiculous case yet. Who did the whodunnit?! Best Show nominee: Leicester Comedy Festival 2025. Finalist: Leicester Square Theatre Sketch-Off! 2025. Semi-finalist: Musical Comedy Awards 2025. 'Christian Dart is one to watch!' (Tim Vine). None Age category: 12+

Comedy

Juliette Burton: Best of Burton

30 Jul 2025 - 8 Aug 2025

Juliette Burton 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). More information Mild swearing, uplifting content around personal lived experience of mental ill health. Age category: 12+

Theatre

Comedy

Hail Mary, None of the Grace

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Ines Wurth Presents 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. Scenes of sexual violence, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Theatre

Dreamscape

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Andy Jordan Productions and Hindsight Productions 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. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes Age category: 14+

Comedy

Stand-up

Sophia Wren: Princess Melancholy

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Aviary Talent 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. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Comedy

Stand-up

Alana Jackson: Last Orders

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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'. None Age category: 14+

Michael Elsener: How to Live in Paradise

Comedy

Stand-up

Storytelling

Michael Elsener: How to Live in Paradise

1 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

Michael Elsener 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? Audience participation Age category: 16+

Comedy

Jack Docherty in The Chief – Still No Apologies

1 Aug 2025 - 17 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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). None Age category: 14+

A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception

Theatre

Comedy

A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Shoddy Theatre and The Production Garden 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). Strobe lighting

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

21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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. None Age category: 16+

Comedy

Improv

The Oxford Imps

4 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

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. Audience participation

Comedy

Physical Theatre

Ironing Board Man

30 Jul 2025 - 17 Aug 2025

Jody Kamali Presents 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). None Age category: 12+

Comedy

Mhairi Black: Work in Progress

10 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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. None Age category: 14+

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

Theatre

Cabaret

Comedy

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

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Arthur Hull 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). None Age category: 12+

Theatre

Jumper Bumps

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Amelia Rodger / Emma Ruse Productions 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. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Comedy

Best Cult Ever: Leah Renee

31 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Leah Renee 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. Audience participation Age category: 14+

Kids

Lost in Translation does PG Potter

2 Aug 2025 - 3 Aug 2025

Braw Media 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. None

Theatre

Musical

Little Squirt

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon and Darby James 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? Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Comedy

Fountain Lakes in Lockdown: A Drag Parody Play

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Thomas Jaspers 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. Audience participation Age category: 16+

Comedy

Lost in Translation

11 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Braw Media 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/. Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Comedy

Storytelling

Olivia McLeod Is Unrepresented

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Olivia McLeod 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). Audience participation, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Comedy

The Comedy Arcade

1 Aug 2025 - 16 Aug 2025

Neon Flamingo 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). Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Comedy

The Cryptid Factor

5 Aug 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

Mick Perrin Worldwide 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! None Age category: 14+

Theatre

After the Service: Tales of Love and Loss

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

A R Hawkins Productions 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! Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Comedy

How to Escape

11 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Natalie Slaiman Following a young woman who, after a psychedelic experience at a music festival, runs away with two hippies who introduce her to a magical world. Through a series of surreal encounters, she must grapple with existential revelations regarding free will and what it means to live a creative life. How to Escape is a testimony to following your heart, even if it leads you astray. Audience Reviews: 'I couldn't look away'. 'I'll think about this show forever'. 'The entire thing rests on (Slaiman) being incredibly charming'. 'This made me think my friend isn't crazy after all'. Audience participation, Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World

Music

Storytelling

Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World

30 Jul 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

Duane Forrest 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. None

Comedy

Stand-up

Bring Yer Bairn

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Good Egg Comedy 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! Audience participation, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Theatre

Comedy

Frances Floats

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Ines Wurth Presents 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. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Theatre

Elysium

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Ghouls Aloud 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. Strong language/swearing, More information Our ghost story contains strong language and extended horror sequences which younger viewers might find disturbing. Age category: 14+

Theatre

Buen Camino

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Soaring Solo Studios and Fringe Management, LLC 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. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Kids

Storytelling

Sing, Sign and Sensory – On Safari

18 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Effectus Theatre 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. None

Comedy

Lewis Macleod is Not Himself

15 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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. None Age category: 16+

Theatre

Up

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Visible Fictions The odds of perishing in a commercial plane accident are 29.4 million to one. Reassuring. Except if you're the one. As emergency masks plummet, engines squeal and hand baggage flies from the overhead bins, two strangers hold hands. Scared and breathless, their lives flash past as they face their final moments together. Exploring themes of luck, choice, fate, coincidence and connection, this thrilling production, created by award-winning, critically acclaimed theatre company Visible Fictions, is a fantasy table-top exploration using object theatre and gripping storytelling. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, More information The show contains depictions of a plane crash. Age category: 14+

Theatre

Musical

Driving in Circles

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

EPs Theater 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'. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Music

The Bristol Suspensions: Ten Things I Sung About You

11 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

The Bristol Suspensions 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. None

Comedy

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

9 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Bec Hill 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. None, More information Adult themes. Not suitable for children.

Music

The Other Guys: Bad Academic Practice

18 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

The Other Guys 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! None

Comedy

Stand-up

Variety

Women in Comedy

11 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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. Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Comedy

Stand-up

Yer Ma's a Rocket: Sophie Rose McCabe

30 Jul 2025 - 8 Aug 2025

Sophie Rose McCabe 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). Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing

Comedy

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

11 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Curious Kind Productions 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! Audience participation, Strobe lighting Age category: 12+

Theatre

Music

Puppet shows

Tree of Dreams

17 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Duane Forrest 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. None

Comedy

Caroline Rhea

1 Aug 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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). None Age category: 16+

Comedy

Stand-up

Hannah Morton: Cha Cha Real Smooth

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Hannah Morton 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?! Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

#Hysteria: A History of Human Sexuality with Callaghans Questions

Theatre

Comedy

#Hysteria: A History of Human Sexuality with Callaghans Questions

30 Jul 2025 - 3 Aug 2025

Sierra Callaghan in association with Panad Productions® 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! Audience participation, Nudity, Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing

Comedy

Susan Harrison: Should I Still Be Doing This?

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Susan Harrison 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). Audience participation There might be some gentle (optional) audience participation. Age category: 14+

Kids

1 Very Silly Old Man with Magical Rhymes

8 Aug 2025 - 16 Aug 2025

Sid Ozalid 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+. Audience participation

Comedy

Comedians on Stage Auditioning for Musicals

2 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Mick Perrin Worldwide 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. Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Comedy

Stand-up

Storytelling

Rosie O'Donnell: Here & Now

1 Aug 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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. None Age category: 16+

Comedy

Stand-up

Alan Davies: Think Ahead

30 Jul 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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). None Age category: 16+

Theatre

The City of Ladies

30 Jul 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

City of Ladies Theatre 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). Audience participation, Strobe lighting, Strong language/swearing, More information Food/drink consumed by performers and offered to audience members. Age category: 16+

Theatre

Faye's Red Lines starring Gail Watson

31 Jul 2025 - 23 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon and Red Line Productions 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). None Age category: 16+

Comedy

Hal and Ronni in Pieces

22 Aug 2025 - 22 Aug 2025

Gilded Balloon 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. None Age category: 16+

Theatre

Comedy

A Family Fairy Tale: Lost in the Woods

30 Jul 2025 - 10 Aug 2025

Hawk & Hill Theatre 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). Audience participation

Theatre

BED: A One Man Show

9 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Ben Donaghy 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! Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Theatre

Cabaret

Magic

Tom Bolton: Magic Man

18 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Tom Bolton Magician 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. Audience participation

Almost Impossible 2.0: Martin Brock

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

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).

Theatre

Comedy

Kate, Allie and the '86 Mets

30 Jul 2025 - 24 Aug 2025

Kate Barry Summer 1986, Long Island, New York – The hit American sitcom Kate and Allie is on the TV. Grace and Dorothy, two recently divorced best friends, see their own lives reflected back at them. Kate and Allie, also recently divorced best friends, have the brilliant idea of combining their households and solving all the problems of single motherhood. Within months, Grace, Dorothy and their four kids all move in together, changing their lives forever. The eldest daughter tells their decades long story and explores what really happened in the summer of 1986. Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Comedy

Spontaneous Potter: The Unofficial Improvised Parody

11 Aug 2025 - 25 Nov 2025

Grab your wands, don your house robes, and apparate yourselves to the box office! A very magical improv show awaits... Spontaneous Potter is an entirely improvised wizarding 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! Accio tickets for this award-winning adult Potter parody. Note: Spontaneous Potter is an unofficial show that is not endorsed by or affiliated with Warner Bros., JK Rowling or her publishers. All rights to the Harry Potter books and associated trademarks are the property of JK Rowling / her publishers. All film / image rights associated with the film series are property of Warner Bros.

↖ Back to all venues