Credit: Mark Riffee
(Absolutely not another sodding guide to the Edinburgh Fringe)
By Grace Hatchell | Theatre Village
Alright, theatre lovers, here we bloomin’ well go – it’s nearly here! Edinburgh Fringe 2025 is just one week away, and I know some of you are already flapping between five tabs trying to figure out what to book before your budget gives out and your feet give up. Don’t worry, darling – Auntie Grace has done the legwork (in her most colourful socks) so you don’t have to.
This isn’t your usual dry, copy-paste list of shows from someone who’s never climbed the Cowgate steps with a coffee in one hand and a panic attack in the other. No, pet – this is the chaotic, cheeky, and curated guide to the Fringe. No waffle, just wonder. So buckle your boots – here’s the shows you actually want to see.
irst up: Grace’s Top Picks of the Fringe
(Yes, they’re on the front page, but you came here for the sparkle.)
- The Unfair Advantage
- Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence
- Lizzy Sunshine
- Penelope Quadrangle and the Power of Friendship
- Jaffa Cake: The Musical
- The Uncrackable Case
- Me and My Year of Casual Monasticism
- Ghosted: A New Musical
- Hot Mess
- Rodney Black: Who Cares? It’s Working
Hidden Gems & Must-Sees
Exposure Therapy – Nicole Nadler
You know how I feel about Nicole — she’s Fringe family at this point. We featured her last year because she was brilliant, and now she’s back with a concept so bonkers, it just might be genius. In Exposure Therapy, Nicole tackles every fear she’s ever had… live… on stage… with no script. The audience submits their fears anonymously on post-it notes, and Nicole uses them to create the show in real time.
It’s raw, risky, and gloriously human.
As Nicole says: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you truly are” — so bring your deepest fears and a spare pair of knickers. This is the kind of theatre that punches you in the heart and hugs you after. We adore her bravery, her brains, and her brilliantly bonkers commitment to honesty. Go see it, and tell her Grace sent you.
Erin McKinnie – Deep Heat
Back again with her Scottish sass and cruise-ship confessions. She’s got a mic, a dream, and a bag full of songs about sugar daddies and shipmates. Comedy + cabaret = absolute yes from me.
Spirit of the Favela
Cabaret, acrobatics, and Brazilian brilliance in a Spiegel tent… at The Gyle. Yes, the Fringe is taking over shopping centres now. Wild. But it’s vibrant, vivid and a proper vibe.
Dial 1 For UK
Call centre chaos meets crushed dreams. Mohit Mathur’s debut is poignant, political, and painfully funny. You’ll laugh, then sob, then call your mum.
VOTE: The Musical
Suffragettes, sisterhood, and songs that stir your soul. Feminist fire meets West End-worthy tunes. Created by a girl with a dream – now that’s the energy we love.
An Ode to Rabbie Burns
A whisky-soaked night of haggis, history and poetry in the Tolbooth Tavern. Bagpipes and Cranachan included. Wear your stretchy trousers and bring your heart – and maybe a flask.
Chickadee
Sexy clown goes viral and society spirals – Feride Morçay’s surreal solo show mixes joy with judgement, and might just break your heart in the best way. Bonus points: supports Comic Relief.
Pandora: A Tragicomic Greek Romp
Gods, monsters and a suspiciously shiny box – a punchy myth makeover from some very talented teens crossing the pond. Expect laughs and existential dread.
Never Not Forever – The Leeds Tealights
Sketchy, scrappy, sensational. The Tealights are back with boyband chaos, school disco trauma, and jokes faster than you can say “Flat Stanley went bankrupt.” Long live the kings and queens of Fringe sketch.
Dirty Work – Jessica Barton
Mary Floppins is here to clean up your emotional mess. Aussie clowning meets ex-boyfriend exorcisms. Best newcomer for a reason – don’t miss it.
DeliaDelia! The Flat Chested Witch!
Basketball meets witch trials meets gender commentary. Emily Weitzman and Amando Houser are here to take your expectations, dress them up in a lampshade, and set them free.
Rock of Ages – Bare Productions
It’s back! It’s loud! It’s nearly sold out! Get in quick if you fancy some leather, lashes and ludicrous power ballads. Paradise in Augustines won’t know what hit it.
Cats Parasite
Satirical, scandalous and slightly unhinged. Queer love and political plotting with dance breaks? Sign me up. This one’s as filthy and fabulous as fringe theatre should be.
Pat Rascal: Space Gravy
Three performers, one dream: send Yorkshire to Mars. It’s daft. It’s delightful. It’s probably the best use of props and pride this side of the Pennines.
Milk on the Side: A Barista Musical
Karen customers, crushed dreams, and coffee-shop confessions. You are literally part of the set in this immersive musical. I went in for the latte. I stayed for the emotional devastation.
Grace’s Final Words of Fringe Wisdom
- Book early, but leave room for impulse. Some of the best shows are the ones you stumble into after a wrong turn and a flapjack.
- See small venues. They’re where the magic (and the weird) happens.
- Support the debuts. These are future stars. Trust your gut (and my glittering guide).
- And always, always pack plasters. Your feet will hate you, but your soul will be glowing.
So there you have it – from musical witches to cruise-ship crooners, feminist bangers to Yorkshire astronauts – this isn’t just a Fringe. It’s a blooming adventure.
See you on the Royal Mile, darlings. I’ll be the one in the knee-high socks and the flyer-induced paper cuts.
Love always,
Grace x
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