Exciting times are upon us, as the doors are officially open to Underbelly, with its Edinburgh Fringe programme launching today (August 3). Last night, Underbelly’s iconic McEwan Hall got the party started with the official programme launch. Lucky guests sampled a flavour of what’s on offer this year with a spectacular mix of comedy, dance and circus.
This year, Underbelly has an exciting Fringe programme of over 150 shows across four venues, with performances from circus performers, cabaret and theatre shows, vibrant dance, family entertainment, and, of course, stand-up comedy.
The launch event was hosted by comedian Sooz Kempner and comedy crime podcasters Kathy and Stella, who kicked off the party with a number from their hit musical Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder. Stand-up comic Emmanuel Sonubi also performed, along with Untapped Theatre Award winners Dugsi Dayz, family entertainer Mario The Maker Magician, comedy dance act TUTU, circus troupe Sophie’s Surprise 29th, visionary acrobatics from Circa’s Peepshow, US Drag Race winner Monét X Change and famous circus performers The 7 Fingers.
How to get the discounted 2-4-1 tickets
To help kick off the festival, Fringe goers can get two for one tickets for a number of shows on August 7 (that is also a bank holiday, yay!) and 8. During the two days on Monday and Tuesday, just pick a show with the yellow 2-4-1 sign on the Edinburgh Fringe website and get going!
What is more, families can also get a free ticket when buying three tickets later on in the Fringe, so it’s a buy three get one free kind of a thing. The family discount is available between August 16 and 28.
The shows that stand out to us
Here at Secret Edinburgh we ESPECIALLY love theatre, musicals and comedy. The winners of the Untapped award, in partnership with New Diorama Theatre, Concord Theatricals and Nouveau Riche, It’s A Motherf**king Pleasure at Bristo Square, brings a witty satirical play, having been mega-successful in London.
Underbelly’s late-night comedy experience BATSU! is on at Cowgate, and is currently an absolute hit in New York and Chicago. Spectators will also join “comedy warriors” on stage testing their minds to avoid getting an electric shock, paintballs, giant chickens and other unusual punishments.
2020 The Musical is a debut performance, offering an uplifting new musical which praises “human resilience in every form”, based on real-life stories of everyday heroes and turning the pandemic into a heart-warming party.