There are thousands of shows to choose from at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and it can be quite hard whittling down the list of what to see.

To make the task slightly easier, we’ve picked out seven shows that you don’t want to miss this week. There’s something for everyone, from children’s shows and theatre to dance and music.

Our daily Edinburgh Festivals feature is brought to you in partnership with MSR Architecture & Design, Edinburgh — Where Vision Meets Masterpiece. Find out more at https://www.msrarchitecture.co.uk

Comedy

Here are some great shows at the Fringe you don't want to miss

placeholder image — Here are some great shows at the Fringe you don't want to miss

Steffan Alun: Stand Up

Venue 108, Hoot 4 at Hoots @ The Apex, 9.30pm, until August 25

Welsh optimist Steffan Alun finally presents his hilarious debut hour. As seen on BBC Wales, S4C, supporting Elis James on tour and performing slightly less than an hour of stand-up at the Fringe every year since 2015. Steffan returns to Edinburgh to work through his latest identity crisis with an hour of excellent comedy about sexuality, pop culture and, of course, all the best things about Wales.

Theatre

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Parody of the Rings

Venue 24, Other Yin at Gilded Balloon Patter House, 1.30pm, until August 25

At the local cinema, all hell breaks loose when the ushers misplace the DVDs of The Lord of the Rings trilogy – every single copy! With only the soundtracks left in hand, the team of hapless ushers must somehow create an entire three-film saga in front of a live audience. Get ready for an uproarious show of comedy, chaos, and utter nonsense, as they attempt to recreate the epic tale of hobbits, elves, and orcs – without any visuals, any planning, or any clue what they're doing.

Cabaret and Variety

Hidden Powers

Venue 39, Space 2 at theSpace on the Mile, 3.20pm, until August 23

For Edinburgh Fringe 2025, Angus Baskerville is back after last year's hugely successful, 5-star reviewed, award-winning debut at theSpace on the Mile. His all-new show Hidden Powers is a fascinating, continuing exploration of the connection between the power of the mind – certainly of Angus’ mind – as well as his own, very personal, story of growing up with (Angus’ words) neurodivergent superpowers. Informative and entertaining, poignant but funny. You will never leave a Baskerville show without having had both your mind blown, and an appreciation of growing up autistic advanced.

Film Festival

Sanatorium

Various venues, various times, August 19 & 20

The clientele of a rundown Soviet-era health resort seek for love, health and happiness in war-torn Ukraine where air raid sirens and plumes of smoke from nearby Russian bombing raids disturb their much sought-after peace. This is a thoughtful, humane documentary that offers a unique perspective on the current situation in Ukraine. Unclassified: 15+

Theatre

The Essence of Audrey

Venue 33, Cellar at Pleasance Courtyard, 11.15am, until August 25 (not 19)

Celebrate the true-life story of one of the world’s most beloved icons, Audrey Hepburn. She was a stunningly beautiful actress and selfless humanitarian Ambassador for UNICEF. In this biopic play, learn of her loves and losses, remember her most famous film roles and discover the untold secrets of her traumatic early life. Bring your morning coffee and croissant and enjoy Breakfast at Audrey’s, as her remarkable journey is magically brought to life in this illuminating, funny and poignant homage to one of Hollywood's greats.

Music

Out of the Blue

Venue 8, Gordon Aikman Theatre at Assembly George Square, 12.10pm, until August 25

Following their fan-favourite run at the Fringe last year, OOTB are back again for their 21st year with tighter harmonies, crazier choreography and enough high notes to reach the stratosphere! Out of the Blue is an internationally acclaimed a cappella group from the University of Oxford and, after jet-setting across the world earlier this year, the group is excited to return to their home turf to showcase new talent and new songs. Don't miss your chance to see these singers in action for an hour of incredible music with something for everyone!

Dance and Physical Theatre

HAMLET by New York Circus Project

Venue 139, Central at Assembly Roxy, 7pm, until August 24

Experience Shakespeare like never before in NYCP's critically acclaimed debut production: a contemporary acrobatic spectacle weaving madness and passion into every heart-stopping moment. The ghost of Hamlet's father soars high above the young prince, Ophelia contorts in a display of agonized devotion and Hamlet himself is engulfed by madness, flipping through a tumultuous psychological landscape. This bold reimagining of the classic tragedy showcases delirium, heartbreak and betrayal through world-class acrobatics, making literature's most famous tragedy accessible, engaging and awe-inspiring for all audiences.

Our daily Edinburgh Festivals feature is brought to you in partnership with MSR Architecture & Design, Edinburgh — Where Vision Meets Masterpiece. Find out more at https://www.msrarchitecture.co.uk