New central location and London run for Fringe venue run by Baby Reindeer producer
Shedinburgh launched its first physical venue last year
A Fringe venue launched last year to "flip the traditional Fringe model” is to return to in a new venue - before moving its Edinburgh shows to a London theatre.
Shedinburgh, run by Baby Reindeer producer Francesca Moody, is to be based at Assembly Checkpoint this year - after its inaugural physical year at the Edinburgh College of Art last summer.
In September, Shedinburgh will move to a residency at the Young Vic theatre in London, where it will showcase over 40 shows from its Edinburgh programme.
It was initially launched as a virtual Fringe venue during the pandemic, before building a physical "shed" in Edinburgh last August. The model pays artists to perform, rather than the other way around - and also funds travel and accommodation costs.
The Edinburgh 2026 season will feature more than 70 shows for up to three performances each - spanning theatre, comedy and music, as well as featuring iconic shows alongside brand new work from Fringe veterans.
Ms Moody said: “I'm thrilled that Shedinburgh will be returning to Edinburgh this summer, before heading to the Young Vic for its inaugural London residency. At a time when many feel we are in a crisis of new writing, Shedinburgh is creating pathways and space for artists to take risks in a supported environment.
“Work at this scale is the foundation of the cultural sector, without it we wouldn't have Fleabag, Baby Reindeer, Mischief Theatre or Six, to name a few, so I'm delighted we're able to continue to champion it. With dwindling arts funding and London venues under more pressure than ever, Shedinburgh at the Young Vic is a chance to bring the best of the Fringe back to the city and a statement of intent that small-scale work deserves a stage outside of Edinburgh.”
Forest Fringe will return to Edinburgh for the first time in 10 years at Shedinburgh with a specially curated two-day programme of new, experimental theatre and live art.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre department – a pipeline for musical talent development – will present a two-day programme celebrating the best of musical theatre, fresh off the success of their critically acclaimed premiere Hot Mess at the 2025 Fringe, which won a Scotsman Fringe First award.
The venue will also platform new writing through Shed Originals, its script development programme, delivered in partnership with four leading theatres, including Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre.
Full programme details will be announced and tickets on sale in May.
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