77 m. ago Scotsman Fringe First Awards: the stories behind the guest festival prizes being awarded this week

It may be the final week of the Scotsman’s Fringe First Awards but Friday’s ceremony will also feature four guest festival prizes. How did these collaborations come about? Allow the presenters of each award to explain...

Events

92 m. ago Hong Kong on show at Edinburgh Festival Fringe for third year running

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest melting pot of international theatre, music, dance and comedy in the world, and this year marks Hong Kong's third year bringing the Hong Kong Soul Showcase to Edinburgh. With three shows spanning dance and music, each performance puts the artistic excellence of Hong Kong front and centre on the world stage. We spoke to producer Sky Sum about the programme.

Culture

4 h. ago Duchess Sophie's chic Edinburgh Fringe outfit proves pastels are this season's must

The Duchess of Edinburgh was impeccably dressed for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, opting for a cosy jumper paired with a tiered maxi skirt from Lexy London.

Politics

4 h. ago A moment that changed me: I slipped in the shower, realised I was exhausted – and transformed my life

I was working non-stop as a standup comedian, and thought I loved the hustle. But when I found myself sobbing into the carpet after a back spasm, I had to reassess everythingFor as long as I can remember, I have been ambitious and desperate to prove myself. It started with a competitive spirit at school sports days, then a determination to land parts in local theatre productions, then a place at drama school. I was between acting jobs when a friend suggested I try standup. One gig and I was hooked.I quickly decided comedy was my future and I would do whatever it took to make it work. The rest of my life went out of the window. I gigged constantly – often six nights a week – determined to hone my craft and establish myself as a comedian. I was always knackered, but I revelled in it, telling myself I loved the hustle. I trod the boards at comedy clubs, art centres, theatres anywhere that would have me. I performed for six years at the Edinburgh festival fringe – the first two to very ...

Politics

29 h. ago Edinburgh Festival Fringe artist fund challenged for 'violation of open access principles'

Keep It Fringe has distributed £1 million in grants since 2023.

Politics

36 h. ago Theatre of war: making an Edinburgh Fringe show about Iran while your country is being bombed

As Israel bombed Iran in June, Sara Amini was preparing to bring a play about her childhood in Tehran to the Edinburgh Fringe. Here the writer and performer explores the impact of war - then and now - on her creative work

Events

43 h. ago Specsavers puts Hannah Morton in the frame for her first solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe

With the Edinburgh Fringe Festival now in full swing, Specsavers welcomed up-and-coming comedian Hannah Morton into its Nicolson Street store to help get her stage-ready for her debut run of stand-up shows.

Politics

44 h. ago Edinburgh Comedy Award 2025 Predictions: Here are 16 acts we're tipping to make the shortlists

It’ll soon be time to crown the king or queen of comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events

64 h. ago Mayor Khan says Sturgeon ‘knew her stuff’ but says SNP have ‘hoarded power’

Sir Sadiq Khan spoke about his dealings with Nicola Sturgeon as he appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on Sunday.

Politics

3 d. ago Couple left with 'bruised jaw and bloodied nose' after 'feral youths attack'

A couple’s night out at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ended in chaos after they were allegedly attacked by a “feral” girl gang at a busy city centre bus stop.

Events

4 d. ago Fringe in full colour: Let your favourite colour guide your festival picks

With nearly 4,000 shows to choose from at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, deciding where to begin can be overwhelming. Do you search online? Trust the flyerer on the Mile? Or maybe you let your favourite colour make the call.

Politics

4 d. ago Four Star Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025: 17 acclaimed shows you can still get tickets to see this weekend

Looking for some comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Sport

5 d. ago Fringe Firsts: six more winners of the Scotsman's prestigious theatre awards

Our prizes for new writing premiered at the Fringe are announced each Friday during August - today we’re delighted to reveal our second week of winners.

Events

6 d. ago Edinburgh Festivals Diary: Spot the famous spouse as new shows come to town

Spot the celebrity at new shows starting at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Culture

6 d. ago Edinburgh Fringe cabaret and variety reviews: Apocalypse Cabaret: Songs for the End of the World | Dangerous Goods | Arthur Hull’s Flop: The Best Songs From The Worst Musicals Ever Written

If it’s the end of the world as we know it then go out feeling fine with Scout Durwood’s first-rate one-woman karaoke-confessional Apocalypse Cabaret

Culture

6 d. ago My Festival – Laura Benanti: 'Expect many, many deeply embarrassing personal stories'

Comedian Laura Benanti catches The Scotsman up on her Fringe so far, as well as a healthy dose of recommended shows that have caught her eye.

Politics

7 d. ago ‘Incredible’ $200,000 gift allows US actor to stage twin Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows

“It’s an astonishing act of generosity that made the dream of sharing my work on a global stage in a magical city like Edinburgh a reality” – Jason Woods

Culture

7 d. ago My Festival – Lorna Rose Treen: 'I play everything from a trucker to a personal detective'

Character comedian Lorna Rose Treen is bringing a surreal show to the Fringe in 2025. We caught up with her to chat all things comedy and Fringe.

Politics

8 d. ago ‘It’s a brigade of old gits!’ Miriam Margolyes, Andy Linden and the older performers storming Edinburgh

At a festival so often dominated by bold young talent, it’s veteran performers stealing the spotlight this year. We meet them – from household names to octogenarian newcomersMiriam Margolyes is ensconced in the garden room of a fancy Edinburgh hotel, framed by tasteful greenery and smiling for a fan who wants a selfie. Apple-cheeked and foul-mouthed, she is gracious with the passing stranger, though she warns me later: “If somebody pisses me off, I’ll say: ‘Now listen to me, I’m 84!’” She pauses. “But I don’t see why they should!” she adds with a laugh.Margolyes is returning to Edinburgh for the second year running with an upgraded version of her acclaimed showcase based on the characters of Charles Dickens, her favourite author. “Same old cunt, even older,” reads the flyer. “It could be the last time, but don’t bank on it!” Continue reading...

Events

8 d. ago Liam Gallagher calls Edinburgh Fringe a festival of 'thick s***' as reunion causes chaos

In a vicious stage rant, Liam Gallagher has made clear he isn’t a fan of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – branding it an oddball celebration of “thick s**t”.

Events