Traverse Theatre announces 2026 Edinburgh Fringe season

The Traverse Theatre has announced the programme for August, running during the Edinburgh Fringe.

The season will include world premieres, UK and European premieres, and co-productions from Scottish and international theatre-makers, with new plays staged across the venue’s two auditoria as well as partner locations around the city.

Three Traverse-led productions form the centrepiece of the programme. Cathy, written and directed by Eilidh Loan, will mark Elaine C Smith’s return to the Traverse main stage after 26 years. The play follows a widow navigating grief and family tensions in the lead-up to Christmas. Smith will appear alongside Alan Orr, Sally Reid and Michele Gallagher.

Morna Young’s After Party will be directed by Katie Posner and co-produced with Paines Plough and Belgrade Theatre. Set during the 80th birthday celebration of an actor named Vivienne Blackwood, the play explores family conflict and end-of-life choices.

The third Traverse production is Supposing:, written and directed by Zinnie Harris. The play centres on a woman who believes her home has been cursed and explores themes of belief and isolation through a contemporary story influenced by Greek mythology.

The wider programme includes the Scottish premiere of Bog Witch by Bryony Kimmings, marking her first appearance at the Traverse in more than a decade. The autobiographical solo work follows a move to the countryside in search of stability and reconnection with nature.

KT Tunstall and Cora Bissett collaborate on The Singer, a new musical about a Deaf performer and a struggling musician. Produced by Dundee Rep Theatre and Solar Bear, the work examines authorship, identity and ableism in the music industry.

Also announced is the UK premiere of For Dolores by Eva O’Connor, directed by Jim Culleton and presented by Fishamble: The New Play Company in association with several partners including the Traverse.

Malaika Kegode’s Badgers, produced by Theatre Royal Plymouth in association with Bristol Old Vic, combines spoken word and live music in a story about true crime and storytelling ethics.

The festival will also stage the European premiere of Mrs Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library by Jenny Lyn Bader, inspired by the arrest of Hannah Arendt in 1933 Berlin.

Beyond the Traverse building itself, the programme includes Little Animals, conceived, written and performed by Paul Ready and directed by Caroline Steinbeis, which will play at the Lyceum Theatre’s studio space.

The festival also features the European premiere of Transmission: Into the Dark by Australian company one step at a time like this. The immersive production sends audiences through Edinburgh at night following instructions from a mysterious voice.

A new partnership between the Traverse, Edinburgh College of Art and First Stage Studios will also present Sound Cave, showcasing audio-based work in Leith.