Edinburgh Fringe Guide 2025
The Shows I Think Deserve a Combination of Your Time/Attention/$$$ at the Edinburgh Fringe
With the Edinburgh Fringe set to kick off in just two weeks (!!), it’s officially time to break out one of my favorite annual traditions.
As far as yearly rituals go, it ranks right up there with filling out a March Madness bracket, judging everyone else’s Spotify Wrapped, and Kevin Durant initiating a trade request.
That’s right! The time has come to scour the festival’s dogshit, clunky website, comb through reviews on sites like Chortle, The Scotsman, and The Guardian, and research the winners/nominees for all the major awards at the most recent Adelaide Fringe, Brighton Fringe, and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals, all in a massive effort to determine which shows to see this year in August1.
It’s partly stock-picking, partly a crapshoot, and a whole lot of seeing a show on a whim because you overheard someone raving about it in the adjacent urinal stall.
Longtime readers may remember the 2024, 2023, and 2022 versions of this guide, and early adopters may recall the 2018 and 2019 Google Doc iterations, which I have since converted into backdated Substack posts.
Guidelines / Best Practices:
Remember, this is just a guide, not an itinerary. Don’t feel like you have to see all (or any) of these shows. Ultimately everything comes down to personal taste.
Listen for what shows have buzz. I love eavesdropping in the bathroom after a show and hearing people’s true opinions. Word-of-mouth will forever be the best form of advertising because it comes from someone with no vested interest.
It seems like the two biggest trends this year are shows about neurodiversity/autism and shows directed by Ben Target.
If you care about the awards: In 2024, all five nominees for the Best Newcomer award were located in the Pleasance Courtyard.
In 2023, seven of the eight shows nominated for the Best Comedy award came from either Monkey Barrel venues or the Pleasance Courtyard, including the show that won the award (Ahir Shah: Ends - Monkey Barrel 3).
Additionally, five of the seven Best Newcomer nominees came from the Pleasance Courtyard, and a sixth came from Monkey Barrel (Dan Tiernan).2
In 2022, 6 of the 10 shows nominated for Best Comedy came from Monkey Barrel venues, including the show that won it all (Sam Campbell – Monkey Barrel 4).
Three of the 7 Best Newcomer nominees came from Monkey Barrel venues, including the show that won the award (Lara Ricote – The Hive).
In 2022, three Best Newcomer Nominees were in the Pleasance Courtyard.
Besides Monkey Barrel, the “Big Four” (Gilded Balloon, Assembly, Underbelly, Pleasance) venue hubs tend to host good shows that get nominated/win awards. Outside of the Fab Five, my favorite programming in recent years has been at The Banshee Labyrinth, Laughing Horse, Voodoo Rooms, and Summerhall.
I also like to search within the ticket website by production company. My taste tends to align with Stamptown, Berk’s Nest, Country Mile, Avalon, and Impatient Productions. So if you like 2-3 acts with the same production company behind them, consider taking a chance on one of their other shows.
I like to reward good ad copy and poster design, so I’ll also share some stand-out blurbs, images, and show titles. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but the Advertising major in me still reckons these elements are moderately predictive of a show’s attention to detail, aesthetic, and quality.
For instance, which of the following two Work-In-Progress shows are you more likely to see, if they’re on at the same venue at roughly the same time?
Show A: a description which reads, “After bursting on to the comedy scene with his razor-sharp wit and a string of viral videos, [REDACTED] brings to Edinburgh a work in progress of his debut tour!”, or
Show B: a blurb that solely reads, “'You can achieve anything if you don't want credit for it' (Ronald Reagan).”2
I know which one I’m picking.
Timeslots are semi-indicative of the show’s quality / likelihood of selling out.
It is often a better use of one’s time to see a one-star show than a three-star show.
Don’t be afraid to let a charming university student talk you into seeing the show they’re flyering for, instead of whatever you had planned in your agenda.
So without further ado, here is my Annual List of Shows I Think Deserve a Combination of Your Time/Attention/$$$ at the Edinburgh Fringe™.
Absolute, non-negotiable must-sees
Daniel Kitson: Please Note: This is not a Bargain.
Probably the best comedian at the festival doing a full run this year, definitely my favorite storyteller and joke writer. For example, here is the show’s blurb:
Show Blurb: Daniel Kitson (real name) is in the process of putting together a new show but these shows won’t be that show because that show won’t be finished until the end of September and these shows are happening in August. At best, these shows will constitute a useful if not entirely entertaining stage in the making of that show and, obviously, at worst they'll feel like an inconvenient and self indulgent waste of everyone's time. Having said that it is relatively cheap and it will be done by 11.30am.
Dan Rath: Tropical Depression
Nominee, Best Comedy at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025.
The show also received a glowing five star review in Chortle from Steve Bennett, one of the only critics whose opinion I care about.
Show Blurb: I can’t focus. I don’t know if it’s microplastics, Long Covid or because I pay $500 a week to live in a mould experiment. This year I formed a parasocial relationship with a Deliveroo chatbot and I lost all my crypto trying to buy a mermaid skeleton.
Garry Starr: Classic Penguins
Hands-down my favorite show last year and my personal pick for Best Comedy in 2024. Still kind of can’t believe it wasn’t nominated, a belief further vindicated after it won Best Comedy at all three of Perth Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this year.
Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time)
Winner of last year’s Best Newcomer Award with his similarly titled previous show, Joe Kent-Walters Is Frankie Monroe: Live!!!
Never got a chance to see it because it was sold out every day and one of the buzziest shows at the festival. Hope to catch the sequel!
Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America
If I were an oddsmaker at FringeDuel, this show would be the favorite to win the Comedy award this year at +1350.
Hodgson has been nominated four times for the award (2015, 2016, 2018, 2023). The only person who has been nominated more times without winning the prize is James Acaster, who was nominated five years in a row from 2012-2016 with a series of shows that eventually became his four-part Netflix special, Repertoire.
Natalie Palamides (Laid, Nate, Weer), Bill O’Neill (The Amazing Banana Brothers), and Chad Damiani all in a crazy magic comedy show? Say less.
Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares
Very keen to see the Broadway star’s solo show, which was recently a New York Times Critic’s Pick.
Oasis (8th, 9th, 12th)
Not actually part of the festival, but expect every standup to have some joke about this in their hour, much like they did Baby Reindeer in 2024.
Ron Low (AKA TLC Tugger) The Foreskin Diaries
If you’ve seen Season 1 Episode 4 of How To with John Wilson on HBO Max, yes, that TLC Tugger guy. That guy wrote a musical about enabling over 65,000 circumcised men to restore their foreskin using a device he invented.
(Not to be confused with the TC Tuggers shirts from I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson)
Rosie O'Donnell: Common Knowledge
In a year with Stuart Laws playing Michael Caine Saying ‘Never’ for One Hour, and Adam Riches presenting Sean Bean Reading Le Morte d’Arthur Out Loud for an Hour, this genuinely made me rub my eyes and confirm what I was seeing. Surely this is John Kearns in a wig? But no, the 11-time Emmy and Tony Award winner will be at the Gilded Balloon for the first ten nights of the fest. And somehow, tickets are still available every night!
Sam Kissajukian: 300 Paintings
I saw this at the Vineyard Theatre in New York earlier this year and was absolutely floored by it. 100% going again, but this time in Summerhall.
Sam Campbell, Rose Matafeo and Paul Williams: Joke Experts
This is the only ticket I’ve already bought. The winners of the 2018 and 2022 Comedy Awards team up with one of my absolute favorite songwriters and musical comedians in a limited run of…. does it even matter? In!
One Night Only / Limited Run Events To Prioritize Due to Scarcity:
This is the show I think of when I think of the Fringe. Arrive an hour early.
Adam Flood: Late Night Comedy Rave (10th only)
Adam Riches and John Kearns are Ball and Boe For Three Nights Only (14-16th)
Show blurb: The Christmas show you've all been waiting for... in August! The show takes two titans of light entertainment, two icons of theatre, two award-winning behemoths of the modern age, and brings them together to play Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. Edinburgh Comedy Award-winners Adam Riches and John Kearns team up to become one of music's most bang-able duos. Expect songs. Anticipate goosebumps. Pray for harmonies.
Amy Gledhill: Make Me Look Fit on the Poster (19-20)
This show won the Comedy award in 2024, so it’s a must-see for me.
Comedians on Stage Auditioning for Musicals (2, 9, 16, 23)
Show blurb: Michelle Brasier and Chloe Petts host this sell-out Melbourne Comedy Festival late night cult hit as ex-lovers and co-artistic directors of an amateur theatre group looking for its next star. Festival favourites line up to perform their best 36 bars as Brasier and Petts bicker and humiliate the most talented among them.
FringeBEAT Magazine Release Party (12th only)
Although it’s only in year three of publication, FringeBEAT Mag is quickly becoming a staple of the fringe experience.
Jack Tucker: Comedy Standup Hour (21st)
Show blurb: Hello Edinburger fringeburger festivalburger! It is me Jack Tucker and I am coming back to Scottish United Kinglish to make you laugh at my jokes! Bahahahaha! Just like that! Call me Joker!! Why am I being so serious! Bahahahaha!
Paul Williams Plays the Hits (18th only)
Rose Matafeo and Paul Williams: An Hour of Class
Show blurb: Rose and Paul want to be real classy with it. Join them every Tuesday for a late-night lineup of the classiest acts at the Fringe.
Thumpasaurus (18th only)
As a decade-long Thump supporter, this is my Oasis concert.
Tony Slattery Tribute Show in Aid of Mind (18th only)
Vittorio Angelone: Off the Cuff (1, 7, 15, 21)
Show blurb: What's your name? Where are you from? What do you do for a living? Who's drinking? Are you two a couple? Etc etc. A completely improvised stand-up show from Vittorio Angelone featuring a special guest every night. Like an improv show, but actually good.
VARIETY SHOWS / MIXED BILLS
Alternative Comedy Memorial Society (ACMS)
For the record, ACMS also has their own set of recommendations that are probably more spot-on and comprehensive than some yankee’s.
Patti Harrison presents...Don't Ask: A Variety Show With Friends
Piggy Time! (31st, 1, 2)
Consistently the best curation of talent across a wide variety of genres (comedy, music, cabaret, dance, burlesque, magic, music).
Shows like Stamptown, Late’n’Live, and ACMS are great because you can maximize the number of acts you see. Also, when someone only gets 5-10 minutes of stage time, it usually means they’re doing their absolute best material, or are working on something brand new to test out – both of which are a delight to watch. 1-2 acts might miss the mark, but 2-3 will become people whose full shows you end up seeing.
The Stamptown Clownematic Universe:
Business Casual: Cowboys
Casey Rocket: The Best Summer of Our Lives
Show blurb: Born in mysterious circumstances under the careful watch of a puppet government, Rocket quickly rose the ranks of the American comedy scene. If you riff like lightning, you're going to crash like thunder. But then again, you may learn something along the way.
Who Wants $2.69? with Martin Urbano
A new comedy game show from the 2023 Best Newcomer nominee.
Steffen Hånes and Greg Lass: The Ritual
Truly a must-see every year for me. Steffen’s recent social media videos with Alex Preston have been cracking me up:
Christina Catherine Martinez: Work In Progress
Joey Dardano: Another Direction
Reuben Solo: Someone In This Crowd Will Betray Me
One of a select few viral comedians whose live shows live up to and exceed the online hype.
People I’ll See Every Year
Betty Grumble's Enemies of Grooviness Eat Sh!t
Catherine Cohen: Broad Strokes
Show Blurb: In 2023, Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Cat Cohen (young, beautiful, without flaw) randomly had a stroke. This is that story.
Huge Davies: Free Work In Progress
John-Luke Roberts: Work In Progress
Jordan Brookes: Until The Wheels Come Off (WIP)
Julia Masli: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Hands-down my favorite show of 2023. I think I saw it 8-9 times.
Laura Davis: Despair is Beneath Us
Very pleasant to listen to, super skillful storyteller
Lou Wall: Breaking the Fifth Wall
Don’t be shocked when this show is nominated for the Comedy award.
Mark Silcox: The Gold Trader
Michelle Brasier: It's a Shame We Won't Be Friends Next Year
Paul Williams: Don’t Look At Me
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes)
What can I say, I’m a sucker for the Neo-Futurists. No idea how it’ll compare to the Chicago troupe, but definitely worth a go if you haven’t seen this format before.
Trygve Wakenshaw and Barnie Duncan: Hot Chips and Different Party
Fun Fact: I flyered for Different Party all the way back in 2017 at the Edinburgh Fringe. Stoked for their new hour.
Barnie is also doing a solo show called Ooky Pooky, and Trygve is doing a children’s show called Monsterrr!
Shows with Great Titles:
0.1% Accurate: Magdalena the Fortune Teller Show
AC/DC: Australian Comedians / Dope Comedy
Always enjoy me some Daniel Muggleton.
Adele Cliff: Adele, Adele, Adele... Cliff It Isn't the Consequences of My Own Actions
Genuinely made me laugh out loud.
Andrew White: Young, Gay and a Third Thing
Craig Hill: Wait 'Til You See My Entrance!
Dan Boerman Folds a Fitted Sheet on His Own
although it’s unclear if this is the show he’s bringing, or if he’s bringing 0% Beer Loves Me. Women Fear Me. Sheep Were Unavailable For Comment, or is the madlad doing two full hours every day the whole run?
Elouise Eftos: Australia's First Attractive Comedian
Glenn Moore: Please Sir, Glenn I Have Some Moore?
The OG3 of “clunkily fitting your full name into your Fringe show title”.
Hoani Hotene: It's Getting Hot-ene, So Tell Me All Your Jokes
James Barr: Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum)
Show blurb: Trailblazing comedian James Barr returns to Edinburgh with a bold, 'genre-defying' (ArtsHub.com.au) stand-up hour about the things his ex-boyfriend did to him, including a pushy-wushy down the stairsy-wairsy.
Josh Glanc: Work in Progress (Current Progress = Zero)
Last year’s show with 100% progress was nominated for the Comedy award, so I’m excited to see an hour on the other end from the circuit’s biggest silly billy.
He’ll also be doing a week long run of last year’s show, Family Man.
Jordan Gray: Is That a C*ck in Your Pocket, or Are You Just Here to Kill Me?
New hour from the artist with the buzziest show in 2022. Also a killer poster:
Julian Sterns: 100 Julian Sterns, Ranked by Hotness Alone
Mark Dean Quinn: Oh No There’s No More Cheese (but then there’s lots of cheese?)
Mel and Sam: The Platonic Human Centipede
Their show last year was a classic case of taking a random punt on something because it started in 10 minutes and was nearby. Now I’ll see them every year.
Olivia McLeod Is Unrepresented
Pierre Novellie: You Sit There, I’ll Stand Here
Ray Fordyce's Imaginatively Titled Variety Show
Richard Brown: Nauseatingly Woke Full-Grown Jellyfish
Richard Wright Draws You Like One of Your French Girls
Rosie Jones: I Can't Tell What She's Saying (Work in Progress)
Ruaridh Miller: It's Pronounced "Ruaridh"
Sam Dodgshon Tries to Hold Your Attention for One Hour (Running Time 45 Mins)
Zara Gladman is… Aileen: Cameron’s Gap Year Fundraiser
Didn’t Make It In The Past But Keen to See Them This Time Around:
Amelia Hamilton: Forget Me Not
You had me at comedy rap music.
Alasdair Beckett-King: King of Crumbs
His 2022 show Nevermore received a five-star review in Chortle from Steve Bennett.
Chloe Petts: Big Naturals
Poster Design by William Andrews. Dan Tiernan: All In
2023 Best Newcomer nominee with his show two years ago.
Ed Night: Your Old Mucker
Elf Lyons: The Bird Trilogy
Swan, Chiffchaff and Raven will be performed on alternating nights. So stoked to finally catch these!
Never saw the original, but the smash-hit is back with a brand-new show and brand-new group of misfits, lead by 2023 Comedy Award-nominated host Phil Ellis. Phil is also back with a new solo hour, Soppy Stern
Grace Jarvis: Just Because I'm Crying Doesn't Mean I'm Not Having a Nice Time
Helen Bauer: Bless Her
Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty
Could never get tickets to his Best Comedy nominated show in 2023.
Krystal Evans: A Star is Burnt
Janine Harouni: This Is What You Waited For
The two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee returns with a new hour on family, parenting and marriage.
Jazz Emu: The Pleasure is All Yours
Eggerson Keaveney was a top song on my Spotify Wrapped last year. Also the poster image is awesome:
John Tothill: This Must Be Heaven
Show Blurb: In 2024, John Tothill's appendix burst onstage, just days after Trump was almost assassinated. Both men claimed that these near-death experiences changed them. Both were lying. Now join John in his own personal paradise as he attempts to monetise what body parts he has left.
Had an awesome show in 2023. Sneaky bet to win the main Comedy award.
Mike Rice: Cruel Little Man
Love his podcast with Vittorio.
Police Cops: The Original
Rachel Kaly: Hospital Hour
Ray O’Leary: Laughter? I Hardly know Her
Show Blurb: Ray O'Leary (Taskmaster NZ, sold-out run Edinburgh 2024, Most Outstanding Show nominee, Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024) pulled a man from a wrecked car and as the man lay dying, he used his last ounce of strength to ask Ray to tell his children he loved them. And Ray will get round to it, but first he has to do this comedy show.
Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer
Urooj Ashfaq: How to Be a Baddie
Brand new hour from 2023 Best Newcomer award winner.
Shows I’m Taking A Punt On:
Alan Resnick: One Funny Hour
He made Unedited Footage of a Bear and voices Zane on Common Side Effects. nuff said.
Bebe Cave: CHRISTBRIDE
Ben Pope: The Cut
One of the most clever poster designs I’ve ever seen for a show about Ben’s experience getting circumcised last year.
Caitriona Dowden: Dance Like Everyone's Dancing
Featuring Piotr Sikora (Furiozo) and John Norris (Mr. Chonkers, Monk Show)
Both are also doing runs of their buzzy solo shows, Furiozo and Mr. Chonkers.
And also John is bringing back Monk Show with Claire Woolner, Bill O’Neill, and, a show I’m super bummed I missed last year because everyone raved about it.
Courtney Buchner: Big, If True
Don Toberman: Ping Pong Champ
For fans of the tennis bit from Tom Walker: Beep Boop
David Elms Describes a Room
David Benaim: Excel Comedy and Mathem-antics
A jewish YouTuber named David who does Excel-based comedy? Is this play about us?
Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath
Returning with her first show since 2017.
Emma Holland: Don't Touch My Trinkets
Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo 2.0
Show blurb: The UK's #1 IT consultants, Pete and Lloyd, have created the best interactive quirky bingo-based experience for introverts. Play using your (charged!) phone, but in a fun way! From the comfort of your seat, control the show, steer a robotic shopping bag, attempt to draw a perfect circle, and become a statistic in our all-new multi-level bingo jail, dungeon and judicial system. If you don't like bingo, come to this. Winner of the 2024 Adelaide Fringe Innovation Award.
Gianmarco Soresi: The Drama King Tour
Another case of the social media titan somehow being better live than online.
Guess the Weight of the Bird
Show blurb: I'll show you some birds and you'll guess how heavy they are. Score points, get prizes, eat chocolate eggs and win £10,000... maybe. It's a bit like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, but all the questions are about birds and the top prize is a scratch card. Sorry about that.
Henry Churniavsky... Life Lessons from a Jewish Grandfather (Zaida)
James Trickey: Don't Count On Me
Jess Carrivick: For Your Consideration (Dir. Elf Lyons)
Jessica Barton: Dirty Work
WINNER: Best Newcomer, Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Previous Winners include: Danielle Walker, Aaron Chen, Tom Walker, Ronny Chieng, Tom Ballard, Josh Thomas, Flight of the Conchords
Jena Friedman: Motherf*cker
Jonno: I Know I Can Become Good At This
Show Blurb: Hello son. I see you’re reading back your old man’s show blurbs. I expect you found this brochure in the attic, did you? You must be wondering why I kept it. Well, this show I did at the 2025 Fringe, it ended up being the best I ever performed. People crying in the audience, kissing, couple laughs. Nobody killed like your old man did that year. Wherever I am, I’m thinking of you too. Oh, and tell the robots I love them. Praise for Sheeps: 'Funny' (Guardian). 'Funny' (Times). 'Funny' (Elsewhere).
Kate Dolan: The Critic
KC Shornima: Detachment Style
She writes for SNL’s Weekend Update, which is consistently a great segment.
Pat Cahill presents St Julian's Social Club
Show Blurb: I have recently counted my friends and was found wanting. So, I've invented several more, and gathered them at everyone's favourite municipal function space, St Julian's. Come along for some mulled coffee, free singing and group noises.
Parker Callahan: Soda Pop
Robyn Reynolds: What Doesn't Kill You
Nominee, Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025.
Sam Jay: We the People
As seen on The Roast of Tom Brady.
Seaton Smith: Trauma Bonding
Enjoyed him on the short-lived Mulaney sitcom years ago.
I always enjoy their online sketches when they pop up on my FYP.
The Conjuring Coach
Show blurb: As a [Scottish] high school basketball coach for over 30 years, I use my passion for sports to create a show that captivates and entertains my audience. Each routine not only will amaze but tell a story! Perfection is unattainable but when you chase perfection, we catch excellence. I will give it my best shot! Thanks for your consideration. Coach Neal.
The Mayor and His Daughter: A Genuine Appreciation of Comedy
Show blurb: The Mayor and his daughter are in crisis. The soul of their beloved village is in tatters, besieged by the demonic forces of modern Britain. But there's a light in the darkness. When they discover a sacred tome – a boxset of Russell Howard's Good News (Series 2) – they make it their mission to repair their fractured community with laughter, by performing a genuine appreciation of comedy. Think The Krankies crossed with The Wicker Man. Nominated for Best Debut at Leicester Comedy Festival 2025.
Tom Skelton: VIP (Visually Impaired Papa)
Show blurb: After losing most of his sight, Tom thought he might never become a dad. But now he is. And he's a bit scared. From nappy changing, choking hazards and losing your toddler in the park, to not being able to read to him, see his changing face or his first goal on the football pitch, this is a hilarious, heartfelt scamper through dadhood and disability.
I will probably bawl my eyes out at this.
Thom Tuck: Scaramouche Jones
A true once in a decade experience.
Show blurb: Written by Justin Butcher. On Millenium Eve, a 100-year-old clown comes offstage after his final ever performance to tell the story of his life: epic, hilarious and tragic. Tuck presented this play at the Fringe 2005 and 2015, and plans to revive the piece every decade as he approaches the age of the character.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for the “Thom Foolery” show, a one-night only comedy show where Tuck books everyone else called Tom at the festival.
Friends of the Mailing List: (all of YOU!)
Abby Govindan: How to Embarrass Your Immigrant Parents
Abby Wambaugh: The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows
Absolutely adored this show last year.
Adam Flood: A Day in the Life of a Night
Alcohol Is Good For You (Laugh Mob Entertainment)
Alex Berr: How to Kill a Mouse
If you think her comedy is good, wait til you see her jump shot!
Alvin Liu: Love Letter to a Sandwich
Amelia Bayler: I’m a Pop Star but I’m Working in a Burger Restaurant for Research Purposes (WIP)
Bec Charlwood: Middle Child
Really enjoyed her recent YouTube special:
Ben Van der Velde: Van der Laugh Generator
Britt Migs: Dolphin Mode
Chris East: Boxes, Boxes, Boxes
Chris Turner: Spontaneous
Claire Parker's 32
Big fan of her and her podcast, Celebrity Memoir Book Club.
Daniel Delby: 33 Years Single, #TheIck, and one of 2 White Guys Rapping: Whose Rhyme is it Anyway?
Daniel Maseda: “Be Good!” with Paulette (Dir. Miles Calderon)
David Ian: Am I Mean?
Douglas Widick: Paperclip
Show blurb: Microsoft Word's writing assistant, Clippy, has seen the future – and it is bleak. Determined to prevent the impending techno-dystopia brought about by Artificial Intelligence, Clippy travels back in time to warn humanity in a thrilling adventure through the internet. Will he succeed in stopping AI at its source? There's only one way to find out...
Dylan Adler: Haus of Dy-Lan (Directed by Sam Blumenfeld)
Caught a preview of this in New York and laughed a ton.
Emily Wilson: Undressed (also Directed by Sam Blumenfeld)
Stoked to see the follow up to her award-nominated debut show, Fixed.
Graham Dickson and Steen Raskopoulos: Graham and Steen
Stoked to see the return of Steen, Bear Pack was some of the best improv I’ve ever seen.
Grant Mushet: Good Dick Energy
Hypnotist Matt Hale – Funbelievable! 90s Rewind
James Gardner: Jockney Rebel
Jenny Gorelick: That Jenny C’est Quoi (WIP) (6th only)
Jeromaia Detto: When I Grow Up…
Really enjoyed his previous show, “Mush”.
Karen Houge: DREAMGIRL
For fans of Norwegian clowning.
Kate Owens: Cooking with Kathryn
Kevin James Doyle: Wild Card
Kristen Costello and Friends: Tchotchke!
Kyle Legacy and Dean Coughlin: 100% Scouse Comedy
If you think his crowdwork is good, wait til you see his jump shot!
Christopher Donovan and Laurie Brewster: Fun With Bad Boys
Lachlan Werner: WonderTwunk
Larry Dean: two nights of Dodger and a weeklong WIP that will both likely be sold out by the time I send this.
Levi Meltzer and Sam Berlin: Readymades
Show blurb: Readymades is a live-action cartoon with an old-school overhead projector which flicks between shadow puppetry and clown comedy.
Liam Withnail: Big Strong Boy
Marc Jennings: Bread and Circuses
Absolute pro. Loved his recent YouTube special.
Mark Nelson: Nearly Liquid Gold
Mark Simmons: His Latest Jokes
MC Hammersmith: Hippity Hoppity Get Off My Property
He’s also hosting Spit Fire Spectacular (17th only)
Mick McNeil: I’m Not Anything
Miles Calderon and Levi Meltzer: Mr Cardboard
This show is very weird once you notice it.
Natalie Slaiman: How To Escape
Rich Hardisty: POP
Rob Duncan: Printer of the Year 2024
Rory O’Hanlon: Back Again
Rose-Ingrid Benjamin: White As Snow
Ross Leslie: Now Is The Time
Sarah Roberts: Work In Progress
Siblings: Dreamweavers
Sikisa: Serving Justice
Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh: The Late Nite PowerPoint Comedy Showcase
Show blurb: Emmy-nominated writer for The Daily Show, Sophie Zucker, hopes to answer a simple question: 'Why do women with savings accounts cry over men without bed frames?
Stuart Goldsmith: An Inconvenient Time (WIP)
Keen to see the Podfather take on the Climate. Seems to be crushing it.
Susan Harrison: Should I still be doing this?
Tess Tregellas and Max Davidson: Mental
The Emerald: NED's Night-Hole Live
Tom Cashman: 2 Truths, 1 Lie and 17 Slight Exaggerations
Fantastic social media presence. Really enjoyed his show last year.
Vittorio Angelone: you can’t Say Nothing any more
I’d recommend it elsewhere, but this run sold out months ago.
Vlad Ilich: The Immortal Game
The poster is him playing chess and we met playing pickup basketball. Sold.
And, just for fun…
Best Comedy Award Nominee Predictions:
Alasdair Beckett-King: King of Crumbs
Dan Rath: Tropical Depression
Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath
Emmanuel Sonubi: Life After Near Death
Glenn Moore: Please Sir, Glenn I Have Some Moore?
John Tothill: This Must Be Heaven
Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time)
Josie Long: Now Is the Time of Monsters
Lou Wall: Breaking the Fifth Wall
Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America
Vittorio Angelone: you can’t Say Nothing any more
Best Newcomer Nominee Predictions:
Ada and Bron: The Origin of Love
Ayoade Bamgboye: Swings and Roundabouts
Dylan Adler: Haus of Dy-lan
Jessica Barton: Dirty Work
KC Shornima: Detachment Style
Prashasti Singh: Divine Feminine
Rohan Sharma: Mad Dog
Thor Stenhaug: One Night Stand Baby
Toussaint Douglass: Accessible Pigeon Material
Shamik Chakrabarti: Despite Appearances
…and that’s only 208 of the 3,702 shows on at the festival this year.
So yeah, I’m officially pumped.
If you’re going to be there, do let me know. If you noticed any glaring omissions, feel free to reply to this email or sound off in the comment section below.5
Finally, if you like to play basketball, there’s a group of us that get together during the festival to play, so give me a shout if that sounds like something you’d be up for.
Happy Fringe!
And yes, I’m single.
Original Glenn
No relation!
(and if I forgot your show, I AM SO SORRY, really tried my best here)
Dear David,
Great list!
Here are a few folks from your list that I've seen and LOVE:
Laura Davis
Martin Urbano
Natalia Palamides
Dan Rath
Daniel Kitson
Jack Tucker whose blurb is super fun and I'll put it here again for people to see again or the first time or third or however many: "Hello Edinburger fringeburger festivalburger! It is me Jack Tucker and I am coming back to Scottish United Kinglish to make you laugh at my jokes! Bahahahaha! Just like that! Call me Joker!! Why am I being so serious! Bahahahaha!"
Also, "Like an improv show, but actually good" is very funny! Good work, Vittorio Angelone!
All delightful, have fun out there!
Love
Myq
As soon as I decided I was going, I started combing through this post to arrange tickets. You're a good man, David Zucker.