High-flying feats, emotional storytelling, and breathtaking athleticism, circus at this year’s Fringe isn’t just about spectacle, it’s about meaning. From world-class rope work to continent-crossing collaborations, these three must-see shows are redefining what modern circus can be. Whether you’re in it for the gasps, the joy, or the poetry in motion, these performances will lift your spirit sky-high.
BY A THREAD
Central at Assembly Roxy 30th July–20th August (excluding 6th, 11th, 18th August)
One Fell Swoop Circus presents seven incredible performers and thirty metres of pristine white rope, creating magic through an intricate pulley system that binds their aerial movements together. This stunning production fuses jaw-dropping acrobatic skill with beautifully crafted choreography, taking audiences through a rollercoaster of emotion from comedy and tender romance to heartstopping fear and genuine camaraderie.
http://edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/by-a-thread
THE GENESIS
Assembly Hall, Main Hall 31st July–25th August (excluding 6th, 11th, 18th)
Following their successful European tour, Copenhagen Collective leap into Scotland to create a joyful show for all the family. From an empty stage, these 17 world-class artists shape an hour-long jaw-dropping acrobatic and heartfelt storytelling performance. With an original sound and lighting design that will take you into another dimension, follow the acrobats as they stack, tumble and spin through an emotional landscape, creating a world of cooperation and understanding, where true strength emerges.
http://edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-genesis
CIRQUE KALABANTÉ: WOW (WORLD OF WORDS)
Main Hall at Assembly Hall 1st–25th August (excluding 6th, 11th, 18th)
Prepare to be captivated by this dynamic new production that masterfully blends African and western cultures, from the creators of the acclaimed Afrique en Cirque. The show presents two groups separated by a symbolic divide, where initial fear and mistrust gradually transform into a profound desire for connection and understanding. Vibrant, athletic, and deeply moving, this is circus artistry at its finest. Part of Spotlight Canada 2025, supported by the High Commission of Canada and The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation.
http://edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/cirque-kalabant-wow-world-of-words
Main image The Genesis
