Pussy Riot: Riot Days
Summerhall, 12-23 Aug (not 18), 9.30pm
The Russian protest art collective has become one of the most influential voices in global activism, known for tackling themes such as feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and opposition to Vladimir Putin. Riot Days is a touring stage production based on Maria Alyokhina’s memoir of the same name, blending punk, electronica, theatre, protest, and documentary footage.
Little Squirt
Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower, 30 Jul-24 Aug (not 6, 18), 7.30pm
Darby James’ one-man musical comedy about sperm donation returns to Edinburgh. After clicking on a Facebook ad for an IVF clinic, he’s plunged into a whirlwind of existential chaos, grappling with the absurdities of reproduction and the complexities of queer parenthood. Both hilarious and heartfelt, Little Squirt is a wild ride through the ethics and emotions of creating life.
Hot Mess
Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul-25 Aug (not 6, 11, 18), 3.10pm
The first Edinburgh Festival Fringe production from the UK’s only in-house New Musical Theatre Department at Birmingham Hippodrome reimagines the climate crisis as a story of love, hope and the ultimate break-up. The pop comedy musical is created by the award-winning creative duo behind 42 Balloons.
How to Win Against History
Underbelly, George Square, 30 Jul-24 Aug (not 4, 11, 18), 7.15pm
The cautionary tale of Henry Cyril Paget, one of the world’s wealthiest men, who lost his fortune by being too damn fabulous. This fierce and heartbreakingly glamorous comedy musical tells the true story of a man who defied expectations and redefined masculinity, only to face spectacular downfall.
Midnight at the Palace
Gilded Balloon Patter House, 30 Jul-24 Aug (not 12, 19), 9.30pm
In a time when living authentically feels almost criminal again, join the original rebels of F*ck You Counterculture for a night of radical joy and glitter-soaked anarchy. This wild new musical plunges into the kaleidoscopic world of San Francisco’s The Cockettes – a gender-bending troupe of hippies, drag queens, and freaks led by the fearless Hibiscus and disco legend Sylvester.
Big Nights @ La Belle
La Belle Angele, various dates throughout August, various times
Cowgate venue La Belle is due to host a new concert series, in collaboration with summer events series Big Nights Out. Big Nights @ La Belle starts off strong on Fri 1 August with The 900, the UK’s first and only Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater cover band. Later in the month, Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na takes to the La Belle stage (Mon 11), Peter Doherty plays two consecutive nights (Tue 12 and Wed 13), and Eurovision favourite Baby Lasagna makes a pitstop following his European tour (Mon 25).