Gilded Balloon is an Edinburgh Fringe venue renowned for its imaginative and adventurous programming covering exciting new writing, challenging drama, children’s shows, dance, physical theatre, and some of the finest comedy from around the world. After 40 years as the home of comedy in Scotland, Gilded Balloon’s reputation continues to thrive, attracting worldwide television, radio and press coverage, cementing its dominance at the cutting edge of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Born and bred in Scotland, we strive to promote Scottish voices alongside welcoming those from near and far to our venues year on year.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 WILL OPEN IN NOVEMBER
Before submitting our application form please read through our performer info pack, where you’ll find more information on our performance spaces and financial deals. You can also see the technical specifications and venue plans here. Please note that the layouts and technical information of our performance spaces may be subject to change.
Any questions? Feel free to get in touch with us by emailing admin@gildedballoon.co.uk or giving us a call on 0131 622 6555.
When do applications for Fringe open and close?
Applications to perform with us for Fringe 2026 will open soon! We review applications on a rolling basis up until the last Fringe Society registration deadline (however we do sometimes accept applications after this time if we still have gaps to fill). So the sooner you apply the better!
When will I hear back about my application?
We receive a huge volume of applications every year and it can take us a while to get through them so we really appreciate your patience with us! We try our hardest to contact everyone that has applied but if you would like an update on your application you’re welcome to contact admin@gildedballoon.co.uk.
Where can I find information about your venues?
Our venues page has information about all of our venue spaces for Fringe. You can also download the technical specifications and venue plans for each of the venues.
Where can I find accessibility information about your performance spaces?
If you would like to discuss the accessibility of our performance spaces please feel free to get in touch with us at admin@gildedballoon.co.uk. You can find info on accessibility in our technical specifications linked to each sub-venue and on our accessibility information page here.
Do you have wheelchair accessible performance spaces?
Yes. Some of our venues have level access to both the stage and audience area. Whether or not the stage is raised is noted on the venues page and in the technical specifications for each sub-venue. If you have any questions regarding accessibility in our spaces please contact us at admin@gildedballoon.co.uk.
Do you offer room rental agreements?
No, all our shows are programmed by our Artist Directors to offer a mix of the best of the best across the Fringe. We do not rent rooms, our financial deals are based on a fixed guarantee against a box office split. For more information on our standard financial deal please take a look at our performer info pack.
How long should my show be?
Most shows at the fringe run for between 50 and 75 minutes. Obviously we do not disregard an epic project but the audience expectations are for short shows as a lot of people will be seeing multiple shows in one day.
Does it matter how long my run is?
Most shows chosen are available to play the full length of the Fringe. We occasionally do programme shows that have a limited run if it fits into a gap in the programme, but you should be aware that doing a part-run can make it harder to build momentum and for word of mouth to spread.
What can I put on my application that will make it more likely to be programmed?
We’re open to absolutely anything and everything! Providing as much detail as possible in your application really helps us get a feel for the show. Links to any videos of previous performances, reviews or scripts are a bonus!
Will I definitely get the exact venue and time slot I want?
Programming can be a real juggling act and it really helps if you can be flexible with your preferred venue and time slot. Also, with 40 Fringes under our belts, we can help find the venue and time best suited to your show – if we think we have a slot that would work well for you, we’ll get in touch and discuss that with you.
What if another venue offers me a slot?
That’s completely fine, we understand that most shows apply to several venues. If this is the case email admin@gildedballoon.co.uk with an update and we will try our best to give you a status update on your application. Keep in mind that, as we’re working our way through 100’s of applications, we may not be able to give you an update or offer in the time frame required by the other venue.
Will I have time for a technical rehearsal before the show opens?
Each show is offered a technical rehearsal slot. These take place in the 3 days before the first preview, so we kindly ask that Visiting Companies make themselves available on these days. If your show is starting mid-way through the run we’ll try our best to accommodate tech rehearsals but this will need to take place around other shows in the venue.
How much turnaround time will I have between my show and the next?
The standard turnaround time in most venues is 20 minutes of shared get in/get out time with the shows around you (in larger venues this increases to 30 minutes). Please bear in mind that this includes the audience exiting and entering the auditorium.
Do I decide how much I want my tickets to cost?
We’d suggest having a look at similar shows from the Fringe before to give you a rough idea. Once we’ve offered you a slot we’ll suggest ticket prices which we can then discuss with you.
I have a company that wants to sponsor my show - is that OK?
Sponsorship is a great way to pay for things like additional marketing or cover some of your costs, however we will need to approve any sponsorship of shows before it’s agreed upon.
Some of the actors and crew in my company are not UK or EU citizens - can they perform at Fringe?
If you are not a UK citizen you may need to gain entry clearance or a visa before coming to the UK. You must have the correct documentation and permissions to come to the UK. The Fringe Society can help with this by issuing a welcome letter to all overseas participants and legitimate entourage connected with a registered show. Find out more at edfringe.com/take-part
