FAKE returns to Edinburgh Fringe 2026 at Gilded Balloon

We’re bringing FAKE back.

After a critically acclaimed run in 2025, Snap the Arrow’s hit show returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, this time at Gilded Balloon.

5 to 31 August (not 17), 13:40 daily.

👉 Book tickets:
https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:6703/

What is FAKE?

Through magic, comedy and storytelling, Chris Cook shares the story of a faker so skilled he had to forge his way to freedom, an artist so talented he may himself be a fraud, a magician whose promise conceals a lie, and a mysterious figure who may not even exist. A story only a magician could tell.

In 2025, FAKE found its audience and impressed critics alike:

★★★★★ “a masterclass in storytelling” (Edinburgh Reviews)
★★★★★ “the show to see” (World Magic Review)
★★★★★ “a true joy to watch” (The Student)

Selected as Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe 2025.
Winner of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Theatre Award 2025.

From PBH Free Fringe to Gilded Balloon

FAKE marks a milestone for Snap the Arrow.

After more than a decade performing on the PBH Free Fringe, this is the first time the company has taken a show onto the paid Edinburgh Fringe, partnering with one of the festival’s most established venues.

This step up reflects the ambition behind FAKE, and the momentum built from last year’s run, where audiences discovered the show across Edinburgh and critics took notice.

But Chris hasn’t left the PBH Free Fringe behind. A brand new production will be debuting at the Voodoo Rooms, Chris’ long time Fringe home, where his shows have grown and evolved over many years.

Also at the Edinburgh Fringe 2026

Snap the Arrow are proud to support Alastair Clark: On the Record at Edinburgh Fringe 2026.

Part of Alastair’s Record Store Comedy Tour, the show has been touring independent record shops across the UK before landing in Edinburgh. It’s intimate, distinctive, and not to be missed.

👉 Find out more:
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/alastair-clark-on-the-record