With the world’s largest arts festival returning to Edinburgh next week, we’ve taken a look at the best musical shows coming to town for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
From break-ups and banjos to Danes and drag queens, we’re showcasing 14 unmissable musical shows for you to enjoy at this year’s Fringe, including a tribute to Elton John.
5. Badgers
Something has taken root in this town. A recluse, a disappearance, a mysterious folk song. And then there 's you, Meles — a podcaster with a dying mother and a stalling career — about to stumble into something unfathomable. Something that could change everything. But is it your story to tell? Badgers is a new folk play written by Malaika Kegode with music by Jakabol, the team behind 2024’s Outlier. A hybrid theatre piece blending spoken word and live music, exploring the art of letting go and the ethics of true crime. Badgers, at Traverse Theatre, August 6-30, various times, see: www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/badgers#datesandtimes. | Paul Blakemore
6. Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life
Sold-out runs in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This highly awarded, internationally touring, inspirational true story about overcoming obstacles, pursuing passions and the healing power of the arts, is told with warmth, humour and banjo music! Through donations, including 100 per cent of all artist fees, the show has raised over $1.2 million dollars (CAD) as of December 2025 for various charities, including cancer organisations, music programmes, community groups and artist funding and development. All proceeds from this Edinburgh Fringe run will benefit Summerhall. Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life, at Summerhall, Tech Cube Zero. August 6-31, 11.40am. | Erika Conway
.jpeg?trim=0,236,0,236&crop=&width=800)
7. Laughing Out Lonely (LOL)
An electrifying and deeply affecting exploration of what it means to feel alone in a hyperconnected world. With lyrics drawn from anonymous social media posts, digital confessions are transformed into a raw, live experience. Acclaimed countertenor Morten Grove Frandsen delivers a tour-de-force solo performance. Laughing Out Lonely (LOL), Summerhall, Dissection Room, 1.15pm, August 19-31. | Tom Ingvardsen
8. Acid's Reign
Bold, brilliant, and burning with urgency, Acid's Reign is a riotous queer musical with a live band and powerhouse vocals from drag superstars including Victoria Scone, Scarlett Harlett and Gigi Zahir (fresh from supporting Chappell Roan). Provocative, camp and razor-sharp, Acid' s Reign is a hilarious musical about activism, community and the power of performance. Acid's Reign, at Pleasance Courtyard, Fourth, August 5-31, 3.45pm. | Michelle Mangan Communications and PR