Audience Participation Shows Edinburgh Fringe
One of the most exciting parts of the Edinburgh Fringe is how often the audience becomes part of the show. Instead of sitting quietly and watching, you might find yourself making decisions, going on stage, joining challenges, or even shaping how the performance unfolds.
Explore more Edinburgh Fringe shows in our full guide to what’s on this year.
What are audience participation shows?
These are performances where the crowd is part of the experience rather than simply watching, with audience members often going on stage, making choices that shape the show, taking part in games or challenges, interacting directly with performers, and becoming part of the comedy or story itself.
For something more interactive, Funbelievable! 90s Rewind Hypnoshow – Matt Hale brings a completely different style of comedy, with the audience becoming the stars of the show.
Funbelievable! 90s Rewind Hypnoshow – Matt Hale
This interactive comedy hypnosis show turns audience members into the stars of the performance, featuring volunteers taking part in live hypnosis, completely unscripted comedy moments, audience-driven reactions that shape the show, and a fast-paced 90s nostalgia theme throughout.
Funbelievable! 90s Rewind Hypnoshow – Matt Hale is one of the most interactive and high-energy shows at the Fringe.
Comedy and interactive chaos
Many of the best participation shows are comedy-based and often include improv comedy shaped by audience input, game-style comedy formats, challenge-based performances, and hypnosis or suggestion-based acts, with all of them relying heavily on spontaneity and crowd energy.
Other audience participation styles
At the Fringe, participation shows can also include immersive theatre experiences, choose-your-path storytelling, live game show formats, and experimental performance art.
Planning a late night? See the best late-night shows at Edinburgh Fringe.
Want something different? Explore the best interactive shows at the Fringe.
Ready for a great Fringe show?
Funbelievable! 90s Rewind Hypnoshow is one of the most interactive and high-energy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, with audiences becoming part of the action every night.