Underbelly has unveiled its 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, presenting 185 shows across Bristo Square, Cowgate, George Square and Circus Hub on the Meadows.
Running from 5 to 31 August, the programme brings together theatre, comedy, circus, cabaret and family entertainment, with each hub offering its own distinctive atmosphere.
International circus is a key focus, including The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half, which blends contemporary circus with Dabkeh in a powerful exploration of daily life and resistance.
Also making its UK debut is The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA, where former professional wrestlers showcase live sumo bouts alongside audience participation and insight into the sport’s traditions.
Returning audience favourites include Abandoman: Afterglow, an improvised hip-hop comedy show, and James Phelan: Showman, combining mind-reading, illusion and comedy.
The theatre programme highlights new voices and stories from across the UK and beyond, including Goodbye Dandelion, the first recipient of Underbelly’s new Future Fund initiative supporting the development of work beyond the Fringe.
Other notable productions include BLACKBOX, telling the true story of Henry Brown, alongside a wide range of work exploring themes from identity and grief to rave culture and queer life.
The comedy programme features major names including Sara Pascoe, Simon Amstell, Rory Bremner, Russell Kane and Jack Rooke, alongside returning favourites such as Austentatious and BATSU!.
Accessibility is central to this year’s Fringe, with a new partnership with Extant ensuring every show includes at least one visually impaired accessible performance.
Underbelly Co-Directors Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The Underbelly programme brings together contemporary international circus, major comedy names, and the exciting UK debut of Japanese sumo on stage. Each of our venues has its own character: Cowgate, stays open late with comedy and theatre running all day, McEwan Hall in Bristo Square hosts some of the biggest names of the Fringe, Circus Hub gives large-scale circus shows the space they need, and George Square, features the iconic upside-down, purple cow. We hope audiences come for the big names, discover something unexpected and leave seeing something they’ve never experienced before”.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
