Latest news with #AlexisSakellaris
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Fringe Fever: The Fresh Faces Set to Steal Edinburgh 2025
As the world's largest arts festival makes its highly anticipated return, Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is set to spotlight a bold new generation of performers. This year's programme bursts with fresh voices and fearless talent, offering a dynamic blend of perspectives on identity, resilience, friendship, and social change—stories that are as timely as they are deeply personal. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Audiences can expect everything from biting solo comedies laced with vulnerability and wit, to innovative physical theatre and immersive performances that break boundaries and defy convention. These artists are not just entertaining; they're shaping the cultural conversation. Dive into this powerful lineup of unmissable new work—created to challenge, move, and inspire across Edinburgh this summer. A STAN IS BORN!– Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 15:00,from 30th July –25th August (not 11th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Musical comedy meets fan devotion: Alexis Sakellaris delivers ten original tracks, powerhouse vocals and razor-wit in a celebration of queer identity and pop obsession. A glittering, joyfully loud coming-of-age story that honours Beyoncé, Céline and Mariah. House Party An Ode to the Casting Director– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Penny), 11:40, from 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Sophie Fisher's cinematic solo tears into the audition grind with humour and heart. Expect live-feed scenes, biting truth and the chaotic surrealism behind every casting call. BAIRNS– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 14:05, 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Annie Davison channels surrogacy, sisterhood and the messy magic of modern womanhood into a compulsively paced, character-rich one-woman drama. Bold, honest and deeply moving. Cara and Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 15:20, from 30th July –25th August (not 18th) Tense two-hander by Mojola Akinyemi about friendship, loyalty and the subtle creep of extremism. Sharp, unnerving and distinctly of-the-moment. Don't Tell Dad About Diana– Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 12:50, from 31st July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Set in the 90s, this is a riotous drag-infused comedy featuring two teens prepping a Princess Di act under nationalist family noses. In 1997 Dublin, grief and friendship collide in glitter-soaked catharsis. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 14:15, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Jade Franks' autobiographical solo show on class, privilege and hidden work at the University of Cambridge. Sharp, heartfelt, and as insightful as it is entertaining. FISH– Greenside (Jade Studio), 19:35, from Friday 1st – Sunday 23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Physical clowning meets climate anxiety, as a fish dreams of human life. Funmi Adejobi's whimsical performance is witty, engaging and unexpectedly poignant. FLUSH– Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs), 12:15, from 30th July –25th August (not 11th, 18th) A women's toilet becomes a sanctuary of solidarity and raw confession. April Hope Miller's sharp drama delves into vulnerability, survival and connection. FLUSH partners with Ask For Angela, a national initiative supporting those in vulnerable situations in nightlife venues. Funny Though – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 15:30, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clare Noy's confessional comedy exposes performance anxiety and burnout behind the laughs. Honest, darkly funny, and remarkably relatable. Gimme a Sign!– Greenside (Fern Studio), 15:05, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Bailey Swilley channels grief, ghost-chasing and identity in this tender, eccentric solo show. A charming mix of humour, supernatural intrigue and authentic healing. Golden Time (and Other Behavioural Management Strategies)– Pleasance Dome (Ace Dome), 13:30, 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Poet-performer Kate Ireland reflects on ADHD, school culture and productivity through spoken word. Witty, illuminating and definitely uplifting. House Party– Pleasance Courtyard (Attic), 15:20, 31st July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 21st) A vibrant solo music show about East London gentrification, cramped spaces and collective resistance. Chakira Alin brings heart, humour and political urgency. I L L B E H A V I O U R – Summerhall (Former Gent's Locker Room), 13:40, 31st July –10th August 2025 (not 4th, 7th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sensory theatre meets sonic exploration: experimental movement, live sampling of breath and heartbeat reveal the hidden soundtrack of being alive. In These Shoes– Underbelly Bristo Square (Dairy Room), 19:45, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Fashion satire meets jazz cabaret in this witty portrait of style obsession and identity. Glynis Traill‑Nash delivers sass, insight and musical elegance. Lioness – Greenside (Clover Studio), 12:40, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kate Coulson's football-infused solo drama tackles sexism, ambition and friendship in the Women's Super League. Raw, empowering and full of drive. Macbeth by The Barden Party– ZOO Southside (Studio), 10:40, from 1st –22nd August 2025 (not 4th, 11th, 18th) A gender-flipped, bluegrass-infused revival of Macbeth, blending raw emotion, humour and musicality. Intimate, irreverent and refreshingly bold. medium dead – ZOO Playground 2, 16:50, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a surreal afterlife office, a writer assigned to Anthony Bourdain's file navigates grief, bureaucracy and meaning. Darkly clever, deeply felt. Meg & Marge – ZOO Playground 1, 15:15, from 1st –25th August 2025 (not 12th) A tradwife social-media influencer is haunted by Margery Kempe, sparking a surreal, genre-bending comedy about perfection, faith and identity. Shell – ZOO Southside (Studio), 15:05, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Drag-clown ritual and queer sex education fuse in Ana Evans's participatory performance. Bold, playful, and challenges what theatre can be. Terry's: An American Tragedy About Cars, Customers, and Selling Cars to Customers – Pleasance Courtyard (Beside), 12:55, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 19th) Satirical musical comedy set in a 1990s Midwestern dealership. Lecoq-trained ensemble combines absurdist humour with pointed societal critique. The Crawl – Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), 12:05, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In this high-energy physical comedy, two swimmers face off in the race of a lifetime—on a stage with no water. Backed by original music, The Crawl dives into absurd competition and ambition, brought to life by Lecoq-trained performers and director Olivia Zerphy (Voloz Collective). The Essence of Audrey– Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), 11:15,from 30th July –25th August (not 13th) Helen Anker's elegant solo tribute to Audrey Hepburn blends biography, humour and humanity in an intimate theatrical portrait. The Poetess– Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome), 11:55, from 30th July –25th August Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olivia Dodd's spoken-word play transforms viral poetry into a journey through grief, connection and creative legacy. Moving, hopeful. The Strongest Girl in the World– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Snug),14:20, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Truly Siskind‑Weiss weaves childhood grief into a magical, heartfelt solo about growing up, loss and resilience. All shows within this round-up can be found on the Edinburgh Fringe website.
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Rising Voices, Bold Visions: The Fresh Talent Redefining Edinburgh Fringe 2025
As the world's largest arts festival returns, Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is set to showcase an extraordinary wave of fresh voices and bold new talent. This year's lineup features powerful explorations of identity, resilience, friendship, and societal change—offering audiences a chance to connect with stories that are as timely as they are personal. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From solo comedies packed with heartfelt humour and razor-sharp wit to innovative physical theatre and immersive performances, these shows reflect the diverse experiences shaping today's cultural landscape. Dive into this selection of unmissable new work that promises to challenge, entertain, and inspire across the city this summer. A STAN IS BORN!– Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 15:00,from 30th July –25th August (not 11th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Musical comedy meets fan devotion: Alexis Sakellaris delivers ten original tracks, powerhouse vocals and razor-wit in a celebration of queer identity and pop obsession. A glittering, joyfully loud coming-of-age story that honours Beyoncé, Céline and Mariah. Don't Tell Dad About Diana An Ode to the Casting Director– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Penny), 11:40, from 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Sophie Fisher's cinematic solo tears into the audition grind with humour and heart. Expect live-feed scenes, biting truth and the chaotic surrealism behind every casting call. BAIRNS– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 14:05, 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Annie Davison channels surrogacy, sisterhood and the messy magic of modern womanhood into a compulsively paced, character-rich one-woman drama. Bold, honest and deeply moving. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x), Pleasance Don't Tell Dad About Diana– Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 12:50, from 31st July –25th August (not 12th) Set in the 90s, this is a riotous drag-infused comedy featuring two teens prepping a Princess Di act under nationalist family noses. In 1997 Dublin, grief and friendship collide in glitter-soaked catharsis. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 14:15, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jade Franks' autobiographical solo show on class, privilege and hidden work at the University of Cambridge. Sharp, heartfelt, and as insightful as it is entertaining. FLUSH FISH– Greenside (Jade Studio), 19:35, from Friday 1st – Sunday 23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Physical clowning meets climate anxiety, as a fish dreams of human life. Funmi Adejobi's whimsical performance is witty, engaging and unexpectedly poignant. FLUSH– Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs), 12:15, from 30th July –25th August (not 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A women's toilet becomes a sanctuary of solidarity and raw confession. April Hope Miller's sharp drama delves into vulnerability, survival and connection. FLUSH partners with Ask For Angela, a national initiative supporting those in vulnerable situations in nightlife venues. Funny Though – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 15:30, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Clare Noy's confessional comedy exposes performance anxiety and burnout behind the laughs. Honest, darkly funny, and remarkably relatable. Gimme a Sign!– Greenside (Fern Studio), 15:05, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bailey Swilley channels grief, ghost-chasing and identity in this tender, eccentric solo show. A charming mix of humour, supernatural intrigue and authentic healing. Golden Time (and Other Behavioural Management Strategies)– Pleasance Dome (Ace Dome), 13:30, 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 18th) Scottish poet-performer Kate Ireland reflects on ADHD, school culture and productivity through spoken word. Witty, illuminating and definitely uplifting. House Party– Pleasance Courtyard (Attic), 15:20, 31st July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 21st) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A vibrant solo music show about East London gentrification, cramped spaces and collective resistance. Chakira Alin brings heart, humour and political urgency. I L L B E H A V I O U R – Summerhall (Former Gent's Locker Room), 13:40, 31st July –10th August 2025 (not 4th, 7th) Sensory theatre meets sonic exploration: experimental movement, live sampling of breath and heartbeat reveal the hidden soundtrack of being alive. In These Shoes– Underbelly Bristo Square (Dairy Room), 19:45, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fashion satire meets jazz cabaret in this witty portrait of style obsession and identity. Glynis Traill‑Nash delivers sass, insight and musical elegance. Lioness – Greenside (Clover Studio), 12:40, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Kate Coulson's football-infused solo drama tackles sexism, ambition and friendship in the Women's Super League. Raw, empowering and full of drive. Macbeth by The Barden Party– ZOO Southside (Studio), 10:40, from 1st –22nd August 2025 (not 4th, 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A gender-flipped, bluegrass-infused revival of Macbeth, blending raw emotion, humour and musicality. Intimate, irreverent and refreshingly bold. medium dead – ZOO Playground 2, 16:50, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 11th, 18th) In a surreal afterlife office, a writer assigned to Anthony Bourdain's file navigates grief, bureaucracy and meaning. Darkly clever, deeply felt. Meg & Marge – ZOO Playground 1, 15:15, from 1st –25th August 2025 (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A tradwife social-media influencer is haunted by Margery Kempe, sparking a surreal, genre-bending comedy about perfection, faith and identity. Shell – ZOO Southside (Studio), 15:05, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Drag-clown ritual and queer sex education fuse in Ana Evans's participatory performance. Bold, playful, and challenges what theatre can be. Terry's: An American Tragedy About Cars, Customers, and Selling Cars to Customers – Pleasance Courtyard (Beside), 12:55, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 19th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Satirical musical comedy set in a 1990s Midwestern dealership. Lecoq-trained ensemble combines absurdist humour with pointed societal critique. The Crawl – Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), 12:05, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) No water, more fun: a duet tackling competition and performance through inventive physical theatre. Creative, energetic, family-friendly. The Essence of Audrey– Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), 11:15,from 30th July –25th August (not 13th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Helen Anker's elegant solo tribute to Audrey Hepburn blends biography, humour and humanity in an intimate theatrical portrait. The Poetess– Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome), 11:55, from 30th July –25th August Olivia Dodd's spoken-word play transforms viral poetry into a journey through grief, connection and creative legacy. Moving, hopeful. The Strongest Girl in the World– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Snug),14:20, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Truly Siskind‑Weiss weaves childhood grief into a magical, heartfelt solo about growing up, loss and resilience.
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Digital Age Takes Centre Stage: Social Media, Identity, and Information Overload at Edinburgh Fringe 2025
In today's fast-paced, hyperconnected world, social media isn't just background noise — it shapes how we see ourselves and relate to others. This year's Edinburgh Fringe festival offers a diverse and compelling slate of shows that explore the highs, lows, and quirks of our digital age, tackling themes of identity, community, anxiety, and the pursuit of meaning in a screen-saturated society. At the heart of this conversation is A STAN IS BORN! — Alexis Sakellaris's solo musical comedy bursting with diva power, queer nostalgia, and the emotional journey of growing up gay while glued to Beyoncé, Céline, and Mariah. It's a sparkling celebration of fandom and self-love that taps directly into how online idolisation shapes identity and belonging. Catch it at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether) from Wednesday 30th July to Monday 25th August 2025 (except 11th), daily at 15:00. The Uncrackable Case adds a high-camp musical comedy twist to the festival, with a fairy-tale courtroom satire packed with toe-tapping tunes. Taking on cancel culture, conspiracy theories, and the dark side of fame, it's a perfect mirror to the chaos of online infamy. Find it at Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance Two) from Wednesday 30th July to Monday 25th August (except 11th) at 13:30. Funny Though, by Clare Noy, exposes the personal toll of being funny in the digital age — the burnout, anxiety, and relentless pressure to create content and stay relevant. This confessional solo show reveals the emotional cost behind the laughter, shining a light on the often unseen sacrifices performers make when the spotlight fades. It runs at Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1) from Wednesday 30th July to Monday 25th August (except 13th, 20th) at 15:30. Similarly, Centre of the Universe by Gaia Mondadori dives into the quest for fame in a TikTok-driven, success-obsessed culture. Through Mary's story, the show humorously examines the desire for control and validation in a world where viral moments can define a life — but at what cost? See it at Summerhall (Tech Cube Zero) from Thursday 31st July to Monday 25th August (except 12th, 19th) at 19:30. In Meg & Marge, the collision of medieval mysticism with modern tradwife culture and TikTok trends highlights the strange fusion of ancient and digital worlds, exploring how performative perfection and faith coexist in contemporary identity. This darkly comic show is at ZOO Playground 1 from Thursday 1st August to Monday 25th August (except 12th) at 15:15. The darkly comic Cara and Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life explores friendship and shifting loyalties in 2013 Britain against a backdrop of rising far-right ideologies — reminding us how online echo chambers and offline realities intertwine to shape political and personal identities. Catch this gripping two-hander at Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3) from Wednesday 30th July to Monday 25th August (except 18th) at 15:20. Olivia Dodd's The Poetess uses storytelling, poetry, and live audience interaction to offer a heartfelt meditation on grief, queer friendship, and connection in a world where the simple power of being seen can feel revolutionary. The Poetess plays at Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome) from Wednesday 30th July to Monday 25th August, daily at 11:55. Fashion and digital culture blend in In These Shoes, where jazz singer and fashion writer Glynis Traill-Nash humorously exposes the absurdities of trends from Crocs to dopamine dressing, reflecting on sustainability and outsider/insider status in a style-obsessed social media world. Don't miss it at Underbelly Bristo Square (Dairy Room) from Wednesday 30th July to Monday 25th August (except 6th, 13th, 20th) at 19:45. For those questioning corporate life's meaning amid digital distractions, The Unstoppable Rise of Ben Manager is a dark absurdist satire blending live music and physical comedy to explore the psychological toll of office culture — a space where digital meetings and endless emails can feel both pointless and overwhelming. It plays at Pleasance Courtyard (Above) from Thursday 31st July to Monday 25th August (except 11th, 12th, 13th) at 17:20. Finally, Yes, We're Related confronts grief and family tensions through a darkly funny and poignant lens, weaving in absurd elements like a red squirrel companion — a reminder that amidst the noise of online life, personal loss and human connection remain deeply raw and relatable. See it at Underbelly Cowgate (Big Belly) from Thursday 31st July to Sunday 24th August (except 11th) at 14:00. Together, these shows create a vibrant tapestry of performance that captures the complexities of living in the digital age. They reflect the ways social media shapes identity, community, and culture — from the exhilaration of viral fame to the exhaustion of constant content creation, from the nostalgic comfort of fandom to the harsh realities of political and social fragmentation. At the Edinburgh Fringe 2025, audiences have a unique opportunity to experience live performances that not only entertain but also offer critical, compassionate insight into how we consume and are consumed by information and digital culture. In an age where screens often isolate us, these shows remind us of the enduring power of theatre to connect, provoke, and illuminate. Tickets and full programme details available at 1 . Contributed The Unstoppable Rise of Ben Manager Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Scotsman
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Fringe 2025: Fresh voices and bold new talent to watch
As the world's largest arts festival returns, Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is set to showcase an extraordinary wave of fresh voices and bold new talent. This year's lineup features powerful explorations of identity, resilience, friendship, and societal change—offering audiences a chance to connect with stories that are as timely as they are personal. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From solo comedies packed with heartfelt humour and razor-sharp wit to innovative physical theatre and immersive performances, these shows reflect the diverse experiences shaping today's cultural landscape. Dive into this selection of unmissable new work that promises to challenge, entertain, and inspire across the city this summer. A STAN IS BORN!– Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 15:00,from 30th July –25th August (not 11th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Musical comedy meets fan devotion: Alexis Sakellaris delivers ten original tracks, powerhouse vocals and razor-wit in a celebration of queer identity and pop obsession. A glittering, joyfully loud coming-of-age story that honours Beyoncé, Céline and Mariah. House Party, Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh Fringe Festival An Ode to the Casting Director– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Penny), 11:40, from 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Sophie Fisher's cinematic solo tears into the audition grind with humour and heart. Expect live-feed scenes, biting truth and the chaotic surrealism behind every casting call. BAIRNS– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 14:05, 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Annie Davison channels surrogacy, sisterhood and the messy magic of modern womanhood into a compulsively paced, character-rich one-woman drama. Bold, honest and deeply moving. A STAN IS BORN!, Gilded Balloon Cara and Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 15:20, from 30th July –25th August (not 18th) Tense two-hander by Mojola Akinyemi about friendship, loyalty and the subtle creep of extremism. Sharp, unnerving and distinctly of-the-moment. Don't Tell Dad About Diana– Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 12:50, from 31st July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Set in the 90s, this is a riotous drag-infused comedy featuring two teens prepping a Princess Di act under nationalist family noses. In 1997 Dublin, grief and friendship collide in glitter-soaked catharsis. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 14:15, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Jade Franks' autobiographical solo show on class, privilege and hidden work at the University of Cambridge. Sharp, heartfelt, and as insightful as it is entertaining. FISH– Greenside (Jade Studio), 19:35, from Friday 1st – Sunday 23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Physical clowning meets climate anxiety, as a fish dreams of human life. Funmi Adejobi's whimsical performance is witty, engaging and unexpectedly poignant. FLUSH– Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs), 12:15, from 30th July –25th August (not 11th, 18th) A women's toilet becomes a sanctuary of solidarity and raw confession. April Hope Miller's sharp drama delves into vulnerability, survival and connection. FLUSH partners with Ask For Angela, a national initiative supporting those in vulnerable situations in nightlife venues. Funny Though – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 15:30, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clare Noy's confessional comedy exposes performance anxiety and burnout behind the laughs. Honest, darkly funny, and remarkably relatable. Gimme a Sign!– Greenside (Fern Studio), 15:05, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Bailey Swilley channels grief, ghost-chasing and identity in this tender, eccentric solo show. A charming mix of humour, supernatural intrigue and authentic healing. Golden Time (and Other Behavioural Management Strategies)– Pleasance Dome (Ace Dome), 13:30, 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Poet-performer Kate Ireland reflects on ADHD, school culture and productivity through spoken word. Witty, illuminating and definitely uplifting. House Party– Pleasance Courtyard (Attic), 15:20, 31st July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 21st) A vibrant solo music show about East London gentrification, cramped spaces and collective resistance. Chakira Alin brings heart, humour and political urgency. I L L B E H A V I O U R – Summerhall (Former Gent's Locker Room), 13:40, 31st July –10th August 2025 (not 4th, 7th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sensory theatre meets sonic exploration: experimental movement, live sampling of breath and heartbeat reveal the hidden soundtrack of being alive. In These Shoes– Underbelly Bristo Square (Dairy Room), 19:45, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Fashion satire meets jazz cabaret in this witty portrait of style obsession and identity. Glynis Traill‑Nash delivers sass, insight and musical elegance. Lioness – Greenside (Clover Studio), 12:40, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kate Coulson's football-infused solo drama tackles sexism, ambition and friendship in the Women's Super League. Raw, empowering and full of drive. Macbeth by The Barden Party– ZOO Southside (Studio), 10:40, from 1st –22nd August 2025 (not 4th, 11th, 18th) A gender-flipped, bluegrass-infused revival of Macbeth, blending raw emotion, humour and musicality. Intimate, irreverent and refreshingly bold. medium dead – ZOO Playground 2, 16:50, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a surreal afterlife office, a writer assigned to Anthony Bourdain's file navigates grief, bureaucracy and meaning. Darkly clever, deeply felt. Meg & Marge – ZOO Playground 1, 15:15, from 1st –25th August 2025 (not 12th) A tradwife social-media influencer is haunted by Margery Kempe, sparking a surreal, genre-bending comedy about perfection, faith and identity. Shell – ZOO Southside (Studio), 15:05, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Drag-clown ritual and queer sex education fuse in Ana Evans's participatory performance. Bold, playful, and challenges what theatre can be. Terry's: An American Tragedy About Cars, Customers, and Selling Cars to Customers – Pleasance Courtyard (Beside), 12:55, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 19th) Satirical musical comedy set in a 1990s Midwestern dealership. Lecoq-trained ensemble combines absurdist humour with pointed societal critique. The Crawl – Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), 12:05, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad No water, no words: a duet tackling competition and performance through inventive physical theatre. Creative, energetic, family-friendly. The Essence of Audrey– Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), 11:15,from 30th July –25th August (not 13th) Helen Anker's elegant solo tribute to Audrey Hepburn blends biography, humour and humanity in an intimate theatrical portrait. The Poetess– Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome), 11:55, from 30th July –25th August Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olivia Dodd's spoken-word play transforms viral poetry into a journey through grief, connection and creative legacy. Moving, hopeful. The Strongest Girl in the World– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Snug),14:20, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Truly Siskind‑Weiss weaves childhood grief into a magical, heartfelt solo about growing up, loss and resilience. All shows within this round-up can be found on the Edinburgh Fringe website.
Scotsman
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Rising Stars of Edinburgh Fringe 2025: The New Voices Taking the Stage
As the world's largest arts festival returns, Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is set to showcase an extraordinary wave of fresh voices and bold new talent. This year's lineup features powerful explorations of identity, resilience, friendship, and societal change—offering audiences a chance to connect with stories that are as timely as they are personal. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From solo comedies packed with heartfelt humour and razor-sharp wit to innovative physical theatre and immersive performances, these shows reflect the diverse experiences shaping today's cultural landscape. Dive into this selection of unmissable new work that promises to challenge, entertain, and inspire across the city this summer. A STAN IS BORN!– Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 15:00,from 30th July –25th August (not 11th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Musical comedy meets fan devotion: Alexis Sakellaris delivers ten original tracks, powerhouse vocals and razor-wit in a celebration of queer identity and pop obsession. A glittering, joyfully loud coming-of-age story that honours Beyoncé, Céline and Mariah. The Crawl, Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Fringe Festival An Ode to the Casting Director– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Penny), 11:40, from 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Sophie Fisher's cinematic solo tears into the audition grind with humour and heart. Expect live-feed scenes, biting truth and the chaotic surrealism behind every casting call. BAIRNS– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 14:05, 30th July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Annie Davison channels surrogacy, sisterhood and the messy magic of modern womanhood into a compulsively paced, character-rich one-woman drama. Bold, honest and deeply moving. Don't Tell Dad About Diana, Underbelly Cowgate, Edinbrugh Fringe Festival Cara and Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life– Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), 15:20, from 30th July –25th August (not 18th) Tense two-hander by Mojola Akinyemi about friendship, loyalty and the subtle creep of extremism. Sharp, unnerving and distinctly of-the-moment. Don't Tell Dad About Diana– Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 12:50, from 31st July –25th August (not 12th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Set in the 90s, this is a riotous drag-infused comedy featuring two teens prepping a Princess Di act under nationalist family noses. In 1997 Dublin, grief and friendship collide in glitter-soaked catharsis. Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x), Pleasance Courtyard Eat The Rich (but maybe not me mates x) – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 14:15, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Jade Franks' autobiographical solo show on class, privilege and hidden work at the University of Cambridge. Sharp, heartfelt, and as insightful as it is entertaining. FISH– Greenside (Jade Studio), 19:35, from Friday 1st – Sunday 23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Physical clowning meets climate anxiety, as a fish dreams of human life. Funmi Adejobi's whimsical performance is witty, engaging and unexpectedly poignant. FLUSH– Pleasance Courtyard (Upstairs), 12:15, from 30th July –25th August (not 11th, 18th) A women's toilet becomes a sanctuary of solidarity and raw confession. April Hope Miller's sharp drama delves into vulnerability, survival and connection. FLUSH partners with Ask For Angela, a national initiative supporting those in vulnerable situations in nightlife venues. Funny Though – Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 1), 15:30, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clare Noy's confessional comedy exposes performance anxiety and burnout behind the laughs. Honest, darkly funny, and remarkably relatable. Gimme a Sign!– Greenside (Fern Studio), 15:05, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Bailey Swilley channels grief, ghost-chasing and identity in this tender, eccentric solo show. A charming mix of humour, supernatural intrigue and authentic healing. Golden Time (and Other Behavioural Management Strategies)– Pleasance Dome (Ace Dome), 13:30, 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Poet-performer Kate Ireland reflects on ADHD, school culture and productivity through spoken word. Witty, illuminating and definitely uplifting. House Party– Pleasance Courtyard (Attic), 15:20, 31st July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 21st) A vibrant solo music show about East London gentrification, cramped spaces and collective resistance. Chakira Alin brings heart, humour and political urgency. I L L B E H A V I O U R – Summerhall (Former Gent's Locker Room), 13:40, 31st July –10th August 2025 (not 4th, 7th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sensory theatre meets sonic exploration: experimental movement, live sampling of breath and heartbeat reveal the hidden soundtrack of being alive. In These Shoes– Underbelly Bristo Square (Dairy Room), 19:45, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Fashion satire meets jazz cabaret in this witty portrait of style obsession and identity. Glynis Traill‑Nash delivers sass, insight and musical elegance. Lioness – Greenside (Clover Studio), 12:40, from 1st –23rd August 2025 (not 10th, 17th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kate Coulson's football-infused solo drama tackles sexism, ambition and friendship in the Women's Super League. Raw, empowering and full of drive. Macbeth by The Barden Party– ZOO Southside (Studio), 10:40, from 1st –22nd August 2025 (not 4th, 11th, 18th) A gender-flipped, bluegrass-infused revival of Macbeth, blending raw emotion, humour and musicality. Intimate, irreverent and refreshingly bold. medium dead – ZOO Playground 2, 16:50, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 11th, 18th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a surreal afterlife office, a writer assigned to Anthony Bourdain's file navigates grief, bureaucracy and meaning. Darkly clever, deeply felt. Meg & Marge – ZOO Playground 1, 15:15, from 1st –25th August 2025 (not 12th) A tradwife social-media influencer is haunted by Margery Kempe, sparking a surreal, genre-bending comedy about perfection, faith and identity. Shell – ZOO Southside (Studio), 15:05, from 1st –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Drag-clown ritual and queer sex education fuse in Ana Evans's participatory performance. Bold, playful, and challenges what theatre can be. Terry's: An American Tragedy About Cars, Customers, and Selling Cars to Customers – Pleasance Courtyard (Beside), 12:55, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 11th, 19th) Satirical musical comedy set in a 1990s Midwestern dealership. Lecoq-trained ensemble combines absurdist humour with pointed societal critique. The Crawl – Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), 12:05, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 13th, 20th) Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad No water, no words: a duet tackling competition and performance through inventive physical theatre. Creative, energetic, family-friendly. The Essence of Audrey– Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), 11:15,from 30th July –25th August (not 13th) Helen Anker's elegant solo tribute to Audrey Hepburn blends biography, humour and humanity in an intimate theatrical portrait. The Poetess– Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome), 11:55, from 30th July –25th August Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Olivia Dodd's spoken-word play transforms viral poetry into a journey through grief, connection and creative legacy. Moving, hopeful. The Strongest Girl in the World– Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Snug),14:20, from 30th July –25th August 2025 (not 12th, 19th) Truly Siskind‑Weiss weaves childhood grief into a magical, heartfelt solo about growing up, loss and resilience.
