NEWS TICKER
Pleasance Announces New Wave of Shows for 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Programme
Published on
April 1, 2025
By
Julia Jordan
Over 120 Additions Confirmed Across Comedy, Theatre, Musicals and More
The Pleasance Theatre Trust has announced the latest round of shows for its 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, adding more than 120 new productions to its already jam-packed line-up. Taking place across the Pleasance Courtyard, Dome and EICC, this year’s programme showcases an eclectic mix of award-winning artists, rising talent, and debut performers across comedy, theatre, musicals, spoken word, cabaret, children’s shows and magic.
With a reputation for launching some of the UK’s most successful live performers, the Pleasance continues to serve as a powerhouse platform for both established names and breakthrough voices.
Comedy Highlights: Stars, Debuts and Future Icons
The comedy programme is packed with big names and hotly anticipated debuts. Among the highlights are:
Adam Riches and John Kearns performing Ball & Boe for three nights only
A debut from Emmanuel Sonubi (Live At The Apollo, QI) with Life After Near Death
Kieran Hodgson returns with a new show exploring the American Dream
Thanyia Moore, Glenn Moore, Ivo Graham, and Jazz Emu bring fresh hours of comedy
Jenny Ryan (ITV’s The Chase) explores the Mamma Mia multiverse
Julia Masli, Lorna Rose Treen, and Shaparak Khorsandi return with new shows
Musical comedy and absurdist voices from Katie Norris, Lachlan Werner, Ray O’Leary, and Toussaint Douglass
Rising stars making their Pleasance debuts include Sophie Garrad, Amelia Hamilton, Ayoade Bamgboye, KC Shornima, Rohan Sharma, and alumni from the Pleasance Comedy Reserve such as Sharon Wanjohi, Sam Williams, and Shalaka Kurup.
Fringe favourites Abnormally Funny People will celebrate 20 years of championing disabled comedians, while Mark Watson, John Shuttleworth, and Sheeps return to delight devoted fans.
Theatre and Musicals: New Voices, Bold Stories
Theatre programming at the Pleasance continues to highlight new writing, political storytelling, and genre-bending performance.
The Nature Of Forgetting by Theatre Re returns following its international acclaim
LOLA: A Flamenco Love Story combines Spanish dance with Latin pop and jazz
Blaze FM from The Big House delivers hard-hitting gig theatre
Hot Mess: A New Musical offers a cosmic romantic comedy with pop flair
Fuselage by Annie Lareau explores the aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing
The Little Prince is reimagined for young audiences in a poetic solo performance by Toby Thompson
Also announced are House Party, Mariupol, and 1984, alongside returning hits Hold Onto Your Butts and its new companion piece Fly, You Fools.
Magic fans can look forward to Tom Brace attempting to saw himself in half in a daring homage to magical history.
Family Shows, Spoken Word and Variety
The 2025 programme also includes:
New children’s shows like The Little Prince and Slugageddon!
Spoken word performances, including My Evening With Harrison Ford
Musical offerings including World’s Greatest Lover
Magic and cabaret acts from Andrew Frost and others
Supporting New Talent Through Pleasance Futures
As ever, the Pleasance continues its commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists through its Pleasance Futures artist development strand. Through tailored support, mentoring, and a highly visible festival platform, the Trust helps emerging creatives bring bold new work to the Fringe each year.
With its 2025 programme taking further shape, the Pleasance once again proves why it remains at the heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. From big-name comics and international companies to new writing and experimental work, this year’s offering promises a festival experience rich in variety, energy and artistic risk.
More announcements are expected in the coming months, ensuring there’s even more to look forward to at one of the Fringe’s most iconic venues.
© BRITISHTHEATRE.COM 1999-2024 All Rights Reserved.
The BritishTheatre.com website was created to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to provide the latest UK theatre news, West End reviews, and insights into both regional theatre and London theatre tickets, ensuring enthusiasts can stay up to date with everything from the biggest West End musicals to cutting-edge fringe theatre. We are passionate about encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all their forms.
The spirit of theatre is alive and thriving, and BritishTheatre.com is at the forefront of delivering timely, authoritative news and information to theatre lovers. Our dedicated team of theatre journalists and critics works tirelessly to cover every production and event, making it easy for you to access the latest reviews and book London theatre tickets for must-see shows.