Ok, here’s another 2025 Edinburgh Fringe recommendation article – this time taking in five shows which don’t fit neatly inside one category. I’ve only experienced one of these shows – multiple times – but I’ve excellent reason to recommend each of the following entries.
So come with me as we navigae a world of unique Fringe experiences and spot the shows with the je ne said quoi needed to make your day.
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life
Whilst posters for this singularly named show have been an August feature since 2018, it wasn’t until David Colvin, the creator of the masterful ‘Thunderstruck’, waxed lyrical about it to me last year, that I paid attention.
If Colvin thinks it’s one of the best things he’s seen, I believe him. ‘Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life’ promises banjos, tomatoes, and Keith Alessi’s history told by the man himself. It’s so inspirational, Keith’s one-man show has garnered awards on both sides of the Atlantic, and raised over $1,000,000 (CAD) for Theatre and Cancer charities.
I’ll catch it one of these days, but when I do, I expect greatness. You, lucky reader, can catch it up at Summerhall at your leisure (well, during August, and not on Mondays, 11th or 18th).
Book HereKarine Polwart: Windblown
Part of the Made in Scotland Showcase 2025, and produced by powerhouse Glasgow company, Raw Material, Karine Polwart’s ‘Windblown’ has to be one of the most hotly anticipated shows of this year’s Fringe.
Inspired by the 200-year-long life and eventual demise of Edinburgh Botanical Gardens’ Sabal Palm, ‘Windblow’ is brought to the stage by trad-music treasure Karine Polwart. With long-time collaborators Pippa Murphy on sound design and co-composition, and Dave Milligan on stage at the piano, the least we can expect is musical excellence.
The Queen’s Hall wasn’t the only venue hoping to book this one for the Fringe, and it’s a measure of the show’s predicted pull that the 800-seat old lady of Clerk Street wanted it so badly. Given Raw Material’s record of producing hit shows, you’d be daft to bet against this being another one.
Book HereLa Clique
The show that “reinvented variety” for the 21st century returns to its birthplace, the Famous Spiegeltent in St.Andrews Square. The tent itself, 105 years old, may be the oldest of her species, whilst La Clique itself will celebrate its 21st birthday this year.
This burlesque cabaret meets circus – and very adult – extravaganza bagged an Olivier award back in 2009, and seems in no danger of losing steam in the 2020s.
However, I’ll be seeing it for the first time this year. This recommendation is underwritten by one of my wonderful neighbours – and an integral part of the Broughton Spurtle – who has vivid memories of catching it some years ago. He isn’t easily impressed, so consider ‘La Clique’ as most chic.
Book HereRaiders of the Local Adventure
Reader, if I didn’t have to stick to a strict timetable to squeeze in as many reviews as possible during August, wild horses wouldn’t keep me from hitting up this immersive experience. Piloted in Central Park, NYC, last year, the show now comes to Holyrood Park – not exactly a regular fringe venue!
Billed as an interactive comedy adventure, this pastiche of pulp classics finds ticket buyers following Dr Grones and his assistant Milo in pursuit of a mysterious artefact. I’ve seen clips of the show in action and it looks joyful.
I suppose you could follow along pretty passively, but those who go digging for clues and inspecting maps are surely going to have a much better time.
Creator Andrew Agress, and his co-performer conspirator, Connor Wahrman must have made a strong case to Historic Environment Scotland to get the OK for the show. Something tells me they won’t waste the opportunity.
Book HereJohn Robertson’s The Dark Room
There’s a very good chance that you need no introduction to John Robertson’s enduring live video game, ‘The Dark Room’. As a rule, neither Mrs QR nor I miss the show when it’s in town – indeed, we’ve been known to go more than once.
The concept is simple: one audience member after another invited to enter the dark room, complete with evolving on-screen options, in pursuit of survival. If you win, John will give you £1000.
Reader, I don’t think anyone has ever won, but I do know that the rituals surrounding player choices and frequent deaths are simply joyous.
Plus, and do try to stay calm, whilst the prize money may be out of reach, you may still win a flamboyant potato. I can hear you clicking the booking link now. Don’t hang about though, The Dark Room will fill the huge basement theatre in the Patter House most nights. The fan base is strong with this one.
Book HereAnyhoo, that’s another 5 recommendations for shows you can catch at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. These, as promised, aren’t easily bundled under one banner or another, but all are doubtlessly worth their ticket prices and your time. If any other genre-defiers are coming to Edinburgh this year, and you think our readers should know about it, comment below…
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