13 top shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025, recommended by experts
It’s Edinburgh Fringe 2025. From the sea of famous faces doing limited runs and one-night-only shows to the iconic La Clique in the Spiegeltent, returning to St Andrew Square with a special show for its 21st birthday, we’re up for it all.
We’ve broken down this year’s Edinburgh Fringe into an eclectic mix of some of the best shows to see, handpicked by the people who work in the venues.
So, in no particular order…
Find out more about the Edinburgh Fringe 2025 here
Cabaret, circus and music…
Frisky’s Reshuffle
Where Assembly George Square Gardens When 30 Jul – 24 Aug, 21:55
A wild solo debut from one half of Frisky & Mannish; genre-bending cabaret, powerhouse vocals, and no two shows the same.
27 Club
Where Assembly Rooms, Music Hall When 31 Jul – 24 Aug, 20:35
Joplin, Cobain, Hendrix, Winehouse…A rocking tribute to the icons we lost too soon performed by top Aussie talent.
Where Underbelly Circus Hub on The Meadows When 2nd – 23rd Aug 14:05
World-class Quebec circus meets emotional storytelling in a poetic performance about connection and chance encounters.
Where The Beauty Spiegeltent, Underbelly Circus Hub When 2nd – 23rd Aug, 19:20
Berlin-style debauchery with live music, aerial acts, fire-breathing and dark humour. Not one for the faint of heart.
The Genesis
Where Assembly Hall, Main Hall When 31 Jul – 25 Aug, 12:30
17 international acrobats. One empty stage. A breathtaking hour of high-flying physical theatre for all the family.
Comedy shows with belly laughs guaranteed
Rachel Galvo – The Shite Feminist
Where Pleasance Dome When 30th July – 24th Aug, 19:00
A rising star with razor-sharp delivery and a big future.
Jack Docherty: The Chief – Still No Apologies
Where Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower When 1 – 17 Aug, 19:00
The Absolutely and Scot Squad star is back. Still grumpy. Still not apologising.
Alana Jackson – Last Orders
Where Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower When 30 Jul – 24 Aug, 17:00
Glasgow’s freshest voice on the Fringe and Winner of So You Think You’re Funny 2024.
Where Gilded Balloon Patter House When until 25 Aug, 16:20
Forget trauma dumps and deep dives, Edinburgh based comedian Hannah Campbell is a little bit naughty and a very funny storyteller. A festival find.
Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not To Come
Where Underbelly Bristo Square When 1 – 26 Aug, 16:00
From hit BBC podcast to stage, Poppy and Rubina explore sex, identity and breaking taboos. It’s honest, detailed and funny.
Where Assembly Rooms Bijou When 31 July -24 Aug, 18:10
A wine tasting meets stand-up show. Five wines, five jokes, and plenty of Fringe spirit.
Late’n’Live
Where Gilded Balloon Patter House When 1 – 25 Aug, 23:00
The Fringe’s original late-night comedy mash-up. Raucous, unpredictable, and a great night out
