The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is back this August, transforming Scotland’s capital into a hub of creativity and diversity. Among the thousands of shows, LGBTQIA+ voices shine brightly, offering a rich tapestry of stand-up comedytheatreand cabaret. This year’s programme features a stellar lineup of queer women and non-binary performers, each bringing unique perspectives and unforgettable performances to the stage.
Whether you’re a fan of sharp-witted humour, heartfelt storytelling, or boundary-pushing artistry, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of the must-see shows that celebrate the diversity and talent of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Stand-Up Comedy: Laughter and Insight
The stand-up scene at the Fringe is bustling with queer talent. Rosie Jonesa BAFTA nominee and Taskmaster star, returns with her latest show, I Can’t Tell What She’s Sayingat the Cabaret Bar at Pleasance Courtyard from 5-30 August at 16:00. Her warm and infectious charm promises a hilarious exploration of dating, disability, and gravy.
Amy Matthews brings her dry wit and offbeat storytelling to Definitions Of Toasta show about navigating first queer relationships, self-perception, and sobriety. Catch her at O’Neill’s at Monkey Barrel Comedy from 5-30 August at 15:00. Meanwhile, Eva Peronia rising star in the comedy circuit, makes her Fringe debut with Jungledexploring class, Edinburgh culture, and queer identity in Latin America. Her show runs at Nook at Gilded Balloon Teviot from 5-30 August at 16:40.
Sydnee Washington takes the stage with My Black Barbie Storya unique blend of stop-motion storytelling and stand-up comedy. This show, running at CabVol 1 at Monkey Barrel Comedy from 5-16 August at 15:50, promises a journey through her life, from childhood to sobriety and stand-up comedy.
Theatre and Performance: Stories That Resonate
Theatre lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with shows that delve into personal stories and societal issues. Hannah Platt returns with Cult Classica fascinating exploration of cults and the search for belonging. This show runs at Attic at Pleasance Courtyard from 5-30 August at 19:15. Dee Allum follows up her award-nominated debut with Raumdeutera thought-provoking performance that tackles identity, football, and mortality. Catch it at Upstairs at Pleasance Courtyard from 5-30 August at 16:10.
Annie Boyle makes her Edinburgh debut with To All The Boys I’ve Loved Beforea heartfelt and hilarious show inspired by her coming-out story. This performance runs at Clover at Underbelly, Bristo Square from 5-30 August at 17:25. For a bittersweet tale of memory and queer love, Spin Cycle is a must-see. Described as Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind meets The L Wordthis Irish play runs at Clover at Underbelly, Bristo Square from 5-31 August at 14:25.
Britneythe double act of Ellen Robertson and Charly Clive, steps into theatre with Jittersa play set in the hour before a wedding. This exploration of commitment and uncertainty runs at Old Lab at Summerhall from 6-30 August at 12:00. Meanwhile, Mary Higgins and Ell Potter bring a modern twist to Shakespeare’s Hamlet with HAMa hilarious exploration of 21st-century morality and consumption. Catch this performance at Old Lab at Summerhall from 6-30 August at 19:30.
Cabaret and Drag: Celebrating Queer Joy
For a late-night dose of queer cabaret, Those People is a must-watch. Laura Ciulli and Riana White bring together an hour of chaotic clowning that celebrates friendship in the LGBTQIA+ community. This show runs at Attic at Pleasance Courtyard from 5-30 August at 23:00. Bridie Connell brings the world’s most famous boy band to life in Fuccbois: Live in Concerta musical drag performance that pokes fun at celebrity culture. Catch this unforgettable show at Studio Two at Assembly George Square Studios from 5-31 August at 17:05.
Bi-Curious Georgedescribed as the embodiment of queer joy, tackles big questions about gender through drag-comedy. This performance runs at Below at Pleasance Courtyard from 5-31 August at 15:00. For a surreal take on hyper-masculinity, Han Whyte presents Roger Prick: Sexopolisa satirical performance that exposes the sexism embedded within the sex work industry. This show runs at Jelly Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate, from 5-30 August at 18:55.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026 promises a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ talent. From stand-up comedy to theatre and cabaret, these performances offer a rich tapestry of stories and experiences that resonate with audiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the best of queer artistry this August in Edinburgh.
