Edinburgh Fringe Introduces Unique Sauna Theatre Experience

London, United Kingdom Aug 27, 2026 ALN: Tucked away behind the Summerhall arts centre is the hottest new venue at the Edinburgh Fringe — quite literally. The Sauna theatre has quickly gained popularity among theatre enthusiasts at the world’s largest performing arts festival, with shows inside its purpose-built, 80-seat sauna drawing sweaty, swimwear-clad crowds. This innovative venue is part of a growing trend that seeks to merge traditional performance art with unique experiential formats, thereby challenging conventional notions of theatre.

While some visitors may initially perceive the sauna as a gimmick, especially at the Fringe where absurd and experimental performances abound, the reality is much more wholesome. Nudity is not permitted at this venue, co-founded by theatre makers James Grieve and Lucy Osborne. The founders have taken great care to ensure that the environment remains comfortable and respectful, allowing audiences to engage with the art in a setting that is both unconventional and inviting.

“We’ve done a lot of research over the last few years, and art and culture in saunas proliferate worldwide,” Grieve explained. “There’s a great tradition of storytelling and folk music in saunas.” This statement underscores the historical and cultural significance of saunas in various societies. In many cultures, saunas are not merely places for physical cleansing but also serve as communal spaces for storytelling, bonding, and artistic expression. The Sauna theatre aims to tap into this rich tradition while introducing it to a new audience in the UK.

The concept includes aufguss, a sauna master infusing ice and water with essential oils, creating fragrant steam while performing towel-waving choreography. This experience is often accompanied by music, storytelling, and theatrical elements, transforming the sauna into a unique performance space. Aufguss, which translates to "infusion" in German, is not just a physical experience; it is also a sensory journey that engages the audience on multiple levels, enhancing their connection to the performance.

Deborah Carr, head of the sauna, noted that while this is the first sauna theatre in the UK, similar venues exist globally, from Japan to Germany. “I think this is just emerging in the UK, and seeing this here for the first time is really exciting,” she said. The existence of sauna theatres in other countries highlights a growing interest in immersive and multi-sensory experiences in the arts, which has been gaining traction in recent years. In countries like Finland, saunas have long been a part of the cultural fabric, often serving as venues for various forms of artistic expression.

Inside the sauna, three tiers of wooden seating surround three stoves, capable of heating the air to 90°C (194°F), complete with professional-quality stage lighting and a sound booth. This careful design allows for a fully immersive experience, where the physical environment enhances the thematic elements of the performances. Shows are designed with built-in breaks, allowing audience members to leave at any time, while those feeling adventurous can take a plunge into a cold pool, adding an additional layer of sensory experience that is both invigorating and refreshing.

The performances range from morning raves to storytelling and music events. One highlight, Mysteries of the Picts, features aufguss from two sauna masters performed to traditional folk music, recounting the history of ancient sweat houses used by Celtic tribes in Scotland. This blend of historical narrative and contemporary performance art serves to educate audiences while also entertaining them, creating a unique space for cultural exchange.

Grieve mentioned a particularly successful adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s The Waves, where aufguss masters perform rituals that immerse the audience in the text, enhancing their sensory experience. Such adaptations highlight the potential for literature and theatre to be reimagined in ways that resonate with modern audiences, particularly in formats that engage the senses beyond the visual and auditory.

Challenges have arisen regarding etiquette, such as ensuring attendees sit on towels, and some have mistakenly assumed the sauna would be metaphorical. To accommodate those without swimsuits, the venue offers rentals, which many have embraced. This attention to detail ensures that all audience members can participate comfortably, while also fostering a culture of respect and hygiene within the sauna environment.

Grieve and Osborne hope to return next year, anticipating that audiences will have a clearer understanding of what to expect. “This has been a really exciting month for us to experiment with what’s possible in the sauna space,” Grieve said. “We want to discover the kind of work that only works in a sauna or that works best in a sauna.” This forward-thinking approach reflects a broader trend in the arts, where experimentation and innovation are key to attracting new audiences and keeping traditional practices relevant in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “One of the great joys is seeing people leave the space feeling better physically and emotionally,” Grieve added. “We believe that art and culture are beneficial for both physical and mental health, and combined with sauna experiences, it may become exponentially good for you.” This notion aligns with a growing body of research that supports the therapeutic benefits of both art and sauna use, suggesting that immersive experiences can lead to improved well-being.

Carr echoed this sentiment, noting the visible joy on attendees' faces as they exit. “When people come back, they say: ‘I just felt so amazing. Not only did I enjoy it, but I felt great for the rest of the day,’” she said. This feedback not only reinforces the venue's mission but also highlights the potential for such innovative spaces to contribute positively to the community and the arts at large. As the Edinburgh Fringe continues to evolve, the Sauna theatre stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the human experience, inviting audiences to engage with art in new and transformative ways.