The First 8
The First 8 is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at C ARTS | C venues | C aquila. It has 4 performances listed, running from Thu 6 Aug, 17:25 to Wed 12 Aug, 17:25. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.
About this show
A new musical telling the remarkable true story of the first eight female pilots to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary during WWII. From ferrying Tiger Moths to flying fighter planes, they fight to fly military aircraft in the face of danger, prejudice and relentless scepticism. As the war intensifies, they challenge restrictive rules and demand recognition, helping the ATA become the first organisation in Britain to award women equal pay. Bold and inspiring, The First 8 celebrates the courage, heartbreaks, unbreakable friendships and legacy of those who reshaped aviation history.
Details
- Venue: C ARTS | C venues | C aquila
- Space: temple
- Genre: OPERA, Family-friendly, Historical
- Country: NEW ZEALAND
- Running time: 70 minutes
- Room size: about 85 seats (temple) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
- Performances listed: 4, of which 0 still to come and on sale
Accessibility
- Venue notes: Accessible entry: Stair-lift with folding seat from ground floor foyer (requires transfer from wheelchair to stair-lift chair at ground level, transfer from one stair-lift chair to another at first floor level, second stair lift stair-lift with folding seat from first floor to second floor, then transfer back to wheelchair at second floor). Staff can carry an unoccupied small or folding manual wheelchair up the stairs while the wheelchair user uses the seated stair lift. Electric wheelchairs, heavy wheelchairs and bulky wheelchairs cannot be carried upstairs. If not taking the stair lift the space is accessed by two half flights and one full flight of stairs. Stairs: 20+ Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.
Performance dates and ticket availability
- Thu 6 Aug, 17:25 — Already performed — £10.00
- Sat 8 Aug, 17:25 — Already performed — £14.00
- Mon 10 Aug, 17:25 — Already performed — £14.00
- Wed 12 Aug, 17:25 — Already performed — £14.00