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14 clusters · 24 sources · 55 days · First seen · Last updated

2026 Edinburgh Fringe programmes and reviews

Overview

The 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, running from 7 to 30 August, showcased a diverse array of comedic and theatrical performances across more than 4,200 shows. While the festival highlighted various talents, performers faced significant economic and physical pressures. For groups like the Dreambite Collective, producing a show can cost upwards of £10,000 for expenses such as accommodation, PR, and insurance, often without cast members receiving payment.

Critical attention focused on a wide range of acts. Notable performances included Ifrah Qureshi’s dark comedy ‘48 Flaws of Power’, the surreal duo Lady Bolognese, and Andy Field’s minimalist ‘Giddy Up’. Amanda Knox’s ‘Cartwheel’ drew attention for its somber tone regarding her legal history, while Gareth Waugh utilized a true crime narrative with PowerPoint slides, and Gareth Mutch focused on observational storytelling. Other highlighted acts included the high-energy, punk-infused ‘Megasquirt’ and the returning Monk Show.

As the festival progressed, emerging comedy acts sought platforms to mitigate high venue costs. The Best In Class collective, featuring co-founder Sian Davies, Bert Broadbent, Selam Amare, and Lorna Gray, provided a showcase for comedians facing these financial barriers. Additionally, Glaswegian comedian Matthew Gallagher made his debut with ‘Last Minute’, a show incorporating sketches, musical elements, and personal anecdotes.

The festival concluded with several major award announcements. The ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards longlist featured 60 acts, including nominees Adam Flood, Chris Forbes, Paul Foot, and Jason Byrne. The Asian Art Awards 2026 honored international productions, with “2Shoulderpads: Galaxy Train” from Japan winning Outstanding Show. Additionally, Theatre Weekly named “The Distance” at Summerhall as ‘Best Show of the Fringe’ and awarded Eilidh Loan’s “Cathy” for Best New Writing.

Entities

Edinburgh Festival Fringe · Edinburgh Festival Fringe · Edinburgh · Dreambite Collective · Rosie Jones

Timeline

  1. 28 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe showcases emerging comedy acts

    Performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe include the Best In Class comedy collective and debutant Matthew Gallagher.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 award winners announced

    Various awards ceremonies, including the Asian Art Awards and Theatre Weekly’s Best of the Fest, have honored top performers and productions at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe announces artist bursaries and performance updates

    The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is launching the fifth year of its ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund, offering £2,500 bursaries to support artists, with initial backing from Arts Council England.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards announces longlist of 60 Fringe acts

    The ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards has announced a longlist of 60 Fringe acts, including 39 for Best Show and 21 for Best Newcomer.

  5. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedians receive reviews

    Comedians Gareth Waugh and Gareth Mutch received reviews for their respective performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

  6. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe performers face high costs and intense schedules

    Performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe face high costs and low pay, even as high-energy shows like ‘Megasquirt’ find success at the venue.

  7. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 comedy reviews

    Reviews from the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe highlight diverse acts, including Ifrah Qureshi’s dark comedy, Amanda Knox’s somber theatrical piece, and experimental performances by Lady Bolognese and Monk.

  8. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Edinburgh Festival Fringe features new comedy debuts and financial challenges

    Performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe highlight new comedic debuts and discuss the rising financial challenges faced by artists traveling to the festival.

  9. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Edinburgh Fringe 2026 launches with 4,200+ shows across 299 venues

    The 2026 Edinburgh Fringe opened with over 4,200 shows at 299 venues, averaging £13 tickets, while comedian Alice Fraser debuted her sold‑out ‘Oh Man!’ hour on opening night.

  10. about 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh International Film Festival and Fringe 2026 Reveal Lineups

    Edinburgh’s International Film Festival opens Aug 13 with new line‑up, while the Fringe runs Aug 7‑30 featuring shows by Rosie Jones, KT Tunstall and emerging Scottish talent.

  11. 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh Fringe showcases Australian productions and comedy lineup

    The 2026 Edinburgh Fringe includes 3,649 shows, highlighting twelve comedy acts and eight Australian productions by House of Oz, reflecting a rise in Aussie participation.

  12. 3 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh Fringe 2026 draws crowds as Leith eateries and guide spotlight festival

    Edinburgh Fringe 2026 will host over 3,600 shows across 258 venues, attracting millions, while nearby Leith and Tollcross showcase new dining venues like Barry Bryson’s Michelin‑rated restaurant and the newly‑h

  13. 3 months ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Sydney Fringe Festival 2026 opens with 2,500 artists across 69 venues

    Sydney Fringe Festival 2026 launches Aug 29 with 2,500 artists, 366 shows at 69 venues, emphasizing surreal clown acts, affordable $29 tickets and new masterclasses for artist business skills.

  14. 3 months ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Edinburgh Fringe 2026 line‑up highlights new productions and international comedy acts

    Edinburgh Fringe 2026 showcases new productions, partnership shows and ten acclaimed Australian comedy acts from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Sources

alledinburghtheatre.com · beat.com.au · brisbanetimes.com.au · chortle.co.uk · countryandtownhouse.co.uk · edinburgh-reviews.co.uk · edinburghguide.com · homesandinteriorsscotland.com · independent.co.uk · lardermag.co.uk · m.smh.com.au · metro.co.uk · midlothianview.com · mrcarlwoodward.com · music.theaureview.com · nen.press · one4review.co.uk · rollingstone.co.uk · sanmarinortv.sm · standard.co.uk · theage.com.au · theatreweekly.com · theaureview.com · thebirminghampress.com

This summary has been updated 10 times: see revision history