Mix Up Theatre lists the Best Shows at the Festival this year!
Stuck for what to see? Don't worry we'll help!
The last full day of the festival is here (as well as Monday 26th) - we list the Top 20 shows you should really still try and catch while you still can!
1. THE BLACK BLUES BROTHERS
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (Circus, Acrobatics)
Age 5+
15:10 - Assembly Rooms - Music Hall - Sunday 25th
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!
Erynn (Age 11) - ★★★★★
"We went to see TheBlack Blues Brothers on the 17th of August.
I LOVED the fact that they included the audience, i even got to go on stage! The acrobatics were jaw dropping and i couldn't take my eyes off of the stage for a second! There was lots of humour, emotion and most importantly the most amazing tricks I've ever seen! It was 100% my favourite show I have ever been too! I think the age rating for this show is about 5 and up. And it is definitely five stars!"
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...
2. LOCOMOTIVE FOR MURDER: THE IMPROVISED WHODUNNIT
Comedy (Improv, Theatre)
Age 8+
15:00 - Gilded Balloon, Patter House - Other Yin
Sunday 25th & Monday 26th August
Pinch Punch are back to welcome you aboard Locomotive for Murder, an improvised comedy murder-mystery where killing the cast and cracking the case is in your hands. Expect outrageous accents and shaky alibis! Four characters board a train but not everyone will survive. Thankfully, a world-famous detective is ready to solve the case. But who is the murderer? Only one person knows: the murderer themselves. Using audience suggestions and stories, Pinch Punch create a never-to-be-repeated whodunnit. If you love comedy or murder mysteries then this is the show for you!
Sam (Age 11) - ★★★★★★
"This is the no.1 funniest improv of the fringe! And it has guarantee to have the best character personalities and designs of any comedy show in Edinburgh, and with some of the best quick witted comedy that is unforgettable!"
The Reviews Hub - ★★★★★
"Played out with endless enthusiasm, superb timing and an unrivalled understanding of what make classic comedy improv, the show is a joy to watch and one you know will be almost completely different if you come back again."
3. THE ALHABET OF AWESOME SCIENCE
Children's Shows (Comedy, Science and Technology)
Age 5+
12:30 - Underbelly, George Square - Udderbelly - Sunday 25th August
Join Professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet – where fascinating words inspire spectacular science! It's a tongue-twisting race from A to Z that's equal parts explosive, messy, hilarious, fascinating and gross. Brace yourself for an hour of carefully crafted alphabetical, scientifical (multi award-winning!) chaos.
Felicity (Age 5) - ★★★★★
"It was about science and words and letters. It was excellent. My favourite part was when it was raining doughnuts and when we got wet! I also liked the explosions, the end part was the best!"
Audience Reviews:
"Extremely fun show for all the family! We loved every second"
We had a workshop with That Science Gang at our Fringe camp...
4. SURREAL: THE MIND-READING SHOW FROM BERLIN!
Cabaret and Variety (Magic, Interactive)
Age 8+
17:50 - C Arts - C Aquila - Temple - Sunday 25th August
A mind-reading show from Berlin! Enter a surreal world where mind-reading is normal! This show combines handmade vintage-style visuals with the strange skills of two savants from Berlin. In a dialogue between animated short films and paranormal experiments, the two mind-readers bow to the beauty of 1920s Berlin, and a mystical childhood in Brazil. Surreal is a surprising, dreamy and, above all, interactive experience.
Georgie (Age 9) - ★★★★★
“That was insane. I really liked it when they got the mind reading correct. I liked how they got on atage and read their minds. It was really insane. Everyone must go see it. 5 out of 5 again”
World Magic Review - ★★★★
"Extremely fun show for all the family! We loved every second"
We had a workshop with Sonambul at our Fringe camp...
5. YES-YA-YEBO!
Cabaret and Variety (Dance, Music)
Age 3+
17:30 - Laughing Horse @ The Counting House - The Ballroom - Sunday 25th August
This 'memorable', 'dynamic and vibrant' show fills the stage with 'charisma' and 'boundless energy' as 'natural-born performers' dance to 'an upbeat tune of elation' (Entertainment-Now.com), (BroadwayWorld.com). An all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza celebrating South Africa's 12 official languages, sprinkled with that incredible township vibe. Audiences commented that the talent was infinitely prevalent and the hour was most definitely well spent! A celebration of something much bigger than just a show that will give you a spring in your step when you leave.
Georgie (Age 9) - ★★★★★
"I give it 5 stars, that was fantastic, I loved the music and dancing and the cheering. It's a really good show to take kids. The costumes where really nice and it was funny aswell. I loved dancing with them and remember the moves they taugh us when they came to mix up, can we go back to see them. I think everyone needs to go to that show it was the best 🙂"
Entertainment Now - ★★★★
"Spike Milligan wrote “Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu. When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.” Go and get yourself a dose."
We had a workshop with Yes-Ya-Yebo at our Fringe camp...
6. PG HITS! THE BEST IN FAMILY-FRIENDLY STAND-UP COMEDY
Comedy (Children's Show, Compilation)
Age 8+
12:30 - Laughing Horse @ Bar 50 - Sunday 25th August
Three top stand-ups perform their very best routines just as they do in comedy clubs up and down the country and abroad, just without the swearing! PG Hits is a professional stand-up comedy compilation show that leaves out the really rude bits so everybody can enjoy the show. Comedy fans of all ages and all tastes will have something to enjoy as we bring you a diverse line-up from the very best the festival has to offer, at a relaxed lunchtime performance.
Harrison (Age 10) - ★★★★★★
"6 stars out of 5
There were 3 stand up comedians and a host of the show so it is great value. The first and last ones were the best as they were very funny. Especially the last, he was a proper comedian. The smiling tea bag was the best joke! I loved the bit where I got to get up the stage and do a bit of acting."
We had a workshop with PG Hits at our Fringe camp...
7. BUBBLE J: THE FANTASTIC UNBELIEVABLE SHOW
Children's Shows (Family-Friendly, Magic)
Age 0+
11:20 - C Arts - C Venues - C Aurora - Sunday 25th August
All the way from Korea, and travelling to 48 cities in 10 different countries, Bubble J: The Fantastic Unbelievable Show gives its European premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe. Its aim is to provide fun and excitement to families around the world with magic, soap bubbles, balloons and shadow play. This non-verbal show with digital interaction is a new kind of storytelling, that will unite adults and children in an experience that is not only unforgettable but also unbelievable!
Stewart - ★★★★★
"What a brilliant show! Bubble J is a fantastic, funny, wacky and welcoming host as he spreads the joy of bubbles around the room. My little guy was up on the stage for a trick as well and he had the time of his life. The show isn't all just bubbles, there's some balloon tricks and my favourite was the shadow puppetry. It's a jam packed hour and a lot of fun, don't miss it! Great use of music throughout the showBest bubble show I've seen yet!"
Audience Reviews:
"Really good show. My 11 year old and 14 year old with ASN both really loved it. Bubbles, balloons, and amazing shadow puppets. Well worth a visit."
8. WEEGIE HINK AE THAT?
Comedy (Sketch Show, Music)
Age 16+
20:25 - The Stand Comedy Club, Stand 6 - Sunday 25th August
The Weegie boys are back! Come see what these comical dafties do best. Fast-paced, witty sketch comedy with twists on Scottish culture. Along with wacky yet harmonious songs that will have you singing along to the madness! The manic trio of Gregor, Conor and Elliot will have you laughing from start to finish. The boys have proved an undeniable hit both on stage and online: they have sold out Edinburgh Fringe runs, UK tours, festivals and performances in America, headlined club nights and produced numerous viral sketches on BBC Scotland. So, Weegie Hink Ae That?
Stewart (from Outwith Festival 2022) - ★★★★★
"The real highlight of the night was the group of 3 Scottish lads, Weegie Ye Hink Ae That? who provided hilarious sketches and songs all with a very cheeky Scottish twist. Again a wee bit messy but all the more fun for it and had the audience all singing along as well! These guys definitely deserve 5 stars - keep an eye out for the lads because they'll be going places (well they are actually, they are off to a festival in the USA!!!)"
The British Theatre Guide - ★★★★★
"Put simply, the boys are on cracking form."
9. SHADOW NECROPOLIS
Theatre (Family-Friendly, Puppetry)
Age 8+
11:15 - Assembly Roxy - Upstairs - Sunday 25th August & Monday 26th August
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...
10. 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."
11. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING... EARNEST?
Theatre (Comedy)
Age 8+
16:40 - Pleasance Courtyard - Beyond - Sunday 25th August
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.
Erin (Age 10) - ★★★★★
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...
12. TAIWAN SEASON: LOST CONNECTION
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (Dance, Contemporary)
Age 8+
13:35 - Summerhall - Main Hall - Sunday 25th August
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.
Max (Age 10) - ★★★★★
"Very cool and weird the way these dancers could move - vibrating with the music and then smoothly. Impressive and mesmerising."
Broadway Baby - ★★★★★
"A truly engrossing dance piece, with impressive stamina required for its execution."
Mix Up Theatre had a workshop with Seed Dance Company...
13. A BEE STORY
Children's Shows (Circus, Acrobatics)
Age 3+
12:10 - Assembly George Square Gardens - Piccolo - Sunday 25th August
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.
Ben (Age 6) & Freya (Age 4) - ★★★★★
"Ben and Freya had a great time at their show. Ben was especially impressed that just two actors were able to tell a whole story, and how good the man was at juggling on his unicycle!"
One4Review - ★★★★★
"I can confidently say that this year’s show is even better, leaving audiences eager for more from this talented duo."
Mix Up Theatre had a workshop with Arc Theatre Company back in 2018...
14. THE GREATEST MAGIC SHOW
Children's Shows (Magic, Comedy)
Age 4-12
13:10 - Assembly George Square Gardens - Palais du Verite - Sunday 25th August & Monday 26th August
This sell-out sensation of the past three years is set to return with more whimsical wonders than ever before! Having garnered international acclaim performing at the biggest arts festivals across the globe, stars Sam, Justin and the enchanting Ringmaster are returning once again to the Edinburgh Fringe with brand-new illusions direct from a Las Vegas stage! This is a family-friendly spectacle not to be missed! Free magic wand on entry!
Stewart - ★★★★★
"Fantastic family show - chock-full of laughs and tricks. The hosts are a lot of fun and get the audience going right from the off. There's enough laughs in their for the parents and the interaction with the children is well handled. A great hour to entertain the little one's."
One4Review - ★★★★★
"A must-see for families looking to give their children a little bit of awe and a lot of giggles."
15. GROW
Chidren's Shows (Storytelling, Artists(s) of Colour)
Age 2-6
10:30 - Scottish Storytelling Centre - Netherbow Theatre - Sunday 25th August
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."
16. THE BOOK OF MOUNTAINS AND SEAS
Theatre (New Writing, LGBTQ+)
Age 14+
13:05 - Pleasance Courtyard - Beneath - Sunday 25th August
In this new play from award-winning writer Yilong Liu, a California dad arrives in New York to visit his late son's last boyfriend to propose an impossible mission: visit all 179 restaurants reviewed on his son's popular Yelp page in one weekend. What ensues is an adventure filled with clashing cultures, unlikely friendships, and the review of a lifetime.
Stewart - ★★★★★
"A beautifully crafted, intimate sad and funny play about a father trying to find out more about his adult son's life after his death. He reunites with his son's boyfriend to try and uncover more about his son, unexpectedly - from his Yelp reviews! It's a really lovely play, impeccably played by the actors and just perfect writing. A unique experience today meant that the writer himself, Yilong Liu, had to cover a role for an unwell actor. I think this just added an extra enjoyment and another unexpected level to the production. Worth catching the last performance if you can."
British Theater Guide - ★★★★★
"It’s a genuinely beautiful and strangely fragile play, a meditation on the loss and the emptiness that comes after death rather than grief itself, as two very different men try to find a way to relate to each other, like pieces of a jigsaw, bending to fit over the hole made by a lost fragment. Anyone who has known grief will understand the sentiments here, and it’s a testament to all involved that they have captured such a rare quintessence of perfection."
17. TAIWAN SEASON: I AM THE BOSS
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (Children's Shows, Family-Friendly)
Age 3+
15:05 - Assembly George Square Gardens - Piccolo - Sunday 25th August
Find out what kind of hijinks three competitive yet playful siblings get up to when they're left home alone. This fizzy, highly acrobatic and gently interactive family entertainment is the brainchild of the young, award-winning makers of Fringe 2023's hit circus/dance show Duo. 'Right on the money' (Scotsman). 'Makes the heart race' (BroadwayBaby.com). Loaded with all manner of adroit balances, flips, springs, flings and spins, it's a light-hearted, personality-driven delight and guaranteed fab fun for all ages. European premiere.
Max (Age 10) - ★★★★1/2
"Really impressive acrobatics - they all stood on top of each other! It was also very funny."
Scottish Field - ★★★★
"I am the Boss is a charming children’s show combining acrobatics and physical theatre that had every child in the venue laughing at their antics."
Mix Up Theatre had a workshop with 0471 Acro Physical Theatre at our Fringe camp...
18. CARTOOOON!!
Children's Shows (Circus, Clown)
Age 3+
13:30 - Assembly George Square Gardens - Piccolo - Sunday 25th August & Monday 26th August
The world-famous unicycle acrobatics show! Winner of Japan's Children and Performing Arts Expo 2019, pioneers of both unicycle acrobatics and contemporary Japanese clowning, the unparalleled combination of skill and humour makes this a must-see family Fringe show. With the rare combination of world champion-level skills, unprecedented showmanship and a truly original style, the duo fuse circus with manga-like characters to deliver a masterclass in the universal language of laughter. Follow the journey of the mischievous Cheeky, and her journey into the magical world of The Big Top.
Stewart - ★★★★
"Impeccable talent on show here from two joyfully cartoon-like clowns (perfect title!). It's always nice to see a particularly niche skill giving space to breathe - here being unicycle acrobatics. The tricks don't always go to plan so there's real tension in the room (well, tent). The humour is lots of fun as well but maybe gets a little repetitive, which causes the shows pace to dwindle a little. Still this is a superb bit of fun and the perfect show to get your kids away from their screens to see some real cartoooon!! in action! "
One4Review - ★★★★★
"It’s a delightful show that promises to leave you smiling long after you leave."
19. TRYGVE WAKENSHAW: SILLY LITTLE THINGS
Comedy (Mime, Theatre)
Age 12+
20:15 - Assembly Rooms - Upstairs - Sunday 25th August
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."
20. THROUGH THE MUD
Theatre (Drama, Blues)
Age 14+
17:55 - Summerhall - Main Hall - Sunday 25th August
'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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