Struggling to choose what to see at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe? We don’t blame you! With thousands to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start. Here’s our second pick of the Fringe for Theatre, we’ve chosen these because we know the company behind the show, or we’ve seen a preview, or just have a gut feel it will be good. Got your own pick of the fringe? Tell us in the comments below and don’t forget to check out our guide to surviving this year’s Edinburgh Festival.
See all our Edinburgh Fringe Previews
Hamilton (Lewis) at Assembly George Square Studios
Aug 1-7, 9-14, 16-21, 23-26
Hamilton (Lewis) is the epic story of a self-starter who worked a lot harder, by being a lot faster, born and raised in Stevenage, the most successful British F1 driver in the history of the sport. Blending hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R’n’B and Broadway, discover the petrol-fueled thrills and spills of the life of Hamilton (Lewis) then, as told by Hamilton (Lewis) now. A brand-new musical parody guaranteed to have you in hysterics all the way to the finish line. Not in any way endorsed by Lin-Manuel Miranda… or Hamilton… (Lewis)… or the Pussycat Dolls.
3 Years, 1 Week and a Lemon Drizzle at Underbelly Bristo Square
Aug 1-12, 14-27
3 Years, 1 Week and a Lemon Drizzle examines the relationship between two sisters and how their close bond was affected when one of them was diagnosed with a severe eating disorder as a teenager. Recalling touching memories, laugh-out-loud anecdotes and Mars bars, this searingly frank and painfully funny two-hander examines what it’s like to live with a loved one and their mental illness.
You Only Live Forever at Assembly George Square Studios
Aug 2-13, 15-27
Two lovers. One elixir. Everlasting consequences… The creators of five-star sell-out hit, In Tents and Purposes (SOHO Theatre/UK Tour), return to compete with their egos in a new comedy play about the reality of living for eternity. ‘A breath of fresh air’ (Times). ‘An hour well spent in the company of two future stars’ (Sunday Mail). ‘Very funny stuff and the performances are excellent’ (Daily Mail). ‘Daft enjoyable meta-theatre comedy’ (Guardian). ‘One of the most enjoyable theatrical experiences I’ve encountered so far at the Fringe this year’ (Scotsman). Funny Women/Comedy Central UK award runner-up.
Picasso’s Women at The Fruitmarket Gallery
Aug 13-20, 22-26
Picasso’s Women features a series of monologues and confessionals performed by three of the most influential women in the early life of seminal 20th Century artistic genius, Picasso.
In Loyal Company at Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-27
The incredible true story of missing WWII soldier Arthur Robinson by David William Bryan and Sascha Moore. Declared missing after his ship is sunk during the Battle of Singapore in 1942, this epic untold tale of survival is a one-man powerhouse performance presented by the team behind Trashed in 2017.
VELVET at Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-13, 15-27
Tom has always dreamt of being a successful actor, and now after years of disappointment he is finally presented with his golden opportunity… and an impossible decision to make. Set against the backdrop of the 2017 #MeToo movement, VELVET explores the complex realities of harassment within the industry and how far a person is willing to go to achieve their dreams. However, when most creatives are riding the wave of change, will Tom’s opportunity slip through his fingers? VELVET is written and performed by Tom Ratcliffe.
Entropy at Underbelly The Dairy Room
Aug 1-12, 14-27
Sam, 19, with a confidence that borders on arrogance, turns up unannounced and unwelcome at Barbara’s door after an absence of many years. Barbara, 36 and living alone, is startled and unsettled as this spectre from the past demands admission.
Diary of an Expat at Underbelly Cowgate
Aug 2-12, 14-26
Diary of an Expat is a relevant and thought-provoking one-woman show, directed by Katharina Reinthaller (Labels, Fringe First Winner 2015), telling the comic story of the encounter between modern migrant Cecilia and London – a contemporary El Dorado craved by generations of young Europeans.
The Red Shoes at Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-18
A reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, the ‘superbly talented’ (List) Young Pleasance bring the glitz, glamour, and seedy underworld of interwar Berlin to life with characteristic high production values, ‘sheer professionalism and talent’ (EdinburghGuide.com). Follow Lotta as her Red Shoes lead her on a rags-to-riches journey from the steps of the orphanage through the hedonism of its dance halls, and finally as an actress on the silver screen as Germany teeters on the brink of disaster. Vivaciously light with disturbingly dark undertones.
Ken at Pleasance Dome
Aug 1-12, 14-19, 21-27
Following highly successful runs at Hampstead Downstairs and The Bunker, Terry Johnson’s Ken now comes to its spiritual home in Edinburgh. Marking the ten year anniversary of the death of Ken Campbell, Ken pays tribute to the maverick writer and theatre director.
