Summerhall Arts 2026
Summerhall Arts’ final festival programme announcement includes the UK’s first purpose-built theatre sauna!
Home of boundary-pushing performance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, arts charity Summerhall Arts, which provides year round support and development for artists as well as an annual exhibition programme hub; announces the final 30 shows of the 2026 instalment of its renowned festival programme and the news that the UK’s first purpose-built theatre sauna will occupy Summerhall’s back courtyard this August.
Adding to the 42 shows already announced, from companies including Xhloe and Natasha, Adam Riches, YESYESNONO, Creepy Boys, Salty Brine, Lightning Rod Special, and Wonder Fools; Summerhall Arts’ third programme announcement continues to exemplify bold, diverse and intersectional work of the highest quality.
- This year, this includes award-winning British-Iranian comedian and author, Shaparak Khorsandi, presents a work in progress performance of her debut play, Kismet (قسمت), based on true life experiences of her family following the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
- Acclaimed Fringe favourite Hannah Maxwell (BABYFLEAREINDEERBAG; Nan, Me & Barbara Pravi) premieres her new show, Turn Your Fucking Phones Off.
- Francesca Moody Productions (Fleabag; Baby Reindeer) and Global Creatures (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) present ROLEPLAY - a new, NSFW one woman play from actress, comic and podcaster Hannah Reilly (The Deb).
- Fringe legend Thaddeus McWhinnie Phillips brings a new Georges Méliès-inspired theatrical blend of micro-cinema, magic and puppetry with ArounD the WorlD in 80 ToyS.
- Serial Fringe hit makers, theatregoose (Aether; Sisters Three; Her Green Hell) premiere THE PLOT - a new play set around the Gunpowder Plot.
- Summerhall Arts Surgeries returns with two showcases and support for eight companies, and Summerhall Yoga returns for the duration of the 2026 festival.
- Four shows from House of Oz, including Concerts of the Future - a VR experience that allows you to play along with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
- Other highlights include the UK premiere of The Subplot: A hyperfixation on the Titan submersible; part play, part extreme workout, The Distance, from former GB athlete and Archers star Ben Norris; and a theatrical adaptation of Tina Packer’s Women of Will graces the Summerhall stage for a limited run.
Where: 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL
When: 6th - 31st August 2026.
Venue details
- Address:
- Summerhall Arts
- 1 Summerhall
- Edinburgh
- EH9 1PL