88 m. 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

5 h. 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

11 h. ago Festivals diary: Why working Fringe is like training for the Marathon des Sables, and flies in the Spiegeltent

The heat makes the Fringe an endurance

Sport

25 h. 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

32 h. ago Singapore like never before: 6 acts bring comedy, theatre, dance and street performance to Edinburgh

The alternative side to Singapore’s cultural riches is being brought to the capital, as the island nation marks 60 years of independence. This is paid for editorial ahead of the Festival and Fringe, and not a Scotsman review.

Culture

36 h. 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

44 h. 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

50 h. ago My Festival – Hal Cruttenden: 'I should probably thank my wife for leaving me'

Stand-up comedian Hal Cruttenden is bringing ‘home truths about life, death, marriage and Trump’ to the Fringe. Here’s what he has to say about festivals past and present.

Politics

52 h. ago Edinburgh Fringe musicals and opera reviews: Nerds | Escape Room | Daddy, Tomorrow Will I Be a Man?

Musical lovers, take note of our latest round-up of reviews for the Fringe’s musicals.

Culture

4 d. ago The 6 best whisky shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

If you’re a whisky fan, there’s plenty to look forward to during this year’s Festival Fringe.

Culture

4 d. ago Edinburgh festivals diary: the divided Fringe means we must celebrate the weird and wonderful grassroots

Guest diarist Kate Copstick is exasperated at the divided Fringe but eventually finds her happy place

Culture

4 d. ago Karine Polwart on her Fringe tribute to a beloved Royal Botanic Garden tree: ‘It had two centuries’ worth of story to tell’

How did an acclaimed folk musician end up imagining the story of what was once the oldest tree in the Royal Botanic Gardens? Susan Mansfield hears from an artist getting back to her roots

Events

5 d. ago Edinburgh Festival and Fringe? Do us all a favour and move them to November – or Glasgow

The Man Who Pays His Way: Move the culture to make room for real tourists

Politics

5 d. ago Four and Five Star Edinburgh Fringe Theatre 2025: Here are 13 shows the Scotman critics have loved you can still get tickets for this weekend

Looking for something to see this weekend in Edinburgh? We have some recommendations from the experts.

Culture

5 d. ago Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedians blame 'Oasis effect' for cancelling gigs

Oasis are due to play their first concert at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium on Friday night.

Culture

5 d. ago Fringe Firsts week one: we reveal the first five winners of the Scotsman's prestigious theatre prizes

Edinburgh festivals editor Andrew Eaton-Lewis explains the importance of the Scotsman’s Fringe First awards - and announces our first five winners of 2025

Politics

5 d. ago Five of Edinburgh's best walks to 'escape the crowds' this Fringe Festival

We've rounded up some perfect strolls to clear your head.

Politics

6 d. ago Edinburgh Fringe theatre reviews: Cheese and Guava or Romeo and Juliet | What's in the Kitchen | Another Sight | Honest Fraud | The Mequetrefo

Five shows from São Paulo bring a dash of Brazilian flair to the Fringe, from an energised musical take on Shakespeare to a domestic drama played by blind actors in total blackout conditions. By Fiona Shepherd

Politics

6 d. ago 'True' meaning behind Meat Loaf's quirky stage name uncovered after 56 years

Singer and actor Marvin Lee Aday was better known by his singular stage name, Meat Loaf. But where did the unique nickname come from and what does it actually mean

Politics

6 d. ago Four Star Edinburgh Fringe Comedy 2025: 12 shows the Scotman critics have loved you can still get tickets for this weekend

Looking for something to see this weekend in Edinburgh? We have some expert recommendations.

Culture