Here is your daily guide to the biggest arts festival in the world, as Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe gets fully underway on Friday 7 August.
The opening-day picks include a former MP taking to the comedy stage, Graham Norton bringing his podcast to a newly reopened theatre, and a queer romcom with a climate-change twist.
Mhairi Black: Difficult Second Album
Former SNP MP Mhairi Black returns to the Fringe for two nights only with her latest stand-up hour, Difficult Second Album.
Following two sold-out Fringe runs and a major tour, Black will reflect on life in politics and outside it, neurodiversity and attempts to get fit at the gym. It is the strongest straightforward comedy choice for Friday—and a good chance to catch her before a wider tour next year.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 8.30pm, Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August. Information and tickets
Wanging On: Live with Graham and Maria
Graham Norton and Maria McErlane bring their podcast to the stage for the first time at the King’s Theatre.
The pair, known for their long friendship and decidedly unqualified solutions to listeners’ problems, will tackle audience submissions and pass judgment in their “Am I Weird?” feature. There are two Friday performances, making it an easy early-evening or night-out choice.
King’s Theatre, 4pm and 7pm, Friday 7 August. Information and tickets
Cruising
For a theatre pick with something more left-field, Dreambite Collective make their Fringe debut with Cruising.
The queer romcom follows a dancer and a climate activist who meet over margaritas on a Mediterranean cruise—then discover they are both in a relationship with the same person. Their romantic rivalry soon becomes a campaign of eco-sabotage against the polluting ship.
Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker Three, 12.50pm, 5–31 August, excluding 25 August. Information and tickets
Find full listings and tickets at edfringe.com.
