Adelaide Fringe 2026 Reviews Part 1

The excitement of the world's second largest fringe festival is palpable. Pop-up venues arrive all over the city, bars turn into theatres, and theatres turn into gathering grounds. The sun is out, and performers from around the world descend on the quiet-ish city of Adelaide to entertain for five weeks. While ticket sales this year have been a bit lower than anticipated, the shows have been incredible. So let's get started on part 1 of our reviews from Adelaide Fringe.

NEW ROMANTICS

Bold contemporary dance that pushes the boundary of what is possible. The rope act was stunning!

THE ART OF STORM WHISTLING

A Master storyteller. A fantastical tale that takes you on an adventure beyond this world.

UPSIDE DOWN FANTASYLAND

Brave. Bold. Beautiful. Troy embodies the art of healing through storytelling. He reminds us of the power in telling your story, and the power of listening to someone’s story

OUTSIDE IN- RECOMMEND

A thoughtfully crafted show that is the heart and spirit of fringe- where artists have access to present their work, just as they are. Matt shows us the beauty and gift of Autism as he normalizes the feelings so many of us experience, but are never brave enough to share. Well done!

THE POLE SHEBANG- RECOMMEND

Delightfully charming and surprisingly heartfelt. A beautiful display of strength and athleticism.

CHARLIE CAPER- THE FUTURE- HIGHLY RECOMMEND

A dazzling spectacle of wonder and mystery. Charlie makes it all look so easy and surprises us with every trick. The robotics are impressive, and the bowtie trick had me guessing the entire show. 

EAT THE RICH (BUT MAYBE NOT ME MATES X)- HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Brilliant commentary on the class system. Beautifully acted. Filled with humor and nuance. Bravo!

NIUSIA- HIGHLY RECOMMEND

A beautifully crafted piece of theatre filled with a love that overcomes atrocity. The ending delivers a powerful message of how family shapes us.

THE SOCCERACTRESS- HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Lucia is absolutely charming and wins you over with her humor and passion. Her street performer skills shine while her personal journey is inspiring.

TRACY CRISP: WHO KILLED GOUGH WHITLAM?- HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Crisp is a master storyteller. Keeping the audience in the palm of her hand with her soothing voice, unflappable humor, and beautifully constructed story.

AN EVENING WITH DAME GRANNY SMITH- MUST SEE

 Dame Granny Smith pulls you in and warms your heart. David has crafted an absolutely brilliant story that takes you by surprise and on a journey of compassion filled with humor, heartache, and hope.

CADEL: LUNGS ON LEGS- MUST SEE

Jaw Dropping, Heart Stopping Theatre. Delves has made the sport of cycling alive in the theatre. Incredible portrayal of Cadel Evans, crafted with respect and heart. This one deserves the yellow jersey.

MILLICENT SARRE IS TOO TIRED TO SMASH (PATRIARCHY)- MUST SEE

A powerful show that normalizes the inner conflict of the current cultural moment. 

Thank you Millicent for making me feel seen.

All reviews were originally posted on Instagram and can be found in the Adelaide Stories Icon.