Canadian powerhouse Tom Stade is back on the road with a brand-new show - taking aim at the absurdities of modern times with his contagious charm and incisive, gloriously unfiltered wit. Direct from the Edinburgh festival, join this free spirit as he grapples with rebellion, responsibility and the tension between the old and the new. Everything from unspoken social codes, cultural divides, identity and marriage - Tom dismantles all the rules - and redefines them his way! As seen/heard on Have a Word Pod, Ch4’s Comedy Gala, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, The John Bishop Show, Live at the Apollo (so good, he’s done it twice) and much more. He’s been rocking live audiences for decades with his trademark swagger, and masterful stage presence. Consistently magnificent, blisteringly funny, come see for yourself why Tom Stade Rules!

Hear evocative musical depictions of iconic female figures from myth, in the Festival debut of Scottish mezzo soprano Beth Taylor.Scottish mezzo soprano Beth Taylor, praised by the Telegraph for her ‘tender and magnificent’ tone, makes her Festival debut with regular collaborator, pianist Hamish Brown. Their carefully curated recital is inspired by the sea and iconic female figures from myth from the Lorelei to Cassandra and Medusa.Women composers are especially well represented in this programme. Among the many treats are Ethel Smyth’s atmospheric Three Moods of the Sea, Lili Boulanger’s pensive Reflets, Clara Schumann’s thrilling Die Lorelei and rapt chants by medieval composers Kassia and Hildegard of Bingen. There’s also a rare chance to hear songs from the enigmatic singer-songwriter and activist Connie Converse’s last known work – the haunting Cassandra Cycle.  Beth Taylor also performs two works specially written for her. Cameron Biles-Liddell’s The Breakers evokes Scottish seascapes, while Stuart MacRae and poet JL Williams look through Medusa’s many eyes to seek the humanity behind the monstrous image.  Sung in Greek, Latin, French, English, Orcadian, Scots, and German with English surtitles

The LA Phil and conductor Gustavo Dudamel contrast Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ symphony with Thomas Adès’s Dante. The LA Phil returns to the Festival with their superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel after their 2019 Festival performance triumphantly filled out Tynecastle Stadium. Both a classical and pop-culture phenomenon, Dudamel was the first classical artist to perform in the Super Bowl half-time show. With the orchestra itself being described as ‘the most important orchestra in America’ by the New York Times, together with Dudamel they make an unstoppable, Grammy Award-winning partnership. ‘No man on earth can love the country as I do’, declared Ludwig van Beethoven. And he put his love into music in his joyous ‘Pastoral’ Symphony. His celebration of nature features evocations of birdsong, a babbling brook and a timpani thunderstorm, and closes with a radiant hymn of thanksgiving.  Thomas Adès’s Inferno is very different: an alternately terrifying and comic journey through Hell, as envisaged by the great Renaissance poet Dante in The Divine Comedy. Adès’s musical sound-painting is equally vibrant, from the fiery first movement which won the LA Phil a Grammy, to the slapstick dance depicting thieves devoured by reptiles.  This is Dudamel’s 17th year as the LA Phil’s Music and Artistic Director – don’t miss the chance to experience their legendary partnership live.Supported by Dunard Fund

A WORK FOR FAMILIES.Everyday objects come to life in this family-friendly one-man Spaghetti Western.A cowboy is stuck in the desert. He’s got a price on his head: wanted – dead or alive. But right now, he needs water, shade from the sun and a chance to escape from those pesky snakes and vultures.  In this family-friendly one-man show, Olivier Rannou stars as a Spaghetti Western cowboy. Swaggering across the stage, he changes the set before your very eyes, creating a mesmerising performance. His horse transforms into the desert. Cacti become electricity pylons. A saloon becomes a bandit.  With French theatre company Bakélite’s commitment to the atrociously comic, get absorbed in this cowboy’s antics as he tries to escape the desert, strolling into saloons and facing gold diggers along the way.Supported by Flure Grossartwith additional support from the Institut français du Royaume-UniNon-verbal performance

The Sinfonia of London and conductor John Wilson take you on a glorious journey through the Golden Age of Hollywood.The allure of 1930s Hollywood enticed artists and audiences with the promise of glamour, optimism and escape. At its glittering heart was the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio, whose films remain central to American popular culture.The entire MGM music library was destroyed in 1969 and conductor John Wilson has devoted over 30 years to restoring the original orchestrations from the films. Now, he leads the Sinfonia of London, described as ‘one of the finest orchestras in the world’ (The Guardian), through music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers. From Over the Rainbow and Singin’ in the Rain to I Got Rhythm and The Lady Is a Tramp, these iconic songs shine anew.West End star Louise Dearman and acclaimed big band vocalist Matt Ford perform classics made famous by Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Whether you come in your finery and enjoy a glass of fizz for the lavish evening concert, or relax in the more informal atmosphere of our beanbag arrangement the following morning, this will be a treat.Programme includes music from The Wizard of Oz, Anything Goes, Singin' in the Rain, High Society, An American in Paris & Gigi

Discover the magic of classical music in this joyful concert for children and their grown-ups.A perfect introduction to the excitement of the concert hall, our Family Concert welcomes children and their grown-ups to hear not one, but two orchestras playing together. The LA Phil’s youth orchestra, YOLA, provides young people from under-resourced communities with instruments, music instruction and opportunities to perform. They are joined by Scotland’s very own Big Noise, a music programme that changes lives by fostering confidence, discipline and teamwork in the young people taking part.  Together, they present a selection of high-spirited classical pieces led by superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel, a powerful advocate for the importance of expanding access to music and the arts for young people.    You’ll be welcomed to the concert and introduced to the musicians, bringing you closer to the magic of live music. Supported by Dunard Fund

Join the LA Phil, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and singers from the Los Angeles Master Chorale for a feast of sonic beauty. The Grammy Award-winning partnership of Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil and singers from the ‘perennially superb’ (New Yorker) Los Angeles Master Chorale for the first concert of their International Festival residency, filled with rhythmic vitality and sonic beauty.Ludwig van Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is irresistible, from the dignified and passionate theme of the second movement (a beloved choice for film soundtracks including The King’s Speech) to the sweep-you-off-your-feet melody of the finale.Dudamel has stated: ‘Gabriela Ortiz’s music speaks to both the body and the spirit, full of visceral primal rhythms and mysterious, soul-searching melodies’. Her glittering ballet score Revolución diamantina (Glitter Revolution) – inspired by Mexican feminist protests against state violence towards women – is a powerful and celebratory work. Ortiz plays on repetition to evoke the tenacity and relentless pursuit needed to enact change. The LA Phil performs the UK/Scottish premiere of this piece, which they premiered in 2023.This is Dudamel’s 17th year as the LA Phil’s Music and Artistic Director – don’t miss the chance to experience their legendary partnership live.Supported by Dunard Fund  with additional support for this concert from Edinburgh Napier University Sung in Spanish with English surtitles 

In 1996, the El Gadhy family from Bootle did what any sensible family would do… they piled onto a bright red double decker bus and set off for Yemen. With just 40 days and 40 nights to make it to Sanaa in time for the grand opening of their new family home (no pressure), Abdul is determined this chaotic road trip will cement his legacy—preferably without anyone getting lost, arrested, or left at a petrol station. Nadia wants her children to be free to be themselves while doing her best to keep up appearances, and siblings, Omar, Sam, Aaliyah and Halima are driver, cheeky, fashionista and feisty respectively and sometimes disrespectfully. Inspired by a true story, 40 Days and 40 Nights is a cross-continental comedy of double decker proportions, where a family departs and comes together. As they navigate across Europe and the Middle East, the El Gadhy’s explore their different versions of being Muslim, pioneers, Yemeni and Scouse. Strap in for the ride of a lifetime and journey from the Mersey to the Middle East with ferries, fights, fun and family. Hop on, this is the bus you won't want to miss, next stop Yemen. 40 Days and 40 Nights has been developed as a co-creation between Liverpool's Royal Court and Liverpool Arab Arts Festival. Join us for a script in hand reading to get a first look at this brand new comedy. Written by Chrissy Jones Based on the real life journey of Mohamed El Gadhy Performance Information Approximate show duration: 2 hours including a 20 minute interval Age Rating: 14+ Please note – the bar will close 15 minutes before the advertised start time. Latecomers will not be admitted so please arrive in good time. Please contact Box Office on 0151 709 4321 if you require wheelchair access. There are two wheelchair spaces available for each show. There are no booking fees payable (hurrah!)

"I came here to tell jokes and figure out who’s going to betray me. And I’m all out of jokes." After months spent touring worldwide, Reuben returns with knives in his back and a camera on his head. For glory. For redemption. For revenge. A fully updated rendition of 2025’s sold out show. As booed on America's Got Talent Nominated ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Show 2025 ★★★★ 'Offers nothing personal and almost no actual content.' -Chortle ★★★★ 'Egotistical delusions.' -Scotsman ★★★★ 'Indescribable.' -TheList ★★★★★ 'Disorderly.' -Isolated Nation" Presented by Mick Perrin Worldwide Performance Information Approximate show duration: Age Rating: 14+ Please note – the bar will close 15 minutes before the advertised start time. Latecomers will not be admitted so please arrive in good time. Please contact Box Office on 0151 709 4321 if you require wheelchair access. There are two wheelchair spaces available for each show.

The 2024 and 2025 Fringe sell-out returns with a brand-new interactive murder mystery event. 1958, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is still in its infancy, and new Fringe venue The Speakeasy is celebrating its opening night. From a demanding manager and long-suffering technician to disgruntled actors and even a representative from the newly-created Fringe Society, everyone is in attendance. Meet and mingle with the staff and performers and when the killer strikes, follow the clues and interrogate the suspects to work out whodunnit. A lively and immersive evening of suspense and sleuthing with 1950s dress encouraged.

Duker’s back on her bullshit. And this time, she’s done with dudes. Promise. The people’s princess of provocation returns with a beefy hour about sex and privilege. Taskmaster Champion and Just For Laughs International New Face. As seen crushing Live at the Apollo, House of Games, Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity Pointless. Sell-out Fringe runs since 2019. ‘Obscenely good… Charisma to burn’ (Rolling Stone). 'Extremely funny' **** (Scotsman). 'Truly one of the best comedians around' **** (DIVA). 'Laugh-out-loud funny' **** (Telegraph). 'Not scared to push the boundaries' **** (Fest). **** (Skinny). **** (Evening Standard). **** (Times).

This bold, unapologetic burlesque show celebrates performers aged 40+ reclaiming space, visibility and power. Hot Flush challenges ageism, beauty standards and the idea that women “fade” as they get older – especially through peri/menopause. Featuring established performers, this show is funny, fierce and defiantly political, using burlesque as both art and activism. Expect glamour, humour and moments of truth as performers take ownership of their bodies, stories and sexuality. Hot Flush proudly amplifies conversations around ageing, disability and menopause. We’re not invisible, we’re hot in more ways than one!