FLIP FABRIQUE . Credit: EMMANUEL BURRIEL
Underbelly at 25: Theatre, Chaos, Chickens & Camp Galore!
Darlings, it’s Grace here – your backstage pass to the Edinburgh Fringe, and I’ve got some absolute scorchers from the team at Underbelly, who are celebrating 25 years at the beating heart of the biggest, boldest, and occasionally barmiest arts festival on Earth. That’s a quarter-century of serving up everything from world premieres to weird puppet chickens – and they’re not slowing down now.
So, what’s on the bill this birthday year? Buckle in…
Mythos: Ragnarök is back and bigger than ever. It’s Norse mythology meets full-blown wrestling – and yes, it’s as gloriously chaotic as it sounds. Muscles, mythology, and a bit of method acting thrown in for good measure. Shakespeare in a headlock? We love to see it.
Brown Girls Do It Too leaps from podcast to stage with Poppy and Rubina airing all the glorious, awkward and oh-so-relatable stories of growing up British Asian. First loves, family politics and, yes, first orgasms – served with sass and smarts.
The Untapped Award is spotlighting boundary-pushing new writing – and babes, the Fringe wouldn’t be the Fringe without a bit of gloriously unhinged theatre.
- In JEEZUS!, Catholic guilt meets an unexpected crush on a crucified Christ (honestly, only at Fringe).
- Pigs Fly Easy Ryan gives us crash fetishists on a doomed flight – don’t ask, just go.
- Ways of Knowing is a surreal journey through mystic caves and Victorian tech, proving once again that Edinburgh is the only place where you can spelunk emotionally and theatrically.
Real-life reckonings? You bet.
- WANTED by Eleanor Higgins dives into women, justice, and making peace with the past.
- Saria Callas is a raw, lyrical piece about growing up in Tehran, forbidden to sing, and raising a child in modern-day London.
- RED INK, co-produced by Elliot Page, follows a trans Argentinian activist seeking faith and fire in equal measure.
- And The Monkeypox Gospel blends journalism and theatre in a show that’s tender, brave, and gloriously queer.
ALTAR tackles friendship, queerness and identity at a wedding with a twist.
KINDER sends a drag clown into children’s storytime – and no, it’s not what the Daily Mail thinks. It’s funny, powerful, and defiant.
I Dream in Colour tells the story of blindness, autonomy, and the power of reclaiming your body.
A Small Town Northern Tale is one big hug to working-class heritage and mixed-race identity in the north.
Then there’s the global stories:
- DREAMGIRL traces a Syrian refugee journey through Europe.
- Don’t Tell Dad About Diana – an Irish drag spectacular with added political tension.
Puppetry and chaos? Yes please.
- Space Hippo is a space romp with shadow puppets and an eco-message.
- SHUNGA ALERT dives into Japanese sexual culture with cheeky humour and on-stage antics.
SWAN? turns Swan Lake on its ruffled head using ballet, clowning, and heartbreak.
CADEL: Lungs on Legs is a whole play on a bike. Literally. No idea how they do it – but I’ll be there, pedalling emotionally from row three.
Family dramas? Plenty.
- Yes, We’re Related has dysfunctional sisters, motherly mayhem and emotional mess.
- Eggs Aren’t That Easy To Make – lesbians, sperm donors and romcom realness.
- David and Katie Get Re-Married – yes, again. And this time with advice.
Back by public demand:
- I AM series returns with Afrofuturistic tech and stories that shimmer with soul.
- Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse For England – you know you’re going.
- 3 Chickens Confront Existence – absurdist poultry at its philosophical finest.
Faust gets a makeover:
- The Faustus Project stars a different actor each night who literally sells their soul for stage time.
- Undersigned asks you – yes you – what you’re willing to give up for what you want. Intriguing. Sinful. Tempting.
Scottish theatre’s showing up strong too:
- Going Soft gives you bar lads turning soft-play tycoons.
- DESPERATE WEE GAY BOY explores London’s queer club culture through a Scottish lens.
- And Mary, Queen of Rock!… oh my actual god, she’s a rock star now. Scotland bans Rock ‘n’ Roll, Mary says, “Get tae.”
Want absurdist furniture-based comedy? You’re in luck.
- Furniture Boys – boyfriends become armchairs. It’s breakup therapy with cushions.
- Sluts With Consoles – inspired by real women in gaming, it’s rowdy, riotous, and wildly overdue.
Festival goers can purchase tickets from today via the Underbelly website: www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk
See you in the purple cow, darling. I’ll be the one clutching a cider and quietly weeping during the puppet show.
— Grace x
Second Act Couriers – bringing the drama and probably a chicken or two.
About the Author
Thanks for sharing! See you at CADEL: Lungs On Legs 🚴♂️