From the Close to the stage: our storytellers take on the Fringe

At The Real Mary King’s Close, storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. But this August, some of our talented team are stepping out from the Close and onto the Edinburgh Festival Fringe stages. Whether you’re after musical madness, fantastical quests or a hefty dose of historical hilarity, there’s something for everyone. And the best bit? You already know some of the stars.

Here’s where you can catch them during this year’s festival – we’ll see you in the audience.

Tartan Tabletop: a Dungeons & Dragons comedy

📍Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower. Bramley Venue
🗓 31 July – 24 August (no show 11 August)
🕕 18.00
🎟 Book tickets

Ever wondered what Dungeons & Dragons would look like on stage? Alex Bathe and the Tartan Tabletop gang are here to show you. Back for a third Fringe run, this improvised comedy adventure changes every night – all thanks to the roll of a dice and a surprise guest star. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or totally new to the world of tabletop, this fast-paced and funny show is one not to miss.

Rock of Ages

📍Sanctuary at Paradise in Augustine’s
🗓 1–9 August
🕣 20.30
🎟 Book tickets

Sam Eastop swaps the Royal Mile for the Sunset Strip in this electrifying production of Rock of Ages. Brought to life by Bare Productions, this feel-good musical is packed with powerhouse vocals, epic guitar solos and enough 80s anthems to get the whole audience dancing. Expect a wild ride of love, dreams and the fight to save a legendary rock venue. If you’re after a high-energy night out, this is the show to beat.

Wizards of Armillaria: The Death of Magic

📍152 Studio at Paradise in Augustine’s
🗓 2–9 August
🕥 22.50
🎟 Book tickets

Magic is dying, and Erin Clark is here to save it – or at least make you laugh trying. Wizards of Armillaria is the latest comedy caper from The Dead Parrot Collective. Follow five chaotic heroes as they attempt an epic heist to save the world, armed only with wit, trickery and a suspiciously goblin-filled box. A riotous fantasy romp filled with surprises, this one’s perfect for lovers of epic quests and shoestring budgets.

Charles II: Living Libido Loca

📍CC Blooms
🗓 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 August
🕠 17.30
🎟 Free entry – find out more

Beth Eltringham brings history to life (and possibly your loins) in this hilariously cheeky musical take on the reign of Charles II. Think Horrible Histories for adults – complete with familiar tunes, historical truths and a dash of royal mischief. Whether you’re into kings or comedy, this Free Fringe gem is guaranteed to raise eyebrows and belly laughs.

Regina Vagina

📍CC Blooms
🗓 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 24 August
🕠 17.30
🎟 Free entry – find out more

Beth Eltringham returns, joined by Calum Philip, for another history lesson with a twist. Regina Vagina explores the life – and rumoured virginity – of Queen Elizabeth I, with cameo appearances from Mary Queen of Scots and even Bram Stoker. Smart, silly and sharply written, this musical comedy is as educational as it is outrageous. Last year’s five-star reviews don’t lie.

Screaming into the Void

📍39 theSpace on the Mile – Space 3
🗓 2–22 August (even dates only)
🕒 15.15
🎟 Book tickets

Abi Price features in Screaming into the Void, an absurdist comedy exploring womanhood, the internet and modern identity. As three ‘disciples’ lead us through the rituals of a hyper-curated digital existence, audiences are asked to question what’s real, what’s performance, and whether the void is really as empty as it seems. Surreal, smart and sharply relevant.

Crocodile Tears

📍Venue 45 at theSpace @ Venue 45
🗓 8–17 August (not 10 August)
🕐 13.20
🎟 Book tickets

Abi Price also takes on the role of a boisterous game show host in Crocodile Tears, a darkly funny satire about the world of reality TV. When ratings drop, the producers of a survival series will stop at nothing to keep viewers hooked – with deadly consequences. Think The Hunger Games meets Love Island, with a healthy dose of absurdism and suspense.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

📍The Royal Scots Club, Hepburn Suite
🗓 11–16 August
🕣 20.30
🎟 Book tickets

Madison Turner joins the fairy realm as Cobweb in this whimsical take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Directed by Judith Walker and brought to the Fringe by Arkle Theatre Company, this Shakespearean classic brims with love, magic and mistaken identities. Expect mischief, mayhem and a merry band of mortals lost in the woods – all in the name of enchantment.

Julius Caesar

📍Dunedin Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street
🗓 11–24 August (daily)
🕣 20.15
🎟 Book tickets

Lithia Chan and Cooper Mortlock tackle one of Shakespeare’s most iconic tragedies in this modern take on Julius Caesar. Political power plays, conspiracy and betrayal take centre stage in a production that proves just how timeless the Bard’s words can be. With contemporary staging and the original text, Necessary Cat Ltd delivers a gripping reminder to always beware the Ides of March.

Garbanzo

📍Greenside @ George Street (Fern Studio)
🗓 11–16 August
🕦 11.45
🎟 Book tickets

Former Close storyteller Emily Briggs returns to the Fringe with Garbanzo – a one-woman whirlwind of theatre, stand-up and cow-inspired chaos. Winner of a 2025 Keep It Fringe Award, this kitschy delight blends physical comedy with heartfelt moments, all wrapped up in dancing cows, chocolate oat milk and a slightly suspect piano. Touchingly human and completely bonkers, it’s everything you never knew you needed in a morning show.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

📍Dunedin Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street
🗓 11–24 August (daily)
🕕 18.15
🎟 Book tickets

Shakespeare’s most magical comedy gets a sparkling new life with Lithia Chan and Cooper Mortlock in the cast. From fairy mischief to star-crossed lovers, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an enchanting romp through the forest that never takes itself too seriously. Expect chaos, charm and plenty of laughs in this fun and fast-paced production from Necessary Cat Ltd.

This Play Sucks!

📍Venue 45, Jeffrey Street
🗓 18–23 August
🕖 19.40
🎟 Book tickets

Zander Donaldson stars in this brand-new bite-sized absurdist comedy that’s as sharp as it is surreal. Small-time Scottish crooks Cammy and Lee head north for a quick and easy kidnapping job, only to uncover an ancient Highland secret that changes everything. With unexpected twists, dark humour and a vampiric edge, This Play Sucks! is a deliciously daft must-see.

The Improverts

📍Bedlam Theatre
🗓 30 July – 25 August (no shows 11 or 18 August)
🕚 23.00
🎟 Book tickets

Need a late-night laugh? Abi Price returns in The Improverts, the Fringe’s longest-running improv comedy show. Fueled entirely by audience suggestions, every performance is packed with fast-paced scenes, madcap characters and brilliantly bizarre twists. It’s different every night – and with a history stretching back to 1989, this institution knows how to deliver the laughs.

So if you’re heading to the Fringe this summer, show some love for our very own Close crew. From roaring rock ballads to royal revelations, there’s plenty to see – and even more to applaud.

Hidden history? Meet hidden talent.