One of my favourite things to do after returning from another year at the Edinburgh Fringe is reflect on the lifelong memories made and my personal highlights. For 2025, I spent 5 nights in the city with my Mum, watching 16 shows across 7 venues. This year I tried to see different shows to those that I interviewed in the lead up, so that I could cover a wider range of productions. It was a delight being able to either review or provide preview coverage for over 30 shows, and this is my biggest year of Fringe yet!
Not planning every moment of our schedule
I am a planner and spontaneity has never been something that I’ve warmed to, however, this year I left space in our schedule to spontaneously review some productions. We ended up seeing 3 extra shows, and it was exciting getting to just choose what we fancied whilst we were there. I talked about this in detail in my ultimate guide to planning an Edinburgh Fringe trip, but there is something to be said about just being there in the city, collecting flyers and seeing the posters.
Taking on a challenge and watching 3 shows in a very short space of time
On our final full day at the festival, we watched two plays and one musical show in the space of 3 and a half hours. With the busy Edinburgh crowds, it was a hectic rush to make it to each venue in time, but it was so much fun! I’d definitely do it again, just giving us a few minutes extra to spare between performances.
Watching some really powerful new writing
From ‘In the Black’ which centres on an aspiring black accountant on Wall Street to ‘Lioness’ which looks at the inequalities in mens and women’s football, the creatives on our schedule for 2025 didn’t hold back in opening some really important conversations through their work. Helen Anker’s ‘The Essence of Audrey’ also takes a completely unique approach in sharing Audrey Hepburn’s story, highlighting the complexities of pursuing a personal life when you’re in the spotlight. I’ve decided that when we go to the festival in 2026, I’m going to fill our schedule with even more topical plays, as this type of new writing is so insightful.
Finally watching Shantify
If there was one show that I was gutted to miss in 2024, it was Shantify: the production that sees a group of West End performers turn pop, rock and musical theatre songs into sea shanties. It was one of the hits of last year’s festival, and even though I have heard that it has significantly changed in a year, this show was right up my street. You can check out my full review here, but I would love to see this musical in the West End in the not-so-distant future.
Staying in a central location
As a reviewer, this makes such a difference to the overall experience. Yes, it is expensive, but it was so nice being a 10-15 minute walk from some of the venues. I’d thoroughly recommend booking early for 2026 and trying to stay as close to the Old Town as possible.
Spending time at Gilded Balloon Patter House
Located in Chambers Street, Gilded Balloon’s Patter House venue always has such an incredible atmosphere. It has a really comfy bar where you can relax between shows and access WiFi, which is appreciated when 4G signal is so limited in the Old Town. Staying on the University side of Edinburgh this year, we kept popping into Patter House between performances and it was such a great place to hibernate from the crowded streets.
Watching a show at the iconic Udderbelly venue
Last year I got to see the Udderbelly “purple cow” venue for the first time in person and in 2025, we actually watched a show inside the venue. ‘MASSAOKE: Sing The Musicals’ transformed the space into a karaoke club and it was fascinating to see what the cow-themed tent is like inside. You’d hardly believe you were sitting in a temporary space, with such fantastic tiered seating.
Eating at distinctly Edinburgh places
From pizzas at Civerinos to our now annual tradition of dinner at Edinburgh Street Food with friends, it was so nice to head to local places each night. A favourite of ours is Tempting Tatties on Jeffrey Street, where you can have a delicious jacket potato meal and it’s perfect if you want to eat something tasty and quick between shows.
Spending time with my Mum in our favourite city
Lastly, it wouldn’t be the Fringe for me, without getting to experience the festival with my Mum. It was the most crazy and exhilarating week, but we had a blast completing this review marathon together. We also met so many wonderful fellow reviewers and performers during our time in the city!
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