Actor Alex Medland, dressed as the devil with red horns and a grin to match, takes a lit match to a contract signed by 'Faustus.'

Theatre

The Faustus Project

This new version of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus features a rotating cast of brave guest performers taking on the challenges of a devilish ensemble. One problem... they've never rehearsed with the rest of the cast. The Faustus Project is funny, a little dangerous and an actor's worst nightmare. With a fresh victim every night, this will be the ultimate theatrical torture. Funny, dangerous, devilish.  

31 July - 24 August 2025, 9:05 pm

Underbelly Cowgate

An man in a naked body suit is being soaped-up by giant pair of hands. The soap bubbles are illustrated in a Japanese Ukiyoe style painting and projected onto a screen behind the man to create the illusion that he is interacting with the painting.

Theatre

SHUNGA ALERT

Warning: adults only! An X-rated documentary-comedy about the sexual culture of Japan.  The story of an artist, a sex doll and a virtual idol trying to create the sexiest shunga of all time, told with clowning, puppetry and live projection. Learn everything you wanted to know about sex in Japan but were too afraid to Google. Filthy, offensive and visually stunning! Don't say we didn't warn you! Winner of Best of the Fest at the San Diego Fringe Festival.

31 July - 24 August 2025, 9:40 pm

Underbelly Cowgate

Three childlike astronauts in white school polo-neck t-shirts look on in awe. Behind them we see the Yorkshire Dales beneath a starry sky. A rocket takes off, the planet mars lies on the horizon, Cleggy, Compo, and the third one sit, whilst Dame Jessica

Comedy

Pat Rascal: Space Gravy

This absurd comedy about one boy's dream to send Yorkshire to space returns after a critically acclaimed preview run. Join northern prodigy Yorkshire Yorkie Yorkshireson Humberside-Smith and his two best friends as they multi-role their way to Mars, via Bradford. Pat Rascal (two-thirds Yorkshire-bred, one-third jealous) debuts this 'deliciously fast-paced' (The-Crumb.com) show exploring friendship, identity and Hull's award-winning aquarium The Deep. 

31 July - 24 August 2025, 9:40 pm

Underbelly Cowgate

A woman (pronouns she/they) holding a rock over her head. She looks wistful in a green, collared shirt on a lavender backdrop.

Comedy

Alice Tovey: Glass Houses

Just before her wedding, Alice's father returned home from prison. Glass Houses is a love letter to family, showing us that love conquers all – even the prison industrial complex. Through stand-up, stories and original song, Alice Tovey tells the story of a cancelled wedding, budgies and a chef in a show about learning our parents are human and choosing empathy over isolation. Tovey is "at the forefront of a new age of comedy excellence". The music is written and performed by Alice Tovey. Directed by Gen Fricker.

31 July - 24 August 2025, 9:55 pm

Underbelly Cowgate

Two people look surprised and fearful as yellow banana peels fall around them against a dark background. One wears glasses and a hat, the other has curly hair and an open mouth.

Comedy

A Night of Drama

People of Edinburgh: grab a peel. Join the rebellion and prepare to cry so hard you accidentally laugh. Watch a prolific director guide a company of comedians through his dramatic masterpiece, as you shower them with bottomless banana peels!* Have you ever suffered at the hands of theatre, yet felt obligated to join in endless ovations and applause? A Night of Drama does not want your pity! If the director fails to deliver a dramatic show, peel him without mercy. But if he succeeds, you will cry and theatre shall live another day. *Peels provided.

31 July - 24 August 2025, 10:00 pm

Underbelly Cowgate