Our Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Recommendations

Returning for a limited run of shows in 2024 after a sellout run in 2023 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 last year, and probably again this year, 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 

£16/£15

 From Awkward Productions, the team that is also bringing Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story to us this year, is Gwyneth Goes Skiing. Recounting the story of Gwyneth Paltrow’s infamous court case last year, this show with music (not a musical), promises to be another camp classic. With the audience acting as the jury, will you find our Gwyneth guilty or innocent?

With original music and even a guest appearance from drag legend Trixie Mattel, I think we could have another classic on our hands.

Get totally Gooped and book your tickets by clicking here.

July 31, August 1-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-26th

£20/18

Last year I wrote that in 2022, I don’t think I spoke to a single person that didn’t go to (and love) Reuben Kaye’s show. I also recommended it last year, and decided that it would be the year I went along, and boy oh boy, was I correct for recommending it.

Debuting his brand-new show, Live and Intimidating, in the UK with his band, the show promises high camp and high filth humour, and if it’s anything like last year, that is absolutely true.

Definitely not one for the kids, but the adults should not miss it. O'Kaye? Grab your tickets by clicking here.

August 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25th

£18.50/£17.50

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 2-3, 9-11, 16-18, 23-24th.

£17/£15.50

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 Best of Burlesque really gives you a taste for some of the many different kinds you can expect to find in Edinburgh this August. For example, last year, there was one performance with the star dressed as a Tunnock's Teacake and another set to Donald Where’s Yer Troosers - so you definitely never know what to expect.

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

August 1-25th.

£19.50/£18.50

Much like a Best of Burlesque show, this is a later-night show designed to give you a taste of some of the best circus, burlesque and cabaret shows of the fringe. Ones that would probably be considered a bit naughtier than the others you might see. Think flames, plenty of things I probably can’t mention on here, and maybe even a bit of audience participation. A truly exciting end to a good day at the Fringe.

Don't wear flammables, get your tickets here.

August 1-25th.

£19.50/£18.50

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 7-15th.

£25/£22.50

Every year, the producers Darkfield bring some of the most exciting live experiences to the Edinburgh Fringe. These experiences, taking place in themed 40ft shipping containers, explore deep topics such as morals, wars, and even quantum mechanics, whilst immersing you in a completely new world within the containers.

I’ll probably do the experiences a disservice if I try to explain or describe them, so I urge you to read the descriptions for these experiences and if you like the sound of them, grab a ticket!

For FLIGHT tickets, click here.

For ARCADE tickets, click here.

July 31st, August 1-26th.

FLIGHT - £12/£10

ARCADE - £13/£11

One of Robert Burns’ most famous stories, Tam O’Shanter, is told via the art of ballet in this production by the Edinburgh Ballet Theatre. Tam O’Shanter is a Burns’ poem about ghosts and witches, in which Tam, making his way back from the pub on his faithful horse Meg encounters all kinds of creatures. 

We like to suggest a wee bit of everything for the Fringe, and we couldn’t not have a bit of Robert Burns’ in our list - we’d get kicked out the country! So what better way than to have it told through ballet.

Waltz your way to tickets here.

August 19-24th.

£12/£10

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.

August 1-25th

£17.50/£16.50

The best thing about the Edinburgh Fringe is that there is literally a show for everybody, no matter what you’re interested in, or what age you are! There is a huge selection of shows especially aimed at kids, so if you’re bringing some along to join in the festivities, you won’t be short of options.

One option is The Greatest Magic Show. Having sold out for the past 3 years and bringing an exciting display of magic directly from Las Vegas, this is sure to be a show-stopper for the kids, and for the adults as well probably!

Abracadabra, click here to get your tickets.

August 1-18th, 20-26th.

£15/£14

Coming 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 from the description of the show, I can imagine that being completely true. After all, the only thing missing from the Shrek films is a bit of burlesque.

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

August 1-11th, 13-18th, 20-25th.

£22/£21

We couldn’t do recommendations for a festival here in Scotland and not include something whisky-related could we? 

Whisky and Witches is a 5* rated immersive event. Whisky tastings, infused with folklore, folk music, and storytelling. During the event, you will be able to taste 5 unique whiskies selected by a true connoisseur, while live music, singing and storytelling gives an insight into the history of women in the whisky industry and why some of these women were accused of being witches.

Unbottle your tickets here.

August 2-3th, 8-9th, 15-16th, 23-24th.

£55

I maybe shouldn’t be allowed to write these lists, because I definitely go for the… quirkier shows. SILENCE! The Musical - The Unauthorized Parody of the Silence of the Lambs tells the story of the Oscar winning classic, The Silence of the Lambs, but in a completely new way and with something the original film was absolutely lacking - a chorus of singing and dancing lambs. 

I mean, I don’t know what more you could possibly want from an Edinburgh Fringe show, so I will absolutely be there.

Put the lotion, I mean tickets, in the basket by clicking here.

July 31st, August 1-11th, 13-25th.

£17/£15

We’re very proud of Robert Burns here in Scotland. He is one of our finest exports after all. This spoken word show celebrates some of the best, and lesser, known works of Scotland’s national bard. Showcasing songs, poetry, and spoken word, this show is the perfect introduction for those wanting to learn a bit more about the works of Rabbie Burns, and for anyone who is more familiar with him, a fantastic way to enjoy his works.

Feel the Burns, grab your tickets here.

August 3rd, 6th, 8-10th.

£12/£10