Gilded Balloon Celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Showcasing a captivating mix of acts by fresh and accomplished talent, the Gilded Balloon is returning this August with a big, bold programme of outstanding entertainment!
Article Source: Gilded Balloon
Last Updated: 8 June 2022 16:37
Britney Spears, mental health, fitness, relationships, disability and sex are just a snippet of themes covered, while hilarious storytelling, music and magic take kids on an unforgettable journey of laughs and self-discovery.
“We are delighted to launch our full programme of shows after nearly two and a half years”, said thrilled Artistic Director Karen Koren. “We’re incredibly proud to work with some tremendous international and local shows, artists, and companies to present their work at this 75th Anniversary Edinburgh Festival Fringe for Scotland ¬– and the world!”
Fellow Artistic Director Katy Koren said: “We’re working hard to ensure this year’s Fringe is the best it possibly can be for all involved and excited to support all who work with us to flourish this summer. Our programme really has something for everyone, and we hope locals and tourists will buy tickets to support such incredible creative talent at the Fringe once again.”
Looking for fun and feminism? Take note: Ayesha Hazarika’s State of the Nation and Elf Lyons’s horrifying comedy Raven, inspired by Stephen King, are not to be missed. And there’s more: fresh from Live at The Apollo, Mock the Week and The Last Leg, Best Newcomer nominee Maisie Adam’s Buzzed plus Grace Campbell’s eagerly awaited Fringe return following her 2019 sell-out show about her two lifelong passions: men and herself. Also, BBC Radio Scotland presenter Kaye Adams brings her show How to be 60: Live!
Julie Jay’s This Is Toxic centres around surviving sexism but, most of all, is a tribute to “Princess of Pop” Britney Spears. Everyone’s favourite tennis mum Judy Murray joins actor and comedian Chris Forbes in The Duncan and Judy Show – Duncan being Judy’s other son!
Sharing a harrowing tale, you won't forget in a hurry, Harriet Dyer is an award-winning comedian and mental health advocate while The Guilty Feminist whacks us with a laugh-out-loud routine. Other notable performers are Eleanor Tiernan, Esther Manito, Alice Fraser, Lou Conran, Anna Clifford, Janeane Garofalo from the US and loads more!
Exploring diagnosis, relationships, sexuality, creativity and the history of autism, Ian Lynam’s Autistic License sets out to prove autistic people have more to offer than being good at maths. Lost Voice Guy (aka Lee Ridley) brings his brand-new show Cerebral LOL-sy to the Gilded Balloon. In a Geordie accent, The Britain's Got Talent winner and star of Ability on BBC Radio 4 pokes fun at his life living as a disabled person in a post-apocalyptic world. When The New York Times asked Jamie MacDonald “What's the worst that could happen to you?” Blindness won! But Jamie's not so sure. The star of Life on the Blink (BBC Radio 4) and Blind Ambition (BBC Two) once hated his eyes, now he loves them (a similar journey he had with olives).
Spoons by Jon Canter is a sharp and touching play about the revenge of a couples’ counsellor who spent 35 years with bickering partners. Jon has worked alongside Dawn French, Richard Wilson, Fry and Laurie and Lenny Henry.
Triple-Fringe First winner Henry Naylor’s Afghanistan Is Not Funny is an extraordinary award-winning performance that takes us back to the start of the modern Afghan tragedy. Birds of Passage in the Half Light by Kat Woods is dark, comedic theatre unravelling some of life’s deep complexities. Award-winning writer Keir McAllister’s The Intervention is a black comedy full of funny twists while Jack Docherty, BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad, delivers a tender yet playful tale where he grapples with lost youth, love, fatherhood and truth in Nothing But.
Cameron Young is one of the hottest names in modern magic having appeared on national television shows such as Britain's Got Talent, Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Tu Si Que Vales. His A Secret Show debuts at the Fringe this year. There’s more magic from Tom Crosbie, Kevin Quantum, Pete Heat and headliner and leading comic Pete Firman.
Jesus L’Oréal is so worth it! Sassy, dyslexic, he’s the ultimate lifestyle guru presenting a high-octane hour of song and dance. His Jehovah's Fitness will help you flex those Pentecostal muscles. Jazz Emu is here to clear his name. He can explain why, and when it comes to theatrical wrestling, Mythos Ragnarok is ready for the rounds.
Stream Gilded Balloon’s brilliant podcast to hear Lynn Ferguson, Neil Harrington and the-one-and-only Chesney Hawkes chat temporary epiphanies and, most likely, some swearing! Each day a different guest joins this unlikely trio to reveal their perspective on life and in return Chesney plays his version of their favourite song and festival favourite Fred MacAulay makes a welcome comeback with ‘In Conversation’ with star guests from comedy and television.
Other leading acts in Gilded Balloon’s line-up include American comic and actress Janeane Garofalo, rock band King Crimson’s singer Jakko Jakszyk, who’s launching his one-man play The Road to Ballina directed by Michael Attenborough, Chris Gethard, Tehran Von Ghasri, Sammy Obeid and Saturday Night Live’s Sarah Sherman (aka Sarah Squirm), known for her surreal and body horror comedy.
For little ones, The Song of Fergus and Kate uses storytelling, music and animation to encourage children to celebrate their differences. A Ladder to the Stars is a heartfelt, humorous story of what can happen when the universe hears their dreams.
Britain's most loveable fox Basil Brush (Boom! Boom!) takes them on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song. It’s a show specially written for the live stage, packed with fun and excitement for all the family. (For adult fans of the fox book early for Unleashed… and Uncut).
The Haunted Bookshop has a story for everyone who can take the ghastly, the ghostly and the downright grizzly. There’s also Magic Roman’s Summer Holiday, The Dark Room, Pirates and Princesses vs Sea Monsters and award-winning Marcel Lucont’s gameshow for awful children called Les Enfants Terribles. For a collision of theatre, dance and circus, where the audience chooses the show order, Fruit Flies Like a Banana is a must-see.
Starting at an earlier time of 11:30pm (not 1am as before) is the legendary Late’n’live and the Leith Social makes its Fringe debut – the Gilded Balloon’s regular year-round variety show brings prominent names from the Fringe to Leith every week. Located in Lothian Street, the Gilded Balloon at the Museum hosts Attenborough, and his Animals, Boris Live at Five and other stellar acts.
Celebrating 35 years of So You Think You’re Funny?, the Gilded Balloon’s renowned comedy newcomer competition has supported hundreds of the greatest names in comedy in the first year of their careers. Backing last year’s winners, the Gilded Balloon’s mixed-bill show sees Andy Watts, Rae Brogan and winner Omar Badawy take to the stage. Also debuting is the 2019 competition winner Finlay Christie. Previous contestants and winners from So You Think You’re Funny? include Aisling Bea, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Romesh Ranganathan, Tom Allen, Kevin Bridges, Maisie Adam, and Sara Pascoe.
The competition heats and grand final take place live at the Gilded Balloon and online with streaming partner Next Up. Grab tickets to see where future comedy starts.
Tickets for all shows are available from https://gildedballoon.co.uk/
Image: Katy and Karen Koren
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Motherwell shopper scoops cash for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland's much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Motherwell, and one lucky local winner has raised £456.89 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in for herself.
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Zombies break out of M&Ds Scream Park
Shoppers and local businesses in Motherwell's Brandon Street got more than they bargained for when they came face to face with some escaped zombies from M&D's Scotland's Scream Park.
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge
Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
LAMS announce Charity Partner for We Will Rock You!
Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced local charity ‘The Brian Reilly Music Fellowship’ (BRMF) as Charity Partner for their 2026 Production of We Will Rock You!
READ MORE
Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut
Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!
READ MORE
SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORE
A new community play celebrating Billy Connolly and his links to Cumbernauld comes to the stage this Autumn
Connolly's Cumbernauld Flourish is a community celebration of Billy Connolly's life and the legendary comedian's connection to Cumbernauld.
READ MORE
Beat the Street CamGlen is go!
Beat the Street, the free active travel game has launched for the residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen.
READ MORE
Autumn adventures await at New Lanark: craft, mystery & stargazing magic
Get ready for a thrilling mix of creativity, mystery and starlit wonder at New Lanark this autumn.
READ MORE
Supreme Queen bring iconic tribute show to Hamilton
Renowned tribute band Supreme Queen will bring their spectacular live production to The Town House, Hamilton, Friday 26th September as part of their nationwide UK tour.
READ MORE
Wedding venue Crossbasket Castle unveils exquisite new menu curated by Michelin starred chef Michel Roux
Scotland's premier five-star luxury wedding destination, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled a new decadent wedding menu crafted exclusively by world-renowned Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
READ MORE
Spooky season returns to town with the announcement of Paisley Halloween Festival 2025
Paisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.
READ MORE
Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025
Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links