Gunnison Galaxy with Desmond Devenish A gripping solo performance that plunders the murky depths of human psychology, exploring themes of rebellion, power and moral ambiguity. Hitchens, forged from the crucible of a controlled upbringing and law-enforcement training, must now confront the ghosts of his past and the dangerous allure of radical ideologies. As the lines between hero and villain blur, the audience becomes the jury that must decide Hitchens’ fate. How will he be judged? Where does righteousness end and extremism begin? A thought-provoking exploration of guilt, reckoning and the quest for justice and identity prevalent in today’s socio-political climate. Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature, More information Contains mature themes, Contains sexual themes Age category: 14+

Lucia Mallardi An autobiographical one-woman drama-comedy show blending comedy characterisation and football performance to tell the unique journey of Lucia Mallardi, a Berlin-based Italian former semi-professional footballer and artist. Travelling the world as a street artist with her football and her hat, she has created poetic dialogue between two seemingly distant worlds: football as an art and art as a discipline of sacrifice and passion. Inspiring audiences across Europe and beyond from the football field to the stage, Lucia's story is empowering – challenging boundaries, merging sports and theatre in a way that only she can. None

Ashley Amodeo (UK/USA) When the ghost of her father returns seeking revenge, Hamlet has to choose: play along, or break the cycle? When she makes her choice, the ghost makes his and haunts her coat. Crownless fuses Shakespeare’s text with contemporary female poetry in a bold exploration of grief and power. It's a ghost story, a coming-of-age tale and a stylish love letter to saying 'no’. With sharp dialogue, unexpected laughs and a coat full of unresolved trauma, this show walks the line between comedy and heartbreak. If you’ve ever argued with a parent’s voice in your head, this one’s for you. More information Contains violent themes Age category: 12+

Miriam Cappa (Italy) A tragicomic one-woman show about the absurdity of searching for a home today. Miriam, a street artist, waitress and actress, takes the audience through a series of absurd and often hilarious encounters with real estate agents and landlords, highlighting the struggles of a young person trying to navigate an overpriced and increasingly inaccessible housing market. Facing the harsh reality that without a home, there’s no mental stability, Miriam explores the difficulty of growing up and finding a sense of belonging in a seemingly hostile world. None Age category: 14+

The Sacred Order of the Shining Emblem (New York, USA) Murder, arson and traumatic tragedy abound in this groundbreaking new drama by soon to be award-winning playwright Sebastian Maroun. A middle class family is pushed to the brink when their patriarch discovers he is going blind. As his vision fades, details of torrid affairs come to light which threaten to tear the family apart. The only thing that can save them is the journalistic instinct of their young daughter and a helpful stray dog who may not be what he seems. This is a normal staged reading. Everything is fine. Why wouldn't it be? None Age category: 14+

Michael Jamin (California, USA) The Emmy-nominated screenwriter of King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-Head, Just Shoot Me, Wilfred and Rules of Engagement is coming to Edinburgh! In his critically acclaimed one-man show, writer/performer Michael Jamin asks: What if the smallest, almost forgotten moments were the ones that shaped us most? Audaciously funny yet achingly poignant, A Paper Orchestra will change the way you think about life. Perfect for fans of David Sedaris and Mike Birbiglia. Based on the best-seller, which Vulture.com named Best Comedy Books of 2024. None Age category: 14+

Scarlett Smith – Bristol Harpist Scarlett Smith is an electroacoustic harpist and comedian. Tired of the harp's demure, classical reputation, Scarlett’s debut solo show Any Objections? defies traditional stereotyping. Instead, audiences are taken on a surreal quest to prove this unwieldy, celestial instrument has a place far beyond the orchestra pit. Blending live looping covers of popular songs, self-produced indie-pop jingles and fast-paced punchlines, the show is a playful celebration of creativity and harp innovation. Expect wedding industry musings, a fateful boat trip and an interactive gameshow in this whimsical world where chaos meets creativity. Audience participation, Scenes of a sexual nature Age category: 14+

Loose T (France) Are you angry? This punk clown musical comedy show is very, very angry, and if you’re not, then you’re not paying attention. And Loose T doesn’t want to be alone. So with improvised interactions with the audience, short clown skits and punkish songs she will make you angry too – with men in suits, fossil fuels, fascists, plastic, Brexit, labels... until you scream, dance and sing along with her. And hopefully laugh too. ‘She surprises once again, making the listener have fun, reflect and sing along’ (RoadieMusic.com). ‘A highly intelligent and politically-charged performer’ (YorkCalling.co.uk). None Age category: 12+

Andrew McCammon and Erin Island (USA) Leave the kids at home (if you bothered to have them) for this interactive improv, sketch and naughty game show. This production features a real-life married comedy couple (winners of the 2017 National Sketch Comedy Championship in Los Angeles) who explore relationship dynamics, emotions and sexual positions. Audience members can even compete to win a titillating title! You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll invest in birth control. Erin has been described as ‘fiercely funny’ and Andrew as ‘utterly silly’ (ArtsTalkMagazine.nl). ‘Their chemistry is enviable’ (SketchReview.com). ‘Wonderfully twisted and absurdist’ (Chicago Tribune). Audience participation, Scenes of a sexual nature Contains violent themes, Contains sexual themes Age category: 14+

MTTM Theatrics A mysterious new musical in which three strangers are summoned to a secluded seaside manor on New Year’s Eve by the enigmatic Mr Dellamort, who leads them through an evening of revelations and eerie delights. Exploring themes of unrequited love, mortality and deception, this theatrical gem features an original pop score, live theremin and vintage Foley sound effects. Gothic, quirky, and delightfully unpredictable, it’s a uniquely immersive experience that balances heart, humour, and haunting surprises. 'Will keep you guessing right up to the dramatic conclusion!' \*\*\*\* (NorthWestEnd.com). None Age category: 12+

The Rainbow Room Productions If you suddenly found yourself in an unfamiliar room with no memory of how you got there, what would your response be? If the only thing in that very room was a strange woman, how would you react? The UnderNeath is filled with mystery, humour and self-realisation. It makes you question everything you thought you already knew and poses the most challenging question we may one day ask ourselves: What is your biggest regret? None Age category: 12+

Hunter King ‘Once upon a time, a milkmaid wished upon a star…’ Join trans artist Hunter King on his journey of gender self-discovery. This brand new uplifting queer parody musical, Maid in the Wild, Wild, North West is based on a true story. It explores themes of belonging, self-discovery and joy through storytelling and music. Expect Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, bad puns, terrible tropes, a damsel in distress, an animal sidekick, villains galore and a hero! Feel the Pride, live the magic, and cheer as the story unfolds... ‘Pure camp, country, comedy’ (Audience review). More information Themes of gender dysphoria, transphobia, and bullying. Contains amplified sound, sudden loud sounds (gunshot sound effects), flashing lights, blackouts and optional audience participation. Age category: 16+

Theatre Company Haraki (Georgia) I am the voice of the dead, cast upon the dry shores by the sea. The voice of the dead is the ever-present voice that collects and remembers the stories and conditions of life of the unjustly killed and innocent victims of humanity. At a time of humanity’s greatest development, we have commited the most dire crimes of war and live in moral paradox. Ha highlights the ambivalence of attitude, the ignorance of guilt, and the pleasure of comfort. An uninterrupted performance built on the performer’s voice and depth of breath. None Age category: 14+

C presents Jive along to jazz, party to punk rock, cavort to classics and experience electropop with our cherry-picked musical assortment. A powerhouse of bands and soloists from across the globe. Enjoy the warmth of the world through a hand-picked selection of of bands, singers and instrumentalists, and soak up their sound! Discover new artists from five continents! We’ve got bangers, beats, bass and Brahms! Come enjoy jazz, blues, world music, electronica, pop, classical music and more. See website for listings. None Age category: 14+

Kaso Jogi (Japan) This surreal tale begins with the recruitment of a hapless newcomer to a rural neighbourhood volunteer association. Responding to a complaint about noisy frogs, he goes to investigate. He encounters a supernatural world populated with yokai, mysterious supernatural entities of Japanese mythology who sing, dance and struggle to coexist with contemporary human society. The result is a funny sideways look at humans from their perspective. With wild hand-made costumes, giant sculptural origami puppets and original music, this is a unique and mind-blowing Japanese experience for all ages. Performed in Japanese with English surtitles. More information Loud music, Loud sounds

Eyongyeol Company (Korea) The island of Jeju draws everyone with its charm and beautiful Korean dialect. So why couldn’t Sodam go? This captivating play invites you to experience the soul of Korea through the beauty of its language, culture and sounds. Delving into universal themes of love, loss and human connection, it offers a rare opportunity to experience Korea's distinct theatrical style, merging tradition with modern expression. The universal themes of grief and relationships transcend cultural boundaries, making this raw and poetic performance deeply resonant. Korean and English blend seamlessly, with Jeju dialect accompanied by English surtitles. None

Finova music with C presents Festival Music Nights Two-woman band Finova came together in 2024 after meeting as students in Aberdeen. When aspiring singer/songwriter Ali Kova, the stage name of Rachel Allan Molotnikov, released her first single Loved Me Too that summer, she looked to Galloway girl, Erin Findlay to accompany her with masterful piano playing. The musical fusion of this new-found duo soon led to creative collaboration off-stage too, as time between classes was spent writing and rehearsing. Hear Kova’s lyrics and melodies made whole by Findlay’s moving, compositional genius in this original, acoustic night to remember! None Loud sounds, Loud music

House of Gahd (Québec, Canada) Uma Gahd from Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, everybody’s favourite unofficial auntie, brings you her one-woman drag comedy exploring small talk and big issues: fame, family, feminism and failed marriages! Stuffed with stand-up, lip-sync and plenty of hysterical pathos, Uma tells the story of her life – from sneaking into bars with her childhood best friend, Margaret, to breaking into showbusiness with her growing family. Part environmental theatre, part cabaret and part drag show. Come hear the word of Gahd! ‘She is warm, slightly daft and thoroughly loveable’ \*\*\*\*½ (List). 'Wildly entertaining’ (MontrealTheatreHub.com). None Age category: 14+

Dirty 20 A hilarious fantasy tale where you choose the adventure! Come merry folk from yonder to craft an original tale, with aid from your Story Master and a sprinkle of imagination. Fill in a character sheet, then watch your creations spring to life as they embark on an epic quest – or go way off track. Will they fight a dragon? Save a village of pixies? Get stuck in a dungeon and eat their shoes? Anything can happen! Your characters, your locations... their fate is in your hands. Come and roll the dice. A fantasy fun-filled show for all. Audience participation

C presents The alternative late-night Fringe experience returns. A unique blend of comedy, circus, burlesque, bands, live art and speciality acts from across the Fringe. With a different line-up every night this is a chance to see some of the Festival’s most exciting new artists. ‘A smorgasbord showcase of the wonderful delicacies... wacky, weird and wonderful’ (AYoungerTheatre.com). ‘One of the most fun variety cabarets around... Explosive and adaptable’ \*\*\*\*\* (BroadwayBaby.com). See website for listings. None Age category: 14+

Wimbledon Music Hub From Wimbledon Music Hub comes this youthful double-focus show: a cappella and strings. You’ll hear pop, gospel-ballad, alternative rock songs from the 60s (California Dreamin’), the 80s (Hallelujah), through to the 00s (Scientist), 10s (Budapest) and 2020 World Soundtrack Award song, Stand Up. And from our string group: folk, classical, film music, jazz and popular music too, from Ashoken Farewell and Shostakovich Jazz Waltz to Pirates of the Caribbean, the theme from Up and of course Sing, Sing, Sing! All songs have been specially arranged for the group. None