“A joyful celebration to launch the festival!”
This 2026 Press Launch at Underbelly felt like a celebration. From the litany of joyous acts to the 20th birthday of “Violet” the Coo, there was plenty of fun to be had.
The launch was opened by founders, Ed and Charlie, recounting the story of Violet’s first fringe and how the venue has grown. They celebrated 20 years of the big purple coo, and brought a warmth and passion to the night. The closing words, “this is for creatives, not administrators” were powerful, and something the Fringe itself would do well to take note of moving forward.
The show was hosted by the “Raverend” and Trev from House of Life. They kicked the event off with an all singing, glittery and ferocious performance. Indeed, the hosting from the duo was enough to convince me to see the show that very night. Even in the face of tech difficulties, they soared in their duties and made sure everyone had a good time.
Afterwards, we were treated the the opening numbers of Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorised Parody Musical. A talented cast recounting the story of the hit series, with a fair bit of tongue-in-cheek commentary.
Next up was The Palestinian Circus, performing a thrilling and complex movement piece complete with lightning fast Diablo trickery. They will be a delightful and thrilling watch.
They were followed by The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA, the first Sumo Show to grace the Fringe. We were shown a small part of the rituals and a short wrestle. It promises to be unlike anything we are used to.
The next act was festival veteran, Abandoman. Clearly an expert in what he does, he wowed us with improvised songs about guests in the crowd. A true Fringe staple, and always worth a watch.
Part theatre, part circus, we were then presented the opening of Afronauts. A story about Zambia’s attempt to join the space race. The performance and movement with the story promise to meld into a beautiful story of alternative history.
The penultimate act was Liza and Liberace – A Tribute. Two performers at the top of their game with virtuosic vocals and piano. You would be forgiven for questioning if these two were not the iconic duo on stage. This show will be a treat of a tribute.
Finally, we were brought to a close with a nostalgic singsong and tribute to Violet by Sammy J. Returning after a fourteen year absence, it was as if no time had passed as he returned to where he belongs.
The launch showcased world wide talent and celebrated what will surely be a successful year. Indeed, all that was missing at this Festival based in Scotland was any Scottish Acts. But that says more about our current Arts situation than about the amazing selection at Underbelly.
The Festival runs at Underbelly through to 31st August. The links for the shows mentioned above are below:
- House of Life – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/house-of-life
- Heated Rivalry: The Unatuhorised Parody Musical – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/heated-rivalry-the-unauthorized-musical-parody
- The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-palestinian-circus-step-and-a-half
- The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-sumo-show-hirakuza
- Abandoman: Afterglow – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/abandoman-afterglow
- Afronauts – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/afronauts
- Liza and Liberace: A Tribute – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/liberace-and-liza-a-tribute
- Sammy J: Hero Complex – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sammy-j-hero-complex