Some of 2026’s biggest Edinburgh Fringe shows *might* be coming to Preston.

OFFICIAL CALL OUT

We are looking for theatre, stand-up, spoken word, comedy and contemporary performance shows. Shows can be WIPs or complete performances.

If you’re going to this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe and are looking for warm-up gigs – come to Preston, Lancashire.

All gigs are expected to be programmed in May, June and July, 2026.

NOTE: We do not program music.

What’s in it for you?

You get to perform your show to an enthusiastic audience. Our biggest skill is in audience development. We’ve spent a decade pushing marketing and promotion to make Preston a successful destination for performers.

Organisational support: We will plan the performances, book venues and take care of marketing and publicity. We do not have a dedicated venue but have working relationships with several venues in Preston who will host performances.

Marketing support: We know there is a huge range of experience for performers heading to #edfringe. Some know what they are doing, others are brand new to the experience. We can offer advice and guidance in all areas of performing.

You get paid: You get a ticket split 70/30 (minus venue, print and advertising costs – which are kept to an absolute minimum).

Photography: You get images from your performance which you can use to produce future shows. Performers love the images they get.

Who are we?
Since 2016, Enjoy the Show (run by Garry Cook @gazcook) has been platforming, supporting and developing a wide-range of shows and performances, including running several Lancashire Fringe Festivals and over 250 one-off shows.

Although Preston is a small city without a dedicated theatre venue hosting comedy and touring theatre shows, we have developed a dedicated audience willing to watch exciting, unusual and unique performances.

In 2025, we held out first ever #edfringe preview shows, held over two consecutive nights in June at Artch Studios in Preston. Seven performances took place with packed out audiences on both nights.

In 2026 we’re going bigger: more shows, more venues, more opportunities to perform.

How to apply:

Fill in this Google Form, which will ask you for your name, contact details, show title, duration, performance genre, tech requirements, promo copy and availability etc.

Link to apply is here on Google Forms.