Merlin Stevens with Achy Bits Productions Glimpsed through the curtain of Hamlet’s story, scrawled in the margins of Shakespeare’s play, adrift and in love, Horatio draws his breath in pain and laughter to tell the story of someone strange, fractured and jangled out of tune – himself. Is it weird to follow your situationship home for Christmas break? How can you keep your flight risk best friend safe when they make you swear a blood oath not to interfere? Can anyone see how much you’re breaking apart when they’ve decided you’re their rock to cling to? Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing, More information Themes of grief, violence and suicide Age category: 12+

Bare Productions Following a string of five-star, sell-out productions, Bare Productions return with the electrifying hit Rock of Ages! This high-energy, feel-good musical is packed with powerhouse vocals, epic guitar solos, and all your favorite 80s rock anthems. Set on LA’s iconic Sunset Strip, it tells the hilarious and heartfelt story of love, dreams, and the fight to save a legendary rock‘n’roll nightclub from ruthless developers. With larger-than-life characters, outrageous comedy, and unforgettable tunes, Rock of Ages is a must-see celebration of the power of music. Get ready to rock – this show will blow you away! Scenes of a sexual nature Age category: 12+

The Beacon Boys Based on the hit film and Broadway show, this feel-good musical comedy will have audiences jumping to their feet! Discover the story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, who is placed in protective custody at a convent after witnessing a crime. Struggling with the strict lifestyle, she soon transforms the choir with her disco flair, bringing new life to the church and community. However, her newfound sisterhood is threatened when her cover is blown... Packed with powerful music, energetic dancing, and a heart-warming message of friendship, Sister Act Jr is an uplifting show for all! None

Interlochen Center for the Arts A magical winter adventure from the author of Shrek. When dressmaker Mrs Bobbin falls ill, her daughter Irene volunteers to deliver a beautiful ballgown to the duchess before her evening party. But as Irene steps into the winter afternoon, a blizzard descends. Battling treacherous winds, deep snow and her own fears, Irene embarks on an extraordinary journey that will test her courage and determination. This enchanting musical tells a heartwarming tale of perseverance, featuring mesmerising movement and songs to delight audiences of all ages. A magical adventure that proves even the smallest person can overcome the biggest obstacles. None

Beware of the Theatre Speckle cannot shake the feeling that something is not right. Could it be that chickens are not, in fact, all-powerful gods, as she has been led to believe? We watch as a group of young people, raised their entire life on the remote chicken farm Poultrion, begin to question their wacky way of life. But with Reverend Rooster's iron fist ruling over the farm, can Speckle and the others find the answers they are looking for, and perhaps even a higher purpose in their lives? An extravagant, heartfelt and totally brand new musical. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

The Awesome Potatoes In the fluorescent glow of a conference hall, two PhD souls collide – entwined by love, yet divided by rival labs. Will their love spark a groundbreaking tardigrade gene discovery worthy of a Nobel Prize, or will it fade into obscurity, lost in the ruthless tides of academic rivalry? The Awesome Potatoes from Uni-Heidelberg (Germany) invite you to a whimsical science-theatre spectacle, inspired by real events straight out of their research labs. None Age category: 12+

VOTE Theatre Company VOTE follows three middle-class women, focusing on fictional Mary Abbott, as they discover the Suffragette movement. Set around the 1908 Hyde Park rally, the story highlights Mary’s arrest, prison abuse and eventual release, leading to electoral equality decades later. Created by Phoebe Perry, who dreamed of writing a musical at 14, VOTE explores the darker sides of the Suffragette movement. It debuted with two performances in West Sussex in October 2024, inspiring its audiences. Celebrate a compelling tale of female resilience, power and empowerment, beautifully brought to life through song and storytelling. Scenes of sexual violence Age category: 12+

Mr Brake Down In this laid-back cabaret hour filled with vocal impersonations, live singing and bluesy banter, drag king Mr Brake Down pays tribute to the wit and wonderment of the iconic Tom Waits. Gloriously odd and experimental, the show takes audiences on a musical journey through some of Waits' seminal works, whilst Brake expounds on just how much a drag king from South Wales might have in common with the California-born performer. Expect to be bemused in a highly enjoyable fashion by a show that must be seen to be believed! Audience participation, Nudity, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

The Dead Parrot Collective The latest riotous comedy from Edinburgh’s own, The Dead Parrot Collective, who return to the Fringe this year with a few tricks up their (wizard) sleeves. As war rages across the fantasy kingdom of Armillaria, and magic itself fades, five hapless rogues launch a desperate heist to save the world. Standing in their way? Scheming nobles, arcane assassins, a box of goblins and worst of all... each other. As their most ambitious project to date, the Parrots set out to prove once again, even grand tales can be told on a meagre budget. Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Theater U34 Quartet is a brutal 75-minute piece for two. Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont engage in an escalating series of role plays in a war for love, sex and power. Heiner Müller's reduced 1980 play adapts Dangerous Liaisons, the classic 1782 French novel that exposed the decadence of pre-revolutionary France, and that was turned into multiple movies and TV series. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Nudity, Scenes of a sexual nature, Scenes of sexual violence, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing, More information Blasphemy, descriptions of suicide and murder.

Western Standard Productions It’s Jacqui Randa season! She’s drop dead gorgeous, a talented singer and pianist and has escaped her small country town of Tambo in Central Queensland, Australia. Self-proclaimed as Australia's Next Diva she has big dreams to brush shoulders with her idol Tina Arena and is enduringly delusional when it comes to finding love! Relatable? Expect sparkle, laughter, heart, vulnerability and exceptional musicianship through songs such as Dancing Queen, WAP, Lilac Wine and Chains. Strong language/swearing

Hopkins Drama Association Latin class: Loved it or hated it? The Hopkins School’s Shoestring Ensemble stages all 27 chapters of this classic Latin textbook’s narration in English! Wolves! Soldiers! A ditch! What becomes of the family Cornelii? Seriously, we’re asking! Told in the Fringe First award-winning Shoestring style, this ensemble of New Haven teens create all the needed scenic elements through colourful and cheeky living tableaux. Suitable for families, lovers of Latin and those who despised this book! www.hopkins.edu has more information about the Shoestring Ensemble at Hopkins School where Latin has been taught since 1660! None

On/Off Theatre In a discordant world, minds keep moving, too active for rest, bustling, sizzling all the time. Three performers strive to relax the mind – they exercise Chinese Qigong, physical movements and sound healing to detach from the thinking mind, achieving a peaceful balanced state where yin and yang, the sun and moon elements, are harmonised. The body can relax and not do anything apart from just be. None

NTNUGIPA Formosa Viva Dance Theater narrates Taiwan's 500-year history, spotlighting key historical events through 12 selected musical pieces. From indigenous cultures to Dutch, Ming, Qing and Japanese influences and the Republic of China's governance post-1949, it highlights the transition from martial law to democracy. The performance emphasises recent advances in gender equality and cultural diversity. This dynamic presentation vividly brings to life Taiwan's rich cultural evolution for the audience, showcasing its significant milestones and transformations over the centuries. None

BBD Productions BBD Productions return to the Fringe with their five-star show, winner of Best Theatre Production (TheatreScotland.co.uk, 2022 and 2023). Join a live band and cast of fierce beltresses to celebrate music, movies and musical theatre. From Anastacia to Adele, Carole King to Cher and Sabrina Carpenter to Shirley Bassey, we can guarantee there will be something for everyone in this high-energy, fast-paced celebration of the greatest divas of all time. ‘Everything is sung to such an incredibly high standard... delivered with passion and verve throughout’ (LondonTheatre1.com). More information Haze and flashing lights.

Crooked Path Theatre Why is this woman named Viva applying for a job? She doesn’t even know what they do here! Bestselling author Rob Bell’s new play begins with this disruptive presence and gradually begins to reveal what happens when people own every square inch of their lives. At turns hysterically funny, deeply moving and ultimately subversive, this is a play for anyone who has had a job in the industrialised world and wonders if maybe the whole system needs a change. Directed by Tony Award nominee Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages). None Age category: 14+

Warren Martin Warren Martin, the architect of his own troubles, strives to be a perfect father but barely manages to be adequate, a fact obvious to everyone except for himself. Story after story of incompetence and struggle will make you wonder how he’s even got this far. He tells the story of his life from the birth of his children to their teenage years, covering his work and interview misunderstandings, family holidays and oblique observations of life. This window into his existence will reveal the funny side of life to all, except him. None Age category: 16+

Future Artists What can we learn from ancient cultures regarding climate adaptation, and how can we fuse this with technology and AI? Ash went on an adventure from Ireland to Australia and came back a Solar Punk. This is his story. A show exploring Celtic knowledge, forest life, Off Grid ideas and how technology is bringing like-minds together. Perfect for urbanites looking for answers. Without deviation from the norm progress is not possible – Future Artists. None Age category: 12+

Jo Kelen This poetic, critically acclaimed retelling of the myth of Achilles returns to Edinburgh. When his lover is killed in battle, Achilles, enveloped in an insatiable rage, inflicts unspeakable horrors on those around him. He fills the river with bodies and kills and mutilates the body of Hector. It's only when he realises that this will never give him compensation for his lover's death that he stops and weeps. Directed by Kate Brown, dramaturgically supported by Kevin Scully. Written/performed by Jo Kelen. \*\*\*\*\* (GetYourCoatsOn.com). \*\*\*\* (BroadwayBaby.com). Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Beware of the Theatre Charlie and Vic are a married couple living in the suburbs, trying to keep themselves secluded from the outside world. However, their life is changed when nosy neighbour Annette attempts to befriend the couple. Will they manage to keep their way of life a secret? Is this truly the life the couple wants? What happens if Annette finds out about their alternative diet? A fun, mysterious and ultimately cautionary tale of what happens when you try and hide who you are and what you are up to! Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Insane Odds Productions Kyle is just like any other wannabe stand-up star. Handsome, charming, complex relationship with his dad. He's also made up of dead bodies. Get to know “Frankenstein’s Monster” like you've never been able to before. Face to face with only a mic and some stage lights between you and him. Maybe you're more alike than different, but only time will tell. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing, More information Discussion of strained parental relationships and mild body horror. Age category: 16+

Julie McNamara Having been raised Catholic, I have been in “recovery” for a long time: all those prayers you didn’t actually understand, those many times in that scary confessional and the constant guilt! I’m sorry if I’m not apologising enough for it. How does a good Catholic girl navigate sex, abortion, career, mental health or… actually talking about feelings? By singing proper church hymns, of course, with none of the lyrics changed at all! This show will really get you questioning what’s in those Hail Marys! Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature Age category: 14+

BBD Productions The five-star, sell-out cabaret Guys Sing Dolls is coming to the Fringe! BBD Productions have gathered four professional male vocalists from across Scotland to perform some of the most iconic diva anthems of all time from music, movies and musical theatre. Having previewed in 2024 at The Dirty Martini, Guys Sing Dolls is back with more stories, laughter and singing that will get your hands clapping, feet tapping and leave you singing in the streets. ‘For an evening of top-quality vocal entertainment, look no further than BBD Productions’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). None

Bad Things Theatre Europe is not what it used to be. And things are changing too fast for AJ and Beibhinn. Stuck in patriotic slogans and the fear of being left behind, the girls start ranting against the "foreigners”. But when Beibhinn loses everything and is forced to move town, the two need to reconsider what home really is, what being right means and how far they are willing to go to keep things as they were. But We’re Right is a politically provocative two-hander interrogating the question: why do more and more young Europeans vote right? Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing, More information Description of violence Age category: 16+

Bremner Fletcher In a ruined theatre, an actor tumbles onto a dark stage. His fellow actors have disappeared – arrested – and only their torn costumes remain. The actor defiantly sings into the chaos, recreating his friends' acts and proving how celebration and humour, rage and delight, can be acts of resistance. Performed around the world and winner of a dozen best-of-fest awards. 'Breathtaking' \*\*\*\*\* (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Laughter and jaw-dropping physicality... a must see' (TheaterJones.com). 'Fringe theatre, nay theatre itself, doesn’t get much better' (CalgaryHerald.com). 'Incredible one-man show' (PBS). 'Stunning theatrical accomplishment' (InTheVue.com). Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Bristol Shakespeare Festival Is this a real knife? Is this just fantasy? Enjoy Shakespeare's spooky tragedy like never before, as six actors deploy wittily rewritten pop classics and uproariously silly comedy to recount the saga of Scotland's most murderous king. Expect queens and witches, Queen and B*Witched, ABBA, stabbers and much more besides! With gloriously repurposed numbers from Broadway, the charts and the Golden Oldies, Macbeth: the Musical is a hilarious ride, suitable for buffs and beginners, wee ones and wizened ones, and Scots and Sassenachs alike! No bagpipes were harmed while making this musical. \*\*\*\* (TheWeeReview.com). None

Tasmin Sarkany Amelia Crotchet is a semi-failed classical musician in a double-act with her violin. She’s about to play the most important concert of her career, but it’s far from straightforward. For a start she’s easily distracted and must explain her relationship with Violin, the practical uses of opera and Violin’s latest business ventures before the music even begins. She’s got two guest comedians to help her through it, but will they be up to the task? Expect silliness, historically questionable facts about Bach and, if Amelia gets round to it, some beautiful classical music. Audience participation Age category: 14+

Chai Wan Rabble Experience a captivating reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic, blending original musical numbers with dark humour. Devised by a talented ensemble of Hong Kong performers, intertwining the struggles of contemporary Hongkongers with Hamlet's timeless tale. Follow three storylines: Wong Ka Kee, a masters student in 2058; Hamlet, the iconic Danish prince; and Mr Cheung, an everyday man in 2025. Together, they confront the eternal question: to be or not to be? Nominated for the IATC(HK) Critics Awards for Script / Playwright of the Year and Director of the Year, this show invites you on a powerful journey of laughter and sorrow! Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Connor McKenna Finally, a one-man show that's brave enough to ask the question: why can't we, as humans, get enough of fizzy beverages? On a sweltering summer day, Seltzer Boy can only find relief with an ice-cold seltzer. With zero calories and countless flavours, it’s the perfect way to assuage his feelings of bodily inadequacy. Or is it? Join Seltzer Boy on his carbonated journey exploring his delicate relationship with his body, what he puts in it, and why. Ultimately, he has to ask: How can one accept their body when all they know is how to hate it? Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing, More information Discussion of eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Age category: 12+

Ian Crawford With fork-related accidents up by 7% and the teaspoon declared hazardous (size-to-injury wise), there has never been a better time to polish your cutlery safety awareness. Fear not as expert Ian Crawford is here with all the answers in his deadly serious cutting-edge training workshop presentation, carefully welding classic tips with all-new sharp material. 'Forking good health and safety-based comedy' \*\*\*\* (TheWeeReview.com). 'A well-honed performance that is, above all, good silly fun' \*\*\*\* (TheReviewsHub.com). 'What a delight this well-realised, obsessive character is!' (Comedy.co.uk). None Age category: 12+

Joan of All Trades Goodness Me is a one-woman-and-a-Furby dramedy about millennial struggles, unexpected consequences and the crushing weight of responsibility. Celeste is in her early 30s. She is also lonely, broke and utterly lost – but when life starts unravelling in bizarre ways, she’s forced to face her problems head-on. With only Lulu, a snarky yet oddly wise Furby, as her guide, she must navigate heartbreak, identity and the pressure to fix everything. Quirky, heartfelt and deeply relatable, Goodness Me is a hilarious and poignant look at responsibility, resilience and the messy, unpredictable journey of adulthood. Strobe lighting, Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Cat-Like Tread In the closed community of the Tower of London, an identity swap and an arranged marriage are put into play to save the head of a condemned man. A lovesick court jester and his maid stumble into the plot with heartbreaking results. Cat-Like Tread return with their ninth original production, and punch to the heart of the matter in an abridged version of Gilbert and Sullivan's operatic masterpiece. 'For careful execution and straightforward fun, it is difficult to imagine many recent productions of Gilbert and Sullivan have beaten Cat-Like Tread' \*\*\*\* (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). None

Tiger and Marks David and Me is a one-person show theatricalising aspects of the life of artist David Wojnarowicz and the artist’s own life. Wojnarowicz (1954-1992) created a prolific body of work across visual arts, performance, non-fiction writing, music, film and queer activism while the AIDS epidemic upended arts and queer communities under a federal government that criminally neglected the marginalised. Performance includes text, movement and projection. Immersive experience – the audience chooses moments/stories performed by the actor in an organic/chance-based order, creating a fireside, communal feel. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature, Scenes of sexual violence, Scenes of violence, Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+