Edinburgh Fringe 2024: The Ultimate Guide—What’s Hot and What’s Not

What I loved and what I didn’t. Who you should see…and who shouldn’t be on your list…

I’m going to do this in the order of my Fringe Journey, as your experience will unfold daily at the festival.

Saturday, Aug 3:

Pop Off Michelangelo ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

It’s the world premiere musical comedy about besties-turned-bitter rivals Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. After realizing they're both gay, the two childhood friends attempt to earn divine forgiveness by becoming the greatest religious artists of all time. The cast did a fabulous job, despite a lousy sound system (which has since been corrected). This was a fun, campy romp with virtually no historical accuracy, and worth every moment. A must-see!

Crying Shame ⭐️

While others seemed to thoroughly enjoy this performance, I felt that it was indeed a crying shame. The performers are super talented, but the actual plot (was there one?) seemed disjointed and frankly, a bit depressing. Sure there were high points, but they had a theme about loneliness and I left the show without any sort of uplifted feeling. A definite pass.

Drop Dead Gorgeous ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

As soon as Crying Shame wrapped, the Pleasance King dome was reconfigured for this delightful concert workshop. It’s a sneak peek of the upcoming new musical based on the cult-classic film, featuring an original score written by Riki Lindhome (Netflix's Wednesday). Meet Amber, Becky, Tammy, Lisa, Tess and Jenelle, six Mount Rose high school students competing in the local Teen Princess Pageant. The innocent competition takes a dark turn as the contestants are mysteriously murdered. The cast was delightful and incredibly talented and we left wanting more. Can't wait to see the full show when it comes out! Put it on your priority list!

Sunday, August 5

Come Dine With Me, the Musical ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

This was a delightful musical comedic romp that bordered on slapstick and was such fun. It even had a surprising twist at the end. It’s all about a reality TV show, “Come Dine With Me” and their struggle to improve their ratings. Was someone sabotaging the food? Who was it? You’ll have to see it and find out. And yes, definitely go see it!

Gwyneth Goes Skiing ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The story of Goop founder (and actress) Gwyneth Paltrow and the retired optometrist from Utah. It’s all wrapped up in a musical, with fun audience participation and an ending that you get to vote on. This was a super fun way to spend the afternoon. Recommended!

Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Demi Adejuyigbe is a writer, comedian, filmmaker, and, inexplicably, a musician, known for his podcasts Punch Up The Jam and Gilmore Guys, his popular September 21st video series, and as a writer/producer on NBC's The Good Place, Peacock's The Amber Ruffin Show, Netflix's NEON, and Apple TV's Strange Planet. This one-man show was creative, engaging, and fun. I wouldn’t put it on the “must see” list, but definitely a “go see” list if you have time in your calendar.

Rueben Kaye Live and Intimidating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I’ve been a Rueben Kaye fanboy for years, so I'm certainly biased. This is the most serious I’ve seen him, so I wouldn’t say it’s his most “fun” show. But I consider Rueben as a perpetual must-see, and I’ll stand by that recommendation.

Big Gay AfterParty ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Hosted by Aidan Sadler, this was a fabulous way to cap off a delightful day. Aidan has a terrific voice, and I regret that I was unable to catch his solo show, but wow, this one was a can’t miss (or you risk losing your gay card!). He was hosting other fringe performers, including the incredible Tash York who was off the charts. Followed by a sexy young acrobat who finished his act drenching himself in almond milk (you had to be there, and yes, I’ve got it on video for you!). There was much more, but I’ll leave it here. Go see this one!

Monday, August 6

Ten Thousand Hours ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ +

You know how they say that you need 10,000 hours to perfect something? Well, this is evidence. 8 outstanding Australian performers showed us all what perfection can be. Hands down, the most impressive acrobatic performance I’ve ever seen at the Fringe—overall—and over all the Fringes I’ve attended. “Must See” is an understatement.

Long Distance: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Two men meet, fall in love, have sex, fight, make up, and break up – and all through texting. Their texts, dramatized like poetry, paint a portrait of an unforgettable relationship. This was an intimate performance, well acted and quite compelling. Worth seeing. Put it on your list.

Yuck Circus ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

It seems that Australia is the top producer of acrobatic acts at the Fringe this year, and this was another great performance. The troupe was fun, engaging and super talented. They earned every one of their 5 stars!

Ben Hart HeX ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Ben’s magic blew my mind 2 years ago and this year was just as spellbinding. In a more intimate setting (which he revealed to me was a bit of a stretch for him), he performed “how the hell did he do that” tricks one after another. Ben has made it to my permanent must-see list, and I bet he’ll earn a spot on yours as well.

Messy Friends ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

It’s a bit of drag and a bit of a documentary all rolled up into a fun performance. My friend Ryan was over the top about this show, which may have set my expectations a bit too high. While this group won best cabaret at the Adelaide Fringe, I’d say that it’s worth seeing, but it didn’t make it to the top of my list.

Swamplesque ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

What a fun romp in the swamp! It was their first sold-out show this year (what a way to start the month) and boy was this fun. Swamplesque is a burlesque and drag parody of Shrek. My friend Tash York steals the show with her fabulous voice, and the audience just loves her. I’ll leave you with just one word here: Go!

ACMS: Alternative Comedy Memorial Society ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

This irreverent late-night show goes until 3 am, but I couldn’t last that long. It features a variety of guest performances which ranged from terrific to “not so much”, but it was fun either way. You’re encouraged to heckle, but there are specific “approved heckles” that you can use, which are quite a hoot. If you can sleep-in the next day, then put this on your list. It’s fun and different, and why wouldn’t you want to end your day laughing your ass (or other parts) off!

Tuesday, August 6

The Emu Wars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

It’s hard to start a day when you’re totally exhausted from a late night before, but this show was the perfect way to wake up! Inspired by the true events of The Great Emu War of 1932, this new comedy musical tells the story of WW1 veterans trying to grow wheat in the Australian outback. Unfortunately, the local emus develop a taste for the crops, so the government sends in the army to fight them. Put this one on your list for sure!

Transhumanist⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

If you like modern dance, you’ll love this show. Two male dancers perform what might be called an introspective program. This was not a dramatic performance—instead, it was an engaging, low-key journey. I gave it 5 stars because the dancers certainly earned it. But if you need stimulation to stay awake after a long night, this isn’t the performance for you!

James Barr: Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said my ex to my mum) ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

James tackles the aftermath of an abusive relationship in this solo performance. He’s a competent story-teller and had us on the edge of our seats. I think that domestic abuse is an uncomfortable topic, and I felt that discomfort, so perhaps that’s why I only gave this 4 stars. If you’ve had some experience in this area, I’d make it a must see for you.

Jack Goes to Therapy: A (somewhat) Romantic Comedy ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Jack is a 29-year-old Kindergarten teacher and a hopeless romantic. So when the love of his life leaves him for another man, Jack is heartbroken. Determined to find happiness by sheer willpower alone, Jack re-enters the dating world with a vengeance. This was quite a different experience than the previous show—certainly much lighter and more fun. Zac Williams did an excellent job with this and it’s certainly on my must-see list!

DIVA: Live From Hell ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

This enthusiastic one-man performance was non-stop energy and. The young president of the Drama Club met his match when another student transferred into the school. He did what any diva would do…he killed off the competition. Put it on your list!

Circolumbia: Corazon ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

This acrobatic group from Columbia gives us a love letter that leaves you inspired and excited. They did acrobatics in a very creative way in the Spiegeltent that simply captivated us. The talented troupe had a humility about them that earns them a spot on the must-see list!

House of Cleopatra ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I’ll just say “Wow” and tell you to be sure to see this one. Yes, there’s some history here, but this isn’t a history lesson. This is a high-energy romp that will have you jumping, dancing and grooving with Cleo, Mark Anthony and more! Another must-see!

Wednesday, August 7

Did You Mean to Fall Like That ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

It’s the journey of a man who loses his straight marriage, his job, and his self-esteem…and meets a man who challenges his perspective of love and relationships. It’s a bit intense, but the show works. Well performed and deserving as an alternate on your list.

Burning Down the Horse ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Oh what fun! The story of the Trojan Horse (well, sort of) and so much fun. Put it on your list for sure if you like campy comedy with a little bit of history thrown in!

Chris Weir: Well Flung ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Chris takes us on an adventure to Gran Canaria and his 5-day holiday fling. This was fun and certainly enjoyable and definitely had some graphic moments (that rang a bit close to home!). See this one!

BiCurious George: Queer Planet ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

What a creative hoot of a performance! Award-winning drag king and London's loveable nature boy, Bi-Curious George gave us a raucous celebration of queerness and the animal kingdom. This was a highlight of my fringe adventure, and certainly a must see!

Ginger Johnson Blows Off ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Ginger is a winner of Drag Race UK, and gave us a fun performance that ends with her being shot from a canon (or does she?). Campy and draggy and fun. If you love drag queens, you’ll love Ginger. For me, I found it just a little bit too silly so I’d give it a pass. There are other options that are more stimulating.

Rhys Nicholson: Big Huge Party Congratulations ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Going from silly to something more mature was a bit of a relief, and Rhys always delivers. This is Rhys' 10th year at the fringe, and as usual, gave a terrific show that proves that great comedy can be g-rated and that gay comedians don’t need to tell gay jokes. Rhys is totally out and talks about their husband, but in a totally normal way, which is exactly how we should be talking about our loved ones. A must-see as always!

Aunty Ginger: Finding Splashman ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Is it poetic justice when they have a drag queen performing in a parking garage?? Aunty Ginger taught us glory hole etiquette and much more, and her Ann Landers-style advice was terrific. Put her on your list and park your butt in her garage!

Dancefloor Conversion Therapy⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Jonny Hawkins was once on the straight-and-narrow, but now they're on the queer-and-wide. In their early 20s Jonny helped start a church, went to Bible College, and was preaching the Gospel in front of thousands of people, but since has become one of Australia's most loved DJs, dance floor icon, queer party promoter and a disciple of joy. This is the only show with a built-in afterparty. Definitely a must-see and do. A confession…I met a terrific guy on the queue waiting to get into the show and we had a fabulous night together…so yes, this show is definitely a winner!

Thursday, August 8

An Adequate Abridgement of Boarding School Life as a Homo (Just the Tonic at the Caves) ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Definitely a must see! I was lucky enough to meet Lizzie Hawke, the producer, who convinced me and my friend Ryan to come see it. I’m so glad we did. This boarding school tale was well-acted and had us completely engaged from the first moment until the last. Do yourself a favor and put this on your list.

Love’s a Beach ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

What happens six months after your five minutes of fame? Cyrus and Ben are the first gay winners of TV's biggest reality show. They're 22, and have thousands of followers, but now spend most of their days making sponsored content about dog food, and fronting campaigns about adult incontinence. When they're offered an influencing deal in Dubai, the couple must decide how far they'll go to cling to celebrity... and at what cost. Unfortunately, I arrived late, so I missed the premise of the show and was a bit lost. The performances were fine, but I just couldn’t get into this one.

Apricity ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Another contemporary circus from Australia that certainly did not disappoint. “Wow” is the operative word here and yes, put this one on your list for sure!

Afrique En Cirque ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I think we need to either add another category, or I’ll have to go and downgrade many of the other shows, because this performance was the perfect way to end my Fringe adventure this year. OMG, the talent was off the charts. The music, the drumming, the humor, the acrobatics, the set, and the connection with the audience were fantastic. Created by Yamoussa Bangoura, it was inspired by daily life in Guinea. This performance shares the beauty, youth, and artistry of African culture, and you simply must see it as a gift that you deserve!