Bliss – Ed Fringe 2026

Bliss: Grand at Pleasance Courtyard

17th August 2026

★★★★

Bliss is the Ed Fringe show everyone has been anticipating – with audiences already comparing it to SIX. This new show from the Olivier Award-winning producers of Cabaret and Benjamin Button which features a cast of 17 West End performers is certainly aiming high. Billed as the biggest new musical of the Fringe, Bliss turns fairy tales inside out as four sisters escape their tower and collide with the outside world. Where fairy godfathers rule and happy endings come at a cost, this hilarious, razor-sharp tale rewrites the concept of happily ever after.

Bliss is a highly anticipated show of the Fringe and has been selling out daily and it’s clear to see why. It is polished, upbeat and fun. The cast are all very strong in role and it has a great message about self love and acceptance. It is quite reminiscent of Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World which actually had a run in this very venue in 2022. With its girl power and fairy tales this is a great family/young adult show with enough comedy to also entertain adults.

The four leads Akshara Gunda, Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby, Matilda Shapland and Miriam Nyarko are all relative newcomers to the industry having recently graduated and all have great stage presence and excellent vocals – they are certainly worth looking out for in the future. The large ensemble come into their own as the hour and half show goes on and each get their small moments in the limelight. Tom Bennett as Glimmermore the Fairy Godfather is hilarious and completely commands the stage and Jordan Calloway adds the rock element as Prince Devin, think Romeo in &Juliet. That is perhaps the only issue with this show. It is so similar to many others that whilst it is performed excellently, ultimately it isn’t that original or memorable.

Emma Lively and Tyler Beattie’s songs are contemporary and performed brilliantly. The lighting and staging is very polished and Josh Prince’s choreography is energetic and strong throughout making this a great professional show at this year’s Fringe. Paloma Young’s costumes are also excellent adding the individuality to the four princesses. All of this coupled with strong female leads and catchy, contemporary songs makes this one to watch during this year’s festival.

For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Marc Brenner

AD – PR invite in exchange for a honest review.