Climate-themed shows to see at Edinburgh Fringe 2025
There are so many options for shows to see at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that it can be hard to find something to fit your tastes or your political interests.
Art can be incredible way to provide a fresh insight into a topic you live with day in and day out. We’ve looked the programme for the various festivals in the city in August 2025 and are highlighting climate and social justice themed shows that could be worth your time.
The Beautiful Future is Coming
Theatre, Female led, political
The Traverse and the Bristol Old Vic come together to produce a powerful story about the climate crisis, and holding onto hope and humanity against all odds. Flora Wilson Brown’s shows promises a fast-paced, funny and wildly inventive look at 250 years of real and imagined history through the eyes of three couples.
29 July – 24 August, times vary, Traverse Theatre
Lindsey Cole’s The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo
Children’s Show, Family friendly
Tired of the state of our waterways? So is adventure mermaid Lindsey Cole and she needs your help to wave the big poo right outta her home so Otter can return.
The Mermaid, the Otter and the Big Poo is based on Lindsey’s popular children’s book about her 60km swim adventure down the Bristol Avon with a big poo sculpture, campaigning against sewage pollution. Expect songs, dance, games, a splash of audience improv and a whole dump of fun.
30 July – 17 Aug, 11:30, Gilded Balloon Patter House
Monica Feria-Tinta: Litigating for Mother Nature
Book festival
If corporations can have legal rights, why shouldn’t nature? Meet the pioneering British-Peruvian lawyer at the forefront of the climate justice movement: Monica Feria-Tinta.
In A Barrister for the Earth, she unravels her most inspiring successes helping ordinary people hold the biggest perpetrators of environmental damage to account. She will discuss the groundbreaking potential of these new legal frameworks to help repair the relationship between people and the planet. Chaired by Paul Behrens.
11 August, 17:45, Courtyard Theatre, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Matt Winning: Solastalgia
Stand-up, comedy, theatre
Solastalgia: noun (sol-a-stal-gi-a) the emotional, physical or existential distress caused by environmental change to your home. A portmanteau of the words solace and nostalgia.
A new storytelling climate comedy lecture about saving ourselves in time and protecting what you love by Dr Matt Winning. Matt hosts “Net Zero: A Very British Problem” on BBC Radio 4. Several previous sell-out Edinburgh Fringe shows have also focused on climate breakdown, so you’ll be in safe hands.
30 July – 24 August, 16:35, Assembly George Square Studios
Climate Change Theatre Action 2025
Theatre
Across 20 events, audiences will experience a curated selection of short climate theatre including 40 of the audience’s favourites from the past festivals, alongside 10 new works in a final set of commissions.
This international showcase brings together artists, activists and change-makers to explore the climate crisis through urgent and inventive storytelling. In partnership with Culture for Climate Scotland and the Traverse Theatre, the CCTA at Venue 13 promises a resonant and reflective send-off to a transformative global project.
1- 23 August, 16:00, Main Space at Venue 13
The Bush
Theatre, Storytelling
The Bush recalls the inspiring true story of thirteen, 1970’s ‘housewives’ who battled for 10 years to save bushland in Alice’s native Sydney. This kickstarted a nationwide movement of Green Bans, protecting land and the natural environment from destruction in Australia.
The Bush is a comedic, ‘highly accessible’ (The List) show centring community action and joyfully celebrating a pivotal moment in the history of global environmental and feminist movements.
30 Jul – 12 Aug 14:20, Pleasance Courtyard
Welcome to the Fringe, Palestine
A mini-festival to celebrate Palestinian art and culture, with freedom and without censorship. Across the week there will be theatre, dance, comedy, food, storytelling, music and poetry, showcasing artists from Palestine and the diaspora. Experience the affirming power of culture and the vital role it has in the ongoing call for Palestinian liberation.
Enjoy an atmosphere of compassion and creativity with this one-day ticket, and a new line-up everyday. Full listings on www.FringePalestine.com including details of individual shows.
12-15 Aug, 12 – 9pm, Portobello Town Hall