Edinburgh Fringe top picks: three to see on day three

Sadly, I’m not able to attend the Edinburgh Festivals this year due to family commitments and logistical hurdles. While not dishing out the stars (there’ll be some lovely WOS critics doing that very soon!), it still felt vital to use WhatsOnStage’s channels to platform exciting work that those frequenting the Fringe may be interested in. So here’s eight days, 24 shows and some tentative recommendations.

Check out our day two picks here.

Pals

The Edinburgh Fringe should be a space where new companies can find their footing – and the more of that the better. Cue Pals, the female-led and produced adventure-comedy from Higgledy Piggledy Productions, which is back for a second year. Written by Mirren Wilson, this one-act play follows four “Perfectly Average Lassies of Scotland” on a wild West Scotland camping trek. Expect plenty of banter, Gaelic sprinkles, and oodles more. The show’s 2024 run was well-received, and the company bagged the Keep it Fringe Fund 2025 after being developed through Soho Theatre’s Edinburgh Labs.

Gilded Balloon, Patter House, to 12 August 

Lady Magic

Natalie Palamides has become one of the hottest names of the Fringe – recent show Weer was a five-star sensation – and this year will be back with a new show, billed as “a chaotic twist on the classic magic show.” What’s more, it’s currently in development – so you, yes you, can help shape what might be an international smash one day. Expect your conventional magic show completely turned on its head, inside out, and all over the place.

Pleasance Dome, to 25 August 

Standing in the Shadows of Giants

Standing in the Shadows of Giants is an autobiographical show written and performed by Lucie Barât, sister of The Libertines’ frontman Carl Barât. Set in the early 2000s, it humorously details Lucie’s struggles as a drama school graduate navigating auditions and odd jobs while her brother’s band skyrockets to fame. The play explores her personal failures, addiction, and self-discovery, including her sexuality, amidst the chaotic rock’n’roll backdrop.

Traverse Theatre, to 24 August

Check out our dedicated guide for loads more Festival content.