For Adelaide foodie Mandy Hall, the Fringe is best enjoyed with an open mind and a bit of curiosity. Some nights call for big ideas, others for music, laughter or something quietly unexpected, and her picks reflect that balance beautifully.
A familiar voice to FIFTY+SA readers, Mandy’s Fringe favourites span theatre, music and immersive experiences, with a common thread of strong storytelling and thoughtful craft. It’s a list that encourages you to mix the bold with the joyful, trust your instincts, and embrace the fact that the Fringe is at its best when you let its variety lead the way.
SIBLINGS: DREAMWEAVERS
Comedic sisters Maddy and Marina Bye return with a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe hit. This anarchic sketch show takes you on a surreal, raucous journey through your dreams – outrageous, absurd, and brilliantly funny.
Tue 10 Mar – Sun 22 Mar | The Yurt, Courtyard of Curiosities, Migration Museum
THE DEBATE
A gripping, darkly comic drama about ambition, mother-daughter rivalry, and the seductive power of persuasion. When a top young debater aims for national glory, personal ambition and political spin collide in a sharp, intelligent, and heartbreakingly human story.
Fri 13 Feb – Sun 22 Mar | The Arch, Holden Street Theatres
CYCLOPS: A SATYR PLAY
Euripides’ only surviving Satyr Play gets a wild, interactive makeover. Panic Theatre brings a queer, techno-pop fever dream of karaoke, bar fights, and absurdity, asking you to make choices the Satyr refuses to. Hilarious, chaotic, and unforgettable.
Tue 24 Feb – Sun 22 Mar | Judy’s at HST, Holden Street Theatres
EAT THE RICH (BUT MAYBE NOT ME MATES X)
Jade navigates class, ambition, and double standards while secretly working as a cleaner at Cambridge. This five-star, sell-out comedy is a razor-sharp, heartfelt exploration of privilege and belonging.
Tue 17 Feb – Sun 22 Mar | The Studio, Holden Street Theatres
EXTRA CURRICULAR: STAFF PARTY
A riotous follow-up to the hit cabaret Extra Curricular, this hilarious show celebrates teachers and support staff with original songs, storytelling, and live band backing. Laughter guaranteed.
Fri 20 Feb – Sun 01 Mar | The Lark at Gluttony, Rymill Park
IMMERSIVE WORLDS
Step into extraordinary realities with 22 full-dome and VR experiences. From ocean depths to distant galaxies, these immersive installations are a feast for the senses, for audiences big and small.
Tue 17 Feb – Sun 22 Mar | Various locations
CATHEDRAL CHIAROSCURO
St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral transforms into a light and sound wonderland. Cutting-edge projection and meticulous light design create a moving, meditative experience of art and architecture.
Wed 18 Feb – Sun 22 Mar | St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral
THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK
High-energy cabaret, dazzling choreography, and show-stopping performances. Expect glamour, sass, and laughter in this naughty-but-never-risky party show.
Wed 18 Feb – Sun 22 Mar | The Roundhouse, Garden of Unearthly Delights
HITS OF THE ’60S AND ’70S BY THE 60 FOUR
Celebrating a decade of music, this beloved tribute act delivers Las Vegas-style energy with hits from The Beatles, Elvis, ABBA, and more. A joyful, nostalgic musical celebration.
Sat 07 Mar – Sat 21 Mar | Hopgood Theatre, Shedley Theatre & Norwood Concert Hall
ELF LYONS: SWAN
The cult comedy reimagining of Swan Lake comes to Adelaide, combining ballet, violence, magic, and absurdist humour. Chaotic, clever, and impossible to forget.
Fri 20 Feb – Sun 22 Mar | The Hetzel Room, Courtyard of Curiosities, State Library
CALIFORNIA CROONERS CLUB
Jazz, R&B, pop, and rap collide in Hugh Sheridan’s musical cocktail of charm, golden harmonies, and irresistible grooves. A stylish, toe-tapping evening of rhythm and romance.
Sat 28 Feb – Mon 09 Mar | The Flamingo at Gluttony, Rymill Park
SHAKE IT
Shake It delivers bold burlesque, cheeky circus and cabaret at Adelaide Fringe. Hosted by Minnie Andrews, expect high-energy performances, rotating guest stars and unapologetic fun, outrageous, glamorous and guaranteed to surprise nightly.
Thu 19 Feb – Sun 22 Mar | The Virago at Gluttony, Rymill Park
