Be prepared to be “slightly uncomfortable and yet kind of slightly aroused…”

An Actual Variety Show is a Fringe buffet: a little treat, perfect for those who don’t know what to pick off the menu, or for those ready to chow down on everything being served up at Fringe 2026.

The show is short and sweet, and the variety of acts creates a great pace. As promised, you’ll never get too comfortable — or too uncomfortable — with any one performance genre.

Dental floss was involved. There was burlesque, boylesque, burlesque ballet, The Seven Deadly Sins 2.0, the splits and sword swallowing.

Each act in An Actual Variety Show displays a range of performance experience and specialty, which only adds to the charm. Rhys Lightning and Miss Flo Jangles were standout performers, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as they escalated the energy in the room throughout their performances.

An Actual Variety Show does exactly what it says on the tin — and then some. While the show hosts a range of genres and eclectic charm, each session throughout the Festival is unique, with a new cast lineup each show.

This is a joyful, cheeky way to get into the spirit of Fringe — a sampler platter that leaves you entertained and whets your appetite for the rest of the Festival.