Category: Features
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The Very Best of the Edinburgh Festivals 2025
Our continually updated round-up of all the four and five star shows seen by our writing team
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Madeleine Brettingham Wins So You Think You’re Funny? 2025
Writer-turned-performer wins 38th edition of the prestigious newcomer competition
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Interview: Emma Frankland
Cover story: In No Apologies, Emma Frankland delves deep into the long-running internet discourse around Kurt Cobain’s gender identity. The writer-performer speaks to Arusa Qureshi about the mythology that surrounds celebrities, the current climate for trans people in the UK and the importance of community
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The Last Word: The Listies
The Australian double act offer up their unparalleled knowledge
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Interview: Khalid Abdalla
Actor and activist Khalid Abdalla discusses his intricate and playful solo show, inspired by his involvement in the Egyptian revolution of 2011
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Interview: Jess Robinson and Henry Naylor on Elton John
Jess Robinson and Henry Naylor pay homage to the icon that is Elton John at this year’s Fringe
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Daisy Doris May’s Perfect Night
Three of the comedian and drag king’s iconic characters take us on their big night out
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Interview: Zainab Johnson
As she makes her highly-anticipated debut at this year’s Fringe, Zainab Johnson talks politics, identity and being a responsible gun owner
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Ben Pope’s Guide to the 5 Fringe Posters He Never Wants to See Again
The comedian and bookseller went viral for sharing the book cover tropes that need to end. We asked him to give Fringe posters the same treatment
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Interview: Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
Cover story: Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith’s upcoming album Gush places emphasis on the melding of the senses. The American composer talks to Claire Sawers about synaesthesia, adrenaline highs and her lush live show
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Interview: Basil Jones and Caden Scott on Faustus
Two plays, one at the Fringe and one at the EIF, take on Marlowe’s tragic Faustus, but in contrasting and confronting ways
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Young Critics at the Fringe
We sent the Super Power Agency out into the festivals with a group of newly-trained teen reviewers to suss out the best shows for young people this Fringe
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Interview: Ivo Graham
Making multiple appearances at the Fringe and Book Festival this year, Ivo Graham talks through his busy schedule
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MC Hammersmith’s Perfect Day
The hip-hop comedian takes on a day at the Fringe, via rap
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Just Good Friends: A Day Out with Trygve Wakenshaw and Barnie Duncan
Evan Beswick spends a day at the Fringe with best pals Trygve Wakenshaw and Barnie Duncan, finding real joy and creativity in their unique partnership
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Interview: Michelle Wolf
Back at the Fringe with two Netflix specials, a podcast and an infamous White House Correspondents’ Dinner appearance in tow, Emmy-nominated comedian Michelle Wolf explains why it’s better to be unfiltered
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Interview: Hamish Hawk on Ivor Cutler
As he prepares to take on the work of Scotland’s pre-eminent poet-eccentric Ivor Cutler, Edinburgh singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk discusses influences, tributes and new avenues
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Interview: Lewis Walker on Bornsick
The artist discusses their new solo performance piece Bornsick and how they work with the extremes of movement
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Gilded Balloon: 40 Years of Funny
As Edinburgh institution Gilded Balloon celebrates its 40th anniversary, some famous faces of decades past write their own love letter to the venue that helped launch so many careers
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The Master’s Perfect Day
A vampire’s guide to enjoying a da– er, night out at the Fringe
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Liam Withnail’s Dagenham to Edinburgh Mixtape
Featuring Blood Orange, Billy Bragg, The Proclaimers and more
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Recipe For Success: Polenta with Carne De Sol
What’s in the Kitchen chef Alejandro Huerta offers up a recipe for a dish that captures the essence of Brazil
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Edinburgh International Book Festival – Top Picks
From Palestinian poetry to Gothic classics, the Book Festival welcomes writers from around the globe
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Edinburgh Art Festival 2025 – Top Picks
A variety of international talent, from indigenous storytelling to Pakistani folklore
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Interview: Toussaint Douglass
Cover story: Arriving in Edinburgh for his Fringe debut, Toussaint Douglass talks about being an introvert and why he’ll never be a beanie hat comedian
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Sound of São Paulo Mixtape
The choreographer and dancers behind Voyeur / Samba and Love – part of the São Paulo Showcase – each pick a song from Brazil that inspires them
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Farah Saleh
Farah Saleh’s Balfour Reparations examines the UK’s colonial legacy in Palestine, using a mix of speculative choreography and Afrofuturism
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Interview: Peter Richardson on The Comic Strip
The writer and director of the cult-classic Comic Strip films explains what audiences can expect from the exclusive screenings at the Fringe
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Interview: All Together Now
Writer/performer Oliver Ayres, Ghent-based company Ontroerend Goed and NYC’s Dutch Kills Theater present shows that blur the boundaries between audience and performer with care and compassion
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Interview: The Unlikely Friendship and The Mequetrefo
Circus for children needn’t be “glorified childcare”. Fest speaks to two artistically interesting shows aimed at kids but that can be enjoyed by anyone
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Interview: Cat Cohen on Broad Strokes
Cat Cohen suffered a stroke in 2023, which ended up derailing her Fringe run. Here, the Edinburgh Comedy Award winner talks about coming back with her most personal show yet
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Sutara Gayle (Hackney Showroom)
Powered by high-octane musical numbers, The Legends of Them chronicles Sutara Gayle’s singular, extraordinary life. She answers a few of our questions
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Interview: Local Heroes
Comedians Jack Traynor, Ayo Adenekan, Amanda Hursy and Hannah Morton on what to expect from their inaugural hours
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Interview: Circa’s Yaron Lifschitz and Wright&Grainger
At the Fringe and EIF, two productions take on the classical myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but in two very different ways
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Interview: Nick Nikolaou and Tommy Small
The two artists explain the importance of placing queer joy at the heart of their Fringe shows
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Interview: Crash Theatre Company, Crow Theatre and Song of the Goat
The three companies discuss their new interpretations of Shakespeare
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Lucy McIlgorm
Lucy McIlgorm, one of the stars of Refuse, gives us the rundown on the drama inspired by real stories from Ukraine and shortlisted for BBC Radio 4
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Natasha Gilmore (Barrowland Ballet)
Natasha Gilmore, Artistic Director of Barrowland Ballet, presents two shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year – Chunky Jewellery and Wee Man
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Sam Kissajukian
In 2021, Sam Kissajukian quit stand-up to become a painter. Four years later, he tells us about his new show 300 Paintings
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Interview: Thanyia Moore on August
Returning to the Fringe for the first time since her ill-fated debut, Thanyia Moore reflects on the importance of finding levity in moments of trauma
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Interview: Indra Wilson and Róisín Sheridan-Bryson
With shows that centre LGBTQ+ experience, Indra Wilson and Róisín Sheridan-Bryson explain how queer theatre is the future of the Fringe
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Interview: Lomond Campbell, K Mak and Wet Hands
The artists discuss the audio-visual projects they’re bringing to the Fringe
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Interview: Thinking Funny
So You Think You’re Funny? alumni give us the lowdown on their must-see comics at this year’s Fringe
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: SERAFINE1369
IV (4) by SERAFINE1369 – part of the Here and Now showcase – considers cycles, time, divination and decomposition through dance and choreographed performance
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Interview: Su Mi and Cabbage the Clown
Two acts from the BIGHEAD Comedy roster explain why they’ve found a liberating home at the alternative company
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Interview: Mairi Campbell
As she prepares to perform her acclaimed Pendulum Trilogy in its entirety for the first time, Mairi Campbell talks through the process involved in bringing the shows together
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Interview: Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Alison Green
Green talks about performing for people with dementia and their loved ones, and the SCO’s upcoming International Festival concert
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Interview: Hannah Moscovitch, Kylie Westerbeck and fish in a dress
Three shows explore consent, complicity and control when it comes to women’s bodies
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Interview: Francesca Moody
The producer discusses this year’s Shedinburgh programme and the ethos behind the project
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Interview: Tomáš Kantor, Kat McGarr and Izzy Kate Ward
The three performers discuss debuting their alter-ego cabaret characters
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The Cycling Man’s Guide to Cycling in Edinburgh
Kathy Maniura’s deeply flawed, lycra-clad Cycling Man takes us around Edinburgh on a bike
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Interview: Narin Oz and Ria Lina
Comedians Narin Özenci and Ria Lina discuss how autism can be viewed through different lenses in the same genre
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Interview: Fairouz Nishanova and Basel Rajoub
As the Aga Khan Music Programme returns to the EIF, Director Fairouz Nishanova and musician Basel Rajoub reflect on its impact
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Nicola Meighan’s Guide to Edinburgh’s Music
The BBC broadcaster and A Kick Up The Arts host takes us around Edinburgh via its music
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Interview: Elisabeth Gunawan and Alfrun Rose
The two creatives discuss how their theatre shows interrogate the possibilities and limits of AI technology
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Interview: Urooj Ashfaq & Joe Kent-Walters
It’s one of comedy’s biggest breaks, but what happens when you‘re nominated for – and win – Edinburgh’s Best Newcomer award? Back with hotly-anticipated follow-up shows, Urooj Ashfaq (2023) and Joe Kent-Walters (2024) break it down
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Frazier Bailey
The Strangewife director answers our questions on the debut production of the play, with its Yorgos Lanthimos-style blend of gallows humour and drama
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Ad Infinitum
George Mann and Ramesh Meyyappan, co-creators of Ad Infinitum’s Last Rites, answer our questions about the show, which is part of the Here & Now Showcase
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Interview: Joe Tracini
Joe Tracini discusses the value of honesty, life with BPD and the five-year journey to his Fringe show
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Alana Jackson’s Guide to Drinking in Edinburgh
The So You Think You’re Funny? 2024 winner gives us the lowdown on her favourite watering holes in the city
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Interview: Betty Grumble & Suhui Hee
Placing the body at the centre of their art, Betty Grumble and Suhui Hee explore how it becomes a tool for performance, activism, pleasure and more
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Interview: Welcome to the Fringe, Palestine
With Welcome to the Fringe, Palestine arriving at Portobello Town Hall this August, festival co-organiser Sara Shaarawi tells us more about the vital showcase
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A Day at the Fringe with Miriam Margolyes
As she returns to Edinburgh with more Dickens and more characters, the iconic actress and author takes us through a typical day at the Fringe
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Lorna Rose Treen’s Guide to Edinburgh Dining
The character comedian gives us a whistle-stop tour of her favourite dining spots in the city
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Interview: Jordan Gray
Hot off the heels of her hit ITV2 comedy Transaction, Jordan Gray talks about her return to the Fringe and her commitment to clowning
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Interview: Let’s Talk About Sex
Comedian Chloe Petts, podcast duo Poppy Jay and Rubina Pabani, and playwright Jules Coyle on inclusive discussions about sex on stage
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Opinion: We Need to Talk About Pelvic Floor Health
Amy Veltman, the NYC comedian and performer behind PSA: Pelvic Service Announcement, is on a mission to destigmatise pelvic floor health
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Interview: Polytoxic on Dangerous Goods
Cover story: Polytoxic’s Dangerous Goods arrives in Edinburgh with plenty of heat. Leah Shelton and Lisa Fa’alafi talk to Eilidh Akilade about the revolutionary and rebellious feminist cabaret
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Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Top Picks: Kids
From turning movement into music to dazzling aerial delights, there’s something for every young festival lover
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Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Top Picks: Dance and Circus
Immerse yourself into worlds of imaginative storytelling, from Afrofuturist performance to the migration of birds
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Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Top Picks: Cabaret
Discover the must-see cabaret shows, from twisted pop to gin-soaked humour
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Edinburgh International Festival 2025: Top Picks
The best music, dance and theatre arriving at the International Festival
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Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Top Picks: Music
This year’s music selection includes punk theatre, pop comedy musicals and a new gig series
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Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Top Picks: Theatre
The best theatre at the Fringe, from eco-sexual rebellion to the history of panto
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Edinburgh Fringe 2025 – Top Picks: Comedy
From imposter syndrome to medieval saints, these comedy shows will have you in stitches
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Adapt and Thrive
Award-winning producer-turned-performer Mark Ashmore of Future Artists talks about his return to the Fringe with his new show, Rise of the Solar Punks – a one-hour performative lecture that turns hard climate data into a guerrilla call-to-action
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Your Passport to Arts and Culture
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Alex Reynolds
In the Land of Eagles sees playwright Alex Reynolds take inspiration from her relationship with her grandfather, whose native Albania backdrops her Edinburgh debut
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David Elms Describes a Mixtape
Featuring Brian Eno, Jonathan Richman and more
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Eleanor Higgins
Two girls from opposite worlds are fated to meet in Eleanor Higgins’ powerful theatre piece set in the Noughties queer scene. She answers a few of our questions
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Space Hippo’s Interstellar Mixtape
Featuring David Bowie, The Byrds, Leonard Nimoy and more
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Derek Mitchell’s Emo Mixtape
Featuring My Chemical Romance, Green Day, blink-182 and more
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: World’s Greatest Lover
The creative team behind the musical World’s Greatest Lover come together to answer our burning questions
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Rose Coogan
Ros + Bud is the heartfelt and heartbreaking tale of transitioning in Northern Ireland. We put some questions to its creator Rose Coogan
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Brando James Gwinn’s Cockettes Mixtape
Featuring The Rolling Stones, Ginger Rogers, The Turtles and more
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Opinion: In LA, We Talk About the Fringe Like It’s Narnia
Ahead of her debut, US comedian Laurie Magers gives us the Los Angeles perspective on the festival as a fabled, fairytale place
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Hayley Edwards
Hayley Edwards describes their debut Edinburgh show as ‘Fleabag but about Crohn’s Disease’. We speak to them about their path from hapless drama graduate to critical acclaim in their home country of Australia
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Suzy Crothers
Northern Irish actor and playwright Suzy Crothers tells us about Troubled, ‘a tale of love, death, and division – told with tea and biscuits’
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Opinion: Disability isn’t a Genre
Aaron Pang on his own experiences confronting the sensationalism around disabled narratives and rehabilitation stories
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Jonny Woo’s Ecstasy Mixtape
Featuring Club 96, Marmion, Pet Shop Boys and more
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Saeed Hani (Hani Dance)
The story of Romulus and Remus provides the springboard for Hani Dance’s enchanting production of Inlet, an immersive performance from Luxembourg
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Jammz’s Blaze FM Mixtape
Featuring Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, JME and more
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: David Ian
David Ian’s viral crowdwork clips have him wondering ‘Am I Mean?’. We speak to the comedian about the show
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Lewis Ian Bray (Cartoonopolis)
Cartoonopolis, the hit one-man show from Lewis Ian Bray, is back after a decade. He talks to us about the new-and-improved production
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Edu Díaz’s Drag Mixtape
Featuring Mariah Carey, Cher, Mónica Naranjo and more
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Jessie Nixon
The self-professed ‘mentally ill, lapsed Catholic’ comedian is putting it all out there in her confessional stand-up hour
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Ismael Loutfi
A stand-up for 15 years, Ismael Loutfi is doing something he’s never done before with Heavenly Baba: A deeper, more complex hour-long reflection on his roots
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Toby Thompson
Toby Thompson tells us about his stage adaptation of The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved family classic
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Michael Elsener
The award-winning Swiss comic brings his off-beat stand-up to the Fringe for the first time. He answers a few of our burning questions
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Laurie Stevens’ Teen Angst Mixtape
Featuring Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Nirvana and more
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Patrick McPherson
One half of sketch duo Pear, Patrick McPherson returns to the Fringe with a solo horror play about a man travelling to a Welsh village to scatter his father’s ashes
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Laura Benanti
The Tony Award-winner tells us all about her comedy show which contends with her people-pleasing personality
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Sam Jay
The American comedian and writer chats ahead of her Fringe debut
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Tom Bailey (Mechanimal)
Tom Bailey, one half of Mechanimal, answers questions about their new show Wild Thing!, a sequel to 2019’s Vigil
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Dylan Adler’s Queer Villain Mixtape
Featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber, Taylor Swift, Kim Petras and more
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Jules Chan
Jules Chan tells us about his work of autobiographical diaspora fiction: a solo show about a Filipino boy growing up in Britain
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Ozzy Algar
Speed Queen is a carnival of dark, subversive comedy steeped in folk horror and set on the Isle of Wight. Its creator, Ozzy Algar, answers a few questions about their debut show
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Jay Eddy’s Road Trip Mixtape
Featuring Garbage, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Donna Summer and more
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Edinburgh Fringe Q&A: Alison Spittle
The Irish comedian and podcaster tells us her top tips for the festival season, and why the male loneliness epidemic is her muse
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Nathan Jonathan’s Y2K Mixtape
Featuring Cascada, DJ Otzi, The Kooks and more
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Adelaide Festival Q&A: Big Name, No Blankets
Big Name, No Blankets is an epic rock musical celebrating the legacy of Australian music legends Warumpi Band. Co-director Dr Rachael Maza from ILBIJERRI Theatre Company shares what the show means to her ahead of its Adelaide debut
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Where to Find Fest in Adelaide
Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the places you can pick up Fest Magazine this season – there are many, many more besides what you see here so keep an eye out around the city!
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Breaking the Internet
Cover Story: Comedian Lou Wall talks to Veronica Finlay about storytelling, collaboration and conspiracy theories
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Fringe on a Theme: Shakespeare with a Twist
From netball courts to paranormal investigations these productions look at the Bard’s work through a kaleidoscope
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The Last Word: Devaura
We catch up with the rising Aotearoa-born and Eora-based artist ahead of her appearance at WOMADelaide
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(Ella and Sienna’s Version)
One half of local duo Ella and Sienna shares how the Swiftie singing sisters were playing their own version of the Eras Tour before Taylor Swift herself
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Director Sam Strong on bringing Trent Dalton’s Love Stories to the stage
The Adelaide Festival theatre show recognises the power of love to heal
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Seeds of Doubt: Kate Dolan on her inner-critic
The comedian talks about challenging self-doubt and never giving up
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Cecilia Ronson: “I think that heartbreak is a universal experience”
If you’re a comedy lover who has ever had your heart broken in any way, shape or form, Breaking Hearts with Cecilia Ronson is the show for you
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Welcome to the new Fest website!
A new website? What is this, 1999??
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Top Picks: Theatre and Physical Theatre
Don’t miss these gripping performances that delve into football, feminism and f**king
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Top Picks: Music
A range of musical treats feature as part of this year’s Fringe programme
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Top Picks: Cabaret
Discover the must-see cabaret shows, from Welsh drag queens to tributes to musical legends
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Top Picks: Circus
From internationally renowned companies to jaw-dropping premieres, expect all kinds of circus at this year’s Fringe
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The World in Her Hands
Comedian Anisa Nandaula on making people laugh both online and in live performance
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Top Picks: Dance
This year’s dance offerings at the Fringe include stories of hope and survival, as well as immersive adventures
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Top Picks: Adelaide Festival
Australia’s international festival features everything from icons of the dance world to globally renowned singer-songwriters
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A Share of the Cake
From humble beginnings as an alternative birthday celebration, Ben Volchok’s The Ceremony has taken a life of its own
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Head Over Heels
Kane Enable discusses her very own drag wedding performance, where one lucky audience member will become her groom
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Teaching New Tricks
Billie Duncan on turning the classics into stand-up gold
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Master of the Arts
Comedian Emma Holland chats about her trinkets
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She Sez
Naarm-Melbourne based comedian Sez discusses her comedy and Gen Z coping mechanisms
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Pecking Order
Eva O’Connor on her bird-brained, award-winning play Chicken
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Shedding Tears
What story should we tell about our loved one once they’re gone? Delia Olam reflects on the uncertainties of grief, myth-making and letting go ahead of her solo show
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Decisions, Decisions
Asian-Australian actor, theatre maker and producer Danielle Lim shares a unique concept correlating with decision-making and mental health for her upcoming show, The Good Decisions Project
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Horror Show
What horrors lie within our subconscious? Ritual Events co-director Robbie Jones delves into the blend of arts, psychology and spirituality in their upcoming Adelaide Fringe show, Ritual
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Spilling the Tea
Theatre actor and producer, Juanita Navas-Nguyen opens up about her childhood as a multicultural kid
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Body and Soul
Adelaide’s singing chef is showing her vulnerable side with a new show as she considers the lengths we might go to, to look skinny
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Getting Into Focus
After almost a decade performing at the Fringe, Jessica Bigg and her bestie Eliza Dickson are teaming up to debut their hilarious neuro-spicy cabaret
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Care to Dance?
The Australian Calisthenics Theatre Company discuss bringing their sport to a wider audience
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In Harmony
Debuting his solo show at the Fringe this year, Matthew Benjamin talks about the importance of slowing down, and how he hopes his show can encourage people to use music as a tool for discovery
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A Walk on the Wild Side
Horny for Decriminalisation? Let Whore Walk take you on a journey through time
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The Last Word: The Lady Boys of Bangkok
Hayley Gandey – circus performer, producer and creative director at Gandey’s Circus – reflects on the history and journey of The Lady Boys of Bangkok ahead of its arrival in Adelaide
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Top Picks: Kids and Family
There’s plenty of fun to be had at the Fringe, with shows that promise parties, daring feats and interactive stories
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That’s A Rap
Hip-hop comes to the Adelaide Fringe
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One Vision: Electric Fields
If you’ve ever had the joy of seeing Electric Fields perform, having them kick off this year’s festivities is a no-brainer
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Queer and Now
Arusa Qureshi speaks to Filipino-Australian artist Seann Miley Moore as they prepare to take on the title role in a new iteration of cult rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch
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Wine, Family, and Innovation in the Barossa Valley
A trip to the inspiring grounds of Yalumba Winery
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WOMADelaide Highlights
Unmissable acts at this year’s edition of the iconic open-air festival
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Ill-at-Ease
Performer Max Olman discusses how their medical and cabaret journey intertwined
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Criminal Minds
Whether it’s out of fear, curiosity or simply a penchant for the macabre, there’s no denying the world’s appetite for true crime, as Roy Maloy tells us
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Top Picks: Comedy
From loveable hooligans to unhinged bouffons, these comedy shows will have you cackling out loud
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Stage Fright: Samuel Barnett Interview
Ahead of its Adelaide Festival debut, we speak to Samuel Barnett, star of the latest solo play from the producers of Fleabag