Pleasance Expands 2026 Fringe Programme

This summer, Pleasance returns to the heart of the Fringe. From global comedy heavyweights to first-time performers, intimate new writing to large-scale spectacle, a further 95 shows announced today expand a programme that reflects the range and energy of the festival. Across comedy, theatre and family work, returning favourites sit alongside bold debuts, while anniversary productions and new commissions highlight a venue that supports artists at every stage of their careers. More than a programme, it is a snapshot of the Fringe, where breakthrough acts, established names and future classics share the same stages.

In comedy, additions include the return of award-winning hit One Man Musical by Flo & Joan, Tim Vine’s new stand-up show Sillypun Valley and Alex Edelman’s What Are You Going to Do, following his recent Broadway and HBO success.

Other comedy highlights include new shows from ALOK, Lucy Porter, Matt Forde, Jeremy Lion, Patti Harrison, Kanan Gill, Viggo Venn and Andrew Maxwell, alongside Fringe debuts from performers such as Zachary Ruane, Ify Nwadiwe, Alfie Dundas, Imogen Andrews and Sasha Nezlobin, star of Saturday Night Live UK and last year’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer.

Theatre programming includes the revival 11 ½ Angry Men, reimagining the classic courtroom drama with a cast of comedians, alongside new and returning productions supported through initiatives such as The Charlie Hartill Fund and the Edinburgh National Partnerships programme including Reparations as well as WIT? Theatre’s Remember, Remember!

New theatre work includes riotous drag musical MAN!FEST: The Drag Boyband Musical, laugh-out loud Belfast story The Pitch, BOY Theatre and Leicester Curve’s CAMPITALISM: Three Gays Try to Fix The Economy, Meet Mayor Max, Amnesia and many more.

Milestone anniversaries are also marked, including the 20th Fringe appearance of The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show and the 10th anniversary return of WE ARE IAN.

Children and family audiences are also set be dazzled this Fringe with shows including Showstoppers! The Kids Show, The Spencer Jones Experimental Kids Show and interactive productions such as Float and Tongue Twisters.

Further fantastic comedy, theatre, circus, magic, dance and family shows are set to be announced in the coming weeks to make Pleasance the place to be this summer! 

Further Information & Tickets: Pleasance Theatre Trust