The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, is a vibrant celebration of creativity, drawing performers from around the globe to Edinburgh each year. The 2024 festival has been a showcase of diverse performances, from intimate solo acts to grand ensemble productions, highlighting the power and innovation of live performance.
This year’s standout shows, as selected by Theatre Weekly’s reviewers, exemplify the festival’s spirit of creativity and excellence. Highlights include Unburdening of Dolly Diamond in cabaret, Ten Thousand Hours in circus, and Abby Wambaugh: The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows in comedy. Each performance offers a unique perspective, contributing to the festival’s dynamic atmosphere.
We want to celebrate every single person that had the courage to come to Edinburgh Fringe and put on a show. Our team of reviewers have come together to compile Theatre Weekly’s Best of the Fest 2023; the performers and productions who made our Fringe unforgettable.
Best Fringe Debut – Really Good Exposure at Underbelly Cowgate
Really Good Exposure gets Best Fringe Debut for its fresh perspective on fame and exploitation. Megan Prescott’s vivid portrayal of Molly captivates audiences, exploring real-life stories with empathy and depth, while masterfully using voice-overs to humanise the character.
Best Cabaret – The Unburdening of Dolly Diamond at Assembly Roxy
The Unburdening of Dolly Diamond picks up Best Cabaret for its masterful representation of classic drag, delivered with sharp, self-deprecating humour and engaging audience interaction. Dolly Diamond, played by Michael Dalton, captivates with anecdotes and parodies that form a heartfelt tribute to twentieth-century musical theatre, creating an atmosphere of uncontrollable laughter and pride.
Best Circus – Ten Thousand Hours at Assembly Hall
Ten Thousand Hours by Gravity & Other Myths are awarded Best Circus for its breathtaking acrobatics and seamless choreography. The show features a series of jaw-dropping routines performed with precision and grace, captivating audiences with its heartwarming and inclusive atmosphere.
Best Comedy – Abby Wambaugh: The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows at Pleasance Courtyard
Abby Wambaugh: The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows picks up Best Comedy for its innovative format and brilliant humour. Abby Wambaugh captivates audiences with seventeen three-minute segments that showcase her comedic range, blending absurdity with heartfelt moments and engaging audience participation.
Best Play – Sisyphean Quick Fix at Pleasance Courtyard
Sisyphean Quick Fix is awarded Best Play for its thought-provoking narrative and strong character development. The production captivates audiences with its exploration of complex themes, delivered with high production values and compelling performances.
Best Musical – I Wish You Well – The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical at Underbelly George Square
I Wish You Well – The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical takes home Best Musical for its witty and entertaining take on pop culture. The show combines meme-ified references with strong performances, particularly by Tori Allen-Martin, creating a fun and engaging theatrical experience.
Best Family Show – Rosie and Hugh’s Great Big Adventure at Pleasance Courtyard
Rosie and Hugh’s Great Big Adventure is named Best Family Show for its engaging and imaginative storytelling. The performance captivates audiences of all ages with its humour, adventure, and heartwarming narrative, creating a delightful experience for families.
Best Monologue – The Ghost of White Hart Lane at Underbelly Bristo Square
The Ghost of White Hart Lane receives the title of Best Monologue for its poignant exploration of loss and resilience. Cal Newman’s performance brings to life the story of father and son footballers, weaving themes of grief, mental health, and familial relationships with authenticity and humour.
Best Individual Performance – Olatunji Ayofe for The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return at Summerhall
Olatunji Ayofe takes home Best Individual Performance for his compelling portrayal in The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return. His performance is marked by emotional depth and a commanding stage presence, making it a standout at the festival.
Best Ensemble Performance – All the Fraudulent Horse Girls at Pleasance Dome
All the Fraudulent Horse Girls picks up Best Ensemble Performance for its emotional exploration of childhood loneliness and identity. The cast, led by Cazeleōn, delivers a heartfelt portrayal of a young girl’s journey, capturing the innocence and complexity of youth with remarkable depth.
Best Solo Performance – Dylan Mulvaney: F*GHAG at Assembly George Square Studios
Dylan Mulvaney: F*GHAG takes home Best Solo Performance for its empowering and authentic portrayal of a trans woman’s journey. Dylan Mulvaney captivates audiences with her commanding stage presence, blending humour, music, and heartfelt storytelling.
Best Score – Tones: A Hip-Hop Opera at Roundabout Summerhall
Tones: A Hip-Hop Opera takes home Best Score for its innovative and engaging musical composition. The show captivates audiences with its originality and the way it enhances the storytelling through a unique blend of hip-hop and opera.
Best Writing – HALF MAN HALF BULL at Summerhall
HALF MAN HALF BULL won Best Writing for its compelling script that combines creativity and depth. The show captivates audiences with its innovative narrative and well-crafted dialogue, making it a standout in its category.
Show of the Fringe – Weather Girl at Summerhall
Weather Girl is Theatre Weekly’s Show of the Fringe for its brilliant writing and powerful performance by Julia McDermott. The play explores themes of identity and façade with sharp, evocative dialogue and a dynamic stage presence, creating an unforgettable theatrical experience.
