With seven shows already on sale, excitement has been building as more incredible artists join the line-up at the Pleasance Theatre Trust. The Pleasance’s summer programme will be filled with comedy, theatre, cabaret, and family productions across the 25 performance spaces at the Courtyard, the Dome, and the EICC. Regarded by many as the very heart of the festival, the Pleasance’s 41st festival will not fail to delight.
Comedy
Incredible comedians return to the Pleasance this summer. The Kiwi icon, Rhys Darby, is back after 13 years with The Legend Returns, a new stand-up show for 2025. Josie Long presents Now Is The Time Of Monsters, a new show about discovery, wonder, extinction, and how to walk through a landscape of monstrous disaster. Kiell Smith-Bynoe brings his all-star improv show, Kool Story Bro, back for a strictly limited run. Chloe Petts delves into new territory with Big Naturals, a show about sex. Andy Parsons returns with Please #@!$ Off To Mars. Marjolein Robertson shares personal stories in the final instalment of her trilogy, combining folklore with stand-up.
Elf Lyons brings back her critically acclaimed Bird Trilogy for one final time. Deirdre O’Kane mines hilarity from the human condition in O’Kaning It. Kathy Maniura presents The Cycling Man, a goofy drag king show. Hal Cruttenden’s new show, Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It, promises to stick it to ‘The Man’. The Pleasance continues to champion superb new acts with exciting newcomers like Simple Town, Seaton Smith, Hasan Al-Habib, Ada & Bron, and Racing Minds.
Theatre and Musicals
Much-loved and lauded companies return to the Fringe this year. Bury The Hatchet is an irreverently presented, knee-slapping ensemble show from Out of the Forest Theatre. The Uncrackable Case is a wild, hilarious musical from the Lawrence Batley Theatre. Gigglemug Theatre presents A Jaffa Cake Musical. Cartoonopolis returns for its 10-year anniversary. Falling: A Disabled Love Story follows Aaron’s journey to understand his new body in the uncertain world of first loves, online dating, and sex.
Children’s Shows
The Pleasance Theatre Trust is committed to all-round family entertainment. The Kidzone in the Courtyard is packed with fun craft activities, toys, picnic tables, and a buggy park. Doktor Kaboom’s new show, Under Pressure, is fit to burst with astonishing live science experiments, stand-up comedy, and lessons in empowerment. You’re an Instrument is a funny interactive all-ages family show exploring the history of sound and music.
With more shows to be announced over the coming months, there will be comedy, theatre, circus, magic, dance, kids’ shows, and much more. Listings and ticket information can be found here.
