what's on
Sunday 14
59 events
BC:AD – Before Children: After Diapers
BC:AD – Before Children; After Diapers is a stand-up comedy show and one mad, brown mommy's take on how the definitions of words change before and during motherhood. This show is an invitation to anyone that finds themselves slightly overdrawn, mostly obscure and definitely needing the sound of another voice to reason with their own challenges – be it parenting, identity or the infinite void between where we find ourselves and where we see ourselves in our daytime dreams.
Criminal
That's right – Criminal is back. Each night, four comedians are tasked with solving a horrible murder. One of them is a detective; the other three are suspects. Who did the deed? Produced by Ralph Jones and Joel Gatehouse, with previous guests including Deborah Frances-White, Mike Wozniak and Rachel Parris, Criminal promises you a night of chaos, death and giggles. Strap in.
Enter the Vortex
Memories collide and intersect; worlds collapse into themselves in the blink of an eye; Jools Holland... is there, for some reason. Is it Inception on a smaller budget? If you say so. Bring some toast: your brain's about to get scrambled.
Mudfish: Might as Well
Us neither. But Molly and Dan know all about it! Join these ex-Cambridge Footlights for some muck and madness in this illegally witty hour of sketches, characters and – if you're lucky – a new iPod. Will these squirming siblings finally learn how to work together or will they be stuck down this stupid-idiot well for the rest of time?!
Thom Tuck and Tim FitzHigham: Macbeth
2022 sees the definitive production by multi award-winners Thom Tuck (The Penny Dreadfuls, Thom Tuck Goes Straight to DVD, Horrible Histories) and Tim FitzHigham (Paddington 2, After Life, BBC Radio 4's The Gambler). With a script by Shakespeare (Coriolanus, Titus Andronicus, King John) and a different guest director daily. Two actors are, arguably, not enough actors. The greatest tragedy of Edinburgh 2022 – limited run, book early. William Shakespeare: 'pretty good'.
Spank!
Spank! returns for an incredible 20th and final year with hilarious hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. Showcasing the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don't miss the 'best wild night out' (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival!
Abandoman aka Rob Broderick - Discography
Using his trademark blend of audience interaction and razor-sharp improvisation, Abandoman will take you on a magical journey, transforming the audience’s likes, loathes and daydreams into a full discography for a fictional pop star. Rob creates the kind of exhilarating live experience that has won him a string of awards, and the highest of international critical acclaim. Rob continues to sell out his fringe runs in Edinburgh and Australia each year, wowing audiences wherever he plays.
Rhys Nicholson: Rhys! Rhys! Rhys!
That sounds nice doesn't it? Yeah. A nice little comedy show with your ol pal Rhys. Lovely. WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING SHOW Melbourne Comedy Festival 2022
Bilal Zafar: Care
Edinburgh Fringe Best newcomer nominee and New act of the year (NATYS) award winner Bilal Zafar returns with a brand new show about how he spent a year working in a care home for very wealthy people. Fresh out of university with a media degree, Bilal was dropped into the real world where he was given far too much responsibility for a 21-year old that had just spent 3 years watching films. As seen/heard on his very successful Twitch channel, BBC1, BBC2, Channel 4, and BBC Radio 4.
Jason Byrne: The Paddy Lama - Shed Talks
A Dubliner full of wit and wisdom, Paddy used to say, "If you don't continue to talk about someone when they die, they die twice" In this one-man play, Jason Byrne brings the full life of Paddy Byrne to the stage playing his dad, keeping him alive in stories full of laughter and tears. This is 80 years of Dublin wit, 80 years of Dublin bull, but heart-warming and loving all the same. "Sure, that's life son, just don't tell ure mother"
Comedy Arcade
Host Vix Leyton, holds a bingo ball of surprise subjects four comics to compete with related stories & anecdotes to win points, like the best fantasy dinner party you could ever imagine. Anchored by panel regulars Rich Wilson & Jenny Ryan plus many more.
Foil Arms and Hog: Hogwash
With over 500 million online views the internet sensations return to McEwan hall to premiere their new show ‘Hogwash’. A mix of sketch comedy, audience participation, and improvisation. Best reviewed show at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018 & 2019. Sold-out 2009-2019.
Jason Byrne: Unblocked
Jason Byrne has not only had his heart unblocked and been given a new lease of life, but his whole career has been unblocked too! The constipation of Covid has been cleared, live entertainment has been colonically irrigated and readied up for us all. The bans from social media platforms have been lifted and Jason is back dishing up platters of fun to everyone. Join Jason live on stage as he unleashes what he does best. Guaranteed pure and utter UNBLOCKED joy and laughter.
Paul McCaffrey: We Go Again
A hilarious new stand-up show from the star of Live at the Apollo, Russell Howard’s Good News, Impractical Jokers UK and Stand Up Central. Tour support for Kevin Bridges and Sean Lock. A brand-new hour of stand-up from one of the best comics currently working in the UK. One of the most in-demand club headliners and support act for the biggest names in comedy in arenas and huge theatres... Come and see why!
Richard Stott: Afterparty
We all leave the party at different times but have you hung on until the sun is coming through the curtains, the music's got weird and your heartburn is saying, “you’re too old for this”? Join Richard as he contemplates whether he's missed the boat. His friends have families, 6 figure salaries and houses. He has a level-2 food hygiene certificate and acid reflux. As seen on The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2). Runner-up, Dave's Joke of the Ed Fringe 2019.
Alex MacKeith: Thanks for Listening
Join Alex and his guitar and hopefully other audience members on an acoustic odyssey of songs that are playful, dark and maximum three minutes long*. If you’re looking for a sexy, confident musical comedian, by all means please find one and bring them to this. *Please note some songs may be longer than three minutes. No refunds.
Ali Woods: Best Friend Ever
Highly-anticipated debut stand-up hour from the Hackney Empire New Comedian of the Year Winner, tackling all the big topics; Scottish mothers, sex parties, karate teachers, and mental breakdowns. During lockdown Ali was disappointed to discover he’s a terrible friend. This is the hilarious and heart-felt story of how he tried to become more helpful and less... him. As heard on BBC Radio 4, and featured on LadBible and Buzzfeed UK, Ali has written sketches for BBC Three and supported Russell Kane on tour.
Troy Hawke: Sigmund Troy'd!
Last year he found the nefarious link between a furniture store, a dictator, and a rapper. Now 1930’s throwback homeschooled investigator Troy Hawke returns to battle a new enemy on behalf of all people everywhere…PSYCHOTHERAPY! 2022 Leicester Comedy Festival best show nominee 2020 Leicester Comedy Festival best show nominee 2020 Perth Fringe World Comedy Weekly Award winner and main award shortlist 2019 Perth Fringe World Comedy Weekly Award winner and main award shortlist 2019 Total sellout run Edinburgh Fringe 2019 Top 40 Best reviewed comedy shows Edfringe 2019 ★★★★★ Fringefeed 2020 ★★★★★ Weekend Notes 2020 ★★★★★ Wee Review 2019 ★★★★ Perth Happenings 2020 ★★★★ Fest 2019 ★★★★ Beyond the Joke 2019 ★★★★ Edfest 2019 ★★★★ Mumble Comedy 2019 ★★★★ Voice Magazine 2019 ★★★★ RGM 2019
Dreamgun Video
Dreamgun let go of the wheel with a double feature of their laugh-a-minute genre parodies: Brumpy Goes Vroom (a coming-of-age, talking-car movie) and Kiss the Jury (an erotic courtroom drama).
Dreamgun: Film Reads
Dreamgun read a different film script every night, rewritten with jokes and performed by unprepared comedians. Including Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and the Silence of the Lambs. Check web listing for full schedule. Week One Wed 3rd: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Thurs 4th: Titanic Fri 5th: Star Wars: A New Hope Sat 6th: The Fellowship of the Ring Sun 7th: The Breakfast Club Week Two Mon 8th: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Tues 9th: Titanic Weds 10th: The Lion King Thurs 11th: Home Alone Fri 12th: The Shawshank Redemption Sat 13th: Jurassic Park Sun 14th: The Silence of the Lambs Week Three Tues 16th: The Fellowship of the Ring Weds 17th: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Thurs 18th: Titanic Fri 19th: Star Wars: A New Hope Sat 20th: The Fellowship of the Ring Sun 21st: The Breakfast Club Week Four Mon 22nd: Star Wars: A New Hope Tues 23rd: The Shawshank Redemption Wed 24th: The Lion King Thurs 25th: ET: The Extra Terrestrial Friday: 26th: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Sat 27th: Jurassic Park Sun 28th: The Silence of the Lambs Mon 29th: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Emmanuel Sonubi: Emancipated
Having gone from open spot to closing BBC’s ‘Live at the Apollo’ in an incredibly short space of time. He has also performed at many of the largest clubs and festivals across Europe. He made his TV debut on Comedy Central UK and was recently on The John Bishop Show for ITV1 and the Stand Up Sketch Show on ITV2.
AAA Stand-Up at Underbelly
"Comedy the way it should be: laugh-a-minute, leaving the audience wishing the show was a little bit longer" ★★★★ - Fest. Kuan-wen Huang: "Chaotically livewire" Chortle. As seen on BBC Three and NATYS 2019 Finalist. Philipp Carl Kostelecky: Sharp social commentary and silly energy. As seen on BBC. "Captivated the audience from the moment he stepped onto the stage" - Orbital Magazine. Vivienne Kay: Quirky, on the money style. Delightful innocence undercut by sharp wit in gag-filled sets. "Very good, unique material." - The Stand.
Emo Majok: African Aussie
Award-winning Sudanese-Aussie comedian Emo Majok, on his Edinburgh debut, will be digging into his experiences of culture-clashes, with side-splitting stories of adjusting from a refugee camp in East Africa to gifting out jokes globally with this brand-new show, African Aussie.
Aidan Greene: I Know What You Did Last Stammer
He's managed to make that funny. But what if he had never stammered at all? Don't worry, it'll still be funny. Come see how having a disability can shape a life by looking at a life without it.
Gabby Killick's Game Of Thongs
It's a hilarious frolic through the modern day jungle of sex, drugs and cancel culture. Gabby, the writer of the pandemic viral anthem, Masturbation In Isolation, speaks to the social media generation telling truths that others dare not say. With a cast of extraordinary characters from The Apps to Shocking Disease, every minute of the show is mesmeric.
Ange Lavoipierre: I've Got 99 Problems and Here's an Exhaustive List of Them
An insufficient number of solutions. If you currently have or have ever had problems, the new show from award-winning comedian and journalist Ange Lavoipierre is absolutely for you. This frantic yet beguiling display of self-pity is the holiday from your own problems you've been waiting for. Winner, Best Comedy Weekly Award, Adelaide Fringe 2020
Hannah Pilkes: A Woman on the Verge
A show that explores ego, shadow selves and adulting, as Hannah aims to determine whether a person’s mess is their strength? Or just.. well, messy. A character-driven comedy that welcomes the unhinged in whatever shape it takes, be it absurdity, angst, pratfalls or puppetry. Viva la breakdown! Comedians You Should Know (Vulture.com, 2022). Comics to Watch (New York Comedy Festival).
CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation
The hit improvised murder mystery returns for a 5th year. Delve into a world of comedy and crime and put these improvisers through their paces. CSI creates a 100% brand-new who-dunnit every show to solve an outlandish murder invented by the audience. Someone's kicked the bucket. But who, what, and how? The choice is yours, the problem is theirs.
Caitlin Cook: The Writing on the Stall
These are just three examples of the bathroom stall graffiti you'll encounter in Caitlin Cook's (SiriusXM, Comedy Cellar) raucous new hour of comedy, music, and visuals. Confessional, immersive, and uproariously funny, this one-of-a-kind show - literally set in a dive bar bathroom - transforms graffiti scrawled all over the stalls into the lyrics of Cook's original songs and the trail markers along the journey she takes us upon.
Jenny Bede: The First Pregnant Woman in the World
You won’t have had children yet, as Jenny is the first person to ever go through this particular ordeal, but you might be keen to learn a little something about this incredible new process called pregnancy from award winning musical comedian and future nation's sweetheart, Jenny Bede. Jenny will navigate the entire gamut of human emotions, from despair all the way through to despair, as she jokes, sings and (at last, justifiably) Mum-dances her experience to life in this new hour. ‘Lyrically genius’ EdFestMag
Dan Cook: Loud Bit, Quiet Bit, Loud Bit, Quiet Bit
An hour-long distraction from the fact we have reached the end of days via the medium of jokes. Topics include his personal favourites - himself, the world, and how everything is awful. Tour Support for Fin Taylor. As seen on 'Toast of London' (C4), 'Poldark' (BBC1), and 'Absolutely Fabulous the Movie'.
Max Fosh: Zocial Butterfly
They said he couldn’t legally become the world's richest man; they were wrong. They said he couldn’t beat all the odds to become London’s first ever YouTuber mayor... to be fair, they got that one bang on. But now, armed with the rosiest of cheeks & the floppiest of hair, Max Fosh faces his next challenge - the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - as he brings you his hilarious & unpredictable debut live show: Zocial Butterfly. Let's #TakeEdinburghToTheMax.
Michelle Shaughnessy: Be Your Own Daddy
The show, directed by Adam Hills (The Last Leg and Bafta Nominee), ‘Be Your Own Daddy’ is the story of how Michelle spent her whole existence waiting for someone to fix her life. Already established in Canada, she’s had numerous TV appearances and her debut album ‘You Know What You Did’ hit number one on the iTunes comedy charts.
Drunk Women Solving Crime
Each episode sees the boozed-up panel of writer/comedian hosts Hannah George, Catie Wilkins, and Taylor Glenn welcome a top guest to test out their drunk detective skills and solve true crime cases. When women sit around and drink we try to solve the world's problems. So we're taking back the night and putting our inebriation to good use. You're welcome. 10 dates only - book early! Previous guests include Katherine Ryan, Ricki Lake, Deborah Frances -White, Sara Pascoe, and Shazia Mirza among many others.
Eli Matthewson: Daddy Short-Legs
Award-winning Eli Matthewson, is taking you back through some huge life revelations that took place in some seriously shitty cars, from when he came out to his dad, to ten years later when his dad came out to him. WINNER Best Show 2021 NZ International Comedy Festival WINNER Director's Award 2019, NZ International Comedy Festival 30 Best Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe 2019 The Telegraph
Roisin Crowley Linton: Medusa
Roisin Crowley-Linton returns with an inspiring, seductive, provocative, and punk-rock show about sexual violence, the NHS, police, and more in her trademark autobiographical comedy, poetry and cabaret style.
Eme Essien: Flat Shoes in the Club
It's Saturday night, the big girls' night out and this girl is trying to get ready on time. Unfortunately, people won't stop interrupting her. Delve into her world as she figures out what to wear, how to do her hair and what to do when she gets there. Uncensored, dishevelled and sincere, this is the internal conflict of a woman trying to achieve modern ideals and aspirations, in an hour of character comedy from award winner Eme Essien.
Garry Starr: Greece Lightning
An overzealous idiot attempts to perform all of Greek Mythology in less than 60 minutes to save his Hellenic homeland from economic ruin. Never before has Medusa been looser, Achilles more sillies, or Uranus so heinous. Having single handedly saved the performing arts in 2018 with his multi-award-winning debut show Garry Starr Performs Everything, comic wunderkind Garry Starr returns with another anarchic masterclass not to be mythed.
Tom Skelton: 2020 Visions (What If I Hadn't Gone Blind?)
Ten (well, now twelve) years on from losing most of his sight, Tom looks back at a decade of being blind and wonders what might have been. His 2020 visions explore his regrets, the what ifs and the realities of life as a VIP (Visually Impaired Person!). But would Tom from 2020 (or 2022) really swap places with fantasy Tom with 20:20 vision? Perth Fringe World Weekly Comedy Award winner 2020 and New Zealand Fringe Festival official complete sell out 2020!
HarleQueen
In this award-winning show you will laugh, you will cry, you will not be impressed by Abby's ventriloquist skills, but she will do it anyway. Winner - Festival Director's Pick - New Zealand Comedy Festival Winner - Best Comedy - Week Four 2020, Adelaide Fringe Festival Winner - Emerging Artist 2020, Adelaide Fringe Festival Winner - Best Comedy 2019, Dunedin Fringe Festival
Horseplay: Bareback
A dead divorce enthusiast takes matters into her own hands and organises a sex conference. A talking vagina writes a beat poem. Timothee Chalamet tries to be adorable. The afterlife is on the brink of collapse. From writer/performers Kathy Maniura (Sketch Off Winner 2020, SYTYF Finalist 2021) and Derek Mitchell (2NorthDown Semifinalist 2021), Bareback is about sex and performance. Expect big characters, original musical numbers and lots of wigs.
Posey Mehta: I Am Not a Gorilla
After five years of living her best gorilla life, it’s finally time for her to leave her cage and re-enter the human world. But before that, she’s going on a date. This surreal, clowny character comedy about being othered and lonely marks the comedy debut of Posey Mehta, a Cambridge- and Gaulier-trained big fat idiot whose career high remains making out with Emma Corrin in a play.
James Barr: Straight Jokes
An out-of-control hour of jokes from the utterly hilarious, nearly national treasure. James roasts his ex-employers and navigates the exhausting admin of finally accepting who you are. A battlecry to be yourself. The gay half of hit comedy podcast A Gay and A NonGay, which has had over 5 million listens, and co-host of The Hits Radio Breakfast Show. The award-winning ginger returns to Edinburgh after his five-star 2019 debut, Thirst Trap.
Your Dad's Mum: Tonight at the Social Club
Join your hosts - jaded northern entertainer Pat Bashford and his over-woke niece Cheri-Anne for a raucously daft, fast-paced hour, featuring games, adequate prizes, musical interludes and late night fun. Starring Chortle Award winner Bexie Archer and fringe favourite Kevin Dewsbury (Kev’s Komedy Kitchen).
Midnight Snacks
Relax to surreal stories, tall tales, and strange sketches as a changing roster of comedians from across the length and breadth of the city guide you to sleep: welcome to the Fringe's daily lullaby. Dreamy visuals and an ambient score will aid the relaxation and all profits go to charity.
Mitch Benn: It's About Time
If it feels like the past is catching up with us and the future isn't what it used to be, then fear not! Comedian, songwriter and thinker of deep thoughts, ("the country's leading musical satirist" - The Times) is back, clock in one hand and guitar in the other, to help you look and laugh at time in a whole new way. "Time you enjoy wasted is not time wasted" John Lennon.
Morgan Jay: Emotional Damage
With his warm and immersive musical comedy Morgan Jay has had multiple TV appearances in the US and amassed over half million followers on tiktok and over 20 million views across all platforms. Morgan creates a unique experience with his songs about love, dating, and relationships. With his heavy use of audience participation and musical improv no two shows are exactly the same.
Mother: Colleagues
Camp cult favourites Mother are back with an unapologetic hour - sorry, closer to 55 minutes really - of deranged characters and unhinged sketches in a live mockumentary so close to the bone you'll be like ...get that bone away from me.
Myra DuBois' A Problem Shared
Utilising her 'unique' people skills the fringe favourite, alongside her sister Rose, selflessly takes on the woes of her adoring audience and special guests. Myra is giving the world of self-help the enema it so desperately needs! Come; be cleansed. As seen in Everybody's Talking About Jamie, BBC's The John Bishop Show, and ITV's Britain's Got Talent.
Pear
You have a one in 250 chance of being an identical twin, so for Hugo and Patrick McPherson, they started life by being a bit unusual. And that's not all: 6'8", benders of the truth, and standing at 6'7", these enormous twins now launch their debut show, Pear. A riotous, absurd and hilarious collection of sketch comedy and wacky characters. There was originally cultural commentary; it got cut for time. But it was as brave as much as it is now not in the show. An unapologetically original hour of comedy.
Paul Foot: Swan Power
Paul opens his beak and explores topics including Nanna on the rack, murdering Santas and interfering ambulance drivers (self-appointed busybodies!) Plus Billy Zane's Valuable Diamond (c/o RMS Titanic). Live by the swan, fly by the swan. A mulit-award winning comedian, Paul's most recent television and radio appearances include '8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown' Channel 4, 'Breaking The News' BBC Radio Scotland and 'Dave News' for Dave at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe.
Richard David-Caine: Tall, Dark and Anxious
High-octane character comedy from one of the UK’s foremost TV sketch comedians, as seen in the BAFTA- winning series Horrible Histories, Class Dismissed and People Just Do Nothing. Richard David-Caine returns to Edinburgh with his breakout debut show, after five phenomenal years performing with Fringe favourites, Four Screws Loose. Directed by Matthew Floyd Jones (Frisky & Mannish), this bold and explosive show features outlandish characters, original songs, and daring insights into the actor behind all the faces.
Sami Abu Wardeh: Bedu
Sami Abu Wardeh uses his body and voice to present an hour of character comedy that may feel dangerous but is probably as safe as milk or houses. One of Chortle's Ones to Watch for 2022 – sure, don't worry about that. The award he won last year was Best of Brighton Fringe. Show has ninjas in it and a sauna. And he can genuinely dance.
Sasha Ellen: Creeps and Geeks
Is because of killer sex robots, or, is it because of sambuca? Or all of the above? Sasha Ellen takes a hilarious journey into unsafe spaces, encountering errant schoolboys, level 9 healers and strangely sexy Quiz masters. Material heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra Leicester Comedy Festival Best New Show Nominee
The Durham Revue: Deja Revue
Join the award-winning Durham Revue, one of the UK's most famous student comedy groups, for an hour of hilarious and cutting-edge sketches. Please come, the longer we spend in Edinburgh, the longer we can avoid getting real jobs.
Ellie MacPherson: Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
Happy Birthday, Mr. President! is a journey through the lives of the men (ugh, yes, all men) who have held the highest US office. Join Ellie and her band The Secret Service as she chronicles the weird, human sides of Commanders-in-Chief. Featuring a variety of music from Whitney Houston to Radiohead, old-school rap to classic country. In her Fringe debut, this “genuinely hilarious stellar songstress” (TheaterPizzazz.com) from New York creates a fun and funny cabaret classroom about the dudes who've led America.
The Ugly Animal Preservation Society
Biologist and comedian Simon Watt ("all the wit and passion of the best comedians" - Chortle) is dedicated to raising the profile of some of Mother Nature's more aesthetically challenged children. The panda gets too much attention. He is joined by top comics who want to share their love of endangered but hideous species. We made the blobfish famous and are now building up to the first International Ugly Animal Day. Special guests will include Neil Delamer, Sophie Duker, Elf Lyons, Alasdair Beckett-King, George Egg, and more.
Tamar Broadbent Presents... Stacey Solo
Inspired by all your favourite Netflix heroines, this is an action-packed, utterly ridiculous show that asks ‘how many characters can one actor play?’ and ‘who promoted that kangaroo?' A must-see for all crime drama fans this festival.