Fewer comedy shows than at this point last year

The printed edition of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme has been unveiled today.

It features 3,352 shows across 265 venues - though more will be added to the online box office as the festival approaches. 

Comedy is again the biggest section, with 1,214 shows representing 36.2 per cent of the programme, followed by the 930 theatre shows making up 27.7 per cent.

Amid fears for the future of the festival, the number of shows are up slightly (just over 1 per cent) on the same point last year, when 3,317 shows were confirmed – but the number of performances has fallen 3.7 per cent, from 51,446 to 49,521 performances. The figures suggest a slight trend towards smaller runs.

The comedy section has 96 fewer shows (down 7 per cent) with its share of the programme down almost three percentage points.

Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: 'Programme launch is such an exciting moment for everyone involved making the Fringe happen. Thank you to all the Fringe-makers – the artists, venues, workers, producers, technicians, promoters, support staff and audiences that bring their unmatched, exceptional energy to Edinburgh in August.

‘This year’s Fringe programme is filled with every kind of performance, so whether you’re excited for theatre or circus, or the best of comedy, music, dance, children’s shows, magic or cabaret; get ready to dare to discover this August. Jump right in, book your favourites, shows that intrigue you and take a chance on something new.’

Of the 3,352 shows,  321 are free shows and 529 pay what you can.Want shows.

» Chortle’s list of Edinburgh Fringe comedy shows

Published: 3 Jun 2025