Underbelly Announces 2025 Circus Hub Lineup for Edinburgh Festival Fringe

CIRCA: WOLF Makes UK Debut and Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett Returns to the Meadows

Underbelly has unveiled the 2025 programme for its acclaimed Circus Hub at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, returning this August with a dynamic mix of circus, cabaret, physical theatre, and family entertainment. Set in The Lafayette and The Beauty venues on The Meadows, the Circus Hub continues its reputation as one of the Fringe’s most exhilarating destinations.

Highlights include the UK premiere of CIRCA: WOLF and the return of international cabaret sensation Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett. With 11 shows across genres, this year’s programme promises breathtaking spectacle, genre-defying performances, and entertainment for all ages.

Headline Acts and UK Premieres

One of the most anticipated productions this year is the UK debut of CIRCA: WOLF, a bold and physical exploration of primal instincts, from the world-renowned Australian ensemble CIRCA. Fusing razor-sharp choreography with daring acrobatics, it has been described as “a rollercoaster ride of emotions” and “circus with fangs.”

Also making a triumphant return is Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett, a no-holds-barred late-night cabaret experience blending live music, aerial feats, fire-breathing, and gender-bending artistry. Fresh from sold-out runs in Australia and London, Dieter’s punk cabaret redefines the limits of live performance.

Other must-see highlights include:

• Mythos: Ragnarök – a physical theatre smash blending Viking mythology and full-contact wrestling

• The Nose Dive Assembly – featuring the UK’s only all-female Wheel of Death duo

• Flip Fabrique: Six° – a gravity-defying show about human connection

Expanding Family Programme

This year sees a record number of family-focused shows, including:

• The Flying Bubble Show – a dreamlike interactive spectacle for young audiences

• The Ugly Duckling – a heartwarming circus reimagining of the classic tale

• All Star Circus – a high-energy display from Australian acrobats

• Trash Test Dummies Circus – a returning family favourite using slapstick and wheelie bins

These productions run throughout August, offering daytime shows to entertain and inspire children and adults alike.

Returning Favourites and New Voices

The 2025 programme also sees the return of popular productions including:

• Sophie’s Surprise 29th – a wild blend of circus and 90s house party nostalgia

• Trash Test Dummies – celebrated for their inventive, physical comedy

New additions include The Ruckus, a circus-meets-punk cabaret filled with aerials, bold performances, and inclusive joy.