EdFringe 2023: Cabaret; Comedy; Dance, Physical Theatre & Circus; Spoken Word
Edinburgh-made comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus and spoken word at #EdFringe 2023
Beside all the theatre and musicals on offer here are 36 shows with a theatrical bent in the cabaret, comedy, dance and spoken word sections of the EdFringe portal.
This is a hugely diverse catch-all listings, for which we make no apology, but urge people to explore it with an open mind as there are some real jewels in here.
Kevin Quantum: Momentum. Pic: Kevin Quantum
There are 169 shows Made in Edinburgh at #EdFringe this year. In order to make things clearer, we have divided the listing up into seven parts. On this page you can find an alphabetical listing of all the theatrical offerings from Edinburgh companies in the dance, cabaret and spoken word sections of the programme.
Here are links to the other listings:
Theatre by Edinburgh’s Amateur companies.
Theatre by Edinburgh’s Grassroots companies.
Theatre by Edinburgh’s Youth and Student companies.
Theatre by Edinburgh’s Professional & Funded companies.
Theatre for children and young people.
Edinburgh-made Musical Theatre & Opera.
Edinburgh-made Dance, Cabaret & Spoken Word.
We are also proud to work with EPAD to produce and publish their annual listing of shows “created, performed or produced by Edinburgh’s theatre professionals” which is here.
Listing
Cabaret and Variety
1 and Only Absolute Burlesque Cabaret
Sassy School of Burlesque
Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152)
5 – 27 Aug (not 13, 20): 22:35 (1 hour)
One and Only Absolute Burlesque Cabaret returns after delighting audiences since 2017. Experience our new glitter and glamour extravaganza. Edinburgh’s only school of homegrown hotties promise you another must-see show filled with opulence. Further details.
1 Hour Of Insane Magic
Trash Panda Productions
Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14)
2 – 28 Aug: 19:00 (1 hour)
A thrilling, hilarious and insane magic show where three of the country’s best magicians (Cameron Gibson, Luke Osey and Elliot Bibby) share incredible magic, impossible illusions and amazing acts of mind-reading! Further details.
Burlesque Show
Edinburgh Little Theatre
Hill Street Theatre (Venue 41)
4 – 15 Aug: 23:15 (1 hour)
Its the second year of our burlesque competition – the standard is getting higher, the talent on display is incredible, so if burlesque is your thing or you’re new to it, then join us for this competition! Further details.
Cabaret in the Dark
Visually Impaired Creators Scotland
C ARTS | C venues | C aurora (Venue 6)
3 – 5 Aug: 14:20 (1 hour 5 minutes)
Ever wonder what it’s like to see a show… without actually seeing it? Join VICS for a night of comedy, music and sketches, all in the pitch dark! Of course you can take part too! www.visuallyimpairedcreatorsscotland.co.uk Further details.
Chris Cook Asked a Robot to Write Him a Five-Star Show and This Is What It Said
Chris Cook / PBH’s Free Fringe
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68)
5 – 27 Aug (not 9, 16, 23): 16:50 (1 hour)
Since 2013, Chris Cook has brought thought-provoking shows to Edinburgh that have merged storytelling, comedy and magic. For his tenth year at the Fringe, Chris asks: Can AI do a better job? Chris’ latest show explores the recent advent of AI and what it means for art, creativity and collaboration. Further details.
Dan Bastianelli: The Trick Is There
Dan Bastianelli Magician
Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152)
14 – 19 Aug: 19:15 (50 minutes)
Drawing on inspirations from his Scottish-Italian heritage, Edinburgh magician Dan Bastianelli presents an incredible close-up magical experience that explains the difference between trickery and real magic, allowing you to witness both. Further details.
Dancing Queens: The ABBA Drag Party!
RuJazzle
The Three Sisters (Venue 272)
9, 16, 23 Aug: 23:00 (2 hours)
Join two of Scotland’s most fabulous Queens for the ultimate ABBA Drag experience! Sing, dance, come and have the time of your life all night long to ABBA’s biggest hits. Further details.
Divas: From Stage to Screen
BBD Productions
Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose (Venue 24)
2 – 27 Aug (not 14, 21, 22): 22:30 (1 hour)
BBD Productions return with their five-star show. Join a live band and cast of fierce beltresses to celebrate music, movies and musical theatre in this high-energy celebration of the greatest Divas of all time. Further details.
Fruit Salad Airlines Presents: Jet Lag
Fruit Salad
West Port Oracle (Venue 75)
7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 Aug: “21:00, 22:30” (1 hour)
Edinburgh’s home-grown queer cabaret is taking you on a flight you’ll never forget! Join us for an hour of drag, comedy, burlesque and campery aboard a real, replica aircraft. Flight FS069 is now boarding! Further details.
Goose’s Quizzes Elimination Game
Goose’s Quizzes
Assembly Rooms (Venue 20)
3 – 27 Aug (not 14, 21): 20:30 (1 hour)
Anyone can win at this interactive show packed with trivia! Scotland’s premier quiz company presents a chance to put your knowledge, and your luck, to the test. Will you be crowned champion? Further details.
Grumpy Magicians Present: If All Else Fails, Read the Instructions
The Grumpy Magicians / PBH’s Free Fringe
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Brewdog Doghouse (Venue 603)
5 – 19 Aug: 15:00 (1 hour)
The Grumpy Magicians present: If All Else Fails, Read the Instructions. The Grumpy Magicians will be performing their new show using their unique style of comedy magic Further details.
GURLBAND: The Show
Blazin’ Entertainment and GURLBAND
Brewhemia (Venue 90)
6, 13, 20, 27 Aug: 21:30 (2 hours)
A girlband concert… but make it DRAG! Join Blaze, Angel Beads, Tianah Tucker and Miss Peaches as they come together and serve up the most pop-tastic production drag show you’ll see this Fringe! It’s GURLBAND: The Show! Further details.
Illicit Thrill – Licensed to Strip
Gypsy Charms, Voodoo Rooms and Blond Ambition Productions
The Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68)
4/5, 11/12, 18/19, 25 – 27 Aug: 23:55 (1 hour)
The Fringe’s shadiest late-night strip joint is back in business and ready to party! With their trademark ‘no f*cks’ attitude, brace yourself and expect the rude, crude and nude. Further details.
Kevin Quantum: Momentum
Kevin Quantum
Assembly Rooms (Venue 20)
3 – 27 Aug (not 22): 16:45 (1 hour)
From Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, trained by Penn & Teller. Flaming cannon balls, epic stunts and mind-blowing magic in a spectacle that will have you amazed, on the edge of your seat. ‘Astonishing’ [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (Edinburgh Evening News). Further details.
Late Bloomers Tales
Anna Vanosi
The Jazz Bar (Venue 57)
4, 7-10 Aug: Various (1 hour)
Anna Vanosi’s soulful voice transports you from jazz (Billie Holiday, Doris Day) to pop (Bob Dylan, Björk) tracing a comical, poignant path, as she feels out of step with time. Maybe she’s not alone? Join this inspirational late-bloomers’ adventure. ‘Eccentric, adorable, enchanting. Further details.
Oasissy: Don’t Look Back in Anger, Babes
Oasissy
BlundaGardens: BlundaBus & Magical SpiegelYurt (Venue 212)
21 – 25 Aug: 22:40 (50 minutes)
Slip’n’slide inside a rock’n’roll fantasy party of joy, chaos and catharsis as genderqueer drag-clowns Oasissy (‘Ones to watch’ (List)) invite you into their madferrit, monobrowed imagination. ‘A gay old time!’ (Noel). Further details.
Sassy Belle Cabaret
Little West End Theatre
Outhouse (Venue 99)
3, 10, 17, 24 Aug: 20:30 (1 hour 15 minutes)
Musical theatre fans – this one’s for you! Edinburgh-based cabaret group, the Little West End Theatre, brings you a night of sass and show tunes. Occasionally sultry, often hilarious, always high-energy fun. Further details.
Shakesqueer
Edinburgh University Shakespeare Company
Bedlam Theatre (Venue 49)
24 – 27 Aug: 00:30 (1 hour)
Shakesqueer: two houses, both alike in indignity. A drag-show parody rewrite of five of Shakespeare’s most famous works. There will be gags, gigs, wigs and downright buffoonery. Take our word for it, Shakespeare has never been this sexy! Further details.
Spirit of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Gin
YOTEL Edinburgh (Venue 572)
6,13,20 Aug: 15:00 (1 hour 30 minutes)
Join us on a multi-sensorial experience as you discover the stories that link Scotland’s capital with the G&T. You’ll sip three delicious cocktails as well as learning how to make some yourself, whilst taking in the sights and sounds of Scotland’s first 360 degree cinema. Further details.
Vroni and the Seppls: Bavarian Traditions
Vroni Holzmann
BlundaGardens: BlundaBus & Magical SpiegelYurt (Venue 212)
23 – 27 Aug: 21:40 (40 minutes)
Beer drinking! Bavarian traditions! Learn about Oktoberfest rituals and how to sing the famous Ein Prosit song! Welcome to this funky Bavarian show performed by Vroni Holzmann, accompanied by the fabulous Joey Sanderson. Prost! Further details.
Whisky & Witches Presents Mythical Beasts: An Immersive, Mystical, Musical Whisky Tasting
Jane Ross: Whisky Aficionado. Christine Kammerer: Composer and Singer
The Mother Superior (Venue 626)
4/5, 11, 18, 24 Aug: 14:00, 19:30 (2 hours)
A magical, musical whisky tasting by female forces! Travel with us to the realm where folklore, five exceptional whiskies and hauntingly beautiful music meet in perfect harmony. Further details.
Comedy
Spontaneous Potter
The Spontaneous Players
The Stand’s New Town Theatre (Venue 7)
3 – 27 Aug (not 15): 18:30 (1 hour)
An entirely improvised wizarding comedy play, based on an audience suggestion of a fan-fiction title. With live musical accompaniment! Previous titles include: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Commerce, Harry Potter and the Neville Wears Prada, Harry Potter and the Rise of the Planet of the Snapes, and Harry Potter and the Struggle for a Decent Mortgage in This Economy. Further details.
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus
2Flamenco
TuFlamenco
Argyle Cellar Bar (Venue 293)
5 – 27 Aug (not 13, 20): 21:00 (55 minutes)
Uplifting, moving and highly entertaining trip into the essences of Flamenco. Guitar, singing and dance coordinate spontaneously with humour and complicity in a fresh twist without forgetting its pure roots. Produced by TuFlamenco. Guarantees you are in for treat. Further details.
Deaf Action Presents: Fàilte Gu BSL/Welcome to BSL with Evie Waddell
Evie Waddell
Deaf Action (Venue 498)
12 Aug: 16:00 (50 minutes)
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30)
13 Aug: 16:00 (50 minutes)
An immersive showcase of Gaelic and Scots signed-songs celebrating different aspects of traditional culture. Combining stories, dance and signing with the songs, this show explores opportunities for d/Deaf people to own their space within Scottish culture. Evie presents a fun and accessible show which celebrates the relationship between Gaelic and BSL language, whilst exploring experiences of creative connection and isolation for diverse cultural Scots. Venue 498 details. Venue 30 details.
Flamenco Fiesta
Alba Flamenca
Alba Flamenca (Venue 237)
4 – 27 Aug: “16:30, 19:00” (1 hour)
The Edinburgh Fringe flamenco show that transports you straight to Spain. Powerful, heartfelt, memorable, exciting and bursting with festive energy. The intimate venue adds a level of charm to the whole occasion making you feel part of it! Further details.
Flamenco in Scotland
TuFlamenco
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, George St (Venue 111)
13, 20 Aug: 16:30 (55 minutes)
Flamenco in Scotland is back, full of bravery, heart, spirit and plenty of home-grown performers. Whether you are a flamenco aficionado or not, the new repertoire will enchant all music and dance lovers. Dinnae miss oot! Ole! Further details.
Spark of Madness
Unearthed Dance Company
Greenside @ Infirmary Street (Venue 236)
4 – 12 Aug: 19:40 (50 minutes)
Returning with their highly anticipated 2023 run, Edinburgh’s Unearthed Dance Company are ready to take Fringe audiences on a journey. Delve into some innovative creations and choreography with the company’s new mixed bill of works. Further details.
What Draupadi Said to Penelope
TaalTales
LifeCare Centre (Venue 524)
24 – 27 Aug: 19:30 (1 hour)
Had Penelope ever met Draupadi, what would they say to each other? What stories or dreams might they weave? In this contemporary feminist reimagining, Indian classical dancers and musicians explore characters from the Mahabharata. Further details.
Spoken Word
Animate Lands: Mythic Celtic Tales
Dougie Mackay and Freya Rae
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30)
5 – 10 (not 6): 12:30 (1 hour)
Animate Lands is a journey into the storied soul of Scotland. Tales of ancient bards, druids, shapeshifters, wildlings and warrior poets are brought to life in contemporary storytelling style with original musical accompaniment. Further details.
Bards at the Barracks
Scottish Poetry Library and Army at the Fringe Company
Army @ The Fringe (Venue 358)
22 – 25 Aug: 17:00 (1 hour)
Scottish poets will be reading work exploring our collective history and common creative future, including a special evening spotlighting Hamish Henderson. The programme, a mix of familiar poets and young talent, is curated with SPL. Further details.
Bear with Me: A Polar Bear in Scotland
Stuart Kenny, Grant Robertson and Lewis Gillies
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30)
9, 23 Aug: 19:30 (1 hour)
Arty the polar bear was born in Scotland but longs to see the world. Through visually illustrated and musically scored spoken word, follow his rip-roaring adventure over heather, hill, ocean and snow. Further details.
Loud Poets: Best of Fringe
Loud Poets
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30)
4, 11, 18 Aug: 21:00 (1 hour 30 minutes)
Showcasing the best spoken word talent the festival has to offer, each show features a unique line-up and Loud Poets’ classic fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, heart-wrenching style of spoken word! This is poetry for the masses! Further details.
Queer Folks’ Tales
Turan Ali and Scottish Storytelling Centre
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30)
5, 12, 19, 25/26 Aug: 21:00 (2 hours)
Storytellers from a diverse range of backgrounds share stories of LGBTQ+ lives, past, present and future featuring a different line-up at every show. Sometimes hilarious, often moving, occasionally shocking and always queer. [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (ScotsGayArts.com). [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (BroadwayBaby.com). Further details.
Tales of Edinburgh Horror
Ewan Irvine
Arthur Conan Doyle Centre (Venue 290)
14, 16/17,22, 24 Aug: 19:30 (1 hour)
Every city has a history, but when it comes to grisly secrets, it’s hard to rival the gruesome history of Edinburgh, which you will hear about in this show. Further details.
Traditional Tales of Scotland
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30)
4 – 27 Aug: 14:00 (1 hour)
Some of Scotland’s best storytellers share the wonderful, and sometimes wild, traditional tales that have shaped the myths and legends of this country. Relaxed and fun sessions featuring a different storyteller every day. Further details.
Witch? Women on Trial
Natalie Nardone
The Lost Close (Venue 443)
3 – 28 Aug (not 14): 14:00 (1 hour)
85% of executed witches were women! Why? The brutal truth of the witch hunts in Scotland, told with humour and empathy. Performed in an underground venue with an ominous ambience for a truly powerful storytelling experience. Further details.
ENDS
