Underbelly launches programme
One of the biggest venues at the Fringe marks its 25th anniversary with the usual selection of comedy, song and dance, acrobatics and the downright bizarre.
A celebration of non-conformity, Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett brings back a flavour of old Berlin decadence, with its roll-call of drag, song & dance, sword swallowing and contortionism.
Kabarett provocateur Bernie and her haus band promise a debauched night of breathtaking circus at its most provocative and hilarious best.
Audience advice: this performance contains participation, full nudity, scenes of a sexual nature, strobe lighting, strong language.
Underbelly Circus Hub on the Meadows
1-23 August (not 11, 18)
While we’re in circus mode, the Revel Puck Circus returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with three bold productions, showcasing their signature blend of world-class circus, infectious humour, and inclusive spirit for a family audience.
The Nose Dive Assembly will showcase laughs for all the family every afternoon at The Lafayette. Everyone is invited to a “blazingly eclectic” with THE RUCKUS every afternoon at The Beauty. Finally, a reimagined version of the beloved children’s tale The Ugly Duckling: A Circus Story will entertain the festival’s younger audiences every morning at The Beauty, with a circus show “perfectly paced for children”.
Check programme for dates
Among other performances, Black Blues Brothers: Let’s Twist Again! features a troupe of Blues Brothers attired acrobats who jump through hoops and looks like an enjoyable show, while Joe Sutherland is listed as one of the comedy highlights, though he relies on gender-driven material that has become a bit predictable (Ermintrude, Bristo Square). Garry Starr: Classic Penguins (Underbelly, George Square) is a lavatorial take on various classic works of fiction. For some reason he appears naked from the waste down. Poor taste, but some in the media preview audience seemed unable to contain their laughter. It’s a personal choice. Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not To Come (Cowbarn, Bristo Square) will appeal to those also fond of playground humour. Before this pair finished their act we decided it was time to go home.
Eric Liddell and Chariots of Fire talks
The Eric Liddell Community has announced a series of events, including talks focused on Eric Liddell and Chariots of Fire to interactive family shows, and wine tastings.
Tje programme creates a unique opportunity to engage with the life of “The Flying Scotsman” and the organisation’s vital work in the local community and beyond.
Officially recognised as Fringe Venue 235, The Eric Liddell Community will be open from 1 to 25 August with the ‘Eric Liddell: Legacy of an Olympic Legend’ Exhibition being on display throughout the festival.
The exhibition, which was initially unveiled at the Scottish Parliament in 2024, celebrates “The Flying Scotsman” from his sporting achievements and success at the 1924 Paris Olympics, to the lesser-known story of his life in China.
On the 6 and the 15 August, Sue Caton will give a talk on the life of her uncle Eric Liddell, using family photos The hub will also host to a talk exploring the life and legacy of Eric Liddell, delivered by Professor Dr Grant Jarvie, chair of Sport at the University of Edinburgh, on the 13 August.
Tom McNab returns with ‘The Making of Chariots of Fire’, giving rare insights into the famous Oscar-winning film, from how scenes were filmed to how the actors prepared for their roles as Olympic runners.
On 22 August, The Eric Liddell Community hosts a wine tasting and quiz led by Rom Gueret of Drinkmongers at Bruntsfield. Guests will have the chance to sample a selection of fine wines while taking part in a quiz, with all proceeds going towards supporting the charity and community hub.
Beyond the Fringe…
Innis & Gunn Stockbridge food and drink event
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn is returning to Stockbridge to host an open-air food and drink event.
Stockbridge Social, which opens Friday (1 August) is on the site of the Neighbourhood Market.
Two years ago the company launched the Beer Garden Games at the market on the Edinburgh Accies Sports Ground.
Dougal Gunn Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn, said: “We’re incredibly proud to play a big part in the fabric of Scotland’s capital – from the Highland Show to the Fringe to the Christmas market – and the fact we have this incredible opportunity to take over the market in Stockbridge is unbelievably exciting. It’s a very proud moment for us!
“With the Fringe returning and Oasis coming to town, Edinburgh is electric and we’re cock-a-hoop to be part of it all.”
Stockbridge Social will run daily throughout August, with free entry seven days per week. The venue is dog-friendly and family-friendly, with shaded seating and a laid-back community feel.
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