If you’ve ever tried to find a Fringe show that doesn’t feel too young—or way too adult—you’ll know that entertaining teenagers can be a tricky task. Luckily, Assembly Festival’s 2025 programme offers a brilliant range of shows that hit the sweet spot: bold, funny, thought-provoking, and full of energy.
Here’s our pick of the best shows at Assembly this year that teens will love—whether they’re into circus, comedy, music, magic or something totally unique.
For the thrill-seekers and dance lovers
360 ALLSTARS
This is not your average circus. A spectacular fusion of breakdancing, BMX stunts, basketball tricks and live drumming, 360 ALLSTARS is an urban circus that will have teens glued to their seats (when they’re not jumping out of them). It’s high-energy, modern and seriously awesome.
More information and tickets available here
Beats on Pointe
Mixing classical ballet with street dance, Beats on Pointe mashes up styles and genres in a high-octane dance battle of rhythm and grace. Perfect for dance- obsessed teens who appreciate everything from tutus to the moonwalk.
More information and tickets available here.
Raise the Barre
The sister show to Beats on Pointe, and another great one for dance fans, this is an exhilarating whirlwind of physical entertainment fused with comedy, freestyle acts and dance theatre.
More information and tickets available here.
Cirque Kalabanté – WOW (World of Words)
An explosive mix of circus, music and dance. This is a fast-paced, infectious celebration of African and Western culture, with incredible aerial acts, jaw dropping acrobatics, a human pyramid and a dash of comedy. Teens won’t stop talking about it.
More information and tickets available here.
By a Thread
An elegant and poetic aerial show where circus artists use a single long rope as their lifeline—balancing risk and trust in a breath taking display of skill. This performance is both beautiful and hypnotic.
More information and tickets available here.
If they love a good story
Ten Thousand Hours
A moving and visually striking piece of physical theatre that explores ambition, perseverance and what it takes to achieve great things. Ideal for older teens starting to think about the future and the pressures of growing up.
More information and tickets available here.
The Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl
This quirky, heart warming show uses movement and striking imagery to tell a story about outsiders, identity, and belonging. It’s imaginative and rich in emotion—great for thoughtful teens who love a touch of surrealism.
More information and tickets available here.
The Genesis
A bold, genre-blending piece exploring the intersection of faith, art and identity through dance and theatre. Complex, layered, and ideal for teens looking to be challenged and inspired.
More information and tickets available here.
Wee Man
This powerful and highly physical dance-theatre performance by Scottish choreographer Natasha Gilmore tackles the complexities of masculinity and inherited behaviours in a raw, honest all-male cast from teens to adults. An important watch for adolescent boys.
More information and tickets available here.
For fans of funny, weird, and wonderful
5 Mistakes That Changed History
Hilarious and informative, this fast-paced comedy show dives into real-life historical blunders that changed the course of the world. Returning with a new production after a plethora of sold-out seasons, this popular show is ideal for curious minds who love to laugh and learn.
More information and tickets available here.
Trygve Wakenshaw and Barnie Duncan: Different Party
Absurd, inventive, and irresistibly silly, this much-loved slapstick duo returns with a physical comedy show that’s packed with mime, movement and madness. A great pick for teens who love their comedy a bit off the wall.
More information and tickets available here.
Apocalipsync
Lip-sync meets cabaret meets chaos in this gleefully ridiculous end-of-the-world spectacular. It’s loud, camp, and surprisingly smart—a hilarious night out brought by viral social media sensation Luciano Rosso.
More information and tickets available here.
Magic and mind-blowing moments
Kevin Quantum: Unbelievable Magic for Non-Believers
Mixing science and illusion, Kevin Quantum creates jaw-dropping tricks that even the
most sceptical teen will find hard to explain. Smart, slick, and genuinely magical.
More information and tickets available here.
The Remarkable Ben Hart
A master of sleight-of-hand and theatrical storytelling, Ben Hart’s magic show is
stylish, intriguing and just the right amount of mysterious. Ideal for teens who love
puzzles, drama and the unexplained.
More information and tickets available here.
For the music lovers
Candlelight: Classic Rock in the Round
A candlelit concert featuring epic rock anthems performed live with classical instruments. It’s moody, atmospheric, and gives new life to songs by Queen, Nirvana, and more. A chill but unforgettable evening.
More information and tickets available here.
Shantify
This nautical musical adventure starring a crew of West End wonder boys was the talk of Fringe 2024. See the talented bunch return as they transform famous show tunes, rock classics and pop bangers into superb sea shanties and weave them into a joyous story.
More information and tickets available here.
Out of the Blue
Oxford University’s all-male a cappella group is always a hit at the Fringe (it’s now in its 21st year!) thanks to slick harmonies, big personalities, and hilarious choreography. Energetic, cheeky, and great fun – don’t miss your chance to see these engaging singers in action.
More information and tickets available here.
Ohio
The Olivier Award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer bring you this intimate and rousing new musical experience featuring creative captions. All about identity, belonging and self-discovery, this thoughtful and lyrical show is one for teens who enjoy a more reflective theatrical experience.
More information and tickets available here.
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence
A clever and witty musical that reimagines Shakespeare’s anti-heroine as a high school netball captain. Think Mean Girls meets Macbeth—with songs. Irresistible.
More information and tickets available here.
Whether your teen is a budding performer, a music lover, a comedy addict or just up for something new, Assembly Festival has something to keep them inspired and entertained this summer. Book early—these shows are guaranteed to be popular!
For info: This post was Guest written by Catherine on behalf of Assembly. On this occasion, we did not receive a fee – but do often review shows at the Assembly with gifted press tickets. You can get tickets to all shows mentioned here at the Assembly Festival.
