Gilded Balloon announce first shows for Fringe 2024

It’s time to paint the town pink once more as Gilded Balloon today announce the first shows for 2024’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme.

Article Source: Gilded Balloon
Last Updated: 20 February 2024 9:55

PINK PALS RETURN WITH FEAST OF COMEDY, THEATRE, MAGIC AND MORE THIS SUMMER

20th February 2024:

This year, Gilded Balloon, the Fringe’s original home of comedy, will welcome audiences to two dynamic and well-loved venue hubs throughout August: Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland. World-class comedy, theatre, magic and more will delight Fringe fans galore, for a summer of non-stop entertainment in Edinburgh’s city centre. This year’s Fringe programme so far includes Louise Atkinson, Hypnotist Matt Hale, John Robertson’s The Dark Room, Kathleen Hughes and more.

Gilded Balloon shows take place from 31st July - 26th August with tickets on sale from 12pm, Wednesday 21st February tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk

Gilded Balloon will bring legendary Fringe institutions like Late’n’Live and Best of So You Think You’re Funny? under the Patter House roof, whilst Teviot Row House undergoes renovation. The full Gilded Balloon Fringe programme will operate across a pink-tastic Patter House (3 Chambers Street) and the National Museum of Scotland (Lothian Street) in 2024, before returning to Teviot for Gilded Balloon’s 40th anniversary celebrations in August 2025.

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said, “We’re delighted to reveal the first few shows of this year’s Fringe programme, ahead of what will be another exciting year for Gilded Balloon. As we transfer our full operation into two of our pre-existing venues, it’s a chance to refresh our programme this year. We’re looking forward to bringing a bigger and better operation to Patter House for 2024 including some brilliant programming - from kids shows to international comedy, thrilling theatre and lots of famous faces.

“We will, of course, miss Teviot Row House which has been a major part of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe operation since 2001, but we look forward to returning next year for a big pink birthday bash to celebrate 40 years of Gilded Balloon. Planning is already underway for 2025’s very special celebrations, but in the meantime we can’t wait to welcome Fringe fans back to Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland for a month of wonderful shows.”

Gilded Balloon’s ‘Pals in Pink’ will welcome audiences from around the world as staff transform Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland into fabulously pink hubs of creativity with acts from every genre descending during the month of August. From internationally renowned comedians, rising stars, groundbreaking theatre, spellbinding magic shows and wild and wonderful kids shows, Gilded Balloon’s 2024 venues are set to be a hotspot of Fringe fun.

This year, Patter House will host the vast majority of Gilded Balloon shows including; a brand new hour from Louise Atkinson following an acclaimed run last year; John Robertson’s The Dark Room; and a triumphant return for Hypnotist Matt Hale: Top Fun! 80s Spectacular after a sold out 2023 season. The UK’s biggest new comedy competition, Best of So You Think You’re Funny? will host a mixed bill show featuring the top three acts from 2023’s competition including winner Samira Banks plus Christopher Donovan and Lizzie Norm. Also part of the 2024 programme is sketch show Biscuit Barrel: Not Another 69 Sketch Show and comedy murder mystery show Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit.

One of Scotland’s fastest rising comedy stars, Glaswegian Kathleen Hughes will showcase her debut hour, plus Britain’s Got Talent magician Cameron Young will bring mind-bending illusions and hilarious comedy to Gilded Balloon this year.

A Gilded Balloon venue for three years, Patter House will see a bigger and better line-up than ever before, with a focus on events programming and expanded bars in the three-story venue. With nightly pink projections on the building facade, an Instagrammable bar with late-night DJs, special bar discounts for all Fringe artists, and themed Patter Parties, Gilded Balloon will transform the Chambers Street venue into a Fringe must-visit once again.

For the eighth year, Gilded Balloon will pop up in the National Museum of Scotland, bringing an array of comedy, theatre and magic shows to one of the most visited venues in the UK. Revamped for 2024, Gilded Balloon’s outdoor bar at the Museum will return once again, providing food and drink from beloved local brands like Newbarns for Fringe audiences.

Introduced in 2023, Gilded Balloon’s ‘Support the Artist’ scheme returns for 2024, meaning customers can add an optional £2 to each ticket purchased, given directly to artists themselves. Designed to extend the support offered to performers faced with growing costs at the Festival, artists and fans can opt-in to the scheme at the point of purchase.

Get ready for a pink takeover like no other this August as Gilded Balloon delight Fringe fans with an array of award- winning shows, thrilling theatre and wall to wall to comedy once more.

Book online from 12pm on Wednesday 21st February at tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk
or call Tel: 0131 622 6552

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.

Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry

The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.

Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.

Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Collective announces 2026 programme

Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.

Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.