If opening night was anything to go by, the Shedinburgh team have done wonders in replicating, as far as is reasonably practicable, the Edinburgh Fringe experience and bringing it to London. This extends to having a rather convoluted route to enter the studio space, and slightly quirky start times, such as 6:40pm and 8:10pm. Most in the audience seemed to have had some previous exposure to the Edinburgh Fringe, so the somewhat liberal interpretation of those start times, as well as the doors opening with minutes to spare, was largely met with casual indifference.
The stage itself was perhaps rather too embellished in comparison to most Fringe stages, but full marks nonetheless for creating ‘The Shed’, even if, as Dom McGovern observed in his stand-up comedy hour, some of the items aren’t what one might expect to see in a shed. This in itself, for those in the know, is part of the quirkiness of the Fringe experience, with an ‘anything goes’ open-minded outlook required. Expect audience interaction, expect audience participation (sit in the front row in a venue with unreserved seating at your own risk), but always within a safe space.
With a good mix of works in progress and more established acts in the Shedinburgh roster, there’s bound to be something that will appeal to most. Interestingly, some in the audience for the London run’s opening night said they hadn’t a clue, beyond the show’s title, what they were going to see. They just took the plunge and came along. There are, of course, descriptions for every show in the programme for anyone who would like to know more. Almost every show lasts about an hour or so, leaving plenty of time for other evening plans – and with the Young Vic’s bar open until 11:00pm, you need not necessarily be scouting around elsewhere for a post-show drink.
An excellent way to sample the kind of shows that are put on at the Edinburgh Fringe, in the heart of London.
By Chris Omaweng
This autumn, Shedinburgh is bringing the very best of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to the Young Vic.
From Fringe legends and cult hits to rising stars and world premieres. All runs are strictly limited – blink and you’ll miss them. Expect a mix of old and new, with theatre, comedy, music, and everything in between.
Step inside the Shed and experience the Young Vic as you’ve never seen it before: unplugged, up close, and unforgettable.
Edinburgh Fringe 2026: Shedload-of-Future Fund recipients announced
SHEDINBURGH
Young Vic
19 September to 10 October 2026
