Australians are once again taking over Edinburgh for the world’s largest Fringe Festival, which officially kicks off on August 7th. But with over 2,000 performances to choose from every day, grinding through the massive lists is a challenge. So we thought we’d lend you a helping hand and choose the six Australian performances we don’t think you should miss at the iconic Scottish festival.
Hannah Reilly: ROLEPLAY
Sydney writer, actress and comic Hannah Reilly brings her “fresh, female-first approach” (Elle) to the Fringe in this NSFW one-woman show directed by Paige Rattray (Fangirls). Francesca Moody Productions (Fleabag, Baby Reindeer) and Global Creatures (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Muriel’s Wedding The Musical) are the award-winning producers behind it. Not bad, eh?
Having already enjoyed a week long run at the Belvoir in Sydney earlier this year, as part of the theatre’s Up Late series, the Edinburgh Fringe marks the official world premiere of the production.
So what’s it all about? Here’s the spiel: “A broke feminist podcaster reinvents herself as a provocative slutfluencer in pursuit of fame, only to lose herself in the performance. Darkly hilarious, gripping and surreal, ROLEPLAY is a ferocious interrogation of modern sex, the commodification of feminism and the era of the personal brand.”
But be fast for this one, she’s already almost sold out her entire run! As of printing we can only find tickets for one date, 31st August. Thankfully we’ve already got our tickets! We can’t wait for this one.
Dates: 6th to 31st August. Dark Tuesdays.
Venue: TechCube 0 at Summerhall
Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/roleplay
Alex Hines and Sarah Stafford: BIRDS
Presented by House of Oz and Sons of Susan, Birds promises to be a “sweat-soaked delirium of camp Australian comedy”. They’ve described it as “Waiting for Godot meets Kath & Kim” – and that alone is making me want to see Alex Hines and Sarah Stafford’s new show. “With big wigs and itty-bitty bikinis, the pair settle into their deckchairs, chain-smoking through idle chit chat. As the days stretch into years, birds fall from the sky, their skin melts and yet they remain, with their heads in the sand – this is paradise after all. Come for the tan, stay for the end of days.”. How could you miss this one?
Dates: 5th to the 30th August. Dark 12th, 19th and 26th.
Venue: The Box at Assembly George Square
Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/birds-alex-hines-and-sarah-stafford
Circa: WOLF
We’ve covered Circa before on the AU, and have found that just about every production from this company is a joy to experience. By all accounts, Wolf is no exception, promising the cast of ten to deliver a “gasp-inducing acrobatic thrill ride” and a “circus with fangs”. The show is directed by Yaron Lifschitz, features Libby McDonnell’s stunning costumes and the “relentless primal rhythms” of DJ Ori Lichtik. The show’s theme leans into the wolf “as a symbol of our untameable selves: liberating, anarchic and savage,” and looks like an event not to be missed.
Dates: 7th to 29th August. Dark 12th, 18th and 25th.
Venue: The Lafayette at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows
Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/circa-wolf
Zachary Ruane: COMEDY
We’re big fans of the Melbourne comedy troupe Aunty Donna, and we heard great things about member Zachary Ruane’s debut solo show Comedy. It enjoyed a debut run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival earlier this year. In the show, Zachary promises to “explore the history and future of comedy and his place within it as a generational talent.” So, knowing his style of humour, we’re expecting his exaggerated, comic arrogance to bring a lot of laughs.
Dates: 5th to 30th August. Dark on 12th, 19th or 25th.
Venue: Above at Pleasance Courtyard
Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/zachary-ruane-comedy
Bridie Connell: FUCCBOIS: LIVE IN CONCERT
Since it premiered in Sydney back in October 2024, Bridie Connell’s Fuccbois: Live in Concert has enjoyed performances at the Adelaide Fringe, and is now on its way to Edinburgh and London. The comedy show focuses on the titular Fuccbois, ‘the world’s biggest boyband’, who are saying farewell to their audience, and their frosted tips.
The event description says “it’s an irreverent satire of toxic dating culture, but most importantly: the music is banging.”. Time Out called it a “A glitzy, camp and hilarious pop extravaganza”, and gave it four stars. Colour us keen on seeing this show – and keep your eyes on the AU for the full review! And read our interview with Bridie HERE.
Dates: 5th to 31st August. Dark on 12th, 19th and 26th.
Venue: Assembly George Square Studios – Studio Two
Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/fuccbois-live-in-concert
Justin Williams and Sam Hume: ADULTS ONLY MAGIC SHOW
Australian comedy magicians Justin Williams and Sam Hume are no strangers to the Edinburgh Fringe, having enjoyed a sold out season at the festival last year. They’re also favourites of the Adelaide Fringe, having won awards at the event in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. “MC’d by the outrageous Magnus Danger Magnus and featuring the sexiest of sexy assistants, Richard Sullivan”, the Adults Only Magic Show is ,”an unapologetically wild ride of raunchy comedy, jaw-dropping illusions, and a generous helping of skin.”
I’ve never seen this show before and I’m excited to see what this unique magic offering is all about. And you should be too.
Dates: 5th – 30th August. Dark on 24th August.
Venue: Assembly George Square – Studio Three
Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/adults-only-magic-show
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival kicks off on 7th August 2026, with previews for select performances from 5th August. Head to edfringe.com for more details.
