EdFringe 2025: Musicals and Opera

Aug 3 2025 | By Thom Dibdin More

Edinburgh-made musical theatre & opera at #EdFringe 2025

Edinburgh companies are as well represented as ever in the Musicals section of the fringe programme, with 35 different productions – thanks largely to the nine musicals being staged by Captivate.

As is so often the case, this section contains productions from student, amateur and youth companies across a variety of kinds of offerings – collections of show tunes, full blown musicals, opera, Savoy opera and youth versions of hugely successful shows.

Hairography abounds in Bare Productions’ Rock Of Ages. Pic: Rebecca Holmes.

Amidst all the regular revivals of favourite musicals, the big news musical production is Edinburgh Days, composed by Edinburgh-born Brian Spence and directed by Bob Tomson, who has big – and successful – commercial tours of the likes of Blood Brothers and Ghost the Musical.

This is still in its community production stages, with a strong cast of local performers and choreography by Caroline Inglis. But the creatives clearly feel that this “Celtic Musical” has potential.

And then at the other end of the scale, you have the inimitable Dan Collins, returning to the Free Fringe with his parody take on the cult Science Fiction epic novel, with Dune! The Musical! Spicy, no doubt.

253 #MadeInEdinburgh shows

There are a total of 253 shows Made in Edinburgh at EdFringe this year – not including standup comedy and one-off talk shows.

In order to make things clearer, we have divided the listing up into eight parts. On this page you can find an alphabetical listing of productions by Edinburgh companies in the Musical Theatre & Opera section of the programme.

Here are the links to the seven other listings pages:

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.

Musicals & Opera

13 The Musical
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
1 – 12 Aug: 3.30pm (1hr 30 mins).
13 is back! ‘Truly excellent musical theatre performances are rarely found on an amateur stage, but Captivate Theatre brings 13 to (the Fringe) with the energy, focus and talent to rival the professionals’ (BrawTheatre.com). Further details.

A Bohemian Banquet
The Bohemians Lyric Opera Company
Edinburgh New Town Church (Church) Venue 111
21/22 Aug: 7.30pm (2hrs).
Join the Bohemians for a spectacular evening of Broadway and West End songs, with themes of food, drink and celebration at this year’s Fringe. Featuring songs from Beauty and The Beast, Moulin Rouge, Oliver!, Waitress and more! Further details.

A History of Country
Edinburgh Little Theatre
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Studio) Venue 7a
1 – 24 Aug: 1.15pm (1hr).
Come along and hear the History of Country music as Nicole Flynn sings her way through the generations of this genre from its early roots to the country classics and superstars’ songs. Great family fun! Further details.

Afternoon Arias
Brian Bannatyne-Scott and Friends
Edinburgh New Town Church (Church) Venue 111
16/08/25: 2.30pm (1hr 20mins).
An exhilarating afternoon of arias and ensembles from much-loved operas, performed by internationally-acclaimed bass singer Brian Bannatyne-Scott, and rising stars Emma Morwood (soprano), Catherine Backhouse (mezzo-soprano) and Magnus Walker (tenor), accompanied by the brilliant Michal Gajzler. Further details.

And They Played Shang-A-Lang
Edinburgh Little Theatre
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Lower Hall) Venue 7a
1 – 24 Aug: 2pm. (1hr).
Back by popular demand, we follow Jim’s life story as he navigates through school discos, first love and high school life. Selling out every year, this is a Fringe must for all generations! Brilliant fun! Further details.

Annie
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
1 – 11 Aug: 12.45pm (2hrs 15mins).
Captivate is bringing back this much-loved family favourite with a fantastic cast. ‘With humour, skilful choreography and exceptionally strong vocal performances, this excellent adaptation… produces a first-class musical which is a joy to behold’ (Primary Times). Further details.

Avenue Q
Sound Events Scotland Theatre
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Lower Hall) Venue 7a
1 – 24 Aug: 8.35pm (2hr 15mins).
Avenue Q is back for a fourth year! Our sell-out shows prove how popular this production is. Featuring actors and puppets, we follow Princeton as he struggles through life and love. Not for the faint hearted. Further details.

Bare
Edinburgh Little Theatre
Braw Venues @ Hill Street (Alba Theatre) Venue 41
1 – 24 Aug: 9.15pm (2hrs 35mins).
At St Cecilia’s Catholic boarding school, we follow the students as they confront their awakening sexuality and all the questions and struggles that it brings. ELT brings this story to life with energy, grit and compassion. Just wow! Further details.

Bugsy Malone
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
1 – 12 Aug: 5.45pm (1hr 30mins).
Join Bugsy, Fat Sam, Tallulah, Blousey and Dandy Dan for a fun time full of laughs, songs and lots of splurge! A great show for all the family. Splurge-tastic! Further details.

Charles ii: Living Libido Loca
Old’n’Dead Productions / PBH’s Free Fringe
PBH’s Free Fringe @ CC Blooms (LAB) Venue 171
3 – 23 Aug (odd dates): 5.30pm (1hr).
He didn’t start the great fire of 1666 but he might light yours. Charles ii: The Merry Monarch, the king of restoration, the monarch with the biggest libido. Now that’s musical material right there. Further details.

Come From Away
Captivate Theatre
Assembly Rooms (Bijou) Venue 20
12 – 24 Aug: 3.40pm (1hr 30mins).
Edinburgh Fringe premiere! Come From Away has received widespread critical acclaim for its heart-warming story, powerful performances and uplifting music. Grab your tickets now, for this is sure to be a sell out show. Further details.

Die Fledermaus
Aria Alba Opera for All
Stockbridge Church (Church Hall) Venue 317
13 – 16 Aug: 7pm. (2 hrs 30mins).
Aria Alba Opera for All: Die Fledermaus (Strauss). Director Zualski sets this comic operetta in 1990’s Edinburgh. Revenge sees CEO of Wienerpharma tricked into attending a celebrity masked ball – laughter, mistaken identities, trysts and twists. Further details.

Dune! The Musical
Dan Collins (PBH Free Fringe)
Voodoo Rooms (Speakeasy) Venue 68b
2 – 24 Aug (not 13): 12.35pm (1hr).
A memoir in song by the Earl of Caladan, Gurney Halleck. Following the success of his work on “A Child’s History of Muad’Dib”, Gurney performs hits from his back catalogue and introduces songs from his time among the Fremen. Forget everything you know about Arrakis and get ready for Dune! The Musical. Further details.

Edinburgh Days
Belt Of Celt Productions
St Bride’s Community Centre (Auditorium) Venue 412
1 – 24 Aug (not 3, 11, 17): 7.30pm. (2hrs 15mins).
This Celtic, epic musical filled with passion, betrayal and twisted romance promises a must-see rollercoaster ride. Internationally acclaimed director of Blood Brothers Bob Tomson received five-star reviews for his 2024 Edinburgh production: ‘Outstanding… an unforgettable experience’ (Scottish Field). Further details.

Footloose
Sound Events Scotland Theatre
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Lower Hall) Venue 7a
1 – 24 Aug: 3.20pm (2 hr 15mins).
Footloose is back! Enjoy this fantastic show and cast as they blast their way through this great musical. Ren ends up in this small town from Chicago and meets problems everywhere including a dance ban! Further details.

Gladiatrix
CF Creative Productions
theSpace @ Venue 45 (Venue 45) Venue 45
11 – 23 Aug (not Sun): 11-16: 7.40pm; 18 – 23: 8.50pm. (50mins).
In 200 AD, Rome banned female gladiators. Gladiatrix brings their untold story to life through passionate vocals and gripping stage combat – defiance, ambition and the struggle to survive. Her story, lost in history. Further details.

Grease
Edinburgh University Footlights
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
18 – 24 Aug: 1.50pm. (2 hrs 30mins).
1959, Chicago. Join the students of Rydell High as they navigate love, friendship, identity, plus the all-important hand jive! With classic tunes and unforgettable characters, this iconic musical is full of grit, heart and authenticity. Grease is the word! Further details.

High School Musical
Sound Events Scotland Theatre
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Grand Hall) Venue 7a
1 – 24 Aug: 12 noon. (2hr 10mins).
East High is back! Troy, the school jock, tries to win and woo Gabriella, as Sharpay and Ryan try to plot their downfall. A fantastic musical which will conjure up memories or create new ones. Fantastic! Further details.

Jerry’s Girls
Never Ending Theatre
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
11 – 16 Aug: 9.25pm (1hr 30mins).
Broadway’s leading ladies rise again in this haunting reimagining of the classic Jerry Herman revue. Set in a forgotten theatre where echoes of the past linger, this spooky and stylish production brings a ghostly twist to beloved songs from Hello, Dolly!, Mame, La Cage aux Folles and more! Featuring live music and ethereal glamour, Jerry’s Girls is a dazzling celebration of showbiz legends who never really left the spotlight. A must-see for musical theatre lovers and anyone who believes the show must go on – even from beyond the grave. Further details.

Legally Blonde
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
1 – 12 Aug: 8pm. (2hr 15mins).
This internationally acclaimed, award-winning musical follows Elle Woods’ inspiring journey as she challenges stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Hilarious and heartwarming, it’s a riotous ride that’s almost too much fun to be legal. Further details.

Les Misérables (School Edition)
Captivate Theatre
The Famous Spiegeltent (Spiegeltent) Venue 333
1 – 10 Aug: 2pm. (2hrs 30mins).
Performed by talented students, Captivate’s production has performed to thousands, with sell-out crowds and five-star reviews. Don’t be put off by School Edition. ‘…blows every musical at the Fringe completely out of the water’ (TheReviewsHub). Further details.

Little Shop of Horrors
Sound Events Scotland theatre
Braw Venues @ Hill Street (Alba Theatre) Venue 41
1 – 24 Aug: 11,30am (2hrs 5mins).
When the plants come to take over the world and achieve world domination, watch out! This fantastic comedy musical is a huge Fringe favourite as Seymour and Audrey try to survive their encounter with Audrey II. Further details.

Mary, Queen of Rock
Pretty Knickers Productions
Underbelly Bristo Square (Cowbarn) Venue 302
31 July – 24 Aug (not Weds): 7.45pm (1hr 30mins).
The Queen of Rock returns to the Edinburgh Fringe after a smash-hit five-star debut production in 2024. Rock’n’roll has been outlawed in Scotland. Can Mary get the country rocking? Or will heads roll? Further details.

Merrily We Roll Along
Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group (EUSOG)
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
11 – 16 Aug: 1.50pm. (2hrs 35mins).
‘How did you get to be here?’ Sondheim’s iconic musical follows the lives of three estranged best friends, in a dazzling tale of the seductive power of success – all ingeniously told in reverse. Further details.

Moving On: A New Musical
Happy Sad Productions
Braw Venues @ Hill Street (Alba Theatre) Venue 41
1 – 14 Aug: 7.15pm (1hr 45mins).
When a moving company run by siblings clears out the possessions of an old teacher, they find more than they bargained for amongst the boxes… Spookiness, silliness and sentimentality merge together in this new musical! Further details.

Regina Vagina
Erstwhile Media, Old’n’Dead Productions / PBH’s Free Fringe
PBH’s Free Fringe @ CC Blooms (LAB) Venue 171
2 – 24 Aug (even dates, not 18): 5.30pm (1hr).
Was Elizabeth I really a virgin? How good was Mary Queen of Scot’s head game? Is that Bram Stoker? Find out in this surprisingly accurate historical musical centred around the life and virginity of Queen Elizabeth I. Further details.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda Junior
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
1 – 12 Aug: 11am (&1.15pm, Tue 12) (1hr 15mins).
Captivate’s Matilda is back after a sell-out run in 2024. ‘This is a really charming and likeable show, a satisfying and accomplished piece from this prolific community theatre company’ [s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s][s]*[/s] (AllEdinburghTheatre). Further details.

Rock of Ages
Bare Productions
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
1 – 09 Aug: 8.30pm (11: 8.25pm) (2hrs 15mins).
Following five-star, sell-out productions, Bare Productions return with electrifying hit Rock of Ages! Featuring powerhouse vocals, guitar solos, and 80s rock anthems, this jukebox musical tells an unforgettable story of love, dreams, and saving a legendary nightclub. Further details.

Rocky Horror Night
World Famous Frankenstein Pub
Frankenstein Pub (Main Bar) Venue 304
1 – 22 Aug (Wed/Fri only): 10pm. (3hrs).
Celebrating 50 years of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! So come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab! (Please note: this is a themed party night, not the stage show or a film). Further details.

School of Rock – The Musical
Forth Children’s Theatre
Broughton High School (Main Theatre) Venue 318
2 – 09 Aug (not Mon): 7pm (Tue-Sat); 2pm (Sat, Sun, Wed) (2hrs 45mins).
Forth Children’s Theatre return to the Edinburgh Fringe with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage adaptation of School of Rock! Featuring young people from Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. Don’t miss this rockin’ show! Further details.

Stick Together
Bee Productions
theSpace on the Mile (Space 3) Venue 39
18 – 23 Aug: 9.35pm (40mins).
Trapped in a school locker room during a zombie invasion, three misfit field hockey players navigate a wild night of dark humour, secrets and unexpected bonds. They learn survival means more than dodging zombies: it means sticking together. Further details.

Sunshine on Leith
Captivate Theatre
Assembly Rooms (Ballroom) Venue 20
31 July – 24 Aug: 5.30pm (1hr 30mins).
Captivate Theatre’s five star, vibrant, energetic, emotional, sell-out production is back in the Ballroom. ‘Toe-tapping and filled with hometown love, Captivate Theatre’s production of Sunshine on Leith at the Assembly Rooms Ballroom is fun and energetic’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). Further details.

Sweeney Todd
Captivate Theatre
The Famous Spiegeltent (Spiegeltent) Venue 333
12 – 24 Aug: 2pm. (2hrs 30mins).
A show that extends the stage to the audiences and draws them into its storytelling in a way that is as much felt and shared as it is enjoyed and appreciated. ‘Bloodily brilliant’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). Further details.

The Yeomen of the Guard
Cat-Like Tread
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
18 – 24 Aug: 7.45pm. (1hr 50mins).
Tower Green provides lucrative business for a jester and his maid, accidentally embroiled in a plot to save the head of a traitor. The secretive community conjure danger and heartbreak in Gilbert and Sullivan’s masterpiece. Further details.

Three Queens from the Opera
Michael Scott presents
Stockbridge Church (Church Hall) Venue 317
6, 10, 17, 23 & 25 Aug.: 4.30pm. (50mins).
Presented by the Queen of the Night, Lady Macbeth and Cinderella, the “concertino” designed to celebrate opera queens goes off the rails. ‘Amusement: check. Delight: double check. Viva the queens in opera!’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). Further details.