Each year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe there are stand out shows which very quickly become difficult to get tickets for.
Whether it’s a new hour of stand-up from a rising comedian or a heartfelt theatre production with all the right elements to tug at the heartstrings, the busy festival programme can mean it’s easy for highlights to pass you by.
If you found yourself in that position last year, the good news is that some of the top shows from the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe will be returning to the city once more.
Based on The Scotsman’s reviews from last year, here are 14 of the highest rated returning Fringe shows.
1. Circa: Wolf
One of the best shows at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025 according to The Scotsman’s critics, Circa: Wolf will return to Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows from August 7-29. The show received praise for its artistry, with our reviewer writing it “is something Circa has always had in spades, and keeps them at the top of their game.” | Andy Phillipson
2. The Horse of Jenin
In our five star review from 2025, we wrote: “The Horse of Jenin is a terrific tale of Palestinian life, laughter and tragedy under unimaginable pressure, and of human lives given a moment of shape and meaning by a fine piece of art. The sheer exuberance of Shehada’s performance is a joy to behold, drawing the audience into the spirit of the show within seconds.” After selling out last year and receiving the Fringe First, The Horse of Jenin will be on at Pleasance Courtyard from August 18-30. | Kamerich & Budwilowitz
3. CADEL: Lungs on Legs
“A performance of vivid, compelling energy,” CADEL: Lungs on Legs received four stars last year with its tale of real life first Australian Tour de France winner Cadel Evans. CADEL: Lungs on Legs is on at Gilded Balloon at the Museum from August 6-30. | Contributed
4. Ayoade Bamgboye: Swings And Roundabouts
One of the breakout stars of last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Saturday Night Live UK host Ayoade Bamgboye will return to the festival with the critically acclaimed Swings And Roundabouts. The Scotsman gave the show four stars, writing: “With Bamgboye utterly owning the stage and yet, ultimately, confessing the most terrible lows, Swings and Roundabouts is a ride that plumbs the depths.” You can catch Bamgboye at Pleasance Courtyard from August 20-22. | Contributed