EDINBURGH FRINGE 2023: RECOMMENDATIONS 9 - 15 (JULY 2023)

Days away from this year’s fringe, here are our final recommendations for shows to catch this year (9 - 15). To see our recommendations 1 - 8, click here.

9. KATHY AND STELLA SOLVE A MURDER

BFFs Kathy and Stella are Hull’s least successful true crime podcasters. When their favourite author is killed, they are thrust into a thrilling whodunnit of their own! Can they crack the case (and become global podcast superstars) before the killer strikes again…? The hilarious musical from the Olivier Award-winners behind Fleabag, Baby Reindeer and A Super Happy Story returns!

WHY CATCH THIS SHOW?

A personal highlight from last year’s fringe experience, it would be a ‘true crime’ to miss this one, but if you are unable to see it in Edinburgh, fear not, as the show will be touring to Bristol and Manchester later this year. For more info on the tour dates, click here.

WHERE CAN I CATCH IT?

VENUE: Underbelly - George Square

DATES: Aug 2 - 27

TIME: 19:30

 

10. AN INTERROGATION

A young detective works against the clock as she questions a suspect who looks like the least likely person to be linked to a murder. He's a devoted son, a successful businessman and a respectable member of society. But as the minutes tick away, the detective starts to suspect that all is not what it seems...

WHY CATCH THIS SHOW?

Using Live-Stream cameras to manipulate the audience’s point of view, it’s sure to feel like every audience member will have their own interpretation on the piece, in this thrilling and claustrophobia setting.

WHERE CAN I CATCH IT?

VENUE: Summerhall - Old Lab

DATES: Aug 2 - 27th

TIME: 13:10

11. WITHOUT THE MUSICAL

Without is an intimate, vibrant and authentic new contemporary musical, telling a story of unlikely friendship, the power of music, and what a "home" truly is. Over one day on a busy street corner, Henry, a busker, and Rose, a runaway, find unexpected camaraderie and challenge within each other. As the pair confront Henry's estrangement from his family and his once-cherished career as a music teacher, and Rose's struggle to return to a home that won't accept her identity, they discover the importance of kindness, understanding and belonging – not only to others, but to yourself.

WHY CATCH THIS SHOW?

An Actor-Muso production should always be on everyone’s list, but after some preview performances at New Wimbledon Theatre going down a storm, this is a show you definitely will regret if you don’t make the trip.

WHERE CAN I CATCH IT?

VENUE: Underbelly Cowgate - Big Belly

DATES: Aug 15-27

TIME: 17:00

12. AN OAK TREE

'When I say sleep, you’re free again'. A rare chance to see the play that shaped a theatre landscape. When it opened in 2005 Tim Crouch’s An Oak Tree changed the rules of the game, bringing into the centre of its action an actor who has neither seen nor read the play. In a performance of controlled virtuosity, the playwright guides that actor through a story of loss, suggestion and the power of the mind. No two shows are the same.

WHY CATCH THIS SHOW?

With the strapline ‘no two shows are the same’, how else can you miss out on a show that is unlike any audience experience we may witness at this year’s fringe.

WHERE CAN I CATCH IT?

VENUE: Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh - The Lyceum Studio

DATES: Aug 4-27

TIME: 20:30

13. DECLAN

A hallucinatory tale of isolation and sexual discovery in rural Wiltshire. Declan makes its Fringe debut after gripping viewers online during lockdown. As childlike outsider Jimbo recalls the disappearance of his friend Declan, he is haunted by ghosts of the past and present. With a hazy grasp on reality, Jimbo searches through his fractured town for Declan – and along the way makes troubling discoveries about his own childhood.

WHY CATCH THIS SHOW?

One of the biggest LGBT+ shows at this year’s fringe, we have a feeling Declan will be the underdog of shows for Underbelly. With a short running time of 45 minutes, you must get this on your list. Recipient of the Keep it Fringe Fund.

WHERE CAN I CATCH IT?

VENUE: Underbelly Cowgate - Belly Laugh

DATES: Aug 15 - 27

TIME: 14:35

14. WE’LL HAVE NUN OF IT

A unique new musical with a fully actor-muso cast, this Charlie Hartill Award finalist blends contemporary pop, soul, and folk music in a dynamic story of convent school life. Follow four friends as they navigate the angst and joys of the 60s, with all of its liberations and frustrations. Through turbulent struggles of Irish emigration, sexuality and faith, sisterhood remains the light through it all.

WHY CATCH THIS SHOW?

Another Actor-Muso company heading for Underbelly this year, the show stars Michaela Murphy (Front Centre) from ‘Cassie and The Lights’ the 5* show from Vault Festival 2020.

WHERE CAN I CATCH IT?

VENUE: Underbelly Cowgate - Belly Button

DATES: Aug 3 - 27

TIME: 15:50

15. JUNK MONKEY

Olivia just met the love of her life on a train. If only she can find her again. And if only her own stupid boyfriend would stop calling her. In a shameless account of 12 hours of sheer desperation, this is a new solo show about missed connections, crushing obsession, and the power of a single day. She's not insane. She's just in love. Properly, this time. For sure.

WHY CATCH THIS SHOW?

A show set during one day? This show is right up our street, and we can’t wait to Olivia back on stage after appearing in PASH last year.

WHERE CAN I CATCH IT?

VENUE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose - Coorie

DATES: Aug 2 - 27

TIME: 17:00

You can view the full Edinburgh Fringe Programme here.