Our Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Recommendations

Returning to the Edinburgh Fringe from Australia, Swamplesque is a new kind of interpretation of a certain Scottish ogre’s story. The burlesque parody show has taken audiences by storm with some calling it “side-splittingly funny” and “unlike any burlesque show you’ll probably ever see”, and, as an attendee last year - I can attest to this. Think RuPaul's Drag Race, meets Shrek, meets incredible burlesque. Truly a feast for all the senses.

Make your friends "green" with envy and get your tickets here.

July 31st - August 24th (excluding 11th and 18th)

Returning for a very limited run of shows in 2025 after previous sell-out runs is Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story. Walking through Edinburgh, you might spot a few pictures of Princess Diana hanging above shops, so why not go and experience her life story told in a brand-new way. Having seen this before I can hand-on-heart say I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much at a Fringe show. It is completely and utterly bonkers, in the most fantastic way. With a hilarious script, great props, and very clever audience participation, it’s a must.

Don't go by the rulebook, lead from the heart and grab a ticket for this if you can!

August 20-24th 2025

She’s a national treasure, known for her extensive filmography (you might recognise her as Professor Sprout from the Harry Potter films), theatre work and of course, being rather unpredictable during television interviews. He’s one of the world’s greatest authors. In this show, Miriam Margolyes brings to life some of Charles Dickens’ most incredible characters, before sitting down for a Q&A with the audience - and who knows what that could lead to.

Expect the unexpected and click here to book your tickets.

August 9th - 24th (excluding 18th and 21st)

So, you're coming to Edinburgh for the first time for the Fringe. Maybe it's your first time in Scotland as well - so you're going to want to see it.

Luckily, we offer tours of Scotland departing from Edinburgh every single day of the Edinburgh Fringe. So, whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquility of Loch Ness, or fancy seeing some of our most iconic sights like the Glenfinnan Viaduct - there's a tour for you.

Plus, our 1-day tours mean that you can visit places as far away as that, and be back in time for some evening shows. Granted, you might be tired - but that's what the Fringe is all about!

View Our Edinburgh Tours

Look at moi, look at moi, look at moiiiiiiii.

I dare say I've never been more excited for a show. Fountain Lakes in Lockdown documents what our favourite characters from the iconic Australian TV show Kath and Kim got up to during the pandemic. Of course, the titular characters are brought to the Edinburgh Fringe stage by drag queens. What more could you ask for?

It'll be nice, it'll be different, it'll be unusual, and you can get your tickets for this show here.

July 30th - August 24th (excluding 12th and 19th)

With over 3,000 shows at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, and even with your handy Timberbush guide to some of the best shows, it can still be almost impossible to sort out your festival itinerary. That’s where shows like Best of the Fest come in. In these shows, you get small tasters for a variety of different shows, perhaps something you would never have considered going to see before. And, if you like it, you can go and see the full length show afterwards.

Best of the Fest provides a general sample of shows, everything from comedy to circus acts. There are, however, also more specific Best Of shows, if you really fancy sampling from a particular genre. Definitely worth grabbing a ticket for one of these if you’re a bit indecisive like myself. 

Be the best, get your ticket by clicking here.

August 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23

Now, it's technically not a Fringe show, but it could be argued that George Square is the beating heart of the Fringe.

Located on the University of Edinburgh campus, this pretty square gets transformed during the Fringe. Surrounded by food trucks, bars, and with a couple of venues found within, including the famous Spiegeltent - there really is no better place to be during the Fringe. 

Even if you're not seeing a show, it is the perfect place to go with some friends, get some food and drinks, and soak up the atmosphere. Who knows, while you're there - you might even be handed some flyers to give you some show inspiration (you will 100% come home with a pocketful of flyers).

Sunshine on Leith is a hit musical told via the songs of two of Scotland’s most loved exports - The Proclaimers (they sang the 500 miles song if you’re unfamiliar - heroes). This 5* and previous sellout production is back for another year and promises to uplift you with its joyful story and brilliant soundtrack, all put together by Captivate Theatre who are a local theatre production company, and it’s always nice to support the Edinburgh locals who put on a show during the Fringe!

You don't need to walk 500 miles to get your tickets, you just need to click here.

July 31st - August 24th

Sometimes the Edinburgh Fringe just makes you want to let go of some of your inhibitions, so why not indulge in a bit of burlesque. Of course, there are dedicated burlesque shows, but the All Stars Burlesque lets you see some of the best performers, including prize winners from the World Burlesque Games, so you are truly getting the creme de la creme.

Don't be a tease, grab your tickets here.

August 1st - 24th (excluding 12th)

Okay, again - not a show. Apologies.

However, sometimes the very best thing to do during the Fringe is to just soak it all up. Even just walking up and down the famous Royal Mile, you will encounted dozens of street performers putting on shows.

Sometimes, you will even come across shows that you'd never heard about, or stumble upon some kind of event - or be engulfed in a silent disco (they can be quite hard to avoid).

There's just something about Edinburgh during the Fringe. The atmosphere is electric, there's something going on round every corner, and everyone is there to have the absolute best time. So you might as well join them!

One for the whisky lovers. You don't think you could come to the Edinburgh Fringe and not come across some whisky do you?

Single Malt Sessions is a new event run by Holyrood Distillery which combines whisky, storytelling and live entertainment - some of the very best things in life. Discover the story of the distillery, enjoy a tour, sample some drams, and enjoy live entertainment afterwards in their cozy lounge. The perfect Fringe evening.

Put on your glam and come have a dram - get your tickets here.

August 4-6th, 11-13th, 18-20th

There's some things Scotland is just known for - Trainspotting is definitely one of them.

After eight sell-out Fringe season, this show is back. Unlike anything else, this isn't just a live adaptation of Trainspotting, the audience are literally part of the audience, all in a bespoke venue unique to the play. A must-see for anyone who is a fan of Irvine Welsh's renowned novel.

July 31st - August 24th (excluding 6th, 13th and 18th)

I don't have to beg(bie) you to buy a ticket, do I? - Get them here.

Have you read our blog on 25 Iconic Scots? Then there's a name that should be familiar to you.

The one and only, Scotland's pride and joy, winner of Pop Idol, icon - Michelle McManus, will be sitting down for a chat to celebrate 40 years of Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Fringe. Okay, maybe this show isn't for everyone, but it is my moral duty to highlight it and I will most certainly be there.

August 22nd and 23rd

I've waited a lifetime for this day - get your tickets here.

One for the dance fans.

This is a high-intensity fusion of commercial dance, classical dance, and all-round fantastic entertainment. Another show coming all the way from Australia, it has previous Fringe runs and gets 5* reviews all round.

August 2-3rd, 9-10th, 16-17th, 23-24th

Boogie on down to a ticket here.

North Berwick is a beautiful town not far along the coast from Edinburgh. With picturesque views, streets lined with boutique shops, brilliant seafood and award-winning bakeries. During the Fringe, it is an extension of Edinburgh, as it becomes the venue of Fringe By The Sea.

A collection of shows and performances held in the town that makes it it's own little Edinburgh for a few days. This year, performances include a show by Bob Geldof's band The Boomtown Rats, Sandi Thom, and even a conversation with Judy Murray. It has a huge variety of shows for everyone, just like the Fringe - plus you get to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the gorgeous streets of North Berwick.

August 1st - 10th

Learn more here!

After a sell-out 2024 run at the Fringe - BATSU! returns.

Comedians compete against each other trying to avoid intense punishments - all for the entertainment of the audience. Inspired by Japanese game shows, this show combines chaos, laughter, madness, and unforgettable punishments. You can also pay extra for a headband and for visits from the Sake Ninjas - which I would always do.

July 31st - August 24th (excluding 11th and 18th)

Put on your hat(su) and get a ticket for BATSU! - 

Running alongside the Edinburgh Fringe every year, is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

This historic show celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Set on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle, with it forming a magnificent backdrop to the show. You'll see performances from pipe bands, military choirs, show-groups and many other talented performers both here in the United Kingdom, and around the world. Showcasing so much different talent in one of the most iconic settings.

Take it from me as someone who didn't know what to expect, there's nothing quite like it. From the spectacle, the music, to the feeling of the crowd around you. You really want to see it at least once in your life, and the 75th anniversary is the perfect time.

Tickets for the Tattoo sell out quickly. So don't hang about.

August 1st - 23rd.

Grab your tickets here.