Last year I visited the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time. As a theatre lover, visiting the festival was a bucket list item for me and I completely fell in love with the event. Fast forward one year later, and I found myself back at the festival ready for more.
Within the span of a few days, I saw 19 performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024. Here's what stood out...
Cabaret/Circus
Swamplesque - August 1-25 | Assembly Hall - Main Hall | 22:20 - 1hr | £20
Easily one of the best shows I saw at this year's Fringe. Want an idea of what you're in store for? Check out their sizzle reel. 5/5 stars.
YUCK Circus - August 1-25 | Assembly George Square Gardens | 16:45 - 50min | £16
Funny, original and a big middle finger to misogyny. A talented circus act from an all-female cast that left me marveling at their strength. 4,5/5 stars.
Physical Theatre
Burnout Paradise - August 2-26 | Summerhall - Main Hall | 12:05 - 1hr | £17
Obsessed with this show doesn't even begin to cover how much I loved it. These performers are athletes and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. Not scared of audience participation? Sit in the front row. 5/5 stars.
The Learn to Juggle Comedy Show! - August 1-25 | ZOO Playground | 12:10 - 1hr | £20
Comedian Frisco Fred will leave in stitches (in a good way and not from any knives-juggling fiasco). Audiences walk away with a juggling scarves set and potentially a newfound talent. Great for all ages. 4/5 stars.
Influencer-Led Performances
Barbara (and Kenneth) - August 2-17 | Greenside @ George Street | 11:30 - 50min | £11
Deanna Giulietti stars as the doll we all know and love. Fun and feministic, you'll leave the show admiring the show's message and Giulietti's pipes. 4/5 stars.
Max Fosh: Loophole (Work in Progress) - August 5 -18 | Underbelly, George Square | multiple times - 1hr | £12.50
With over 4 millions subscribers on YouTube and a world tour set for the latter half of 2024, catch Max Fosh's work in progress show before he takes it worldwide. Expect audience participation and lots of laughs... if you can still get tickets. 4/5 stars.
Early Morning Shows
Shakespeare for Breakfast - July 31-August 25 | C ARTS | 10:00 - 50min | £11
Back for their 33rd Fringe, watch a modern day take on Shakespeare's "The Tempest" as you enjoy a croissant and beverage with the performance. 4/5 stars.
The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show - Aug 1-26 | Pleasance Courtyard | 10:20 - 1hr10min | £18
Bringing a "menu" of 10-15 minute skits, the show rotates between 3 different performances so audiences can come back for even more variety. Served with complimentary tea/coffee, bakery croissants and strawberries - the better eats of the two breakfast shows. 3.5/5 stars.
Return of 2023 Hits
Bill's 44th - August 1 -25 | Underbelly, Cowgate | 18:55 - 1hr | £12
The wordless, puppeteering tragi-comedy makes a return to this year's Edinburgh Fringe, The show triumphs feelings of joy and reflections of sorrow. Both delightful and unsettling, it's a spectacle with understandably high reviews from the New York Times. 4.5/5 stars.
The Lady Boys of Bangkok - August 1-25 | Theatre Big Top | multiple times - 1hr40min | £34
Celebrating its 25th year, the show boasts reviews saying it's a must-see before you die. Although I may not give it that same review, the show is very fun and a popular night out for tourists and locals alike. Expect amazing costumes, fun lip syncs, and the occasional cheeky audience participation. 4/5 stars.
Other
Summerhall Distillery: The Speakeasy Experience - August 1-26 | 19:00 - 1hr | £20
Take a step back into the 1920's prohibition era with Summerhall Distillery's speakeasy experience taking place everyday of the Fringe. Visit this incredibly cool venue and enjoy the two cocktails that come with your ticket experience. 4/5 stars.
Psst... Visiting Edinburgh outside of August? Summerhall Distillery offers a similar experience monthly, along with a variety of other spirit-based events. Check out their website for other listings.
ARCADE - August 1-26 | Summerhall | multiple times - 30min | £13
Produced by DARKFIELD, this interactive and immersive experience takes place in complete darkness that is equal parts creepy and thrilling. It is a very unique experience but, personally, I didn't find it as enjoyable as their 2023 exhibition. 3.5/5 stars.
Honourable Mention
BATSU! - August 6-25 | Underbelly, George Square | multiple times (evening) - 2hr | £20
I actually didn't get to see this show and I regret that immensely. Returning from a sold-out run in New York and Chicago, as well as returning after Edinburgh 2023's Fringe, don't make the same mistake I did - see this show while tickets are still available.
*Dates of listings may be slightly off.
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