The inaugural Inverness Fringe Festival, taking place from September 28 to October 4, 2026, aims to spotlight northern creatives through workshops, performances, and community engagement in the Highlands. With a focus on accessibility, the festival promotes local talent while offering diverse events, enhancing Scotland's cultural landscape beyond the Central Belt.
FEEL_GOOD, written by Amy Conway and directed by Ben Standish, explores the absurdity of using AI to combat loneliness through the character Henry, who interacts with an AI version of his ex, Liz. The play blends humor and commentary on intimacy, depression, and reliance on technology, creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh presents a poignant one-man adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's "Private Peaceful," directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage. Benjamin Cain’s compelling performance captures Tommo Peaceful’s life journey amid the looming First World War. While engaging, the adaptation’s singular focus limits the exploration of brotherhood themes.
"Premature," directed by Kevin Walls, is a Scottish romantic comedy exploring the awkward journey of two financially strained flatmates, Eilidh and Cameron, who accidentally conceive a child. Despite a limited budget and a script with uneven dialogue, the film showcases strong performances and authentic humor, establishing Walls as a promising new talent in Scottish cinema.
SIX The Musical, created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, reimagines the stories of Henry VIII's wives through a dynamic pop concert format. Blending humor, empowerment, and diverse musical styles, it encourages audience engagement while highlighting historical injustices. The production, praised for its visuals and performances, offers a fresh feminist perspective on Tudor history.
The revival of Annie at The Edinburgh Playhouse exudes infectious energy, superb performances, and iconic songs, leaving audiences uplifted. This production captures the timeless charm of the beloved musical brilliantly.
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns from October 21 to 31, 2026, embracing a Bird and Beast theme with 15 new performances. Celebrating storytelling's role in cultural heritage, the festival features collaborations from international storytellers, highlights myths and legends, and includes community events across Scotland, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.
"Parasocial Activity" is a dark comedy about Jenny McGuire, who falls for her A-list celebrity crush, James McAvoy, in Costa. Written by Briony Martha and directed by Megan Brewer, the play explores themes of loneliness and connection in the digital age. It showcases an all-female team and personal reflections on isolation.
PALS is a female-led Scottish adventure-comedy play premiering at Dundee Fringe. Following four chaotic friends on a camping trip, it explores themes of female friendship and mental health. Written by Mirren Wilson, the show emphasizes authenticity and relatability while offering humor and heartfelt moments. Performances run on September 13-14.
The musical theatre production "The Trollogy" explores a romance between a Gnome heir and a working-class Troll, challenging societal norms in Gnomeville. With a unique blend of a powerful score and an absurdist script, it showcases local talent and aims to redefine perceptions of Gnomes and Trolls. Performances run from September 18-20.
