I’ve found that as my kids get slightly older that it can be tricky to find a show that is not too ‘baby’ but equally isn’t too sweary (a little bit is ok), or totally unsuitable (I do also have some tips for a night out without the kids!). So if you’re looking for some inspiration – here’s a post for you!
Here’s a quick overview of each of the shows you’ve mentioned at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, which are particularly great for teenagers:
Dance & Circus
- 360 All Stars: A high-energy urban circus show that combines breakdancing, BMX, basketball freestyling, and acrobatics. It’s a visually stunning spectacle perfect for fans of street culture and extreme sports.
- Beats on Pointe: A dynamic fusion of ballet and street dance, this show brings together the elegance of classical dance with the raw energy of urban styles, creating an electrifying and entertaining experience.
- The Black Blues Brothers: A unique circus performance inspired by the iconic film, featuring five acrobats who combine jaw-dropping stunts with rhythm and humor, all set to a blues soundtrack.
- Ten Thousand Hours: A captivating circus performance that explores the concept of mastery and dedication, featuring incredible acrobatics, physical theatre, and breathtaking stunts.
- Afrique en Cirque: A vibrant show that blends traditional African dance, live music, and circus acts, celebrating African culture with impressive feats of strength, agility, and rhythm.
- Circolombia: A thrilling showcase of Colombian street culture, this show combines circus arts with a gritty urban aesthetic, featuring extraordinary physical feats set to pulsating music.
Magic
- Ben Hart: Hex: A master magician who weaves storytelling with mind-bending illusions. Ben Hart’s show is full of impressive tricks that leave the audience in awe, making it a must-see for magic enthusiasts. This is the first show that I booked this year and just as good as last year – hands down one of our must sees.
Music/Musicals
- The Beatbox Collective: A jaw-dropping display of vocal talent, this group of beatboxers creates an entire musical experience using only their voices. It’s energetic, innovative, and highly engaging.
- Shantify!: A modern take on traditional sea shanties, blending them with contemporary music styles. This show offers a lively and fun musical journey that’s perfect for all ages.
- Mary, Queen of Rock!: A rock musical that reimagines the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, with a modern twist. Expect powerful vocals, catchy tunes, and a fresh take on history.
- Who Do Ya Love: A musical journey through love and relationships, featuring original songs that range from humorous to heartfelt. It’s relatable and entertaining, especially for fans of contemporary music theatre.
- An Evening Without Kate Bush: A tribute to the legendary artist, this show celebrates Kate Bush’s music with a mix of storytelling, performance, and audience interaction. It’s quirky, captivating, and perfect for fans of her work.
Theatre
- Plotters: A darkly comedic look at the historical figures who plotted infamous deeds, blending history with humor in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.
- Polishing Shakespeare: A hilarious and inventive reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s works, this show adds a modern twist to classic plays, making them accessible and fun for a younger audience.
- My Greatest Period Ever: A candid and humorous one-woman show that tackles the topic of menstruation with honesty and wit. It’s educational, empowering, and great for teens and adults alike.
Comedy & Improv
- Aaaand Now for Something Completely Improvised: A fast-paced improv show where the audience helps create the story. It’s unpredictable, funny, and perfect for fans of spontaneous comedy.
- 5 Mistakes That Changed History: A comedic exploration of historical blunders, this show mixes humor with history, offering a fun and educational experience.
- Absolute Monopoly: A comedic take on the classic board game, brought to life on stage with humor and improvisation. It’s clever, witty, and full of surprises.
- St Doctor’s Hospital: A comedy set in a chaotic hospital where everything that can go wrong does. Expect absurd situations, quick wit, and plenty of laughs.
- Murder She Didn’t Write: An improvised murder mystery where the audience decides the culprit. It’s a clever, interactive show that’s both funny and engaging.
- Shamilton! The Improvised Hip-Hop Musical: A hilarious parody of the hit musical Hamilton, with improvised raps and a storyline that changes every night. It’s perfect for fans of the original and improv comedy alike.
For a Night Without the Kids:
- Best of the Fest: The New Class & Original: These late-night showcases give you a taste of the top comedians at the Fringe, featuring a lineup of diverse and talented acts.
- Bronwyn Kuss: Sounds Good: A rising star in the comedy scene, Bronwyn Kuss delivers witty, dry stand-up that’s perfect for an early evening laugh.
- Camille O’Sullivan: Loveletter: A stunning and emotional musical performance by Camille O’Sullivan, known for her powerful voice and captivating presence. Celebrating her 20th Fringe, this show is a must-see.
- Rouge: A provocative circus cabaret that mixes acrobatics with burlesque and humor. It’s bold, entertaining, and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
- Reuben Kaye: Live and Intimidating: A charismatic and fearless performer, Reuben Kaye combines comedy, music, and drag in a show that’s both outrageous and mesmerizing.
- How to Mate: The Ted XXX Talk: A raunchy and humorous take on the traditional TED Talk format, exploring the topic of mating with plenty of laughs and adult content.
I’ve deliberately picked Assembly venue shows because they all tend to be centred around the University which is super easy to get the bus to and offers a whole host of good food options – I totally recommend the crepe place! Although there are some bars, I’ve found the security staff to be ‘on it’ and have never found it unsuitable for my kids. Tickets for everything can be found here!
