All reviews written by Lizzy Treacy unless stated otherwise.
Assembly
This is a high-energy show packed with jaw-dropping tricks, live music and a well-judged touch of humour. It is easy to see why 360 Allstars returns to the Fringe year after year. With BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and live vocals from the incredible Mirrah, it is a winning combination.
Billed as a supercharged urban circus, the show lives up to the description. The level of energy and skill on stage is impressive, and I was tired just watching them. The format is loosely structured like a talent showcase, with individual performers stepping forward to highlight their elite skills before coming together for big ensemble routines. I took both my 8-year-old and my 2-year-old to see it, and their reactions were very different. My 8-year-old absolutely loved it and was completely engrossed from start to finish, so much so that he has now decided he wants to be a breakdancer when he grows up. It was the perfect show for him, and I would say it will probably land best with children aged around 7 to 15. That said, my husband was also a big fan !
For younger children, it is worth noting that the show is loud, bright and very full-on. My 2-year-old zoned out for much of it, as I think the loud music, flashing lights and non-stop stunts were a little overwhelming for her. If you are bringing a little one, or a child who can find loud venues overstimulating, ear defenders would be a good idea.
The 360 Allstars crew are absolute pros, and they know exactly how to work an audience. There was plenty of shouting, cheering and energy in the room throughout the performance. If you are looking for something fast-paced, energetic and packed with tricks, backed by a driving live soundtrack of percussion and vocals, this is a brilliant choice.
(Written by Emma May)
Assembly
Baby Wants Candy is musical improvisation chaos at its finest -thrilling when it lands, occasionally wobbly when it doesn’t, but always a firm favourite of this reviewer and thoroughly recommended viewing.
For the uninitiated, this is musical improv with the volume turned right up. A live band accompanies a rotating cast of five performers, who take a suggestion from the audience and attempt to create an entire musical drama on the spot. No script, no rehearsal and absolutely no idea where the story is going, meaning every show is completely unique and unpredictably different. Age guidance 14+, and with good reason: expect plenty of swearing, sexual references and the kind of content that might have teenagers quietly wishing they’d chosen to sit anywhere other than next to their parents.
On the night we reviewed, the audience offered up ‘James and the Giant Peach Clitoris’. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this proved to be a slightly constrained creative brief, and the show got off to a somewhat tricky start. But that’s also part of the joy of improvisation; you get to see the performers work their way through the uncertainty in real time. It wasn’t long before the cast found their rhythm, the story gathered momentum and they started switching through the gears.
The cast are incredibly capable performers, with an impressive knowledge of historical, political and cultural references that they can pull into the action at a moment’s notice. Of course, the success of the show is hugely dependent on what the audience throws at them; so come prepared…
As one cast member sang: “If your head’s in the game, your heart needs to be in the song.” And frankly, we couldn’t agree more. A firm fringe favourite that embraces the glorious unpredictability of live improvisation. Just pray for a good audience suggestion or offer one of your own. Either way, it’s a must-see!
(Written by Kieren Geaney)
Dancebase
Boys Don’t Dance is a captivating show that encompasses joy, self exploration, tragedy, adversity, resilience and ultimately, overcoming potentially life-destroying events to find and fulfil a sense of self worth. Centred around a young boy growing up in the Australian outback in the 1980s, it tells the story of a kid who loves to dance despite being told dancing isn’t something he should do as a boy. His exploration of this part of himself is therefore kept secret while outwardly he presents as the happy young man everyone expects him to be, with a love of BMX. But when tragedy strikes, he must find a way to rediscover his joy and reconnect with his authentic self.
I saw this show with my 8 year old son, who particularly loved the BMX riding but was also interested and engaged enough in the themes of self exploration to want to ask questions during the show. It inspired some really important conversations afterwards, which felt like a real strength of the production. The show is packed with 80s nostalgia which, as a child of that decade myself put a smile on my face.
The production made clever use of a fairly minimal stage set while screens create an effective multimedia experience. These also allow for a BSL interpreter and audio descriptions of events to be incorporated, helping to make the show genuinely inclusive. The dance was beautiful, as was the lighting, and together they created some really striking moments.
A thoughtful, moving and beautifully presented show with plenty to engage both children and adults. A fantastic production, a definite recommendation.
(Written by Rob May)
Assembly
Seven aerialists turn a dark Assembly Music Hall into a dreamlike world of rope, pulleys, and piano and jaw dropping choreography. Presented by One Fell Swoop Circus, from Melbourne Australia.
Most acts are silent with a music score bridging seamless rope transitions of drops, inversions, foot-locks and releases. On display the aerial artists demonstrate strength, balance, and trust.
While the cast are mostly silent and artistic, it’s the few vocal interruptions that stole it for us: mock-rehearsal acting, shouting, and playful cast interactions that made these gravity-defiers suddenly feel like friends playing and having a bit of banter. Our mini-reviewer loved those parts. An injection of personality made us feel part of the playing and if we imagine really hard, believe for a moment we too could balance and glide on aerial rigging.
Rope and pulleys mean range is tightly bound which can lead to repetition on some sequences. Shout out to the female base work which was impressive to see the synchronised partner work.
Assembly Music Hall is a large venue with sloped seating rows, ensuring good visibility. Most of the performance is above stage level so both stalls and dress circle should have good visibility. This review was made during the previews when acts are settling in new routines and new spaces.
(Written by Kieren Geaney)
Pleasance
If you have older kids, teenagers, or young adults in tow, put CODE at the top of your Fringe list. Produced by physical theatre company Justice in Motion, this raw, high-energy performance addresses a prevalent subject too often ignored: the grooming and exploitation of vulnerable youth by organised crime gangs.
Set against an urban London estate, we follow teenager Nicky. Bullied at school, he seeks refuge with an older crew- his ‘tribe’- who promise to ‘look after him’. What starts with a simple package drop in exchange for a pair of new trainers spirals rapidly into coercion, knife crime, and gang violence.
The storytelling relies on breathtaking physical theatre, live rap, and jaw-dropping BMX and parkour stunts. The spectacle draws the audience in, but the real impact lies in the message.
Working in the criminal justice sector, this story is far too familiar. CODE strips away the glamorised stereotypes to show the quiet coercion and fear behind county lines exploitation, offering young audiences a vital blueprint for spot-checking these risks in their own lives.
It is authentic, gripping, and deeply moving. Essential viewing for ages 12+; and a must-see for families and school groups alike. One of my top 5 shows seen so far.
Our mini-reviewer said: “I was so impressed by the BMX skills and parkour!”
(Written by Annette So)
TuFlamenco is a Scotland-based Flamenco school and this is their fourth year bringing their celebration of Spanish culture to the Fringe. Flamenkids is well pitched at primary school aged kids and younger and offers a chance to get up close to professional dancers and musicians. A guitarist, percussionist and singer join the stage one by one, and a dancer completes the ensemble as they fill the space with lively rhythms and powerful vocals.
A narrator introduces the various elements of Flamenco, with clues for the older children to guess and lots of opportunities to join in. Despite the fairly wordy start, the show held even the younger children’s attention, and made for a relaxed Sunday afternoon family activity. It turns out Flamenco is a very kid-friendly subject for a show, with lots of percussion, movement, swishing skirts and singing and clapping along. My two-year-old really enjoyed it – the little castanets each child was given to play were a particular highlight.
The New Town Church is a welcoming environment with lots of space for toddlers to roam (my friend’s 10-month-old was happy crawling along the pews). Younger children sat themselves happily on the steps up to the stage, entranced by the dancers’ fans, dresses and footwork and joining in with the stomping. Olé!
( Written by Becky Brewis )
Pleasance
Float is a show that leaves you so glad that you went even when leaving the house with a baby can feel like too much.
I arrived almost an hour “late”, but here’s the thing, it didn’t count because the show is three hours long. It has five flowing segments that loop round seamlessly so you can arrive and leave when you like and come and go as you please.
Arriving was like falling into the arms of caring family. The staff at the doors welcomed me and baby, smiling and happy to see us. Someone took the pram and stowed it safely and someone gave me a run through of how the show worked and then walked in with me to find me a space on the floor, which all felt very lovely and calm.
Float is an experience of light and shimmer, of movement and dance accompanied by enchanting vocal instrumentals with music woven through it at times.
In the dimmed space there is a central, transparent container of water which features as a focal point and which the babies are fascinatingly drawn towards at times. Above, there are four large triangular sequinsy sails which babies stare in wonder at. On the floor there are lots of, ridiculously comfortable, memory foam mats and beanbags in beautiful greens and blues, giving the impression of sitting on an ocean floor. You take a place on the floor but can move as you need to meet the needs of your baby.
At points throughout the performance warmed blankets are quietly brought around and offered and, if you want one, then pressed gently around your shoulders. Be warm. Be comfortable. Is the message. Which is probably why the mum on the next mat down dozed off beside her sleeping tiny one. The detail and comfort for the audience during this performance is outstanding.
Babies can lie, sit, crawl and be held as the changing light and sounds transfix them. The four dancer performers move gracefully around the audience of babies and carers with a mixture of joy and wonder which mirrors that of the tiny faces turned up towards them. Their dance movements are soft and surefooted as they interact gently with the babies while maintaining a beautiful dedication to their performance.
The whole experience reminded me of a sort of long lost celebration of babies and mothers and other caregivers. It was as if you entered another realm which said “come, rest, relax, let your baby be, just as they are, you are why we are here. We hope you like what we have made for you”.
Don’t underestimate the power of this performance to give you the added joy of watching your baby watching it and of following their gaze to see what is holding their attention. I spent a huge portion of the performance watching my baby as the light danced across their tiny astonished face. What a gift to be in a place designed for you to be so entirely present with your little one.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding during the performance are welcome and the full range of baby noises is expected and there is no judgement. There is a thoughtful breakout space outside the doors with similar comfortable cushions and mats so if you did want to come out with an unsettled baby, or give them a change of scene, then there is a lovely supported space to bring them.
Never have I ever felt so at ease in a place with my baby other than at home. What a show and what an experience!
(Written by Briony Cruden)
Assembly
What happens when you take the worst traits of modern dating culture, put them into a fictional boyband and send them on their final world tour? Fuccbois: Live in Concert is the hilariously ridiculous answer..
Presented as the farewell concert of the world’s biggest boyband, Fuccbois is a high-energy combination of comedy, music and satire. The four members – Brendan, Brandon, Tyler and Also Brendan – are everything you would expect from a manufactured boyband, complete with ridiculous outfits, overblown egos and plenty of pelvic thrusts. The cast throw themselves into the boyband persona with impressive commitment, and the chemistry between them keeps the energy high throughout. The songs are genuinely catchy, with polished pop production and some impressively tight vocal harmonies.
And it is the lyrics that are the real star of the show. Songs such as Slow Fade, Rich Dad, Three Little Words and Gaslight Shanty cleverly skewer the familiar behaviours of the modern fuckboy, from ghosting and emotional unavailability to gaslighting and the eternal struggle to say those elusive “three little words”. The satire is sharp without becoming overly heavy-handed, and there are plenty of moments that will feel uncomfortably familiar to anyone who has navigated the world of modern dating.
The choreography is suitably over-the-top, with synchronised dance routines, dramatic poses and an impressive number of crotch-grabbing moves. There is a real affection for the boyband genre beneath the satire, and the performers clearly relish the opportunity to play these hilarious man-boy characters.
What makes Fuccbois more than just a series of jokes about terrible male behaviour is the recognition that there are actual people behind the public personas. As the concert begins to unravel, we get glimpses of rivalry, insecurity, and the pressures of masculinity. The result is a surprisingly affectionate parody rather than simply a one-dimensional attack on men. The performance builds towards a climactic moment when the female manager walks off after a powerful monologue, creating a sudden and striking tonal shift. While this adds depth to the satire, it is perhaps difficult for the show to bring the audience fully back into the light-hearted, high-energy boyband performance that follows.
Nevertheless, Fuccbois delivers exactly what it promises: a funny, energetic and highly entertaining fake boyband concert with a satirical edge. You may well find yourself humming one of their catchy songs afterwards – although the decidedly rude lyrics might make you think twice about singing it out loud. Here’s hoping this “final” tour isn’t really the end – a Fuccbois comeback tour would be very welcome.
Funny, catchy and cleverly observed.
Our mini-reviewer said : ‘This was a very funny performance, the audience laughed all the way through. The songs were great, the dancing was hilarious and it got a serious message across in a humorous way. Some of the jokes were probably aimed more at an adult audience but it was still entertaining for me as a teenage girl. I loved the concept of female performers taking the mickey by impersonating a boy band, they did it so well. Tyler cracked me up when he kept singing to girls in the audience. It was a lot of fun.’
(Written by Elika Aspinall)
Gilded Saloon
It’s hard to put this experience into words that will do it justice!! My advice would simply be to grab a bunch of friends, co-workers or family, get yourselves down there and experience it for yourselves; the result will be TONS of fun!
This is a participatory gameshow with some very unique features, and I absolutely loved watching the journey of our (older) mini-reviewer throughout. They arrived with complete confusion about what was going on and ended begging me to save a rather cute owl plate from imminent destruction so that we could bring it home! Participation is, of course, optional, but getting yourself a lanyard and cheering on your fellow teammates definitely adds to the chaos and enjoyment. It took us one round before the penny finally dropped and the three of us realised quite what the ‘Save or Smash’ tagline meant in relation to the questions being asked; I’m sure some cleverer audience members got there much quicker!
There was something strangely thrilling about watching a variety of charity shop china being held up for judgement before being enthusiastically smashed to pieces, egged on by an increasingly excited audience. It’s wonderfully absurd and somehow incredibly compelling. Highlights included a rather obscure game of ‘Is It Mayo?’, and of course Sharkira, providing the musical interludes we didn’t know we needed…
There’s a brilliant sense of collective silliness too with strangers becoming teammates, everyone gets invested in the outcome, and suddenly you find yourself becoming emotionally attached to charity shop crockery. Colourfully chaotic, gloriously absurd and completely infectious; this show is fully deserving of their cult following, and we are very much indoctrinated !
My (older) mini-reviewer said : ‘At first I didn’t know what on earth was going on..but I loved it…the smashing was cool, and I’m glad we got a prize. It’s unlike anything else we’ve seen… ‘
Assembly
Gentle, warm-hearted and wonderfully sensory, this is a perfect first theatre experience for the under-twos….
We entered to discover a beautifully handcrafted patchwork beach, complete with knitted squeaky shells, rattly beach balls, shiny tubes of suncream and plenty of lovely little details for tiny hands and curious eyes to discover. Babies and toddlers were free to roam, roll, explore and take in the space at their own pace, which immediately created a lovely relaxed atmosphere.
Storytellers Bran and Tor guide us round the beach and introduce us to some beautiful beachy puppets. Our 18 month old mini-reviewer was engaged and chill throughout – but I think this is a sweet spot for the even littler ones, who loved the sensory elements of experiencing the space where there’s no pressure to sit still and “watch”; instead, the space becomes part of the experience, with sound, texture, movement and gentle storytelling inviting them to engage in whatever way feels right for them.
We also loved the thought that has gone into making the show genuinely inclusive, with built-in audio description and key word signing incorporated naturally into the experience.
There’s something very comforting about Hello Beach. It’s playful without being overwhelming, and beautifully crafted for its tiny audience…. it’s a warm hug of a show – a great day out at the beach.
(Written by Debs Hahn)
Underbelly
Sparkles, science and silliness. We absolutely LOVED this show!
Hugo’s Rainbow Show is a must see for all rainbow loving little kids who enjoy stories, songs and dazzling costumes. Hugo is fantastic at engaging the audience with their magical energy. They take the time to meet every child as they come into the show, and again after. There is plenty of audience interaction if you want it, but equally no pressure if you don’t. This show definitely exceeded my expectations, especially as it had the added bonus of being educational, but in a very age-appropriate way. We were all taken on a wonderful story telling journey to meet each of the weather elements that make up a rainbow. After each chapter, Hugo transformed into a new weather character and performed a super catchy and beautifully written song to go alongside it. I would also say that overall, this really is quite a gentle show, and so it would also suit kids who find a lot of the more intense kids fringe shows a bit overwhelming.
My mini reviewer (who’s almost 3), was captivated throughout and wouldn’t stop talking about Hugo for the rest of the day. Luckily all his songs and the story can be streamed on both spotify and tidal which is a lovely wee bonus. We have already listened to the album several times before bed and I think “Archie the Rainbow” will be stuck in my head for days!
Hugo is a gifted performer and, let’s face it, pretty fabulous. I would recommend this show to all kids from age 2 up to 9 /10, and their parents as I thoroughly enjoyed it too.
My mini reviewer said “I loved all the weathers and the songs but I loved the rainbow the most”
(Written by Emma May)
I Made You A Mixtape
Space Triplex
Nostalgic, loud, full of infectious energy and backed by an excellent 90s soundtrack with live musicians that makes it almost impossible to sit still…
This is a unique show, and it was a little surprising to us, despite being told right from the beginning that this is not a play, nor a musical, nor a dance show. It’s a myriad of things instead, centred around a group of women enjoying one last dorm party together before they all head off on their separate ways. We were a woman down for our performance, but that didn’t stop the energy from filling the space. What happens next is a mystery, even to the performers themselves. As their individual placards are revealed, the dancers respond instinctively to the situations and prompts described, creating solo dances in the moment (Meisner-based, as I’ve since discovered). The dancers are exceptionally talented, and when they came together, particularly for ‘the routine’, the energy levels really soared. Those moments of collective movement were definite highlights, high-energy and joyful.
It did take us a few songs to fully understand what was happening. The concept is innovative, but initially felt quite abstract, and I found myself looking for a stronger central thread or more of a narrative to hold everything together. Once we relaxed into the format, though, it became much easier to appreciate the emotional and intuitive responses to the prompts and the skill involved in creating something so spontaneous. The whole thing is colourfully chaotic, with the live music providing a fantastic soundtrack and keeping the pace and atmosphere moving throughout. There’s a real sense of freedom to the performance, and the dancers throw themselves into each new situation with impressive commitment.
Fun, frenzied and full of life…this has stacks of potential, I actually wanted to be more immersed or involved, sitting watching somehow did not feel enough for the energy in the room !
My (older) mini-reviewer said : ”I liked when she went a bit wild and ripped the tablecloth away !..and the music was great, they have excellent taste’
Underbelly
Perhaps we caught James Phelan on a bad day. There were glimpses of
some genuinely impressive mind-reading and magic, and the show has an
appealing premise, but unfortunately a couple of the audience members
brought on stage had quite clearly enjoyed a few drinks before the
show. As a result, a few of the tricks simply didn’t quite work, and
the audience participation that is so central to the show became more
of a hindrance than a source of wonder.
The show relies heavily on volunteers committing to the illusion and
following Phelan’s instructions. When that works, it must be hugely
entertaining, but on this occasion the repeated failures seemed to
test Phelan’s patience. He appeared increasingly frustrated, creating
an atmosphere that became rather uncomfortable at times rather than
entertaining.
There were still moments of real skill, and I suspect this was simply
an unfortunate combination of volunteers and circumstances rather than
a fair reflection of the show at its best. Sadly, though, on 16 August
the magic never quite managed to take hold.
(Written by Elika Aspinall)
Assembly
Fringe favourite Monski Mouse returns with two shows this year, including Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret, which does what it says on the tin: a glitzy 10am singalong in Assembly’s spiegeltent, packed with pimped nursery rhyme classics and fun renditions of well-known pop songs, sometimes re-purposed with new words. A laid back Monski sings and compares, accompanied by guitarist Lewis and third cast member Jen, who produces various glittering props that keep babies entranced.
There’s a nice balance between sitting back and singing along and plenty of opportunities for toddlers to be on their feet (throughout, in our case). There are also quiet moments of wonder. After a singalong ‘Zoom Zoom Zoom’ a change of lighting transports us into space for a rendition of ‘Walking on the Moon’ complete with slow dancing led by an astronaut in a shiny silver helmet.
Plenty of mats and cushions create a laid-back comfortable environment with lots of space for very young children. My two-and-a-half year-old was one of the older kids on the day we went but with action-filled versions of such favourite as ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ and ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ – plus a couple of rounds of Sleeping Bunnies thrown in – Monski puts on a show for babies and toddlers alike.
(Written by Becky Brewis)
Assembly
We were super excited to revisit this show; being an improvised whodunnit, every show is completely unique and with the location and object coming from audience suggestions, the whole thing is spontaneously dependent on the vivid imaginations and occasionally questionable ideas of the collective !
Our particular case centred around the intriguing mystery of the red cucumber, unfolding during a world cup final between France and England played out on a somewhat dubiously tilting football pitch. Detective Ivor Hunch and his unsuspecting assistant Jenkins had us all united in the mission to point our fingers of suspicion, follow clues and crack this case ! Our murder mystery came complete with an impressive array of accents, a plethora of footballing puns, several hydration breaks and perhaps most importantly, the further enigma of who stole all the pies ? There were suspects everywhere ! It was a case of whodunnit, why did they do it, with an added smattering of what on earth is going on ?
What is blindingly obvious, however, is just how talented this cast are. They are incredibly quick witted, bouncing off one another and keeping both the energy and increasingly convoluted plot moving at a great pace. The fact that they can create a coherent murder mystery, characters, accents and comedy completely on the spot is seriously impressive and they make it look deceptively easy too !
We particularly loved the playfulness of the format too, as cast members were individually set up by fellow performers and had no time to prepare, or in our case, understand the offside rule ! Watching them think on their feet is half the fun. As each suspect elaborated on their increasingly suspicious motives, the killer was finally uncovered and our reward was a death scene re-enactment quite unlike any other-it was a fittingly dramatic end to a very silly murder !
They may be flying by the seats of their collective pants, but they are some truly talented pants indeed ! No one in the audience needed to be a detective to work that out. Murder, mystery and mayhem ; brilliantly improvised and totally unpredictable!
Our (older) mini-reviewer said : ‘I liked the football puns and seeing all the different motives for the murder – that was cool; oh and the spiral staircase too..’
Assembly Roxy
It’s really fantastic when teenagers develop their own tastes and can pick and choose what they want to see during the fringe, and I’m filled with pride that Police Cops In Space is one of those shows. Personally, I think it demonstrates excellent parenting !
The three performers are so impressively good at keeping up the momentum of this show, whether that’s impeccable dance routines, speedy costume and character changes with accents to match or the expert improvisation that means even mistakes or missed cues are seamlessly incorporated into the performance – it’s all just so so brilliant and ludicrously inventive. This is seemingly a sequel to the original Police Cops, though any narrative thread is extremely loose- yet we are joyfully reunited with Jimmy Johnson and Harrison! You certainly don’t need to have seen the previous show to enjoy this one; everyone will appreciate this police drama parody, this time with added sci-fi action and stunts, including robotic villains, hyperspace crossings and impressive space shuttles.
Jam packed with witty dialogue, cliches galore, and some extremely colourful characters..it may be a little bit bonkers, but it is filled with tons of joy and the sheer skill involved in keeping all of the moving parts together is genuinely remarkable. Its a frenzied show, that barely pauses for breath, leaving the audience ceaselessly giggling…
Absurdly brilliant, gloriously chaotic and ridiculously entertaining. We’d happily go and see it time and time again.
Our mini reviewer said :‘ I liked the battle scene at the end, and when they did the rewinding…and the motorbike bit, that was cool, and i want to see the original one again too please..’
Scottish Storytelling Centre
A gentle, joyful introduction to Shakespeare for tiny theatre-goers !
Romeo and Juliet for Bairns was very much a family affair, with storyteller Brooke’s son offering us all stickers on the way in and little ones of all ages being encouraged to join in with the action. We particularly appreciated that Brooke took the time to learn everyone’s names and engaged with the children at a level that suited them – her passion and dedication really came across, making the whole experience feel welcoming and personal. Cat ears, masks, disco lights, cuddly pizza slices and plenty more were brought into play to bring the story to life (while neatly skipping over the dark ending !… Fair enough, it would be a challenge to make it baby friendly!). I’m not sure how much story our mini reviewer (20 months) picked up on, but he definitely enjoyed pressing buttons to make a galloping noise!
We would definitely recommend as a genuinely inclusive, relaxed and fun show for those with babies and toddlers, the Scottish Storytelling Centre is a lovely venue too, really nice cafe with lots of space to run around to burn off some energy afterwards…
(Written by Debs Hahn)
Underbelly
Three Aussie lifeguards greet the audience at the entrance to The Lafayette at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows, blowing their whistles and directing us to either the regular or the nudist beach, and checking that we’ve applied our sunscreen.
The Splash Test Dummies spin circus comedy from all things silly and watery, from bubble baths to swim caps and rubber ducks. They open with a Baywatch spoof, clambering through tiered seating to “rescue” members of the audience, before launching into an hour of ideas-packed circus, with plenty of gags and slapstick.
There’s a simplicity to a lot of what this three-person team does, weaving magic with a ping pong ball for example, or entrancing the kids with a wobbly hand contagion that passes from cast to audience members (hard to explain). There are also plenty of moments of spectacle as they mix juggling and acrobatics with inventive storytelling. Quick switches of scenes and tempo – together with the occasional blast from a water pistol – keep us on our toes and there’s a strong dose of the absurd too: juggling clubs metamorphose into a goofy owl-faced skeleton which walks across the stage, before being dismantled into a set of bagpipes and then turning into a gondola…
Splash Test Dummies Circus delivers the pre-lunch PG version of a high-energy night out at the Fringe. It’s one for all the family: my two-year-old was fascinated, I laughed a lot and the primary aged kids were loving it.
Just one thing to note: I questioned how well some of the visual elements would work from the sides and I notice Underbelly is charging an additional £6 for tickets that guarantee a seat in the central section, where we and the vast majority were sat. So, one to get in line early for (or pay the extra).
(Written by Becky Brewis)
Assembly
I feel extremely fortunate that I had the chance to watch the incredibly skilled and powerful performance that is ‘Ten Thousand Hours’ before it leaves the Edinburgh fringe this year. It really is a masterpiece! The performers genuinely look like they are enjoying every minute of it, and the connection they have with each other on stage is beautiful to watch.
This really is a show for all ages which was a welcome change for me given that I have mostly prioritised seeing kids shows this year. As a parent I loved it, and my 8-year-old was also captivated throughout. There were lots of gasps and laughs from both of us at various points as we watched the phenomenally talented acrobats on stage.
Overall, this show is visually stunning, the acrobatics is breathtaking, the live drumming is amazing, and the story told is simple yet powerful. I honestly can’t say enough lovely things about it, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys really accomplished physical theatre and circus. I have no doubt this show will sell out fast though, so don’t hold back in getting tickets in case you miss out!
It is very clear to see why Ten Thousand Hours has so many 5-star reviews and has returned to the fringe year after year. I wouldn’t hesitate to go and see it again next year however, Gravity & Other Myths have announced that 2026 will be the last year for this show. If you miss out this time round, keep your eyes peeled for what they might bring next year, because I have no doubt it will be just as impressive.
(Written by Emma May)
Assembly
We all know you can easily get lost in a good book…but this production goes much much further than that, with the story spilling out from the pages and filling the entire room. Intricate papercraft, imaginative lighting and a beautifully handcrafted pop-up book combine to create a captivating world of magic, mystery and wonder…
We are greeted by the softly lit sight of the Bookbinder, fast asleep at his desk, surrounded by his tools and a sign reading ‘apprentice sought’…lone performer Ralph McCubbin Howell immediately has us intrigued. As he wakes, we are invited into this dark fairytale, following a a young boy who becomes a Bookbinder’s apprentice and, being keen to showcase his talents; takes on a repair of an old and rather eerie book. However, time is against him and forgetting to ‘never do anything that cannot be undone’, his final work is flawed. And so begins a fantastical journey into an unfamiliar world hidden within this curious book, where the apprentice must find a way to repair the gap he has unknowingly created. Using the exquisite pop-up book alongside clever lighting, shadow puppetry, detailed paper creations and simple props, the story gradually comes alive around us. We too are transported into this far off land following the apprentice as he struggles to restore what he has damaged.
Innovative and intimate, with superb storytelling drawing us deeper into the tale- the attention to detail is astounding. Arrive early to get the best view of the magic unfolding before your eyes…
My mini reviewer said : ”The beautiful puppets and set and the story-teller transported me to another realm…I liked the inky water bit best. ”
Assembly
We were more than 110% ready for this !!! We LOVE the Listies and were super excited for their newest show, and it absolutely delivers all the chaotic energy, poo jokes, ridiculous lists, mayhem, mischief and non-stop giggling that only the Listies can provide…
Based on what is an extremely relatable morning for any parent, 110% ready explores the absolute carnage of what needs to be tackled before even leaving the house…seemingly mundane tasks like getting dressed and eating breakfast become something else entirely when Matt and Rich are at the helm, with the ever coveted sticker reward chart providing just the right amount of motivation! Things end up down an unexpected path as dreaded ‘chores’ are taken on and one of Scotland’s lesser known mythical creatures appears…
Persuading your kids to clean their bedrooms may look a little differently after seeing this show, but it’s absolutely worth it….Another hilarious, brilliantly bonkers Listies adventure. 110% recommended !
My mini-reviewers said : ” My favourite bit was the toilet paper guns...I enjoyed ‘Sockland’ too…the sponsors and adverts at the start of the show were funny ‘
The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half
Underbelly
There are some performances that entertain you for an hour, and others that stay with you for some time afterwards. Step and a Half, from The Palestinian Circus, is firmly in the latter category.
Blending contemporary circus with traditional Palestinian folk dance, the show is energetic, exuberant and well choreographed, but there is an emotional weight beneath the joy that makes it particularly powerful. The result is a joyous celebration of Palestinian identity, culture and resilience. Visually, the performances are striking. The creative lighting adds a layer of visual magic, from the mesmerising changing colours of the half-lit juggling rings to the fire poi sequence, both of which leave an impression. I particularly loved the costumes, which incorporate traditional Palestinian elements, including beautiful embroidery and the unmistakable keffiyeh. At one point, the keffiyeh acts as a flag as it hangs suspended from a leg high in the air during an aerial sequence – a simple but incredibly evocative image.
The circus itself is skilfully executed, with aerial work, acrobatics, cyr wheel, juggling and diabolo all tightly choreographed to the music. Each performer has a chance to showcase their individual circus skills in turn. The soundtrack is one of the show’s great strengths: a fantastic blend of traditional and contemporary Arabic music, with some seriously banging beats. The diabolo sequence in particular is exhilarating, accelerating in perfect synchronisation as the beat drops.
Yet it is not just the circus acts that entertain us. Woven throughout the performance, the traditional dancing brings the performers together with energy and enthusiasm, creating a genuine sense of connection and shared joy on stage.
That joy is also given a deeper meaning by the words spoken between the acts. A voiceover reminds us that “joy is an act of resistance” –a phrase that captures the spirit of the entire performance. This isn’t simply a circus performance showcasing impressive physical skills; it is a celebration of culture and community, with the company also working to inspire and nurture the next generation of Palestinian circus performers.
The most moving moment comes at the end. Following the performance, the producer addresses the audience, introducing the performers individually and telling us where in Palestine each of them is from. He explains some of the challenges they have faced, both to become professional performers and to make it to Edinburgh to perform at the Fringe in front of us.
And perhaps that is what makes the performance so affecting. The performers invite us into their world through their energy, their movement, their music and their extraordinary physical skill. The result is not a performance defined by hardship, but one that celebrates identity, community and, above all, joy.
For an hour, the stage becomes a place where Palestinian identity is not defined by conflict, but by music, movement and collective hope.
Beautiful and deeply moving. A very special Fringe experience.
Our mini-reviewer said : ‘As a teenager, I thought this show was absolutely incredible and extremely moving. Each circus act told its own story about resilience and hope. If I had to choose a favourite moment in the performance it would have to be the collective aerial performance because of how beautiful the story about losing connections was subtly told through the movements of the performers.‘
(Written by Elika Aspinall)
The Revel Puck Circus: The Wing Scuffle Spectacular
Underbelly
We LOVE Revel Puck circus and were very excited to revisit this fantastic show…as the scent of freshly cooked popcorn and bags of candyfloss greeted us as we arrived in the tent, excitement levels were already rising !
The Wing Scuffle Spectacular delivers exactly what we’ve come to love about Revel Puck: colourful, chaotic and completely captivating circus packed with incredible skills, plenty of personality and a brilliant soundtrack that keeps the pace and momentum flying. It starts strong with a rogue chainsaw (always a good way to get everyone’s attention!) and continues with a fantastic mix of new acts alongside some old favourites. There’s juggling, seesaws, aerial work, teeterboards, acrobatics and plenty more all brought together with an infectious energy that had us all totally absorbed. One particular highlight was a mesmerising aerial routine inside a unique coiled structure, which was visually spectacular. My mini-reviewers were awestruck once again by the giant teeterboard, balancing incredulously on an enormous tyre and the fact all the performers seemed able to get involved !
There are plenty of little touches of humour scattered throughout too, including a loveable clown attempting to overcome their fear of big cats….What makes Revel Puck so special is that it feels accessible and joyful without compromising on the quality of the circus skills. It’s spectacular enough to have adults gasping, but playful enough to keep younger audiences wide eyed with wonder…
My mini-reviewers said : ”..the big balancing board on the tyre was super cool, I liked that most” ” I liked the see-saw bit the best – those guys were amazing, and it seriously made me gasp..”
The Second Best School Shooting
Pleasance
How do two teenagers navigate a deeply divided world, the chaos of social media, rising populism, and… well, just surviving high school? Through sharp and gallows humor, as it turns out.
Written by former US public school teacher Alice Stanley Jr (who also stars in the improv cast of Baby Wants Candy) and developed alongside hundreds of students, teachers, and survivors, this show tackles the devastating reality of US school gun violence head-on. The dialogue is brilliant and razor-sharp, and shows the coping mechanisms kids, parents, and educators adopt to make sense of a nonsensical state of affairs.
The acting is first-class, balancing humour with tense moments that moved the audience to tears at points. It’s dark, thought-provoking, and surprisingly funny.
An absolute must-see this Fringe—equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and vital.
Our (teen) mini- reviewer summed up the roller-coaster of emotions perfectly: “I was expecting to be depressed, but I ended up laughing until I cried! I learnt a lot more about gun violence and politics in the US in a short hour.”
(Written by Annette So)
Share this:
PHB’s Free Fringe
The Small Bright Things is particularly great for local parents and carers: it’s on twice a day (more likely to work around nap times!), it’s part of the free fringe, and it’s at central youth hostel, half way down Leith Walk with a nice spacious cafe and away from the madness of town.
The performers were welcoming and they had created a beautiful woodland landscape. They introduced us to creatures and fairies of the woods through a mix of puppetry and shadow puppetry. My mini reviewer (20 months) was impressively still and engaged, and our mini reviewer peer pal gave an excellent running commentary (“fairy flying like helicopter!”) although the show I think is more suited to littler little ones (under 1s perhaps?). For the adults there could have been slightly more narrative and finesse, and for some littlies it was perhaps a bit tricky not to be able to explore the space and the props until the end, but all in all a lovely gentle 45 minutes.
(Written by Debs Hahn)
Assembly Roxy
I adore every show that the incredibly talented Trick of The Light Theatre brings to the festival, and The Suitcase Show is another perfect example of their mesmerising storytelling, intricate set design and imaginative use of lighting…
A pile of battered suitcases greets the audience as they enter, accompanied by a record player spinning idly…a curious sight before we meet the intriguing traveller who assures us these are not lost luggage, but rather the luggage of the lost. One by one, each case is opened to reveal a miniature world or landscape, brought vividly to life through an ingenious combination of light, shadow, overhead projection and skilful puppetry. Within every suitcase lies its own macabre tale, each one captivatingly told with an intimacy that draws the audience ever deeper into its mysterious world. Threaded throughout are the intermittent appearances of a dutiful border control officer, whose insistence that every case is opened and accounted for adds both structure and an undercurrent of unease.
Culminating in an unexpected twist, The Suitcase Show is an atmospheric and deeply imaginative piece of theatre; haunting, beautiful and quietly unforgettable. Beautifully eerie from the first suitcase to the last…
Our mini reviewer said : ” I thought the business class story was the best, and least creepy ! It was all really cleverly done, and I loved all the intricate sets and surprises within the cases..”
Underbelly
This was an unexpectedly engaging and captivating show !! Highly recommended if you’re looking for something a little different during the fringe..
Beginning with a sequence exploring the history and rituals of Sumo, this show is as educational as it is entertaining. We learn about the three fundamental concepts of Sumo- the spirit, the body and the technique, and observe some fascinating traditions such as hand purification and leg stomping. This gentle and intriguing introduction soon transforms with the arrival of an upbeat compere, who introduces us to the three Sumo wrestlers: Waka, Matsu and much-adored Toma! We then get a glimpse into the competitive world of Sumo, with the three wrestlers battling it out in a series of short but impressively intense bouts. The winner remains in the ring to take on the next challenger, while the audience is encouraged to clap, shout and cheer as loudly as possible. It didn’t take long for both of us to become completely invested, enthusiastically supporting our favourites while appreciating the incredible strength, balance and technique on display.
And then there’s Toma, who provided loads of comedy, from pec wiggling and demonstrations of his impressive flexibility to taking on some very brave audience members who attempted to push him backwards.
You get a genuine introduction to the traditions and discipline of Sumo, but it never becomes overly formal or heavy. The educational elements sit alongside the humour and audience interaction perfectly, making it easy to get swept up in the atmosphere. Overall, this was the perfect antidote to what was a very dreich Edinburgh evening. My mini-reviewer even commented on how much I had been smiling throughout.
Strong on tradition, big on personality and impossible not to cheer for- an unexpected fringe delight !
Our mini-reviewer said : ‘I loved the energy and different style of show, I liked that we saw everything about Sumo’
Pleasance
Wowsers trousers !! We’ve been wowed by Tom Brace’s magic since 2019, when he absolutely stunned us with a few tricks whilst out flyering for a show. Fast forward to today and I found myself literally gasping out loud again as I was somehow doing my own magic woven into part of his show. We never miss a Tom Brace show at the fringe and for very good reason indeed.
The Tom Brace Magic Hour is packed with quick wit, amusing audience participation, genuinely baffling magic and Tom’s natural charisma which keeps the whole thing running perfectly. One of my favourite things about Tom’s shows is the way he manages the chaotic energy of a live audience. Whether it’s unsuspecting volunteers dragged into the action or friends joining in via phones, he seamlessly keeps everything under control…
This show was packed with an array of tricks, including mind-reading, sleight of hand, card tricks and some ingenious antics based around much loved board games. With a grand finale that left us entirely amazed and … we came out of the venue buzzing and immediately dissecting the show and talking about it for hours after, with our mini-reviewer particularly intrigued by his Coke bottle souvenir and remaining determined to solve that specific mystery!
Bewildering, baffling, brilliantly funny and extremely entertaining, I sincerely hope Tom will still be bringing shows for another ten years to come; we’ll be there and probably still trying to figure out how on earth he does it !
My mini-reviewer said : ”My favourite bit was the charades – how did he do that ? He genuinely knew what was in my head !!”
Underbelly
Tweedy is a lovable, punky and easily distracted clown, doing his best to put on a show while his props fail to co-operate. Both me and my young daughter were big fans of the results.
Tweedy produces magic from a scrappy stage set of household objects: a dustpan gobbles a handful of props and his shoe keeps disappearing and turning up in impossible places. In a spoof of the ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ a mop becomes lodged in thin air, hovering at chest height and seemingly immovable.
Ongoing is his strained relationship with Siri, who misunderstands instructions and chips in with unwanted advice on ventriloquism. In a sweet switch in tempo – and with typical absurdity – Tweedy conducts a version of ‘Singing in the Rain’ with members of the audience on cowbells.
There’s loads of traditional clowning in this show but always with a twist, and a lot of originality. I enjoyed watching a guitar and harmonica give birth, requiring a volunteer parent from the audience to help deliver the tiny, crying baby instruments. And my daughter liked the monkey puppet pooing out a Union Jack into the ‘magic toilet’ (we talked about it a lot on the bus home!).
The show is an all-round family pleaser. Older kids were laughing loudly at the jokes, but enough of the slapstick, acrobatics and understated spectacle landed with my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter to keep her completely engaged throughout too. I was amazed to find the biscuit I’d given her as a precaution on the way in was only half nibbled when the hour was up.
There’s lots for adults to laugh at too. Behind the clumsy clown act that gets the kids rooting for him, Tweedy is a highly skilled performer delivering a show for all ages.
( Written by Becky Brewis )
Assembly
Oh my God they’re back again… And bringing the bestest vibes as always, we LOVE Yuck circus…
With an incredible noughties soundtrack and heaps of the best kind of nostalgia – flip phones, teen magazines, Y2K styles, emo fringes, text speak and more of the things we thought we’d successfully left behind, this show brought all the feels! Huge props have to go out to the incredible MC Georgia; walking in those platform heels is a skill in and of itself ! We love Yuck’s unique mix of talented circus skills and laid back accessible humour. They never take themselves too seriously, but the talent on display is seriously impressive. This one is particularly well suited to older children and tweens, who will appreciate the music, understand the nostalgia and enjoy the mischievous humour alongside the exceptional circus acts. Highlights were a skipping routine that was quite simply awesome, a fantastic hoop act, brilliant aerial and of course, the boy band acrobatic medley !!
WLYSM Yuck !…still holding a large place in our hearts, Yuck delivers a perfect mix of nostalgia, silliness and spectacular circus…and we cannot wait to see what they do next !
My mini-reviewer said : ” ..the best bit was Bonkers, I loved the hoops…oh and the skipping, that was incredible…”
edinburghfestivalsforkids 