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Top Six Shows for the even bigger little ones 2026 !

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So, I am well and truly beyond the little people stage, with two fully formed teenagers in my house and one leaving home in under a month (Gulp!) ! That means we’re very much up for exploring all that is on offer for older children/teens – much of the circus, magic, dance, music works for all ages and we’re keen to add some theatre into the mix too if anyone has some recommendations or a show you’re bringing up works for a teenage audience ?

See below for our top six shows for this age group, but like I say, its new territory, so always keen to hear ideas…

YUCK Circus: Naughties – We are HUGE fans of YUCK circus over here and are VERY excited to see their new show. Even more so as it features one of the greatest musical decades ever !! (in my very humble opinion that is !)…Fringe-favourites YUCK Circus are back with a totally bitchin’ brand-new show! Backstreet Boys, Britney, and BIG throwback energy. A decade not to be forgotten – with Furbies, flip phones and evERythinG TyPeD LiKe ThIs. Mix that with high-flying acrobatics, comedy and absolute bangers, iconic! Age 16 +

Fungasm: Save or Smash – I’m not sure I can even describe this show which we have come to love after seeing them at Kelburn Garden Party Festival over the years – it’s fun on a different level, chaotically ridiculous and very easy to get hooked. What’s your name, and what’s your game? Go to pieces over this crackpot quiz placing porcelain under the hammer! Decide the fate of a delicate pottery item: the crown jewel of your crockery set or total obliteration. Taskmaster meets Shooting Stars meets Antiques Roadshow. Contestants could be walking home with a snazzy teapot, commemorative plate or delicate figurine – but only one lucky soul is destined for the Bonanza Digital Experience. Expect absurd challenges, questionable judgement, and dramatic decisions from you, the audience. Participation optional. Age 12+

Suitcase Show and The Bookbinder – Again, keen readers of this blog will know we LOVE Trick of the Light Theatre and we will gobble up anything they bring to the festival, this year we get two beloved shows ! We’ve loved them all, their storytelling is compelling, the sets so unique and intricate and their imaginations ever expansive…I’ve just heard it will be the 500th performance of The Bookbinder here in Edinburgh this year – please don’t miss it..

Suitcase Show –A traveller arrives at a border with a stack of battered cases. From within them, whole worlds will emerge… Trick of the Light presents an eclectic box set of short stories. Dark, spiky and comic, it shifts from shadow play to storytelling, dancing disembodied hands to narratives crackling from a 1970s stereo suitcase. Age 12+

The Bookbinder –They say you can get lost in a good book. But it’s worse to get lost in a bad one… An old man sits down to read the tale of an erstwhile bookbinding apprentice. As he speaks the story spills from the pages and into the bindery. Marking its 500th performance, The Bookbinder returns to Assembly, weaving shadowplay, paper-art, puppetry and music into a captivating dark fairytale. Age 8+

FUCCBOIS: LIVE IN CONCERT – This looks interesting and potentially a lot of fun, I like the House of Oz programming, so am hoping this is a winner ! FUCCBOIS: LIVE IN CONCERT is a massive comedy-boyband-extravaganza: an irreverent satire of toxic dating culture and, most importantly, the music is banging Age 14+

I Made You A Mixtape -Maybe it’s because we loved All Fired up: An 80s mixtape last year so much, but this show sounds super fun and could be one of those unexpectedly joyous fun filled shows that leave you wanting more… Welcome to the party you always wished you were invited to. Step into the heart of a 90s college dorm hang, complete with live musicians and the greatest hits of the decade. Nine girls arrive for one last night together before their lives change forever. With each track played, we get a new glimpse into their world; through impromptu music videos, deep female friendships, and unfiltered emotion by the bucketload. This isn’t your typical dance show – it changes every night, with the girls’ fates being revealed to them, and you, in real time. Age 14+

The Tom Brace Magic Hour – Another favourite here; we love Tom Brace and his combination of tricks and charm is yet to be beaten ! Bringing another new show to the festival this year, we’re looking forward to being bamboozled once again ! Live from Edinburgh. It’s The Tom Brace Magic Hour. Prepare to have your minds read, your jaws dropped and potentially your hearts broken (wink) by ‘one of the most original, brilliant and wonderfully funny magicians I’ve ever seen’ (Nick Mohammed, Ted Lasso). Back for his 10th year, Tom Brace is bringing his biggest show yet.  Age 12+

We also have firm favourites returning from last year that we’d love to give a special shout out to :

First Week Highlights…. 2025

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It’s been a busy old week already – we’ve had a few of our reviewers out there, sampling what’s on and enjoying the mix of sunshine, wind (!) and usual four seasons in a day that the Edinburgh weather has to offer ! The dumpling stall is back in Assembly Gardens so we’ve been enjoying that also, and our older mini-reviewers are loving the crepes and waffles just outside the gardens too !!

We’ve been busy seeing some incredible shows, from baby shows to magic, to acrobatics to dancing ! Check out our first reviews here ..

Some of our top picks from the last few days have been :

The Listies Make Some Noise – This was the usual chaos and brilliant nonsense from the Listies which kept four mini-reviewers absolutely engaged and giggling non-stop throughout ! Go on a musical adventure with the Listies this year…

All fired up : an 80s Mixtape Musical – This was unexpectedly fantastic, we loved this hour of neon, classic 80s songs and a heartwarming story about a mother finding her spark and joy again…

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Tom Brace Saws Himself in Half – We love Tom Brace in this household and enjoyed this hour of magic and illusions, with a rather fantastic costumed finale act ! Tom is brilliant at keeping both adults and children engaged with his quick wit and tricks..

Circa: Wolf – One for older children – this was absolutely amazing, these ten performers can do incredible things with their bodies and strength. We loved that all genders within the cast were bases too…it was astounding !

A Silent Disco Dance Tour by Silent Adventures – A few of our older mini-reviewers went along to a silent disco adventure and they had the BESTEST time..they were so excited when we met them after – they loved the singing, the runway dancing and had loads of fun! Highly recommended..

For the younger ones out there, our littlest reviewer really enjoyed both toooB and Hello Birds; both gentle shows and perfect introductions to the fringe for babies – with plenty of interaction and props to play with and nothing too overwhelming for little ones.

And please, we are keen to hear any other recommendations as we still have time to get out and enjoy what the festival has to offer, with a variety of mini-reviewers available!

Top Six Shows for the even bigger little ones 2025 !

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So, sadly I’m moving beyond the little people stage, with two fully formed teenagers in my house ! That means we’re very much up for exploring all that is on offer for this age group – much of the circus, magic, dance, music works for all ages and we’re keen to add some theatre into the mix too if anyone has some recommendations or a show you’re bringing works for a teenage audience ?

See below for our top six shows for this age group, but like I say, its new territory, so always keen to hear ideas…

Murder She Didn’t Write – We LOVED this improvised whodunnit last year ! Cannot wait to go back and see the talented cast come up with more surprises this year – expertly done, very engaging and the best thing, is each night you’re getting a unique experience ! Don your deerstalker and grab your magnifying glass as this talented company use audience suggestions to create a hilarious improvised murder mystery. All you have to do… is solve it! Age 12 +

Tom Brace Saws Himself in Half – Again, we are huge fans of Tom Brace in this household, after originally being awestruck by his magic when we bumped into him flyering a few years ago ! We have seen all of his shows since then, and loved every one ! Bringing a show for older kids/adults this year, we’re very excited… Houdini. Brown. Blaine. Brace? Tom Brace is aiming to enter the Magic Hall of Fame by attempting a world first. Sawing HIMSELF in half. Join him on a journey through the best tricks and illusions from magical history as he navigates what it really takes to become a legend of magic. Age 12 +

The Ruckus – We caught the Revel Puck Circus two years ago and we loved them, we had a  loud and colourfully chaotic time ! Nancy is hosting a party in The Beauty. And you’re invited! Just try not to arrive early – she needs time to get ready! Oh you’re here already? Well she’s sending some of her absurdly talented friends out to entertain her guests while she finalises her outfit!  Age 12 +

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Police Cops: The Original – We have seen the Police Cops a few times now, and they are just incredible, very difficult to describe their shows, but they are wonderfully unique, completely madcap and you will not stop laughing from start to finish…everyone I have recommended them too has loved them, so we’re super excited for this ! Expect adrenaline-fuelled physical comedy, 80s bangers and uncompromising facial hair.  Age 12 +

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All Fired Up: an 80’s Mixtape Musical – This looks super fun and super colourful ! Tammy Tooth’s midlife crisis hits rock-bottom when an 80s mixed tape sends her back to 1987. Face to face with her teenage self, Tammy gets a second chance to ask life’s big questions, rediscover her spark and rewrite her future. Jump into the front seat of the Delorean, crank up the radio and take on a few life lessons from your favourite radio presenter, DJ Neon. Age 12+

Circa: Wolf – Circa are fantastic acrobats, and every show we’ve seen, has left us awestruck. Wolf. A gasp-inducing acrobatic thrill ride. Clad in designer Libby McDonnell’s form-hugging costumes and set to DJ Ori Lichtik’s relentless primal rhythms, the cast of ten extraordinary Circa artists grasp, tear, climb, leap and balance with fierce abandon. For Director Yaron Lifschitz, the wolf is a symbol of our untameable selves: liberating, anarchic and savage. The wolves evolve from disruptive forces of chaos into a ferocious pack whose intense choreographies overflow with raw energy and astounding physicality. Wolf is circus with fangs. Age 12+

One Week Left….2024

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And just like that we are suddenly facing the last full week of the festival….wowsers, that’s come round quick, and several shows have sadly already finished their runs.

There is still plenty of time to get out and about and have lots of fun though. The pleasance kidzone is still up and running and a good place to spend some time with the kids, doing arts and crafts and perhaps squeezing in a show. The book festival has opened and has lots of family friendly activities and events too.

Some of our top show recommendations that are still on for another week are :

Cartoooon !! – This Japanese comedy duo hit the nail on the head when it comes to the perfect combination between hilarious clowning, and circus entertainment. Their unicycling acrobatic skills were like nothing we have seen before.

Ten Thousand Hours – Absolutely mesmerising acrobatics. The eight performers are highly skilled and will keep anyone of any age completely engaged. Jaw dropping stuff.

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Tom Brace: The Ride 4D – Take a trip to Tomland and be amazed by the rides, tricks and 4d features !!

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Children Are Stinky – A wacky and playful cocktail of jokes, hi-jinx, physical comedy and impressive acrobatics ! Loved the 90s soundtrack too ! Entertains wee ones and grown ups alike.

For older children :

Suitcase Show (12+) – Wowsers. I loved, loved, loved this show. Such clever use of light, shadows, sound and suitcases. An evocative, eerie tale that is pure escapism from everything else…brilliant storytelling.

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Murder, She Didn’t write (14+) – Hilarious improvised whodunnit, where you get to play detective and point your finger of suspicion. Different every night with hilarious consequences…we loved it!

First Week Highlights….2024

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Wow ..it’s been a busy week, and actually feels like so much longer than a week of the festival already ! That’s good though as it means there’s still loads of time to get out there and catch some shows. We have also been enjoying sampling some of the food delights, the dumplings stall is back, this time with yummy popcorn chicken !

We’ve been super busy as usual getting out and about and enjoying a huge variety of shows and loving all the festival vibes! Check out our first reviews here.

We have seen some incredible acrobatics, amazing magic, fantastic puppetry, silly comedy, bubbly bubbles and much more. Some of our top picks from the past few days are :

The Listies ROFL – This time its bedtime with the Listies – expect the usual silliness and mayhem as Rich attempts to get Matt into bed – Matt has a whole list of things to do before sleeping though !

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Breathe – Beautiful puppetry, music , set design and poetry. We learnt all about how a woodland changes through the season. Highly recommended for younger children.

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Tom Brace : The Ride 4D – Take a trip to Tomland and be amazed by the rides, tricks and 4d features !!

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Ten Thousand Hours – Absolutely mesmerising acrobatics. The eight performers are highly skilled and will keep anyone of any age completely engaged. Jaw dropping stuff.

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As always, I’m keen to hear of any other great shows or things we should try and check out. If any adults reading this are lucky enough to get a night out, I’ve enjoyed David O’ Doherty, Shane Daniel Byrne, Josh Glanc, Laser Kiwi and Sophie’s Surprise 29th !