EdFringe 2026: Cabaret, Comedy, Dance and Spoken Word

Aug 5 2026 | By Thom Dibdin More

Edinburgh-made Cabaret, Comedy, Dance and Spoken Word at #EdFringe 2026

Something of a catch-all selection this – there isn’t quite enough dance (six shows) for its own section, and it seemed sensible to pull in the other theatre-adjacent shows from other parts of the Fringe programme here too.

195 shows #MadeInEdinburgh

We are listing a total of 195 shows Made in Edinburgh at #EdFringe this year – not including standup comedy.

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 Edinburgh-made Cabaret, Comedy, Dance and Spoken Word.

Here are the links to the other six 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.

Cabaret, Comedy Dance and Spoken Word

2FLAMENCO (Dance)
TUFLAMENCO
Argyle Cellar Bar (Cellar Bar) Venue 293
7 – 9, 15, 18, 21/22, 25 – 27, 29/30 Aug: 21:00 (55m)
Following three years of acclaim, 2FLAMENCO returns with a reinvented Flamenco show. Blending passion, humour and mastery, they deliver an intimate journey through Flamenco’s origins and future – a vibrant celebration of music, dance and soul. Genuine and passionate. Further details.

Kevin Quantum: Invisible Force (Cabaret)
KQ Productions
Assembly Rooms (Ballroom) Venue 20
6 – 31 Aug : 18:45 (1hr 20m)
Think you know what’s real? You’re closer to the most powerful force in the universe than you realise. Impossible magic & big gasps from a world-class showman, trained by Penn & Teller. Further details.

Loud Poets (Spoken Word)
I Am Loud CIC
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Netherbow Theatre) Venue 30
13, 20, 27 Aug (Tue only): 20:30 (50m)
Loud Poets bring their signature fist-thumping, pint-drinking, side-tickling, heart-wrenching fusion of spoken word and live music that thrills poetry lovers and turns sceptics into fans to the Fringe. Catch the Loud Poets – Katie Ailes, Mark Gallie and Kevin Mclean – with music from Jack Hinks and a different guest every show. Further details.

Maiden | Mother | Whore (Dance)
Theiya Arts
Assembly @ Dance Base (DB1) Venue 22a
18 – 30 Aug (Not 24/25): 17:30 (1hr)
A mixed media performance with South-Asian contemporary dance, spoken word and visual art. Maiden | Mother | Whore delves into the tensions between individuals and collectives, agency and power, and patterns of oppression. Further details.

More Tales From Your Queer Elder (Dance)
Lucia August/Everybody Can Dance
Greenside @ George Street (Olive Studio) Venue 236
7 – 22 Aug (Mon, Wed, Fri/Sat only): 16:06 (2hrs)
70+-year-old plus-sized lesbian shares heartfelt storytelling through captivating choreography, inspiring audiences of all ages to break free from limitations and embrace their best selves in a unique, intimate show based on decades of queer living, both entertaining and deeply moving. The production features an exciting world premiere alongside timeless gems. Further details.

PRIME: We Are (Dance)
PRIME
Assembly @ Dance Base (DB1) Venue 22a
6 – 9 Aug : 14:40 (1hr)
Who are we when we’re together? When we’re alone? When we fight for what we believe in? Dance Base’s in-house company for dancers over 60 premiers new work from Artistic Director Kally Lloyd-Jones and choreographer Malcolm Sutherland. Further details.

Queer Folks’ Tales (Spoken Word)
Bona Broadcasting Ltd./Turan Ali
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Netherbow Theatre) Venue 30
12, 19, 26 Aug (Mon only): 20:30 (1hr)
5-star, award-winning LGBTQ+ storytelling show returns for its fourth Fringe; camper, fruitier and queerer than ever! Host Turan Ali takes time out from his BBC shows to collect international, queer Fringe talent who share hilarious, surprising, moving stories, songs and more. Jaw-dropping insights into LGBTQ+ lives. Further details.

She Burns (Cabaret)
She Burns
Scottish Poetry Library (Mezzanine Level) Venue 203
5 – 23 Aug (Fri – Sun): 14:00 (1 h)
After five-star reviews and multiple sell-out shows, the coven is back! Join four fierce women, Scotland’s own local witches, for an evening of comedy, poetry, music and stories as they attempt to summon the spirit of Robert Burns. Further details.

Space In Between (Dance)
Cosmic Dance
Assembly @ Dance Base (DB3) Venue 22a
9 – 16 Aug (Not Mon): 14:30 (50m)
A South Asian triple bill exploring tensions between intention and outcome, self and society. Blending Bharatanatyam, Kathak and contemporary movement, three interconnected works examine regret, conflict and misalignment, revealing unseen forces shaping identity, relationships and choice. Further details.

Tell Me (Dance)
Sadiq Ali
Summerhall (Dissection Room) Venue 26
6 – 31 Aug (Not Mon/Tue): 19:00 (1hr)
Two timelines collide in this bold fusion of dance and circus, offering a fresh perspective on HIV. When Grace is diagnosed, she’s transported to the 80s alongside Michael, a gay man navigating a different reality. MadeInScotlandShowcase.com Further details.

The Cult of Astaroth (Cabaret)
Ash Pryce/Noisy Ghost Entertainment
Banshee Labyrinth (Chamber Room) Venue 156
8 – 29 Aug (Not Mon/Tue): 19:20 (1hr)
Siblings rejoice, for The Grand Duke of Hell, Lord Astaroth, invites you to visit the esoteric realm and join an ancient demonic cult with Edinburgh Horror Festival sell-out magician, Ash Pryce. Take part in a demonic initiation ritual and learn the secrets of Astaroth, in the underground chamber of Scotland’s most haunted pub. Will you save your soul, or be damned to oblivion? Join the occult – praise Asaroth! Further details.

The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle (Cabaret)
Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Lauriston Castle (Various Rooms) Venue 436
7 – 23 Aug (Thur – Sun, not 9, 15): 13.30 or 15.30 (50m)
Enter secluded Lauriston Castle and travel back in time to a world of clandestine laboratories, hidden passages and secret rooms… Three expert magicians animate the castle’s intriguing past with stories, performances and illusions. Set within stunning grounds overlooking the River Forth, this is one of the most magical experiences at the Fringe. Further details.

You Straights Are F**ked Up! (Comedy)
Bona Broadcasting Ltd./Turan Ali
Just the Tonic, The Caves (The Spare Room) Venue 88
6 – 30 Aug Not 12, 18/19, 26: 22:25 (1hr)
International hit comedy show, fresh from sell-out shows in Europe and Asia. A hilarious gay takedown of straight sex lives. Self-confessed queer slut, Turan Ali, takes time out from his BBC shows to share alternatives galore, helping straights achieve the sex lives they desire. For LGBTQ+ and straight audiences alike. Further details.