Edinburgh Fringe 2026 - Spotlight On: Bliss

📸 Image Credit: FEAST Creative

Show Synopsis: From the Olivier Award-winning producers of Cabaret and Benjamin Button, the biggest new musical of the Fringe turns the fairy tale inside out. 

Once upon a time, there was a princess. Whatever that means... 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. 

With 17 West End performers, electric vocals and a pop-rock punch, Bliss is a fearless musical about ripping up the rule book and the price of perfection.

Q&A With the Writers - Tyler & Emma (co-writers)

Q: What inspired you to create this show?

Tyler: I have always loved fairy tales — some of my favorite childhood memories are singing along with great Disney movies of the early 90s, watching Shelly Duvall’s Fairie Tale Theater with my grandpa, performing in fairy tale plays through the recreation department in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and participating in storytelling competitions in school forensics programs. I never grew out of this passion, and the desire to create a new fairy tale became BLISS.

Emma: Tyler and I take a lot of brainstorming walks, and we were on one of those walks when we started talking about how similar many princesses in fairy tales are. We thought it might be interesting (and even funny!) if all of the "perfect princesses" we know and love were actually all under the same spell. This led us to the idea of the magical Pink Lagoon and "the dip," which will be revealed in more detail when you see the show...

Q: What can audiences expect when they come to see the show at Edinburgh Fringe?

Tyler: Audiences can expect a totally unique fantasy experience with four brand new princesses who you will love and relate to. You’ll get a thought-provoking story, thrilling music, and lots of heart. The company is next-level talented, charming and hilarious. We’ve got fiery choreography, a killer band, gorgeous costumes… and I should mention there are unicorns…

Emma: Yes-- there are unicorns! And a new kind of princess, and a fun pop star prince, and a deliciously twisted villain. My hope is that audiences will leave the theater a little happier and more energized than they were when they entered it! Our aim with Bliss is that it is universal and provocative while also being, put simply, FUN.

Q: Is there a particular theme, message, or idea behind the show that you hope audiences take away with them?

Emma: I would be so happy to hear that Bliss encourages-- even dares-- people to be bold in their own lives. It takes courage to say what we really mean! It takes courage to be an optimist. I hope that our princesses will inspire our audiences to express themselves a little bit more, and to think about what makes them truly themselves, whatever that means. 

Tyler: f you love fairy tales, you will love Bliss. If you’re a little uncomfortable with some of the ideas we often see in princess stories, you will REALLY love Bliss. I hope Bliss will make you laugh and dazzle your senses, and I hope it will start conversations about authenticity and the choices we all make as we pursue our own happily ever afters.

Q: What has been the most exciting part of bringing this production to Edinburgh Fringe?

Tyler: Coming to the Edinburgh Fridge is a lifelong dream, and it is such an honor to bring BLISS to this epicenter of creativity and magic. I am most excited for the audiences of all ages and walks of life to discover Bliss, meet our princesses, and take this unique adventure with us.

Emma: The Edinburgh Fringe is an absolute explosion of creativity, and we are so honored and excited to be a part of it. And what better place to share a new fairy tale than in a magical city filled with castles? We can't wait for the audiences to experience-- and teach us-- about BLISS. Creators can wait years for an audience to see their show, and the most thrilling moment for us is when you-- the people we wrote it for-- walk into the theater.

Q: Why should audiences add your show to their Fringe schedule this year?

Emma: f someone could offer you a magical spell that would make you physically perfect, and make you feel no bad feelings, would you take it? What is perfection worth? We hope audiences will add BLISS to their schedule to be among the first people to explore this question— joyfully— with us!

Tyler: For theater lovers, fantasy lovers, or anyone looking to be swept away into a world of magic and wonder, Bliss belongs on your fringe schedule. There is something in Bliss for everyone, young and old. It’s a great show to see with your family or chosen family. And you’ll be seeing a brand new musical right from its beginnings! Don’t miss Bliss!

Bliss is running at Grand at the Pleasance Courtyard from 5th to 31st August at 13:00.