Magic tricks, Palestinian circus, and a ‘kinky Hamlet’: the must-see shows at 2026’s Edinburgh fringe

Ayo Adenekan: Homeland InsecurityTo 30 August, Cab Vol 2 at Monkey Barrel Comedy Following his sellout debut, Black Mediocrity, the Scottish comic and SNL writer is back with a “romantic hour” of finely observed comedy. Think summer romances, chased dreams and messy endings.

Ben Hart: The LabyrinthTo 30 August, Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens The ever surprising magic shows of Ben Hart are always a fringe highlight. With skilful sleight of hand, mind reading and card trickery, he’s good enough to win over any fool who thinks they don’t like magic.

Campitalism: Three Gays Try to Fix the EconomyTo 31 August, Attic at Pleasance Courtyard Three financially illiterate LGBTQ+ people demystify finance in this drag-satire debut from BOY Theatre. There may be no money in the arts, but they’re making art about money. Could be a camp equivalent of The Big Short.

Dee Allum: RaumdeuterTo 30 August, Pleasance Courtyard Dee Allum tackles the World Cup and the trans experience in this follow-up to her debut show, Deadname. What does it mean to cheer for England when it doesn’t feel like you’re getting anything back?

Demi Adejuyigbe Sells OutTo 30 August, Queen Dome at Pleasance Dome Last time he promised audiences one backflip. Now the skilled skit-comedian and writer on The Good Place is ready with his next challenge to complete: becoming famous.

Kwami Odoom and Jack Henry: Support GroupTo 31 August, The Penny at Gilded Balloon Patter House Kwami Odoom (fresh from Soho theatre’s Tender) doesn’t know how to be a dad. Jack Henry (multi-award winner and nominee) doesn’t know how to be “gay, sane and sexy at the same time”. Will their hour of standup offer more clarity?

Lizzy Hoo: Says Hoo?To 30 August, Studio Four at Assembly George Square Studios Oversharing Australian Lizzy Hoo is at the fringe for the first time, thanks to winning a big Melbourne comedy prize. With her two-drinks-in storytelling, you’ll feel like you’re best buds by the end of the show.

Max Olesker: Making the CutTo 30 August, Pleasance Dome This theatre comedy is adapted from Olesker’s memoir, which is about his realisation that he’s not Jewish enough for the Orthodox woman he’s fallen for – and the rollercoaster that follows. From one half of Max & Ivan, the brains behind Clash of the Comics.

SanctuaryTo 31 August, Ace Dome at Pleasance Dome Tracing the hard-fought effort to open an Aids hospice in 90s Suffolk, this time-twisting debut from the National Theatre’s casting director Jacob Sparrow won the exciting new Leodis prize for playwrighting.

Border BodiesTo 30 August, DB3 at Assembly @ Dance Base Part of the fringe’s São Paulo Showcase, Border Bodies features the Brazilian company TF Cia de Dança, whose show explores ideas of community and togetherness.

The PlotTo 31 August, Main Hall at Summerhall After a run of finely tuned fringe hits, writer-director Emma Howlett is back with a tale of radicalised young men and the stories we tell ourselves, as we dive into the foiled gunpowder plot of 1605.

HAMTo 30 August, Old Lab at Summerhall Fringe favourites Hotter Project lied about their last show being their farewell. We’ll forgive them as they return with this “kinky eco-hijacking” of Hamlet. Expect nudity, messy hijinks and some weird feelings about your next ham sandwich.

ShedinburghTo 30 August, Shedinburgh Maybe it’s cheating to pick an entire lineup – but each show here is one night only. Head to the shed for bold new work from the likes of Sam Nicoresti, Inua Ellams and the Femmes of Colo(u)r Comedy Club.

The Palestinian Circus: Step and a HalfTo 29 August, The Lafayette at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows Blending Palestinian folk dance with contemporary circus, this swirling show is a celebration of freedom, heritage and resilience. Presented in partnership with Medical Aid for Palestine.

BadgersTo 30 August, Traverse 2 at Traverse theatre Made by the team behind the Bristol Old Vic’s Outlier, Badgers questions our obsession with true crime. Writer-performer Malaika Kegode leads this shape-shifting show about folk tales, podcasts and the art of letting go.