EdFringe 2026: Musicals and Opera

Aug 5 2026 | By Thom Dibdin More

Edinburgh-made musical theatre & opera at #EdFringe 2026

Edinburgh companies are as well represented as ever in the Musicals section of the fringe programme, with 37 different productions – thanks largely to the 12 musicals being staged by Captivate and a further 7 at Hill Street.

But there are some new works here as well. We are always interested to find out what Thaddeus Buttrey is going to do next, in this case it is Who We Are Now. Then Old’n’Dead Productions have their takes on things of yesterday year, in both Burke’n’Hare: Let the Bodies Hit the Floor and the return of Charles II: Living Libido Loca.

A couple more completely new works come with MB Musicals’ This Little Thing of Ours while Happy Sad Productions make sure you know its bright and shiny and never been seen before from the title with Moving On: A New Musical.

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 theatre productions by Edinburgh’s amateur companies.

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.

Musicals and Opera

A Brief History of Musical Theatre
Edinburgh Music Theatre
Edinburgh New Town Church (The Sanctuary) Venue 111
12 – 14 Aug: 19:45 (1hr 30m)
Journey through 150 years of musical theatre in this vibrant revue, blending iconic songs, choreography and storytelling. From operetta to modern hits, it celebrates the evolution of this beloved art form. Further details.

A Chorus Line
Edinburgh Little Theatre
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Grand Hall) Venue 7
7 – 30 Aug: 15:10 (2hrs 20m)
At a high-stakes Broadway audition, a director compels dancers to reveal the stories behind their steps. As love, loss and ambition surface, the finale forces each to choose between standing out or disappearing into the chorus. Further details.

Afternoon Arias
Brian Bannatyne-Scott, Beth Taylor and friends
Edinburgh New Town Church (The Sanctuary) Venue 111
14/08/26: 14:30 (1hr 15m)
An afternoon concert of French operatic highlights, performed by Brian Bannatyne-Scott, the distinguished Scottish Bass, Beth Taylor, the fabulous Scottish Mezzo and three brilliant young professional singers, accompanied by the mercurial pianist, Michal Gajzler. Further details.

All Shook Up
Sound Events Scotland
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Lower Hall) Venue 7
7 – 30 Aug: 18:15 (2hrs 15m)
Chad rolls into town, causes havoc and leads the teenagers to challenge authority. This Elvis musical is fast-paced, totally enjoyable and a great listen as this talented cast bring it to life! A feel-good buzz this Fringe! Further details.

American Idiot
Sound Events Scotland
Braw Venues @ Hill Street (Alba Theatre) Venue 41
7 – 30 Aug: 20:00 (1hr 50m)
Green Day’s brilliant high-energy, stonking soundtrack musical is back! We follow the journeys of Johnny, Will and Tunney through new and lost love, confronting their demons. This music is a rollercoaster of emotions. Rock lovers must see. Further details.

And They Played Shang-A-Lang
Edinburgh Little Theatre
Braw Venues @ Hill Street (Alba Theatre) Venue 41
7 – 30 Aug: 14:00 (1hr)
Back by popular demand. We follow Jim’s life story as he navigates through school discos, first love and high school life. This fantastic show is a Fringe must for all generations. It’s Edinburgh’s story!! Further details.

Avenue Q
Sound Events Scotland
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Lower Hall) Venue 7
7 – 30 Aug: 20:50 (2hrs 5m)
Back by popular demand, our sell-out show of puppet mayhem, Avenue Q, returns. Set in the heart of New York, we follow Princeton as he struggles through life and love. A great show not for the easily offended. Further details.

Burke’n’Hare: Let the Bodies Hit the Floor
Old’n’Dead Productions, Edinburgh Rep Company / PBH’s Free Fringe
PBH’s Free Fringe @ CC Blooms (LAB) Venue 171
8 – 30 Aug (Even dates, not 28): 17:30 (1hr)
Making a living in 1820s Edinburgh can be killer, especially if you’re our two Irish immigrants. Join us for a surprisingly accurate retelling of the story of Burke, Hare, bodysnatching and Dr Knox. Further details.

Carnegie
Edinburgh Little Theatre
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Grand Hall) Venue 7
7 – 30 Aug : 19:00 (2hrs)
This is the story of Andrew Carnegie, one of Scotland’s greatest sons. The story tells the final moments of his life as he is confronted with his choices. Heaven or hell? A great musical, not to be missed. Further details.

Carrie: The Musical
Edinburgh University Footlights
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
17 – 22 Aug : 18:25 (2hrs 30m)
Carrie, a social outcast rigorously controlled by her religious mother, discovers the power of telekinesis. See what happens when Carrie is pushed too far by her bullies on the most anticipated night of the year: Senior prom… Further details.

Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci
Aria Alba – Opera For All
Stockbridge Church (Church Hall (including balcony)) Venue 317
12 – 15 Aug : 19:00 (3hrs)
Edinburgh’s leading community opera presents the classic double bill. Jake Zualski’s new production, under musical leadership of RCS graduates Suzanne Godet and Max McWirther, recontextualizes these stories of love and betrayal for first-timers and seasoned fans. Further details.

Charles II: Living Libido Loca
Old’n’Dead Productions, Edinburgh Rep Company / PBH’s Free Fringe
PBH’s Free Fringe @ CC Blooms (LAB) Venue 171
19 – 30 Aug (Not 28): 20:00 (1hr)
He didn’t start the Great Fire of 1666, but he may light yours. Charles II is back again in this surprisingly accurate comedy musical about the life and libido of Charles II. Party anyone? Further details.

Chicago Teen Edition
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
10 – 16 Aug : 16:45 (1hr 45m)
Come and see our insanely talented young performers in this bold, dazzling and exciting musical. ‘One of the best things I have ever seen in musical theatre’ (Fringe Fan Johnny). (Amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals). Further details.

Come From Away
Captivate Theatre
Assembly Rooms (Ballroom) Venue 20
19 – 30 Aug : 14:20 (1hr 45m)
We are bringing this incredible show back and this time to the Assembly Ballroom! We sold out a few days into the run last year, so get those tickets booked for this unforgettable musical. Further details.

Dear Evan Hansen
Captivate Theatre
Assembly Rooms (Ballroom) Venue 20
6 – 17 Aug : 14:20 (1hr 45m)
A Fringe premiere! A powerful musical about loneliness, belonging and the lies we tell to feel seen. Soaring songs and raw emotion, it follows a teenager whose mistake unexpectedly connects him to others, changing lives forever. Further details.

Disney’s Frozen The Musical
Forth Children’s Theatre
Broughton High School (Main Theatre) Venue 318
4 – 8 Aug : 19:00 (2hrs 15m)
Forth Children’s Theatre return to the Fringe with Disney’s Frozen The Musical. Full of magic, humour and a stunning score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance and finding the real meaning of true love. Further details.

Dune! The Musical
Dan Collins / PBH’s Free Fringe
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms (Ballroom) Venue 68b
8 – 30 Aug : 13:25 (1hr)
A one-man show of ‘remarkable intensity’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com), back for its fourth Fringe. Gurney Halleck shares his story, blending comedy, tragedy and melody. Forget everything you know about Arrakis and get ready for Dune! The Musical… Further details.

Edinburgh Days
Belt Of Celt
St Bride’s Community Centre (Auditorium) Venue 412
4 – 30 Aug (Not 9, 17, 24): 19:30 (2hrs 15m)
Epic Celt-Rock musical of passion, betrayal and twisted romance is a must-see theatrical rollercoaster. Created by Blood Brothers director Bob Tomson, and Brian Spence, whose songs have been recorded by Michael Ball, Dusty Springfield and The Tremeloes Further details.

Elizabeth I: Regina Vagina
Edinburgh Rep Company, Old’n’Dead Productions. Erstwhile Media, PBH’s Free Fringe
PBH’s Free Fringe @ CC Blooms (LAB) Venue 171
9 – 29 Aug (Odd dates only): 17:30 (1hr)
Was Queen Elizabeth I really a virgin? How good was Mary Queen of Scots’ head game? Is that Bram Stoker? Find out in this surprisingly accurate (Horrible Histories-inspired) musical comedy. Further details.

High School Musical
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
5 – 16 Aug : 19:00 (2hrs)
From the team that brought you the smash hit 13! in 2025. The students of East High discover the power of believing in themselves and each other. ‘The company you can trust to do things well’ (ThreeWeeks). Further details.

Honk! JR
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
5 – 16 Aug : 13:45 (1hr)
A heartwarming adaptation of The Ugly Duckling. With charm, memorable songs and colourful characters, this joyful musical celebrates being different. A great show for all the family. ‘The company you can trust to do things well’ (ThreeWeeks). Further details.

Into the Woods
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Main Hall) Venue 70
5 – 16 Aug : 14:00 (2hrs 30m)
Step into a fairy tale; into tangled woods, where wishes come true – at a cost. Bold production of one of Sondheim’s most beloved musicals. ‘With so little, Captivate creates so much spectacle’ (TheWeeReview.com). Further details.

Les Misérables School Edition
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Main Hall) Venue 70
5 – 16 Aug (Not 11, 15): Various times (2hrs 30m)
Captivate’s production has performed to thousands, with sell-out crowds, standing ovations, and five-star reviews. Don’t be put off by School Edition: ‘blows every musical at the Fringe completely out of the water’ (TheReviewsHub.com). Further details.

Little Shop of Horrors
Sound Events Scotland
Braw Venues @ Hill Street (Alba Theatre) Venue 41
7 – 30 Aug : 11:30 (2hrs 15m)
This delectable sci-fi horror musical with fantastic music is a brilliant family watch as Seymour finds a plant and it grows and grows but what is it eating? Great songs, great acting. A must-see. Further details.

Matilda Junior
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
5 – 16 Aug : 10:30 (1hr 15m)
Captivate Theatre’s brilliant, five-star Matilda is back after a sell-out run in 2025. ‘This is a really charming and likeable show, a satisfying and accomplished piece from this prolific community theatre company’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). Further details.

Moving On: A New Musical
Happy Sad Productions
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
24 – 30 Aug : 18:45 (2hrs)
A new musical exploring the spooky, silly and sentimental! When three siblings are tasked with clearing out their old teacher’s house after a bizarre accident, they find more than they bargained for amongst the boxes… Further details.

Newsies JR
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
5 – 16 Aug : 15:15 (1hr)
Inspired by the true story of New York’s newsboys, the charismatic Jack Kelly leads a strike for justice in this stirring, high-energy tale of unity and courage. ‘The company you can trust to do things well’ (ThreeWeeks). Further details.

Next to Normal
Bare Productions
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
7 – 15 Aug : Various times (2hrs 20m)
Following a string of five-star, sell-out shows, Bare Productions return with Next to Normal, the Tony and Pulitzer-winning musical exploring love, loss and family, packed with soaring songs, dark humour and emotional punch. Further details.

Rent
Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group
Paradise in Augustines (Sanctuary) Venue 152
24 – 30 Aug : 15:25 (2hrs 30m)
The opposite of war isn’t peace, it’s creation. Larson’s rock musical follows 525,600 minutes in the lives of young artists in 1990s New York as they attempt to create in the face of poverty, eviction and the AIDS crisis. Further details.

Sunshine on Leith
Captivate Theatre
Assembly Rooms (Music Hall) Venue 20
6 – 30 Aug : 19:10 (1hr 30m)
Captivate Theatre’s five-star, vibrant, energetic, emotional sell-out production is in the Music Hall! ‘Toe-tapping and filled with hometown love, Sunshine on Leith… at the Assembly Rooms is fun and energetic’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). Further details.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Main Hall) Venue 70
5 – 16 Aug (Not 11, 15): 17:00 (2hrs 15m)
Hunchback is back in a new and exciting space. ‘Bold direction, stylish design, thoughtful musicianship, explosive choreography and heart-breaking drama… an exhilarating and powerful theatrical experience’ (Playbill 2023). ‘Bravo!’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com). Further details.

The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Magnusson Theatre) Venue 70
5 – 16 Aug : 12:15 (1hr)
An explosion of colour, comedy and catchy songs. Perfect for families, packed with heart, this adventure will leave you grinning from Bikini Bottom to Royal Mile. ‘The company you trust to do things well’ (ThreeWeeks). Further details.

This Little Thing of Ours
MB Musicals
theSpace @ Venue 45 (Venue 45) Venue 45
14 – 22 Aug (Not Sun 16): 22:30 (1hr)
A rising mobster makes his play for the top job, and the old guard aren’t ready to hand over the cannoli. Welcome to the family business! An original Mafia musical comedy. Further details.

To Broadway and Back Again
The Bohemians Lyric Opera Company
Edinburgh New Town Church (The Sanctuary) Venue 111
27 – 28 Aug: 19:30 (2hrs)
Join the Bohemians as they take you To Broadway and Back Again in this fun filled musical revue. Featuring music from Kinky Boots, Come from Away, Sister Act, Les Misérables and many more! Further details.

Who We Are Now
Thaddeus Buttrey
theSpace @ Niddry St (Lower Theatre) Venue 9
24 – 29 Aug: 21:05 (1hr 30m)
Part rock concert, part coming-of-age drama, this gripping new musical follows young musicians haunted by their past. With a bold, genre-blending score, this electrifying show explores ambition, identity and the struggle to move forward. Further details.

Will Pickvance: Piano Diaries
Will Pickvance
Pianodrome at St Oswald’s Centre (Pianodrome) Venue 344
6 – 30 Aug (Not 10, 17/18, 24/25): 18:00 (1hr)
Fragments of life, memory and absurdity played out at the piano. Performed in the spectacular Pianodrome, the world’s first amphitheatre made entirely from pianos, this is a uniquely immersive and memorable Fringe experience. Further details.