Shedinburgh has revealed its full 2026 programme, returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August before launching its first London season at the Young Vic in September. The extensive season promises over 150 performances across theatre, comedy, music, and more, highlighting a broad range of established and emerging artists.

The festival will run at Assembly Checkpoint in Edinburgh from 7 to 30 August, followed by a residency at the Maria Theatre at the Young Vic from 19 September to 10 October. It will feature more than 75 shows in Edinburgh and over 40 in London, spanning theatre, comedy, music, cabaret, live art, and new writing.

Artists taking part include Jessie Cave with her show Sunrise, Lucy McCormick, Sam Nicoresti presenting Cancel Anti Wokeflake Snow Culture, Deborah Frances-White, Stuart Laws, Nish Kumar, Inua Ellams, Tim Crouch, Jade Franks, and Bryony Kimmings. Other key productions include Kimmings’ Sex Idiot and Crouch’s Truth’s a Dog Must to Kennel.

The programme also offers work-in-progress previews from Mischief’s new show We Have a Problem, Rosie Jones (Anyone But Me), Sara Pascoe (Jazz), Sabrina Mahfouz (Save the Queen?), Nick Helm (It Will Always Hurt A Bit), and Sh!t Theatre (Echo Echo Beach). Musical and evening events will feature appearances by Six co-creator Lucy Moss, Flo & Joan, Kemah Bob, and In Bed With My Brother.

After a decade-long absence, Forest Fringe will return with a curated takeover featuring work by Action Hero and Rachel Mars. Birmingham Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre department will present a two-day event with contributions from Jack Godfrey, Anoushka Lucas, and guest artists.

Shed Originals will expand its collaborations with venues such as Abbey Theatre, Theatr Clwyd, The Lowry, and Traverse Theatre. Highlighted works include Bulk by Shaun Dunne, A Ghost in the Throat by Ursula Rani Sarma, We Have Been Here For… by Ella Langley, and The Gap by Victoria Gimby and Stuart Matthew Price.

Francesca Moody, organiser of Shedinburgh, emphasised the festival’s artist-first approach, noting that box office guarantees, travel, and accommodation costs are covered so creatives can focus fully on their work. Moody described the festival as “a love letter to the Edinburgh Fringe,” celebrating its rich history and new talent alike.

Jessie Cave expressed excitement about returning to perform Sunrise in Shedinburgh’s distinctive setting, calling the opportunity “completely unique and truly special.” The company will also continue its artist support initiatives, including five bursaries worth £5,000 each through the expanded Shedload of Future Fund.

Complementing the performance programme, SHEDx talks will return in both cities, featuring discussions on criticism, producing, musical theatre development, and navigating the complexities of the Fringe.