Top 20 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025!
- Mix Up Theatre (Stewart)
- Aug 13
- 16 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Mix Up Theatre lists the Best Shows at the Festival this year!
Stuck for what to see? Don't worry we'll help!
The list will change every day based on reviews from Mix Up students, families & staff as well as published reviews from the press.
1. MONSTERRRR! WITH TRYGVE WAKENSHAW
Children's Shows
Age 5+
12:00 - Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens - until 17th
Argh! A monster! A hideous, evil monster! With nasty claws, bristles and horns. It's disgusting and gross and... very, very lonely. So what?! Serves him right. It's his own fault! But wait, the monster isn't so bad after all: it's big and strong, tough and clever. It has nothing to hide and doesn't give a damn about rules and manners. It's exciting, different, funny and not a bit boring. Do you dare to shake the monster's hand?
Mix Up Junior (Age 6) - ★★★★★
"I give it a hundred billion million stars and there was a farting button that was hilarious! RAAAAAARRRGH!"
Stewart - ★★★★★
"Impeccable performance as always from the Fringe royalty, mime legend Trygve Wakenshaw. His comic styling perfectly fits into a children's show and he has created a loveable, hilarious and just a little naughty character in Monster. Costume is wonderful and the interactions with the children and the audience is simply brilliant - I think my son forgot it was a show, and was just chatting away to the Monster. It's an outstanding hilarious show and possibly the best show of the festival. Do not miss it - you're little monster has to see this!"!
P.S. So good! We've been to see it twice!
One4Review - ★★★★★
"If you have young people in your life, this is one of the must-see Fringe shows. This chaotic hour of giggles and roars will help everyone realise that being a little bit monstrous is not such a bad thing after all."
2. TEN THOUSAND HOURS
Dance, Physical Theatre & Circus
Age 5+
18:00 - Main Hall at Assembly Hall - until 24th
Festival favourites Gravity and Other Myths return with their international smash hit, Ten Thousand Hours. The creators of A Simple Space and Backbone bring you an ode to the countless hours of sweat and joy needed to achieve great things. Get your tickets fast. This will sell out!
Georgie (Age 10) - ★★★★★
"I give it 10 out of 10, it was nerve racking when they do the trust falls. They must be so strong. I loved it. I liked the acrobatics in the air, it was scary because I thought they were going to fall. I liked getting my picture taking with some of the crew at the end as well.
It's the best show. Everyone must see it."
Broadway Baby - ★★★★★
"Ten Thousand Hours was one of the best acrobatic performances I’ve ever seen. And judging by the gasps around me, I’m not the only one left breathless."
We had a workshop with Gravity and Other Myths at our Fringe camp...
And we voted Ten Thousand Hours our favourite show of the festival 2024!
The guys received a certificate signed by the students and a couple of Scottish hats - sons of Scotland now!
3. YES-YA-YEBO!
Cabaret and Variety
Age 3+
16:30 - Just the Big Room at Just the Tonic at the Caves
Yes-Ya-Yebo! is a celebration of the 12 official languages of South Africa, expressed through song and dance, all imbued with a unique township vibe! From the rhythmic acapella beats of the Gum Boot dance and the soulful Click Song to the electrifying modern hit Calm Down and the 'just you try and NOT get up to dance' joyous hit Jerusalema – all with an exciting twist. Yes-Ya-Yebo! brought to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by The Imibala Trust, received incredible reviews in 2023 and 2024. If you missed out on the last two years, now is your chance!
Stewart - ★★★★★
"So here's where the party's at!!!!! The Imibala Trust are back at the festival this year with a super talented group of young people who transport the audience to South Africa. A joyful, beautiful experience, wonderful music, singing dancing and a lovely poem in the mix. Yes-Ya-Yebo is just about to move to their new venue for the second half of their run at the festival so it's the perfect time to catch the show!"
One4Review - ★★★★★
"In any language, say it with us: Yes. Ya. Yebo!, is something real, moving, joyous and a triumph."
We had a workshop with Yes-Ya-Yebo! at our Fringe camp..
4. COMEDYSPORTZ
Children's Shows (Improv, Comedy)
Age 8+
13:45 - The Live Room at Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters - until 17th
Two teams. One winner. No script! Don't miss the festival's funniest fixture as two teams go for gold with quick-witted gags and games inspired by your suggestions. This award-winning competitive comedy show is fast-paced, feel-good fun for everyone. With a referee on hand to ensure a good clean match, the players have sharpened their wits and ironed their kits... Who wins? You decide! Nominated: Best Kids Show Leicester Comedy Festival 2025. Winners North West Comedy Awards 2022! 'Very, very, very funny' ***** (MixUpTheatre.com).
Iris (Age 11) - ★★★★★
"HILARIOUS. Five stars.."
Mix Up Theatre at the show!...
5. MESSY MAGIC ADVENTURE
Children's Shows (Theatre, Comedy)
Age 3+
12:30 - Bijou at Assembly Rooms - until 17th
Circus! Slapstick! Cleaning products! Spray and Wipe try their very best to keep things clean but can't stop making messes. Until one day, they arrive at a magician's house... For ages 3+, the show features wobbly ladders, magical confetti and spinning brooms that won't stay still! After sell-out seasons across New Zealand, the world's messiest cleaners make their UK debut.
Mix Up Junior (Age 6) - ★★★★★
"They had soaking water gun and even the man threw dirty boxers at my Dad. A hundred 85 thousand stars."
We had a workshop with Messy Magic Adventure at our Fringe camp..
6. SKETCH SHOW BINGO!
Comedy
Age 8+
Various Times - Stephenson Theatre at TheSpace @ Surgeon's Hall - until 23rd
Get your dabbers at the ready! It’s bingo! But instead of numbers, it’s hilarious comedy sketches, and the fun keeps rolling until someone gets bingo! Three-time Funny Women Award nominees Quirks & Foibles present their debut comedy show. No show is the same and there's a winner every time. Fun for all the family with an eclectic range of silly sketches... and who doesn’t love a bit of bingo!? Quirks & Foibles consists of Katie Bennett, Amy McCann and Amelia Stephenson. As featured on BBC Comedy, DMs Are Open, British Comedy Guide and Comedy Crowd Chorts finalists.
Olivia (Age 13) - ★★★★★
"Comedy sketch bingo is one of the funniest shows I have ever watched!
They had great audience participation, everyone got a bingo sheet to play along with at the start and Sandy actually won with a full house! They also had best audience member and I got to be in their Kings sketch!
They are so kind genuinely funny and the show is random every time! So you can go along as many times as you want and get a different show each time.
Their quick changes are very impressive especially if you get the hauntington sketch!
Their music was also amazing, they were playing Kylie Minogue when we went in and Spice Girls when we left! (Extra points from me for that 🤣)
This show is so incredibly funny and the girls are so talented this is perfect for if you want a laugh or day out. 5 stars!"
We had a workshop with Quirks & Foibles at our Fringe camp..
7. OUT OF THE BOX
Children's Shows (Comedy, Circus)
Age 5+
11:30 - Jersey at Underbelly, Bristo Square - until25th
This family-friendly comedy show is packed with surprises as Darryl and his mysterious box take you on a whirlwind of wonder. Every time the box opens, it's a new adventure: trick shots, circus performances and laugh-out-loud moments that invite everyone to join in the fun. Darryl's mission is to make you the star of the show (no embarrassing moments here, just pure joy!). With Darryl's gentle, non-verbal clowning, everyday objects transform into the extraordinary. This show is a joyous celebration of play throughout your life, whatever your age, bringing generations together through seriously skilful silliness.
Kai (Age 6) - ★★★★★
"5 stars! It was funny!"
We had a workshop with Darryl J Carrington at our Fringe camp..
8. THE WORLD AT 15MPH...ISH
Spoken Word
Age 12+
11:05 - The Garage at PBH's Free Fringe @ BrewDog Lothian Road - until 24th
Looking for inspiration? Want to feel uplifted? Need encouragement? Burnt out and needing change, non-athlete Naomi cycled 20,000 miles through 26 countries, with a man she'd met just three times. Riding over Thorong-la mountain pass, Cairo to Cape Town, through tiger reserves and staying in Japanese love hotels this was the journey of a lifetime. What would happen on her return? Come and hear more about this life changing story of challenge, determination, travel, cycling and relationships. An ordinary human – an extraordinary adventure. One life. One opportunity? What will you do with yours?
Maddie (Age 11) - ★★★★★
"I thought it very inspirational to hear an ordinary person can do anything if the set their mind to it. I also thought the way she layout the show was great because we got to hear about all the things she has experienced in that time as well as seeing beautiful photos of the mountains and the world. I think if your looking for an amazing inspirational adventure I think you would highly enjoy this story."
9. CHILDREN ARE STINKY
Children's Shows
Age 3+
11:35 - Palais du Variete at Assembly George Square Gardens - until 25th
Award winning, 5-star total sell-out Fringe sensation, you'd better book your tickets in advance! High calibre circus, a rocking soundtrack and genuine belly laughs have thrilled audiences all over the globe. Expect daredevil stunts, incredible aerials, lightning-fast acrobatics, loads of laughs and mischievous fun, leaving adults and children with their jaws on the floor hooting for more.
Archie (Age 12) - ★★★★★
"Children Are Stinky is a children’s comedy circus show with performers behaving very much like children, and who have a list of why children are so bad. They perform lots of acrobatics like a very impressive swing performance, standing on each other’s heads, and handstands on top of a big stack of carefully balanced chairs. They got lots of children from the audience up on the stage to join in with the tricks, and help to prove that children are none of these bad things on the list after all. It’s very funny, incredible circus tricks and a huge amount of fart jokes!"
10. MASSAOKE: SING THE MUSICALS
Music
Age 3+
13:40 - Udderbelly at Underbelly, George Square - until 24th
This limited run live band lunchtime sing-along show is a dream come true for musicals fans of all ages, raising the curtain on all your favourite hits from stage and screen. Featuring songs from Mamma Mia, Hamilton, Frozen, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Les Mis, Jungle Book, We Will Rock You, Phantom, Mary Poppins and many more... The entire crowd is the real star of this show, singing together guided by lyrics on a giant screen, accompanied by a brilliant live band. Bring the sing!
Olivia (Age 13) - ★★★★1/2
"Sing the Musical was so fun! All the band members were dressed up and put on a full show, the energy flowing throughout!
It was on for an hour but they said they had a two hour one which had way more songs (like phantom of the opera!)
They started with greatest showman and it was amazing, the lights and music were so stunning. They did some older musicals and more recent but they definitely covered as much as possible for the hour from ABBA to Frozen, it's perfect for all ages! There was toddlers to Elderly that attended and everyone left with a smile.
We got to meet the cast after and they were so so sweet they took a picture with me and signed my poster!
They do warn you at the start that it will be loud and they provide earplugs if needed but overall a terrific show, 4.5 stars (as I didn't get some of the songs!) But definitely a must see!"
11. CADEL: LUNGS ON LEGS
Theatre (Solo Show, New Writing )
Age 12+
13:00 - Belly Laugh at Underbelly, Cowgate - until 24th
The epic true story of the first Australian to win the Tour de France, live on stage. One actor. One bike. One hour. Performed entirely on a bike in an epic theatrical feat of endurance by acclaimed Australian actor Connor Delves. Pedalling non-stop for an hour, he recreates the thrilling journey of Cadel's 2011 Tour de France win, and all the triumphs, heartaches and sacrifices made along the way.
Archie (Age 12) - ★★★★★
"I absolutely loved the show especially Connor's performance. I particularly like how they used lights for different settings such as press interviews (which Cadel hated) and the Hard Rock Cafe in Paris."
The Scotsman - ★★★★
"Through it all, we feel physically invested in Evans’ compulsion to do the seemingly impossible while the clock of age and physical capacity tensely counts down."
12. 1 MOMENT IN TIME
Cabaret and Variety
Age 8+
15:55 - Fleming Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall - until 23rd
After a hugely successful debut Ed Fringe with rave reviews, magician and mind illusionist Sean Alexander is back with his thought-provoking magic show as he reflects on the defining moments in time that shape each and every one of us. With jaw-dropping magic throughout, each instance is intertwined with powerful metaphors and storytelling. This show is unlike anything else. Discover your moments in time all over again... '
Sandy (Age 12) - ★★★★1/5
"Well that was AMAZING! even when the tricks didn’t turn out well or he got them wrong he was being funny about it"
One4Review - ★★★★1/2
"The beauty of this performance is not only are the magic tricks great to watch, Sean entwines the show with moments of thought and reflection leaving you with the sense you have just seen something unique but at the same time appreciate the efforts of someone who has fought to maintain a positivity throughout his life despite the challenges he’s had to face. My only regret was the show didn’t go on for a bit longer!"
13. JOHN TOTHILL: THIS MUST BE HEAVEN
Comedy
Age 14+
21:00 - Beneath at Pleasance Courtyard - until 24th
In 2024, John Tothill's appendix burst onstage, just days after Trump was almost assassinated. Both men claimed that these near-death experiences changed them. Both were lying. Now join John in his own personal paradise as he attempts to monetise what body parts he has left.
Read our review from a previous year HERE
One4Review - ★★★★1/2
"This must be heaven is a very carefully constructed piece of comedic work and the audience interactions are perfectly executed. This show is joyous and a hits the mark."
14. CINDERELLA ICE CREAM SELLER - A MUSICAL
Children's Shows
11:40 - Ermintrude at Assembly, Bristo Square - until 17th
Get your dessert spoons ready for this delicious new musical for the whole family! Over the last four decades, Cinderella's has become the kingdom's most beloved ice cream company. But how did a humble ice cream maker with not a penny to her name end up as a multimillionaire with her own ice cream empire? Perfect for the whole family, this exciting musical retelling of a fairy tale classic promises a delightful blend of storytelling, stunning live music and theatrical magic that will capture your heart and tickle your taste buds.
Maya (Age 10) - ★★★★★
"I loved everything but especially when she pretended to be a guest at the ball because when the prince turned her down she started crying like crazy and it was absolutely hilarious.
Was very pleased with the show it was funny, intriguing and everything you could hope for!"
Cassie (Age 11) - ★★★★
"A great piece of music, great actors. Lovely storyline."
The List - ★★★★★
"Harthorpe and Gibb give top-notch performances, slipping silkily between multiple roles, belting out power numbers as deftly as they conjure up caricature villains. The script meanwhile has a Roald Dahl feel to it, garish and vivid in its characters, dastardly in its comic mischief. Talvi’s recipes may be experimental but this show has all the ingredients for a perfectly scrumptious scoop of children’s theatre.”
Broadway Baby - ★★★★
"The production is cheerful and bright – from the colourful set to the characters themselves – and the catchy songs (particularly We’re Gonna Make Ice Cream, which has been stuck in my head ever since I first heard it) serve to enhance a simple and heartfelt story. Cinderella Ice Cream Seller is a great way to spend an hour at the Edinburgh Fringe, and with a free ice cream recipe included in the programme, it’s easy to take the fun home at the end of the show.”
We had a workshop with Little Seeds Music at our Fringe camp..
15. A JAFFA CAKE MUSICAL
Musicals and Opera (Comedy, Family-Friendly)
Age 8+
14:00 - Forth at Pleasance Courtyard - until 25th
Time to decide once and for all... cake or biscuit? Inspired by the 1991 tribunal which determined the true identity of a Jaffa Cake, multi award-winning family-friendly musical makers Gigglemug Theatre (Scouts! The Musical, RuneSical, Timpson: The Musical) return to the Fringe with their latest sell-out smash-hit comedy that really takes the biscuit (or cake?).
TheatreVillage - ★★★★★
"Alright, pop the kettle on and brace yourself for a theatrical treat that’s half biscuit, half cake, and wholly ridiculous—in the best possible way.”
Broadway Baby - ★★★★
"Wherever your allegiances lie on the definition of the Jaffa Cake, A Jaffa Cake Musical is a top-notch, family-friendly affair guaranteed to have your feet tapping along to the music and a smile on your face. Plus, now I officially have an answer to the age-old question on everyone’s lips: the Jaffa Cake is legally a… you’ll have to watch to find out."
Gigglemug visited our Fringe camp last year...
16. DOKTOR KABOOM: UNDER PRESSURE!
Children's Shows (Comedy, Theatre)
Age 8+
13:40 - Beyond at Pleasance Courtyard - until 25th
Be amazed by the power of pressure – and what it can teach us! Doktor Kaboom's new show is fit to burst with astonishing live science experiments, stand-up comedy and lessons in empowerment – using the physics of pressure to explore the stresses of real life. Back for a fourth year with brand-new experiments for 2025, don't miss this spectacular hour of 'perfect family entertainment' (POWShowbiz.com). Commissioned by the John F Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington DC.
ThreeWeeks - ★★★★★
"With strong positive messages for his young audience, the show is informative, educational, entertaining and inspirational. KABOOM? JA!”
Entertainment Now - ★★★★
"An excellent example of how education can be fun and family-friendly."
17. IAN STONE IS LOOKING FOR THE WOW
Comedy (Satire, Stand-Up)
Age 16+
16:00 - The Ballroom at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House - until 24th
Need a bit of Wow? Ian Stone does. Come and help him look for it. Spirit of the Fringe Award 2023.
Stewart - ★★★★
"A nice laid back hour of very pointed and hilarious comedy from Ian Stone. Highlights include delving into the positive aspects of the Daily Mail and exploring the ins and outs of the mess of these political parties. It was a packed house for this one so get there early for a great comedy to start an evening at the fringe."
One4Review- ★★★★★
"It is always a delight to see him perform and this was yet another example of his wit, comedic talent and seemingly laidback, amiable style and is a great way to spend an hour in late afternoon."
If is looking for the Wow, maybe he should start by looking in the mirror.
18. LADY MACBETH PLAYED WING DEFENCE
Musicals and Opera
Age 12+
Various Times - Studio One at Assembly George Square Studios - until 25th
Set in the cut-throat world of competitive netball, this cautionary tale explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and the fierce determination of teenage girls. This energetic production breathes new life into a literary classic, underpinned by an electropop soundtrack. This contemporary turmoil entangles the timeless allure of Shakespearean drama, presented by an all-female powerhouse team of West Australian artists. Met with resounding acclaim, and hailed the five-star ultimate Fringe show, this multi-award-winning Australian musical serves hot, sporty girl power like never before.
Olivia (Age 13) - ★★★★★
"Wow. Lady Macbeth played wing defense is such a well composed, amazingly done show, it's got comedy, history, netball, music, friendship and betrayal it really is perfect for anyone. The way it tells the story of Lady Macbeth in a way that might be more intriguing for young people is immaculate!
The cast are so extremely talented their chemistry with one another and way they express their emotions on stage is just magical... The songs are well written, telling you the story in an interesting way that keeps you entertained and interested, the choreography was so well thought of, they had such amazing dances that are now stuck in my head! This is definitely one of the best shows I've seen in awhile I would rate it 5 stars, definitely a must see!"
The Scotsman - ★★★★
"Macbeth has been adapted many times and in just as many ways, but never has the Scottish Play been transposed into the world of competitive netball before now. Explored through the lens of an all-female netball team, Dunsinane Hellhounds, this collaboration between West Australian company Crash Theatre Co. and House of Oz makes for a cutthroat but markedly less gory take on the literary classic."
We had a workshop with Crash Theatre Co at our Fringe camp..
19. THE GENESIS
Dance, Physical Theatre & Circus
Age 5+
12:30 - Main Hall at Assembly Hall - until 25th
Experience a breathtaking acrobatic journey, as 17 internationals unite to celebrate the spirit of Edinburgh Fringe through the joys of human connection. Following their successful European tour, Copenhagen Collective leap into Scotland to create a joyful show for all the family. From an empty stage, these world class artists shape an hour-long jaw-dropping acrobatic and heartfelt storytelling performance. With an original sound and lighting design that will take you into another dimension, follow the acrobats as they stack, tumble and spin through an emotional landscape, creating a world of cooperation and understanding, where the true strength emerges.
Isaac (Age 7) - ★★★★★
"That was the greatest show I've seen in my life!"
The Scotsman - ★★★
"The Copenhagen Collective can more than hold its own next to the major players. There are no weak links in this Denmark-based troupe, with fearless performers from around the world coming together to conjoin their talent and skill."
We had a workshop with Copenhagen Collective at our Fringe camp..
20. TAIWAN SEASON: TRACE OF BELIEF
Dance, Physical Theatre & Circus (Dance, International)
Age 5+
20:30 - DB1 at Assembly @ Dance Base
Choreographer Hsieh Yi-Chun makes an impressive international debut with a brand-new ensemble dance about collective ritual and individual will. Inspired by temple processions and childhood memories, her mesmerizing sextet uses a flow of dynamic movement to pose a key question: what anchors our faith in an ever-changing world? Merging past and present, sacred and secular, tradition and modernity, this sensitive and searching production surges with a heightened sense of spirituality. At the same time it is deeply rooted in communal humanity. The result is cross-cultural dance of great power and universal resonance.
Sam (Age 12) - ★★★★
"This was the first time I had been to a dance performance, so I didn't know what to expect. It began with a small group of dancers swaying to the sound of water hitting the ground. At one point a dancer enters the stage with another balanced on top – together they look imposing and godlike. Depending on your mindset you can interpret the dance in virtually anyway that you want. For me it beautifully represents what I believe to be the evolution of life (but it also made me think of Mario-Kart – don’t ask me how). There wasn’t a single step of uncertainty in their rhythmic dance which almost makes you get mesmerised by it."
We had a workshop with Chun Dance at our Fringe camp..
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