Our Guide to Edinburgh Fringe 2018
Heading up to Edinburgh to enjoy the Fringe this August? We’ve got you covered with all the need to knows for making the most out of your time in the Scottish capital:
The Venues:
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Venues
- George Street – Plush shops and upmarket clubs
- St Andrews Square – The Famous Spiegeltent
- The Mound – That big hill near The Castle
- The Royal Mile – The street you see on the telly
- The Grassmarket – Touristy pubs, usually hens and stags
- BBC – The national news channel
- Underbelly – Giant purple cow on its back + more
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Pleasance – Pretty and relaxed area
The Shows:
Most of the Scottish newspapers will provide Edinburgh Festival Fringe reviews and suggest the best shows to see this summer, and you can see the full programme online, here. However, here are some of our wellness-themed recommendations...
Skin Deep – LAMBCO Productions. Venue: Gilded Balloon Teviot
“Too fat? Too thin? Never exercise? Gym crazy? Hate how you look in the nude? Then this revue is for you! Body image, dieting, plastic surgery, the gym, dating apps and the agony of trying to look good in a selfie. Diana and her boys sing, dance and joke their way through a celebration of (and for) everybody.”
After the Cuts – Raw Material Arts Ltd. Venue: Summerhall
“The 2018 Fringe is awash with shows marking the seventieth birthday of the NHS. This, from playwright Gary McNair, is a dark comedy about a post-NHS world in which people must find the money to pay for their treatment.”
Nailed It - Jesus L'Oreal. Venue: The Voodoo Rooms, The Ballroom
“Halleberrylujah! Having told his backstory in the award-nominated Christ on a Bike and demonstrated the wonders of Pontius Pilates in Cross Fit, your sassy King of the Shoes, Jesus L’Oreal, returns once again to complete the Holy Trinity with another high-octane hour of song, dance and Jehovah’s fitness. Times up! Is your missionary position guaranteed in the kingdom of Hosanadu? Let’s rapture.”
Eat Your Heart Out – Tightrope Productions. Venue: Paradise in Augustines.
“A frank and sharply funny play about one woman’s journey to the brink and back again. Devised by a group of eating disorder sufferers and survivors, Eat Your Heart Out is a heartfelt account of teenage obsession and addiction. It is also an urgent and uplifting appeal for self-acceptance. Expect balloons, smarties and bad behaviour."
Frazzled – Ruby Wax. Venue: Pleasance Courtyard, August 20-26.
“The incomparable Ruby Wax is back with sell-out show Frazzled, which is based on her book 'A Mindfulness Guide For The Frazzled' which takes a deep dive into mental health."
Getting Cheap Seats:
Those on a budget can still enjoy the Fringe! For cheap Edinburgh Festival Fringe tickets For thrifty Edinburgh Festival Fringe deals, arrive at the start of the programme to take advantage of the 2-4-1 cheap seats as acts warm up, or head over to the Virgin Money Half Price Hut to see if any shows need you to boost up their numbers.
Where to Eat:
Need to refuel after all that laughter? Check out our healthy guide to Edinburgh to find our top recommendations for where to eat in this beautiful city, which includes everything from vegan acai bowls to Makars Gourmet Mash bar!