Qulture Magazine

Words: Clioná McCann

With over 3,500 shows to choose from, the Fringe is overwhelming. So, I’ve put together a guide of both new and returning queer shows to cut through the noise. From farcical clownery to thought-provoking theatre and good old-fashioned stand-up, my guide has something for all sensibilities (and budgets). But, most of all, I urge all Fringe-goers to support smaller shows, and for the love of God- see something Scottish!

Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer (Pleasance Courtyard)
Sam Nicoresti’s Baby Doomer was one of the most acclaimed shows of the festival in 2025 and for good reason. Winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Best Show Award, the show explores Nicoresti’s musings on her own mental health and transness. Somehow, her humour is both deeply intelligent and remarkably dumb; but always funny. Snap your tickets up fast, as she’s only back for a limited 4-day run.

An Asexual Show About Cunnilingus by Eliott Simpson (Free Fringe; Pay what you can)
An Asexual Show about Cunnilingus explores what happens when Eliott Simpson, who doesn’t want to have sex, finds himself in love with someone who very much does. Described as the ‘sexiest asexual show to ever grace the fringe’, Simpson has received high praise across the board as a side-splitting stand-up gig.

Eva Peroni: Jungled (Gilded Balloon, Teviot)
One of the most exciting new names in UK comedy, Eva Peroni’s debut stand-up hour Jungled is set up to be a roaring success! Blending a traditional Scottish sense of humour with a fresh modern perspective, she is guaranteed to be almost everyone’s cup of tea. Peroni provides the sharp, fast-paced, no-nonsense stand-up that Scotland is known for, reminiscent of big-hitters like Susie McCabe.

Mother, Maiden and Crone (Bedlam Theatre)
Mother, Maiden and Crone are returning for their second year at the Fringe. This show was undoubtedly one of the best I saw last year. Camp, irreverent and utterly ridiculous, it revamps Macbeth from the perspective of the three witches… If they were a drag queen, shot boy and DJ in a dingy gay bar. If you’re a fan of Cole Escola’s Oh, Mary! this show is simply a must-see.

Carmilla (Greenside, Riddle’s Court)
Carmilla similarly promises a fresh perspective on a well-loved classic. A tale which once warned against female sexuality is turned on its head to produce a seductive and captivating sapphic love story. Amongst a sea of derivative and repetitive ‘reimagining’ plays, take a chance on interesting new Scottish writing this year!

Transmission (Summerhall)
Drag artist and playwright Nelly Kelly explores Scotland’s rapidly changing political landscape in Transmission. This new theatre piece follows Kelly as Big Jimmy, the leader of the Freedom Party, as he campaigns to keep Scotland safe from the trans agenda and woke ideology. Expect poignant political commentary and hysterical impersonation work.

Acts of Contrition (Dunedin Theatre, Hill Street)
Acts of Contrition is a hilarious and heartfelt new piece direct from a sell-out run in Spain. Jon Gerrard McFaulds, otherwise known as drag queen and saxophonista Bonnie Oui Laddie, chronicles his experiences growing up gay in Glasgow and how they ultimately culminated in a life-changing move to Barcelona. Acts of Contrition is a must-see for all recovering ex-Catholics, late-in-life gays and fans of Madonna.

Bi-Curious George: Snail Trail (Pleasance Courtyard)
Bi-Curious George is back with a new show following the success of 2024 hit Queer Planet. From the perspective of a snail, George explores the experience of trans masculinity, and all the joy and grossness that comes with it. With a blend of silly drag antics and scientific fun facts, he uses the natural world to help make sense of queer identity. Bi-Curious George is a magnetic performer who knows how to craft an authentic, heartfelt show.

Doom and Glitter / The Upside-Down Cabaret (Free Fringe; Pay what you can)
Drag artist and trans trailblazer Mr Brake Down is bringing two queer powerhouse shows to this year’s festival. Doom and Glitter is an award-winning musical tribute to Tom Waits. Now in its fifth year at the Fringe, Doom and Glitter debuts its first all-trans band for a transformative hour of musical magic and ‘bluesy swagger’.

The Upside-Down Cabaret has a rotating cast of characters each night, featuring burlesque, drag, music, comedy and everything in between. As Chester’s premiere queer variety night, it’s bursting with queer joy and ready to share the love with Edinburgh. Join Mr. Brake Down and special guests for an endlessly entertaining night of queer creativity and community.

Fanny Bleach: The Nearly Naked Show (Assembly Roxy)
I always urge all Fringe-goers to see the weirdest things on the programme… And you can always count on Bighead comedy to sign the wackiest acts. Fanny Bleach is no different; self-described as a ‘55-minute cock tease’, they blend clownery, drag, sketch and physical theatre into a bizarre reclamation of their own body. Fanny Bleach is quickly becoming a popular name on the London circuit- so check them out before they hit it big.

The Kaye Hole (McEwan Hall, Underbelly)
The Kaye Hole is quickly becoming a legend amongst regular Fringe-goers. Known for its consistently excellent line-ups and hosted by the brilliant Ruben Kaye, this variety show features different performers every night, giving you a taste of some of the most outrageous acts across the festival. With only four nights in McEwan Hall, The Kaye Hole will undoubtedly sell out- so book your tickets ASAP!

Judy Garland is Fat at Carnegie Hall (TheSpace on the Mile)
Judy Garland is Fat at Carnegie Hall is a riotous show of clownery, drag, lip-sync and everything in between. Direct from New York City, Soda Pressed and Xena Fauxbia pull out all the stops to pay tribute to Judy Garland’s most legendary show. Exploring body image and fatphobia in the entertainment industry, this show is absurd, experimental, and deeply culturally relevant.