From the Close to the stage: our storytellers take on the Fringe in 2026

📍Portobello Town Hall
🗓 9–11 July
🕢 19.30 (plus a 14.30 matinee on 11 July)

Camelot is calling, and quite a few familiar faces from the Close are answering!

Felicity Anderson-Moore swaps the streets beneath the Royal Mile for the legendary world of King Arthur as costume supervisor for Happy Sad Productions’ Monty Python’s Spamalot. She’ll also be joined by fellow Real Mary King’s Close storytellers Ewan Gemmell (assistant stage manager), Calum Philip (ensemble), Andrew Lodge (ensemble) and Daisy Wade (ensemble).

Inspired by the cult classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this Tony Award-winning musical follows King Arthur and his knights on their wonderfully ridiculous quest to find the Holy Grail. Expect catchy songs, familiar jokes, larger-than-life characters and, of course, a few unexpected rabbits along the way.

A colourful comedy adventure guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs.

📍Main Hall at The Edinburgh Academy
🗓 5–10, 12, 13, 14 & 16 August
🕑 14.00

Andrew Gardiner is heading into the woods this Fringe, taking on the role of the Baker in Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical.

Step into a world where fairy tales collide and wishes come true, but not always in the way you might expect. Join Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, the Baker and his wife as they discover that every choice comes with consequences.

With live vocals, an orchestra and an intimate staging that brings audiences right into the heart of the story, this enchanting production proves there is always more waiting beyond the trees.

You can catch Andrew performing as the Baker on even dates.

📍Venue 152 at Paradise in Augustine’s, Sanctuary
🗓 7–15 August
🕒 Times vary

Rosie Sugrue joins Bare Productions for the powerful and deeply moving musical Next to Normal.

Following a string of five-star, sell-out shows, Bare Productions return to the Fringe with the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning story of a family trying to hold themselves together while navigating love, grief, mental health and what it really means to be “normal”.

With an unforgettable rock-infused score and emotional storytelling, this is a show that promises to stay with you long after the final note.

📍CC Blooms
🗓 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 & 29 August
🕠 17.30

Beth Eltringham and Calum Philip return with a royal history lesson unlike any other.

After two five-star rated runs, Regina Vagina is back to explore the life, legacy and rumours surrounding Queen Elizabeth I. Through scandal, conspiracy and brilliantly bold musical comedy, this show looks beyond centuries of fascination with the Queen’s private life to celebrate the woman behind the crown.

Historical? Yes. Hilarious? Absolutely.

📍The Space @ Venue 45
🗓 14–19 August
🕔 17.00
🎟 Book tickets

Erin Clark, Jade, Domi and Aimee are taking audiences back to 1823 Edinburgh with Bloody Mary’s, a story filled with song, drama and voices from the city’s past.

Written by Jade, the show follows Mary McKinnon, the powerful owner of one of Edinburgh’s most successful brothels. When one night changes everything, Mary and the women around her must fight to reclaim their own stories.

A tale of power, survival and resilience, this is Edinburgh history told from a different perspective.

📍CC Blooms
🗓 19–30 August (no performance on 28 August)
🕗 20.00

Beth Eltringham is bringing the party back to the Restoration period with Charles II: Living Libido Loca.

After a sell-out four-star run, this musical comedy returns with a hilarious journey through the reign of one of history’s most colourful monarchs. From Oliver Cromwell to the Great Plague of 1665, the Fire of London and the return of the monarchy, expect songs, laughs and plenty of surprising historical facts.

Think history class, but with a lot more comedy.

📍Studio at The Space @ Niddry St
🗓 20–25 August
🕔 17.05

Ellen Eklund takes centre stage as Emilia in The Skarsgård Effect, a comedy she has also written and produced.

Three sisters. One lie. What could possibly go wrong?

Follow three ordinary girls as they find themselves thrown into the chaotic world of fame, transforming from nobodies into global superstars. Exploring celebrity culture, nepotism, AI deepfakes and the performing arts, this sharp comedy asks what happens when a little lie gets completely out of hand.

📍Theatre 3 at The Space @ Surgeon’s Hall
🗓 24–29 August
🕖 19.05

The game is afoot! Calum Philip takes on the iconic role of Sherlock Holmes in this mysterious new adventure.

When Kelly discovers a hidden family secret, she learns that her grandfather was none other than Dr John Watson. Her search for answers uncovers Holmes’ untold final case, involving a mysterious crown, strange discoveries and the secrets hidden within the abandoned town of Innsmouth.

Perfect for lovers of mystery, intrigue and a classic detective tale.

📍Venue 111, The Nave at New Town Church
🗓 27 & 28 August
🕢 19.30

Rosie Sugrue returns to the Fringe stage with The Bohemians for a musical journey To Broadway and Back Again.

After two fantastic Fringe performances last year, the group is back with a concert packed full of musical theatre favourites, featuring songs from Kinky Boots, Come From Away, Sister Act, Les Misérables and many more.

A feel-good celebration of theatre that will have you leaving the venue singing.