EdFringe 2024: Musicals & opera
Edinburgh-made musical theatre & opera at #EdFringe 2024
Edinburgh companies are well represented in the Musicals section of the fringe programme, with 25 different productions – thanks largely to the eight musicals being staged by Captivate.
As is so often the case, this section contains productions from student, amateur and youth companies across a variety of kinds of offerings – collections of show tunes, full blown musicals, opera, Savoy opera and youth versions of hugely successful shows.
Lewis Kerr as Quasimodo and the cast of the EdFringe 2023 production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame from Captivate. Pic: Captivate.
There are 184 shows Made in Edinburgh at #EdFringe this year. In order to make things clearer, we have divided the listing up into seven parts. On this page you can find an alphabetical listing of all the musical theatre and opera made by Edinburgh-based companies.
Here are the links to the other six listings pages:
Theatre by Edinburgh’s Amateur companies.
Theatre by Edinburgh’s Grassroots companies.
Theatre by Edinburgh’s Youth and Student companies.
Theatre by Edinburgh’s Professional & Funded companies.
Theatre for children and young people.
Edinburgh-made Music, Cabaret & Dance.
We are also proud to work with EPAD to produce and publish their annual listing of shows “created, performed or produced by Edinburgh’s theatre professionals” which is here.
This page has been updated to include links to reviews. Click on a show’s star rating to go to its review.
Musicals and opera listings
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group
Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152)
2 – 10 Aug: 16:15, 17:20 (2 hrs 30 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Ode to Pubescence
Please spell ‘entertaining’! Six quirky and sometimes obnoxious students in their quest for the coveted first place trophy in the Spelling Bee. Accompanied by three even quirkier adults, audience members, juice boxes, community service requirements, magic feet, and the unfortunate effects of puberty, the spellers navigate a series of increasingly difficult (and hilarious) words, whilst also dealing with their own stressful, embarrassing, or occasionally upsetting personal lives. Further details.
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
C&C Productions Ltd
theSpace @ Niddry St (Venue 9)
12 – 24 Aug (not 18): 11:15, 11:35 (1 hr 50 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Mood-lifter
Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn’s musical tells of six middle-schoolers growing up and of the relationships they form with each other, with their families and with the three adults running the Bee. With audience participation and improv elements, it is a heartwarming and hilarious tale of childhood motivations, friendship, making yourself proud and juiceboxes! Further details.
All Shook Up Young@Part
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70)
2 – 7, 12/13 Aug: 13:00, 15:30 (1 hr 10 mins)
This crowd-pleasing musical is inspired by and features the songs of Elvis Presley. It’s 1955 and into town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swivelling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as Teddy Bear, Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock. Further details.
And They Played Shang-A-Lang
Edinburgh Little Theatre
Hill Street Theatre (Venue 41)
2 – 25 Aug: 13:35 (1 hr)
Æ Review: ★★★★★ Joyful romp
Jukebox musical about what life was like growing up in 70s Edinburgh. With laughs, tears and memories from this fantastic cast and loved production. After 11 years, this is its final Edinburgh Fringe run. With years of sell-out shows alas, this production comes to an end at the Fringe. A huge thank you to all who have seen this over the years; grab your ticket for its final showing. Further details.
Avenue Q
Sound Events Scotland
Saint Stephen’s Theatre (Venue 166)
2 – 25 Aug: 21:25 (2 hrs 15 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Outrageous
The puppet-based musical following the characters that live on the worst street in the world. This brilliantly funny musical is brought to life by its enthusiastic and talented cast. Not for the easily offended. Further details.
A Bohemian Life
The Bohemians Lyric Opera Company
Edinburgh New Town Church (Venue 111)
22/23 Aug: 19:30 (1 hr 50 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Joyful
After sell-out concerts at the Fringe last year, the Bohemians are back, taking you through all aspects of life in their jam-packed, fun-filled concert. Featuring music from Matilda, Schmigadoon, Priscilla, 9 to 5, Fiddler on the Roof, Groundhog Day, Mary Poppins, Bugsy Malone and many more! There’s something for everyone and you’re guaranteed to leave the venue singing and dancing! Further details.
Carmen
Aria Alba Opera for All
Stockbridge Church (Venue 317)
14 – 17 Aug: 19:00 (3 hrs)
Carmen, a fiery, magnetic seductress, draws the soldier Don José into a turbulent love affair. Bizet’s much-loved, timeless music takes centre stage in this intimate community opera production, which gives a platform to singers from the UK and beyond. Directed by Jacob Zualski, this production is inspired by “poor theatre”, which strip down performances and highlights the actors’ physicality and direct connection with the audience. Further details.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70)
2 – 17 Aug: 17:45:00 (2 hrs 10 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Appetising treat
The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory… but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas. Further details.
Disney’s Frozen Junior
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70)
3 – 11 Aug (odd dates): 10:30:00 (1 hr 10 mins)
Disney’s modern classic is brought to the stage with all of the memorable songs from the film. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humour, Frozen JR is sure to thaw even the coldest heart. Further details.
EMT: Best of Broadway
Edinburgh Music Theatre
Edinburgh New Town Church (Venue 111)
7 – 09 Aug: 20:40:00 (50 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★☆☆ Catchy tunes
Join Edinburgh Music Theatre as they bring Broadway to the Edinburgh stage! Performing your favourite musical hits, the talented cast make this a must-see show for all fans of musical theatre out there! From musicals old and new, this show brings the joy of theatre to life before your eyes. With an array of show-stoppers, from toe-tapping dance hits to tear-jerking ballads, the cast of EMT are ready to whisk you away to the glamour of Broadway and leave you singing and dancing your way home. Further details.
EMT: Magic of the Movies
Edinburgh Music Theatre
Edinburgh New Town Church (Venue 111)
7 – 09 Aug: 19:10:00 (50 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★☆☆ Catchy tunes
Featuring treasured favourites from animated classics, Edinburgh Music Theatre is proud to present Magic of the Movies. Allow the talented performers to add sparkle to your evening and join us for a show not to be missed! With fun for all the family, this show will bring you along to enjoy your fantastical film favourites reimagined on the Edinburgh stage. Further details.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Teen Edition
Forth Children’s Theatre
Broughton High School (Venue 318)
3 – 10 Aug (not 5): 14:00, 19:00 (2 hrs 30 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Optimistic
Jamie New is 16 and doesn’t quite fit in. Instead of pursuing a traditional career, he dreams of becoming a drag queen. Uncertain about his future, Jamie knows one thing for sure – he’s going to be a sensation. Supported by his loving mother and amazing friends, Jamie overcomes discrimination and bullying to step out of the darkness – and into the spotlight. Further details.
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70)
8 – 17 Aug: 15:00:00 (2 hrs 15 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Terrific ensemble
There was a real buzz about this show in 2023. A sweeping score and powerful story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an instant classic. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with MTI Europe. Further details.
Into the Woods
Bare Productions
Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152)
2 – 10 Aug: 19:25, 20:35 (2 hrs 45 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★★ Dark
Bare Productions return following a string of five-star sell-out Fringe runs with the magical smash-hit, Into the Woods. A musical theatre mashup which intertwines classic fairytales, from Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood. These iconic characters venture into the woods to fulfil their wishes, but the consequences unfold in unexpected mysterious ways. It’s an epic musical full of comedy, thrills and suspense. Into the Woods is a Tony Award-winning musical which also had box office success as a film. A must-see for all! Further details.
Kinky Boots
Sound Events Scotland
Hill Street Theatre (Venue 41)
2 – 25 Aug: 10:50:00 (2 hrs 25 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Memorable
Based on a true story, this Cyndi Lauper-written musical tells the story of Charlie as he fights to save his father’s shoe factory. He teams up with drag queen Lola to save the business. An absolute blast! Further details.
The Last Five Years
Never Ending Theatre
Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152)
3 – 17 Aug (not 4, 11): 10:30, 12:10 (1 hr 30 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Bittersweet
Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years presents an emotionally charged musical following Jamie and Cathy as they fall in and out of love over their turbulent five-year relationship. The two sides of their story unfold in reverse chronology: we meet a heartbroken Cathy and follow her bittersweet tale in reverse to their first meeting, while Jamie experiences their relationship from start to bitter end. The two characters cross paths only once, on their wedding day. Further details.
Legally Blonde
Sound Events Scotland
Saint Stephen’s Theatre (Venue 166)
2 – 25 Aug: 11:00:00 (2 hrs 25 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Energetic
We tell the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrols in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. The 2023 hit show returns for 2024. A must-see funny and entertaining show. With rave reviews from last year’s audience, Sound Events Scotland return in a new, bigger venue for this year’s Fringe. Full of fantastic singing and performances, our talented cast bring this classic musical to life. Further details.
Les Misérables School Edition
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70)
02 – 11 Aug: 12:15:00 (2 hrs 15 mins)
Performed entirely by very talented students, our production has been seen by an estimated 22,000 people, with sell-out crowds, standing ovations, and multiple five-star reviews. The story of love, compassion, and redemption, featuring hit songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home and many more. Don’t be put off by School Edition. Further details.
Mary, Queen of Rock!
Pretty Knickers Productions
Assembly Rooms (Venue 20)
1 – 25 Aug (not 7, 14, 21): 21:20:00 (1 hr 20 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★★ Gloriously loud
You think you know the story of Mary, Queen of Scots? Think again… The year is 1561. The Scottish Reformation has enforced an outright ban on rock’n’roll. Cue the arrival of Mary Stuart, one of the world’s biggest and most iconic musical artists… who happens to be the undisputed Queen of Rock! Further details.
Phantom of the Opera
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70)
2 – 17 Aug: 20:30:00 (2 hrs 15 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★★ Breathtaking
Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart with Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe and Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this is sure to be a hit of the fringe. Amateur production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Further details.
Pippin
Edinburgh University Footlights
Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152)
19 – 24 Aug: 14:55 (2 hrs 30 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Fulfilling
In the dimly lit corners of the stage, shadows whisper tales of a young prince: Pippin. Guided by the mysterious Leading Player, watch as Pippin struggles through a labyrinth of desires, constantly grappling with the call of power, love’s seduction and the allure of self-discovery. But lurking beneath the surface lies a cryptic truth waiting to be unveiled, beckoning Pippin to unravel the mysteries of his own existence. Further details.
Rent
Sound Events Scotland
Saint Stephen’s Theatre (Venue 166)
2 – 25 Aug: 18:35 (2 hrs 30 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★☆☆ Powerful
Jonathan Larson’s epic tale of New York bohemians is brought to life by this talented and dedicated cast. Based on La Boheme, we follow the trials and tribulations of some of New York East Village’s struggling artists. A must! Further details.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Junior
Captivate Theatre
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70)
2 – 17 Aug (not 5, 7, 9, 11): 10:30, 13:00 (1 hr 15 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★★ Charming
Captivate Theatre’s Matilda is back after a sell-out run in 2023. Get your tickets fast to root for the ‘revolting children’ who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. Further details.
Spring Awakening
Selkie Theatre Company
theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Venue 53)
2 – 10 Aug: 22:05:00 (1 hr 25 mins)
Spring Awakening weaves poignant storytelling with a dynamic rock score. Selkie Theatre Companies production follows a group of adolescents as they navigate the transition to adulthood, and deal with the consequences of their own ignorance. These consequences clash with youthful rebellion and oppressive societal norms. Though the dialogue was written over a century ago, the themes remain relevant to this day. From emotional ballads, to energetic and rebellious anthems, the score effortlessly combines pop/rock music with poetic and haunting lyrics. The modern styles fused with a 19th-century setting and dialogue make this musical truly unique. Further details.
Sunshine on Leith
Captivate Theatre
Assembly Rooms (Venue 20)
1 – 25 Aug: 17:35:00 (1 hr 30 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Energetic
Our five-star, vibrant, energetic, emotional sell-out production is back and we’re in the Ballroom! Follow the highs and lows of Ally and Davy as they negotiate families, friendships and love in this funny and moving story featuring songs of The Proclaimers. Further details.
Trial by Jury
Cat-Like Tread
Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152)
19 – 25 Aug: 19:00:00 (45 mins)
Æ Review: ★★★★☆ Spritely
Chaos reigns in the courtroom when jilted bride Angelina and her fully frocked bridal party arrive to sue Edwin for abandoning her at the altar. Will Angelina take the shirt off his back? Will Edwin win her round with his guitar skills? Will the usher ever get silence in court? Cat-Like Tread return to the Fringe to romp through Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial By Jury. Join us in the public gallery to find out if love can win the day. Further details.
Wellbrick Centre on Roswell Drive
The Wellbrick Centre on Roswell Drive
Paradise in The Vault (Venue 29)
2 – 10 Aug: 13:10, 18:05 (1 hr 30 mins)
Æ Review:
The Wellbrick Centre is a fictional NHS mental health centre. At the Wellbrick Centre, patients get well or get bricked in the system and the Chief Consultant, Dr Roswell, mysteriously shares a name with the driveway. Not everything is as it appears. The musical is about two of its patients, Sam and Eddie, along with the staff who look after them. It is a conversational musical with poignant, comedic and absurd elements. Book and lyrics by Julianne Chauhan, with music and lyrics by Greg Van Kerkhof and Ben Hawkin. Further details.
ENDS
