Magic tricks, Palestinian circus, and a ‘kinky Hamlet’: the must-see shows at 2026’s Edinburgh fringe

From big-name standups to dance performances and experimental plays, here are our picks for an excellent festival

• ‘If you’d done that in the 90s, you’d be torn to shreds!’: comedy icons share their survival tips with Edinburgh first-timers

• Explore the rest of our coverage of the Edinburgh festival 2026

Kirsty Mann: Corpse
To 30 August, Red lecture theatre at Summerhall
Kirsty Mann bought a house – and it came with a ghost. Winner of the best theatre award at Adelaide fringe, this real-life one-woman comedy horror is dark, funny and deliciously disturbing.

Ayo Adenekan: Homeland Insecurity
To 30 August, Cab Vol 2 at Monkey Barrel Comedy
Following his sellout debut, Black Mediocrity, the Scottish comic and SNL writer is back with a “romantic hour” of finely observed comedy. Think summer romances, chased dreams and messy endings.