Pleasance Theatre Trust has announced its initial 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, marking its 42nd year at the heart of the world’s largest arts festival. Following a record-breaking season of award wins, the Pleasance returns with a wide-ranging line-up of comedy, theatre and dance across the Courtyard, Dome and EICC.
This year’s Fringe will feature Bliss, a major new musical from the Olivier Award-winning producers of Cabaret and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Featuring seventeen West End performers, the show promises a bold pop-rock score and a sharp twist on classic fairy-tale storytelling.
From the Las Vegas Strip comes Hoax, the latest show from Colin Cloud. Packed with psychological illusions and mind-bending mentalism, the production challenges audience perceptions at every turn.
Comedy remains at the core of the Pleasance offering. Joseph Morpurgo returns with Highlander 70, while Sophie Duker brings Hot Beef Injection, a provocative new hour exploring sex and privilege. Rosie Jones will present I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying, tackling everything from dating to public perception with her signature charm.
Elf Lyons arrives with Elf Lyons is The Woman on the Edge, an autobiographical whirlwind of observational comedy, and Olga Koch debuts Fat Tom Cruise. Jordan Brookes premieres The Part of You That’s Always Screaming, while long-running favourite NewsRevue offers its latest satirical take on global chaos.
Audiences can also look forward to rising voices including Maia Tassalini with I Was 22 and Stunning, Dane Buckley’s debut hour, and Dom McGovern’s Prize Hog.
International cult hit Garry Starr: Classic Penguins returns with its chaotic, partially-clothed literary odyssey, and several improvisation favourites are back for 2026. Kiell Smith-Bynoe presents Kool Story Bro with a rotating celebrity guest. David Elms returns with David Elms Describes a Room, and Showstopper! The Improvised Musical once more creates a brand-new musical every performance. Paul Merton and Suki Webster also return with their improv show.
The EICC will again host Trainspotting Live, its immersive, visceral staging of Irvine Welsh’s modern classic. Long-running lunchtime favourite Best of Edinburgh Showcase celebrates its 21st year, and the Tartan Ribbon Comedy Benefit returns to raise vital funds for Waverley Care.
More shows will be announced as Pleasance prepares another dynamic and wide-reaching season of comedy, theatre, circus, magic, dance and family work, along with its artist development programme Pleasance Futures.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.Â
