HEADED TO ED 

Alison Zrada: The Oracle | The Pen Theatre | 8 Jul 
Well, as you know, we are getting closer and closer to the kick off of the old edfringe and there are plenty of shows playing in London just now that are putting in some time in the Scottish capital later this summer. I’m intrigued by this show – which is part stand-up, part character comedy – in no small part because it’s about prophets and seers in Greek mythology. Yay. Click here. 

Portrait Of A Tom As A Young Neenan | Jack Studio | 9-11 Jul (pictured)
Tom Neenan is excellent, and I know this because of his past form at the Fringe and the number of my reviewers who are big fans of his work. This is his comedy storytelling show about “art, people and how people represent themselves through art, but somehow not as pretentious as that sounds”. See it now, or you know, save it for one of your edfringe 2026 treats. 

Fast Fringe | Pleasance Theatre | 13 Jul
Now, if you know you are going to be at the Fringe and would like a whole smorgasbord of tasters for the upcoming Festival, ‘Fast Fringe’ is definitely something you should consider heading to Pleasance Theatre for. It’s filled with short and sweet offerings from a broad range of performers that includes the likes of Jess Robinson and Roslie Minnit. Find out more here. 

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SHORT STOPS 

Lachlan Werner: Sleeper Hit | Shoreditch Town Hall | 9 Jul (pictured)
Speaking of shows that will be on in Edinburgh, this one will be too, but it also has a one off performance at Shoreditch Town Hall this week. It’s billed as a ‘work in progress’, but that’s not going to stop us from tipping it here, because a WIP from a favourite is still highly compelling. Expect something a little unhinged from an award winning talent, see this page right here.

A Doll’s Life: Confessions Of A Quarter Life Crisis | Camden People’s Theatre | 14-15 Jul   
A confessional one-woman show that “dives headfirst into the chaos of modern womanhood: sex, anxiety, relationships, health scares, bad decisions and everything else you are meant to keep to yourself”. Written and performed by Micaela Jade Tucker, it blends character comedy and storytelling, and has already won much critical acclaim. Read more about it here. 

Born Traitor | Greenwich Theatre | 9-11 Jul 
This one is inspired by the real life allegations and convictions of high profile abusers, and focuses on the experiences of Harley, the only female member of a famous rock band, who approaches the police with accusations against the lead singer that will damage the band’s reputation and compromise Harley’s safety. Read all about the play here.

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LONGER RUNS 

Here Comes J Edgar! A Comedy Musical | King’s Head Theatre | 11 Jul-16 Aug 
None of these runs are massively long, but this is the longest, at just over a month. This comedy musical is by a fairly legendary team – book and lyrics by Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold, with music by Peter Matz – and features Broadway and ‘Mad Men’ star Bryan Batt. As you may have already guessed, it exposes the private life of the former FBI honcho. Find out more here. 

Local | Finborough Theatre | 14 Jul-1 Aug 
I spent a lot of my youth living in rural Cumbria, so I was immediately attracted to this show by Liz Richardson who revisits her childhood memories and home there “in an attempt to understand whether she still belongs there, or ever did”. It’s a funny and emotional show that looks at what it means to be ‘local’ and how we find a sense of belonging. Click here. 

Tender | Bush Theatre | 9 Jul-1 Aug (pictured)
A queer thriller-come-romance focused on Ivy – whose life is sorted, with a flat and a boyfriend – and Ash, fresh from a bad relationship and full of emotions she can’t leave behind. “Two women. A chance encounter that tumbles into infatuation. And an undeniable force waiting just out of sight, ready to wreck it all”. Head to the venue website here for more info and to book tickets.