ARTICLE: EDINGBURGH FRINGE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Neill Kovacic-Clarke
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Edinburgh Fringe 2026 has officially started, and although I'm not personally heading up to Scotland this month, lots of people - knowing I am a huge supporter of fringe theatre - have been asking for my recommendations, so I've compiled a list of my top picks of must-see shows for those who are attending.
🎠HOLE!
đź“Ť Cowbarn at Underbelly, Bristo Square
đź—“ until 30th August
'Theatre at its most scintillating' (Guardian). Straight from their highly acclaimed run at London's Soho Theatre, this 'fantastically talented' (WhatsOnStage.co.uk) duo mark their triumphant return to the festival it last year took by storm. Come witness 'the greatest hallucinogenic on earth' (Metro.co.uk), as this 'gloriously deranged queer masterpiece' (PinkPrinceTheatre.com) arrives home. A religious sect in Nebraska wears butt plugs at all times because they believe a wrathful God shall suck the unplugged up, ass-first, to burn on the face of the sun. The crazy thing is... they're right.
🎠TELL ME
đź“Ť Dissection Room at Summerhall
đź—“ until 30th August
Two timelines collide in this bold fusion of dance and circus, offering a fresh perspective on HIV. When Grace receives a diagnosis, she is transported back to the 80s alongside Michael, a gay man navigating a very different reality. Their journeys unfold through striking choreography, Chinese pole and aerial artistry. Sadiq Ali Company, makers of five-star, award-winning The Chosen Haram, return to the Fringe with their new show Tell Me, part of the Made in Scotland showcase. 'Stunning, soulful, a total triumph' ***** (Pink Prince Theatre). 'Poignant tale of sex, revelry and glistening abs' **** (Guardian). MadeInScotlandShowcase.com
🎠SHANTIFY
📍 Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens
đź—“ until 30th August
This nautical musical adventure starring a crew of West End wonder boys was the talk of Fringe 2025. Join us as we turn show tunes, rock classics and pop bangers into superb sea shanties and weave them into a joyous story. You will not want to miss the rib-tickling brilliance of the songs that we Shantify – the harmonies these boys produce will knock your socks off! Last year's show sold out and audiences raved about the show, so don't miss out on the hottest, funnest, shanty-est show at the Fringe!
🎠DIANA: THE UNTOLD AND UNTRUE STORY
đź“Ť Ermintrude at Underbelly, Bristo Square
đź—“ 24th - 30th August
Do you know the story of Diana? Probably. But do you know our story of Diana? We very much doubt it. Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue tale of her extraordinary life. Combining drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and queer joy, this unique celebration of the people's princess has won multiple awards and sold out venues across the world. A loving celebration of Ar Di that is as hilarious as it is ridiculous. From the creators of Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella.
🎠BALLET NIGHTS
đź“Ť Music Hall at Assembly Rooms
đź—“ 24th - 30th August
For the first time, Ballet Nights brings its world-class dance sensation to the Edinburgh Fringe: seven performances of ballet, contemporary dance and live music in one intimate, hosted evening. Olivier-nominated Sarah Chun (Northern Ballet Principal) and Joseph Taylor (London City Ballet) star alongside Scotland's own Amy McEntee, contemporary fusion sensation Ekleido, PCK Dance and Music Awardee Dominic Stokes on live music, compèred by founder Jamiel Devernay-Laurence. 'Flying the flag for the future of dance' ***** (Herald). 'This was a triumph' ***** (Herald). A uniquely curated night for dance lovers and first-timers alike.
🎠FLOP!: THE BEST SONGS FROM THE WORST MUSICALS
đź“Ť Wine Bar at Gilded Balloon Teviot
đź—“ until 30th August
Arthur Hull returns with an updated version of his blockbusting musical cabaret celebrating Theatreland's casualties. This love letter to Broadway and the West End features a motley assortment of the misunderstood, critically panned and financially catastrophic musical misfires, including forgotten gems and pleas for redemption! Best Entertainment Award (DarkChat, Edinburgh Fringe 2025). Best Emerging Artist Award (Adelaide Fringe 2025). 'Arthur Hull's an absolute joy' ***** (List). 'FLOP! is an utter triumph' ***** (West End Best Friend.). 'Brings the house down' ***** (See Do Eat Review). 'Undoubted smash' ***** (The Recs). 'A star is born!' ***** (The Real Chrisparkle). 'Stand-out' ***** (Theatre Diaries).
🎠LINUS KARP WAS HIT WITH AN UMBRELLA
đź“Ť Friesian at Underbelly, Bristo Square
đź—“ until 30th August
Just before Fringe 2024, Linus Karp (Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, Gwyneth Goes Skiing, The Fit Prince) was the victim of a homophobic attack. The case never went to trial... Until now. Linus Karp was hit with an umbrella. The attacker shouted that he would've killed him. The show retells the events and the aftermath – the police investigation, the public response, performing at Edinburgh Fringe days after and the heroic acts of Joseph Martin, and then dramatises the trial that never came to be... It's also funny.
🎠THE TERRIBLY CREDIBLE, DEFINITELY EDIBLE TALE OF THE TOWN OF CROPSHIRE
đź“Ť Upstairs at Assembly Roxy
đź—“ 17th - 31st August
Welcome to Cropshire: a world of welly-wearing farmers, weather reports and perpetually confused politicians. A nationwide ban on vegetables causes chaos in the community. Luckily, one charismatic Cropshire citizen knows exactly where to point the finger... An absurdist metatheatrical fable about the rise of right-wing populism. Through slapstick fights, dream ballets and one highly inappropriate salsa interlude, an international ensemble of six clowns and a foley artist tell a haunting tale of a town fragmented by violent political oppression. Winner: Shedload-of-Future Fund 2026. Created by Diagnostic Trouble Code.
All show descriptions are taken from the Edinburgh Fringe website.
Please check for content warnings, age recommendations, and show times.
All details in this article are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
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