A Witchery Guide to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

28th July 2025

Every August, Edinburgh bursts into life with the Fringe - a thrilling three‑week celebration of theatre, comedy, dance and more. It all began back in 1947, when eight defiant theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform alongside the Edinburgh International Festival - sparking what would grow into the world’s biggest and most electrifying arts festival...

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Theatre That Lingers

From bold new writing to reimagined classics, the Fringe is a haven for theatre lovers. Seek out venues like the Traverse, Summerhall or Assembly for standout performances that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

This year, don’t miss:

“Mary Queen of Rock”  - A feminist, musical-tinged retelling of Mary Stuart in Underbelly’s Bristo Square - energetic, inventive, and widely acclaimed

“Hot Mess” - A witty musical romance between Earth and Humanity featuring performers from Six and Mamma Mia. Big-hearted, clever, and toe-tapping fun.

 

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Comedic Gems

Whether you favour household names or emerging talents, comedy reigns supreme at the Fringe. Catch sharp satire, quick wit, or the delightfully absurd - all within strolling distance of our doorstep.

We recommend:

“Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath” - Brings a fearless and hilarious take on midlife and menopause- her first solo Fringe show in six years. Praised as “compelling and thoughtful”

“A Jaffa Cake Musical” - a delightfully absurd courtroom comedy debating one of Britain’s most controversial snack classifications.

 

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Hidden Treasures

Don’t be afraid to take a chance - one of the joys of the Fringe is stumbling upon the unexpected. Follow the flyers, step down cobbled closes, and discover the next big thing in the most unlikely of places.

 

Plan your Fringe

Explore the venue map and plan your shows.

Man In Traditional Scottish Kilt
Three weeks. Thousands of shows. One city to Remember

Rest, Replenish, and Recount

Of course, every performance deserves a little pre- or post-show indulgence. At The Witchery, our opulent surroundings offer a welcome retreat from the festival’s bustle. Whether you’re raising a glass in The Original Dining Room, enjoying a leisurely lunch in The Secret Garden, or retreating to your richly furnished suite, this is where stories are shared and memories take root.

So as Edinburgh comes alive with artistry and imagination, allow The Witchery to be your sanctuary - a place of wonder and history at the very heart of it all.

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Experience The Royal Military Tattoo

Each August, our neighbours host the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the historic Esplanade - a breathtaking showcase of music, dance and pageantry, set against the castle’s dramatic backdrop and ending each night with fireworks. Celebrate this iconic event in style with our exclusive experience: a glass of 2008 vintage Dom Pérignon, a three‑course dinner from our award‑winning menu paired with fine wines, and premium seating in The Royal Gallery for an unforgettable view of the Tattoo...
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Pipe bands marching past The Witchery for the Edinburgh Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo August 2025

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