Mix Up Theatre lists the Best Shows at the Festival this year!
Stuck for what to see? Don't worry we'll help!
The list will change every day based on reviews from Mix Up students, families & staff as well as published reviews from the press.
1. MONKEYS EVERYWHERE
Children's Shows
Age 5+
11:30am - Pleasance Courtyard - Forth
Join award-winning Garry Starr as he tries to find calm amongst the mayhem that fills his monkey mind. Monkeys Everywhere is a show for all ages – but especially for those who can’t always keep their monkeys under control... Created with Olivia Jacobs, director of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, Monkeys Everywhere contains puppetry, clowning and a huge amount of heart. You’d be bananas to miss it...
Stewart - ★★★★★
"Absolute hilarity in this genius show. Turns into a bit of a riot at one point!"
One4Review - ★★★★★
"Monkeys Everywhere” is a blend of laughter and insight, deftly addressing the importance of understanding our mental landscape. Starr’s ability to transform complex themes into a light-hearted, family-friendly experience is nothing short of genius."
2. SHADOW NECROPOLIS
Theatre (Family-Friendly, Puppetry)
Age 8+
11:15 - Assembly Roxy - Upstairs
A spooky fantasy adventure. A young girl named Minerva is a hero in her dreams but feels helpless in real life. When her friend is taken by Oizys, the Goddess of Anxiety, Minerva must travel through a skeleton-ridden city to rescue her. A touching tale for any child or adult who has ever struggled with the constant worry that they're not good enough. Featuring award-winning cinematic shadow puppetry from Japan. Hundreds of puppets are projected on a large screen to create a live animated movie. From the creators of Space Hippo and Shadow Kingdom.
Mix Up Theatre Average Rating - ★★★★★
Our students loved the fantasy and spooky story for this year's visit from the hugely talented Mochinosha Puppet Company. The craftsmanship of creating an entire animated show out of shadow puppetry is epic in its scale and skill.
The kids of course all loved seeing DJ Slug again (P.S. you don't need to have seen last year's show but its fun if you have) and the comedy and story was all fantastic. A must see at the festival again this year.
Read our Reviews HERE
Everything Theatre - ★★★★★
"An exceptional, visually stunning production"
Mix Up Theatre at the show!...
And we had a workshop with Mochinosha Theatre Company...
3. I AM CLAIRE PARRY (very funny stand-up)
Comedy (Clown, Physical Theatre)
Age 12+
14:50 - Assembly Roxy - Snug Bar
I am Claire Parry (very funny stand-up). 'Mesmerising clowning' ***** (Express). 'Seriously silly' ***** (Everything-Theatre.co.uk). 'Hysterical' **** (VoiceMag.uk). 'Masterful' **** (TheatreWeekly.com). 'Very funny stand-up' ****** (Claire Parry). Made with directorial and dramaturgical support from Cecily Nash and Alex Prescot.
Mix Up Theatre Average Rating - ★★★★★
Absolutely one of the funniest shows you will see at the festival this year! We took along a small group of our older students and it was an absolute hilarious riot.
Parry is extremely talented as a clown act, but also a master at audience interaction, a fantastic singer and quite a poignant satirist when it comes to depicting life as a comic in this industry.
This deserves to be seen by everyone! We loved it and our students are now No. 1 Claire Parry fans!
Read our Reviews HERE
Audience Reviews:
"Very funny - Claire brings so much talent and energy to the show and deserves a wider audience - a unique show"
Mix Up Theatre at the show...
And we had a workshop with Claire Parry...
4. BOORISH TRUMPSON
Comedy (Clown, Interactive)
Age 8+
12:10 - Assembly Roxy - Downstairs
Boorish Trumpson will stop at nothing to gain ultimate control over the orchestra. YOU are the orchestra. #MakeMusicGreatAgain. With clowning games, audience interaction and unexpected orchestral manipulations, Boorish Trumpson hilariously consolidates his power. A unique sound design, virtuosic physicality and script constructed from verbatim Trump and Boris creates a raucous humour whilst bigger questions bubble below: in our world of troubled politics, how complicit are we in enabling such figures to rise to the top? An interactive, music and clowning-filled satire of power and those who wield it from critically-acclaimed Lecoq-trained clown Claire Parry.
Mix Up Theatre Average Rating - ★★★★★
We had an absolute blast being the orchestra for Boorish Trumpson - Claire Parry is an expert in clowning and this character (a sort of cross between Cate Blanchett's Tar and Mr. Bean) is a lot of fun. We were the only one's in the audience that day and it made even more fun but this deserves to have every seat filled. A cult hit of the festival - go see it!
Read our Reviews HERE
Audience Reviews:
"Absolutely loved this show! Claire Parry is extremely talented. Her expressions and physicality are truly memorable. The way she included the audience was terrific. Do not hesitate to book!"
Mix Up Theatre at the show!...
5. TRASH TEST DUMMIES CIRCUS
Children's Shows (Circus, Comedy)
Age 0+
12:05 - Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows - The Lafayette
Everyone put your rubbish out, tonight’s bin night and the Trash Test Dummies are on duty! This award-winning, side-splitting, slapstick comedy, circus routine retakes the household wheelie bin to new heights and delivers a dump truck full of hilarity! Returning after delighting audiences in 2023 and winners of the Best Children’s presentation at the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2016 and 2015, the Trash Test Dummies are as full of laughs as their bins are full of surprises.
Stewart - ★★★★★
"We both loved this show! So much fun in the hour with three fantastic performers as they run through a series of hilarious circus sketches. Very funny, very skilled and we are now huge fans of the show! Every time I mention to my little one we are going to the festival again he wants to go see Trash Test Dummies again - so I guess we'll be back!"
Audience Reviews:
"Saw this with my 8 year old. Very funny and impressive acrobatics. Great fun!"
We had a workshop with Dummies Corp. back in 2019...
6. THE BLACK BLUES BROTHERS
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (Circus, Acrobatics)
Age 5+
15:10 - Assembly Rooms - Music Hall
After thrilling the world, with more than 600,000 spectators and astonishing appearances at the Royal Variety Performance, Monte Carlo Festival and Moulin Rouge, the 'best circus show' (TheatreWeekly.com) returns on a mission to entertain... for the last time! Don't miss the farewell season of this acrobatic celebration joining the energy of Africa with a R'n'B sound. Five unleashed acrobats perform their comedy tribute to cult movie The Blues Brothers. In an elegant nightclub reminiscent of The Cotton Club, chairs, table and surroundings become props for breathtaking jumps, fire and somersault routines, human pyramids and much more!
Cameron - ★★★★★
"The Black Blues Brothers is a show of many chapters with each respective one containing evermore jaw-dropping stunts. The electric chemistry between the five brothers makes for a continual spectacle throughout the duration of the show despite the slightly slow start. The production has its eye widening numbers divided up sweetly with simple slapstick humour which tailors itself perfectly to the varied atmospheres created throughout the show. The daring stunts always manage to pull audience members to edge of their seats, baffled by the amount of poise and ability it takes to pull the tricks out of the bag without fail.
Acrobatic flips, fire breathing, chair stacking, hoop jumping, rope hopping – you name it, the Black Blues Brothers have got it!"
Read our 2023 Review HERE
Bookmarks and Stages - ★★★★★
"I highly recommend you catch it before they go in this farewell season."
We had a workshop with The Black Blues Brothers...
7. TRYGVE WAKENSHAW: SILLY LITTLE THINGS
Comedy (Mime, Theatre)
Age 12+
20:15 - Assembly Rooms - Upstairs
After a seven-year hiatus from the Fringe, Trygve Wakenshaw returns with his new hilarious mime-clown-comedy show. Light and silly, absurd and Dada, and a sort of autobiographical, introspective look at all the silly little things that can make or break a friendship. Having been nominated for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2015, and selling out with Trygve Versus A Baby in 2017, award-winning, internationally-recognised mime-clown Trygve Wakenshaw won’t be lonely as he brings his new show to the Fringe for its world premiere.
British Theatre Guide - ★★★★★
"Silly Little Things is an absolute triumph of the human spirit."
One4Review - ★★★★★
"This is not a show you can remain aloof from, and it continues to reveal itself well after the performance. Sublime."
8. TAROT: SHUFFLE
Comedy (Sketch Show)
Age 16+
21:30 - Pleasance Courtyard - Pleasance Two
The best show of 2019 according to Chortle. The sixth-best show of 2022 according to the Guardian. Come watch us continue our slow descent into mediocrity. They (our parents, partners, children) say 'sketch is dead', but if it's dead then where's all our money going? A new show from the critically acclaimed, nightie-clad sketch zealots.
Stewart - ★★★★★
"Downright hilarious, Tarot are quickly becoming the must-see act of the festival. The sketches in here are well paced, performed and are at the top of their game. Its really dark comedy as well (think League of Gentlemen) and the laughs roll all the way through the show. Hard to pick favourites but I love the hitchhiker sketch and the Derren Brown spoof is genius."
The Real Chrisparkle - ★★★★★
"Adam, Ed and Kath are on terrific form with a variety of sketches, all of which work (and that’s not something you can say about virtually any other sketch show)."
9. TEN THOUSAND HOURS
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (Acrobatics, Family-Friendly)
Age 5+
11:40 - Assembly Hall - Main Hall
Following the hit sell-out sensations Macro and The Pulse at the Edinburgh International Festival, and Fringe-favourite smash-hit A Simple Space, Gravity & Other Myths return with their critically acclaimed, brand-new show Ten Thousand Hours. This is an ode to the countless hours needed to achieve great things. Eight acrobats investigate physical skill: how we obtain it, how we perfect it and how it can transform our lives. This family-friendly acrobatic extravaganza is filled with everything you love about Gravity & Other Myths and a tribute to the dedication required to become a world-class acrobat.
Ben (Age 10) - ★★★★★
“The courage and bravery of this show is at another level. I can’t believe that they can do tricks like this. Amazing. ️️️️"
Read our Reviews HERE
EdinburghFestivalsforKids - ★★★★★
"Making these incredible feats seem effortless, this is an absolutely awesome show, which we encourage everyone to go to, young and old alike…as soon as it finished, our mini-reviewer wanted to watch it all over again !"
Mix Up Theatre at the show (we were invited along as the VIPs on opening weekend...
We also had a workshop with Gravity & Other Myths...
10. TWEEDY'S MASSIVE CIRCUS
Children's Shows (Circus, Variety)
Age 5+
13:05 - Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows - The Beauty
Join Tweedy for his very own MASSIVE circus. Well, kind of. Unfortunately the tent has shrunk and Tweedy hasn’t a clue. Join the much-loved star of Giffords Circus for over 15 years, as him and his friends create their very own circus show. What could possibly go wrong? Expect a show filled with magic, mirth and mayhem. For ages 3 to 93.
Stewart - ★★★★★
"Tweedy brings his silly antics to the festival this year and its expertly created laughs! Tweedy and his team are skilled performers so there's some excellent tricks, fun audience interaction and expert clowning from one of the best in the business. Don't miss it!""
The List - ★★★★★
"Madcap comedy gold; silly, irreverent comedy at its absolute finest"
We had a visit from Tweedy back in 2017 with Cirque Berserk...
11. GROW
Chidren's Shows (Storytelling, Artists(s) of Colour)
Age 2-6
10:30 - Scottish Storytelling Centre - Netherbow Theatre
Enjoy double the fun for more of the family in this brand-blooming-new version of Niall Moorjani's 2023 sell-out smash hit, re-potted by the Suitcase Storytelling Company, creators of the award-winning The Girl and the Dragon. Join in with a sun song, hose wrestle and hilarious clowning around in a joyful show celebrating nature and all things that grow. Ideal for little gardeners aged 2-6, but everyone welcome. Featured in the Guardian's Top Five Children's Shows of Edinburgh Fringe 2023. Originally commissioned by Discover Children's Storytelling Centre, with adaptation commissioned by the Southbank Centre.
Stewart - ★★★★★
"This was a lovely start to a day at the Fringe. A small, intimate show about gardening, particularly of interest to any little one's who love the outdoors and have green fingers themselves. A nice mix of song, interaction, comedy, puppetry all performed at relaxing pace and level from two skilled performers. Excellent"
One4Review - ★★★★★
"Educational whilst also extremely entertaining, Grow will leave the whole family with a warm feeling and a seed in their heart."
12. SHOTGUNNED
Theatre (Comedy, Drama)
Age 14+
19:30 - theSpace@Surgeon's Hall - Haldane Theatre
Shotgunned is Kangaroo Court’s debut theatrical production. Written and directed by Matt Anderson, it tells the story of Dylan and Roz, a couple in their early twenties who unexpectedly fall out of love. Described as equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, Shotgunned is a new, intimate piece of theatre centred around the people we lose that shape who we become. It is a deeply relatable tale of joy, loss, and reconciliation, and has been met with great acclaim throughout the UK in 2024.
The Stage - ★★★★★
"Astonishingly accomplished."
West End Best Friend - ★★★★★
"It is an intimate theatre and an intimate show - you see the complex workings of a relationship in a very relatable way. Humour is laced throughout, but without jeopardising the sincerity of the piece. Shotgunned is empathetic, heartfelt, and endearing all at once. Definitely a show, and company, to watch!"
Shotgunned stars our drama teacher, Lorna!...
13. TAIWAN SEASON: LOST CONNECTION
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (Dance, Contemporary)
Age 8+
13:35 - Summerhall - Main Hall
Addicted to any mobile devices or know others who are? If so, Wen-Jen Huang's restlessly swift, hot-wired dance quartet should produce jolts of recognition. Her dynamic new work is based upon the contemporary socio-cultural phenomenon of phubbing (paying more attention to one's mobile, etc. than to the people you're with). Guided by the choreographer's laser-like kinetic intelligence, the dancers slice and slide through space with a desperate, unpredictable energy. Fair warning: their self-absorbed, pressure-cooked state of being could be both exciting and distressing. European premiere.
Broadway Baby - ★★★★★
"An absolute treat."
The List - ★★★★
"Lost Connection is a truly engrossing dance piece, with impressive stamina required for its execution."
Mix Up Theatre had a workshop with Seed Dance Company...
14. ARI: THE SPIRIT OF KOREA
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (Musical Theatre, Traditional)
13:30 - Assembly Hall - Main Hall
Winner, Best Physical Theatre Award 2023, Adelaide Fringe. ARI is a transformative musical odyssey that brings the 600-year-old folk song Arirang to life, exploring universal themes of love and connection. Recognized twice by UNESCO, ARI is a testament to the song's enduring legacy and the power of personal bonds. Celebrated for its vibrant music and storytelling, ARI takes audiences on a profound emotional journey, echoing Korea's rich cultural heritage.
Stewart - ★★★★
"A visual feast for the eyes and ears. Unlike anything else you will see at the festival, this is an evocative, sumptuos delight that takes you to a far off time and place. Worth catching."
The Quintessential Review - ★★★★★
"An expansive, talented cast makes memorable characters and a gorgeous, full-throated choral machine.”
15. BILL'S 44th
Theatre (Puppetry, Comedy)
Age 12+
18:55 - Underbelly, Cowgate - Belly Button
The tragi-comedy hit Bill's 44th makes a triumphant return to the Edinburgh Fringe, performed by critically acclaimed puppeteering duo Andy Manjuck and Dorothy James. 'Buoyant, mesmerizing, joy-inducing' (New York Times). This 'tender and boozy puppet party' – **** (Guardian) – is a wordless spectacle featuring puppets, raucous balloons, and a cheeky piece of crudité that collide to examine the pitfalls of impatience, the wonder of loneliness, and the universal passage of time.
EdFringe Review - ★★★★★
"It’s tender and it’s funny and, in places, deeply, deeply sad. Utterly mesmerising and absolutely surreal: this play will stay with you for a long time.”
Broadway Baby - ★★★★
"Benny and Mark work together perfectly to raise important questions and issues."
Mix Up Theatre had a workshop last year with Dorothy and Andy...
16. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING... EARNEST?
Theatre (Comedy)
Age 8+
16:40 - Pleasance Courtyard - Beyond
Fans of The Play That Goes Wrong and Noises Off will love this. ***** (Skinny). Returning to the Fringe due to phenomenal demand, this Oscar Wilde twist is guaranteed to have you in stitches. When a traditional production of Oscar Wilde's classic play gets underway, everything seems to be going perfectly to plan... that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue.
Dylan (Age 14) - ★★★★★
“Best show I've ever seen."
Read our 2021 Review HERE
One4Review - ★★★★1/2
"This is the first in what I predict could be an extremely winning formula for Say It Again Sorry and I think a West End run seems highly likely just over the horizon. I would recommend going to see them now before the ticket price doubles.”
Mix Up Theatre had a theatre trip to see the show in 2021 and had a workshop with Say It Again, Sorry...
17. A BEE STORY
Children's Shows (Circus, Acrobatics)
Age 3+
12:10 - Assembly George Square Gardens - Piccolo
A Bee Story is a uniquely Australian physical theatre show for children and families incorporating a kaleidoscope of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music. Telling the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after being destroyed by a bushfire. But things never quite go to plan... Join the bees on their buzzy adventures. Be enchanted by their pollen-collecting skills, honey-making abilities and superbee strength. A Bee Story has themes of environmentalism, sustainability and community spirit, and was directed by Robbie Curtis and co-created with musician and performer Lizzie McRae.
One4Review - ★★★★★
"I can confidently say that this year’s show is even better, leaving audiences eager for more from this talented duo."
Audience Reviews:
"Fabulous show for all ages. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. Beautiful done and with lots of humour and great acting. Worth every penny."
Mix Up Theatre had a workshop with Arc Theatre Company back in 2018...
18. MARK SIMMONS - MORE JOKES
Comedy (Stand-Up)
Age 16+
13:45 - PBH's Free Fringe @ Liquid Room Annexe Warehouse - Annexe
More jokes from the UK Comics' Comic Best Act winner Mark Simmons (Mock The Week), whilst taking a break from his sold-out national tour. If you like one-liners, this is the show for you.
One4Review - ★★★★1/2
"An extremely personable comic, and a true exponent of the ‘one-liner’ style of comedy. In my opinion there are few, if any, better at this artform."
Audience Reviews:
"Non-stop laughs at this show from a master of his craft who not only delivers a relentless barrage of hilarious jokes but also allows the audience a peek behind the curtain by dismantling some of the work that goes into them. Fascinating and brilliant."
19. GARY STARR: CLASSIC PENGUINS
Comedy (Clown, Physical Theatre)
Age 18+
20:30 - Pleasance Courtyard - Forth
Literature! Literature! It might not rhyme with anything but it’s still very important. Garry Starr is back and he’s hell-bent on saving books from extinction by performing every Penguin Classic novel ever written. In an hour. Mostly naked (but with flippers). Comic wunderkind Starr takes us on a literary adventure through the world’s most iconic works of fiction. From The Little Prince to Moby Dick and everything in between, nothing is safe from being lampooned with the utmost nincompoopery. Directed by Cal McCrystal and Georgia Murphy.
Reviews Hub - ★★★★★
"Garry Starr, the comedic genius behind this insanity, delivers a masterclass in combining absurd humour with literary parody."
Chortle - ★★★★
"Classic Penguins is an hour of one frivolously daft scene after another, full of memorable moments that will stick with you beyond the festival."
20. THROUGH THE MUD
Theatre (Drama, Blues)
Age 14+
17:55 - Summerhall - Main Hall
'A fierce 70 minutes of music and protest' (Scotsman). The story of two generations of women activists in the struggle for black liberation in America. One, notorious Black Panther Assata Shakur, the other a college student at the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement in Ferguson in 2014. Against a stunning soundtrack of gospel and blues sung live, the show explores what it takes to become a revolutionary. Originally performed as Woke, written by Apphia Campbell, Fringe First Winner and creator of the hit show Black is the Colour of My Voice. MadeInScotlandShowcase.com
Ailie (Age 14) - ★★★★★
"I would rate through the mud 5 stars. I loved the fact that the two actors had a lot of energy which made it feel more realistic. I also liked that it was basically a short musical as there was singing. The singing also told the story and emphasized what had just happened. Another reason I loved the play was the fact it was telling history. This made it more interesting as I knew US civil rights quite well so I understood and learnt more about it. This was one of the best things I have seen recently."
Read our Reviews HERE
Edinburgh Reviews - ★★★★1/2
"The powerful and compelling performance of “Through the Mud” transcends its hour-long duration, seamlessly blending music, dance, and storytelling to evoke a profound sense of injustice."
Mix Up Theatre had a theatre trip to see the show earlier this year..
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Make sure you've booked in for Mix Up Theatre DRAMA CLASSES so you can join us for theatre trips and workshops!
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