It’s nearly time for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to take over the theatres, gyms, hotels, streets and pubs of Scotland’s Capital.
Taking place from August 2-26 (although there are previews in the days running up to the official launch), there are over 3,500 shows taking place, from music and dance, to comedy and spoken word.
While the spotlight often falls on the comedy section, the Fringe also has a reputation for launching hugely successful theatre shows - everything from Tom Stoppard’s ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead’ and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s ‘Fleabag’, to hit musical ‘Six’, have premiered in Edinburgh.
Here are 10 theatre shows that are pretty much guaranteed to please in 2024.
5. A History of Paper
The Traverse Theatre once again has an embarrassment of riches this August - with a packed programme of theatrical premieres. 'A History of Paper' is already selling out performances and looks like it could be a real crowdpleaser. Written by Oliver Emanuel and Gareth Williams, it's part of the Made in Scotland strand and is a "musical love story about a man and a woman and the little bits of paper that make up a life". See it at the Traverse from August 1-25. | Contributed
6. The Importance of Being...Earnest?
A welcome return for this beautifully-staged mix of improv and audience participation, 'The Importance of Being...Earnest' sees a production of Oscar Wilde's famous play start to go awry when the lead actor fails to turn up. It's only the tip of an iceberg of problems though, as everything that can go wrong, does. It's at the Pleasance Courtyard ftom July 31-August 25. | Contributed
7. Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse For England
Another critically-acclaimed hit for last year returning for 2024 in a larger venue is one-play 'Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse For England'. Funny and poignant, it tells the story of a pair of die-hard football fans who start mixing with a new group of friends and become even more fervent in their support. Its playing at the Underbelly Bristo Square from July 31 to August 26. | Contributed
8. Dear Billy
Fresh from a Scotland-wide tour that attracted rave reviews, 'Dear Billy' arrives for a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Written and performed by three-time Fringe First winner Gary McNair, it weaves together a series of stories about Billy Connolly to deliver a heartfelt and funny love letter to the Big Yin from the people of Glasgow. There are 11 performances only, from August 13-25, at the Assembly Rooms. | Contributed