EARLY BIRDS and Jonathan Guy's Updated OUR BOYS To Play At Renovated PQA Venues @Riddle's Court

Following a £6million restoration project, Edinburgh's beautiful Grade A listed building Riddle's Court will be transformed into an Edinburgh Festival Fringe theatre venue for the first time since 2014, which will be managed and programmed by PQA VENUES.

The building has a long history of use as a Fringe venue, with past performers including Stephen Fry in 1979 and 1980 and Maggie Smith in 1953.

PQA VENUES @Riddle's Court (venue 277) will house adiverse and vibrant programme of theatre, stand-up and live music including its own in-house productions - Early Birds, Our Boys, Closer Than Ever, The Last Five Yearsand Poppets Adventure.

Early Birds is from the writers of Birds of a Feather, Maurice Gran and Laurence Marks, and tells the incredible yet true story of the birth of one of the nation's favourite situation comedies. It starts with a chance encounter in a West End hotel, and ends with a show considered so saucy it was nearly cancelled two weeks into its run, yet is about to enter its thirtieth year as a TV comedy classic. The cast will include Charlie Quirke, who plays Travis Stubbs in Birds of a Feather. Charlie's mother Pauline Quirke stars as Sharon in the television series.

Jonathan Guy directs his critically acclaimed play Our Boys, giving the first chance for audiences to see an updated version which Jonathan has rewritten for a new generation.

Musical theatre lovers can enjoy revivals of the musical revue Closer Than Everby Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire, and Jason Robert Brown's emotionally powerful and intimate musical, The Last Five Years.

Young children will be able to join best friends Cory, Daisy, Poppy and Lewis as they go on an exciting adventure in Poppets Adventure, written by Lucy Beirne.

Located in a prime position along the Royal Mile, PQA VENUES @Riddle's Court will house three performance studios with comfortable seating and high-tech facilities, a gin and prosecco bar with free WIFI and phone charging stations, and free live music in the venue's secluded court yard. The venue is fully accessible.

Eddie Dredge, Producer for PQA Venues, said "Riddle's Court is a unique gem of a building, and we are delighted that following its multi million pound restoration, we can bring it back to life as one of the Fringe's much-loved venues. Fringe-goers can enjoy an exciting programme of more than 30 shows this summer, delivered by professional companies, PQA Academies, and our own in-house production team."

For more information including the full line-up of productions at PQA VENUES @Riddle's Court (venue 277) visit: https://tickets.edfringe.com/

PQA VENUES is the provider of high-quality performance and rehearsal spaces in London and Edinburgh.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Original Score - Top 3

1. The Rescues , The Rescues - The Lost Boys

41.7% of votes

2. Jim Barne, Kit Buchan - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

28.2% of votes

3. Cinco Paul - Schmigadoon!

22.8% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats