"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.
When adapting a well known and beloved piece of media for the stage there will always be noise coming from the masses. Whether that be audiences that are disappointed that the show was too similar to the film, or that is strayed too far away from its source, adaptations will inevitably be held to higher standards (especially if they’re based on the only horror film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.) The Silence of the Lambs tries desperately to reach those high standards and nearly does before an unfortunate dip in the second half of the show.
High Society at The Edinburgh Playhouse is a delightful golden-age musical, featuring sharp wit, humor, and impressive performances. Set in a Long Island mansion, the story intertwines romance and comedic chaos with a brilliant score. While some musical moments lacked clarity, the production captivates audiences with its charm and energy.
HotCat Collective, queer dance-theatre group from Oxford, return to the Fringe with their debut show Stop Playing Jacob’s Ladder with My Spine, an absurdist exploration of oppressive social expectation within a domestic setting. No frills, no fakery – this show depicts real struggle through abstract means. Whilst the script would benefit from fleshing out with dialogue to explore the connection between characters, this is a promising production with a talented cast.
"Edinburgh Days," a rock opera set in 19th-century Edinburgh, delivers a powerful story of love, portrayed through stunning performances, effective set design, and captivating music—a must-see at the Fringe.
Arcana, a one-woman production by Fay Guiffo at Assembly Roxy, blends Afrofuturism and classical music, telling the story of a musician in a censorious empire. While the narrative's non-linear structure may obscure its conflict, Guiffo's powerful performance and stunning visuals create a compelling exploration of identity and liberation.
"Children of Empire," presented by KnockOff Theatre, explores the strained relationship between a white father and his mixed-race daughter amidst a backdrop of national discord following the 2025 "Operation Raise the Colours." The play's confinement inside a car symbolizes their emotional suffocation while addressing broader themes of estrangement and political tensions, ultimately delivering a thought-provoking yet emotionally restrained experience.
Gerret Millerick's show "We Tried It Your Way" offers an innovative hour of comedy that intertwines AI with humor. Engaging and fast-paced, Millerick addresses diverse topics and stimulates audience participation while exploring how AI impacts the future of comedy and community. This show is a masterclass in modern comedic styles, leaving a lasting impression.
