what's on
Monday 15
38 events
Gulliver
He tells tales of lands undiscovered and creatures unheard of, but is he really the same man who disappeared so long ago? They say travel broadens the mind... but how far before it breaks? Following sell-out Fringe runs in 2018 & 2019, Box Tale Soup return with a new version of Swift's incredible adventure. Praise for Box Tale Soup: ★★★★★ - Fringe Guru ★★★★★ - Young Perspective Commissioned by the Clark Memorial Library, UCLA. Creation supported by Arts Council England.
Rhys Nicholson: Rhys! Rhys! Rhys!
That sounds nice doesn't it? Yeah. A nice little comedy show with your ol pal Rhys. Lovely. ★★★★★ - TimeOut ★★★★ - The Scotsman WINNER MOST OUTSTANDING SHOW Melbourne Comedy Festival 2022
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"
Tom Brace: Embrace the Impossible!
Magician Tom Brace takes a trip down memory lane with a brand new magic show for all ages. ★★★★ (Voice Magazine) ★★★★ (Primary Times)
Coming Out of My Cage (And I've Been Doing Just Fine)
How did it end up like this? An interactive investigation with karaoke, lip-syncing, and absolute bangers. Tim and Hannah come across a viral video of an Irish bar singing 'Mr Brightside' to their recently departed friend. Reading online comments they uncover stories of incredible people - all united by one song. Together they conduct an investigation into the chart-busting phenomenon and give you an unashamedly good night out in the process.
Amazing Bubble Man
Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. An Edinburgh Fringe favourite, he has sold out there for the last 14 years. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. From square bubbles, to rocket bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. (Some shows will have live music by Jet Black Pearl).
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. ★★★★ - Times ★★★★★ - Irish Examiner ★★★★★ - Broadway Baby ★★★★★ - Metro ★★★★★ - Ed Fest Mag
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.
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.
Foundations
Two separate worlds existing side by side, until someone crosses the barrier... MJ is a human who is sick of moving boxes around all day like a robot. Pins is a robot who's only heard of humans in stories. When they meet in the space between their worlds, they form a friendship that blurs the boundaries between human and machine. A Pixar movie brought to life on stage using physical theatre and puppetry, Foundations is a whimsical production that tackles what it means to be human in an age of technology.
Geoff Norcott: I Blame the Parents
As seen on Have I Got News for You, WILTY, The Mash Report, A League of Their Own and more. Geoff’s back with more politics, cultural insight and big laughs. He’s also asking what happened to the idea of personal responsibility? Where did it go wrong? It has to be the parents. Every generation has an opportunity to make a stand against whatever trendy nonsense is currently doing the rounds. But do we? Or is it easier to give in for a quiet life? ‘One of our most refreshingly funny comedians' **** (Times).
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. ★★★★★ - Wee Review ★★★★★ - Bunbury Magazine ★★★★ - Fringebiscuit
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. ★★★★1/2 - One4Review
Living a Little
In a secure flat, complete with a TV, a sound system, video games and enough alcohol to host a Scottish wedding, we meet Rob, an ill-mannered, politically incorrect Scottish lad and Paul, a very chirpy, kind-hearted Northerner. The arrival of battle-hardened Penelope disrupts the status quo as she challenges their way of life whilst seeking relative comfort and safety after living out in the wild of a zombie apocalypse. Penelope may be a fighter and a survivor, but what’s the point of surviving if you’re not going to live a little? Written by Finlay Bain Directed by Jordan Murphy “It’s pretty impressive how many subtle themes are cleverly sewn into the plot, a testament to the strong writing that makes Living a Little so much more than an offbeat comedy. This is a fresh and brave exploration of friendship which is both touching and hilarious in equal measure, it’s well written and beautifully performed.” - Theatre Weekly ★★★★★ “Led by Murphy's clear vision for the show, the company tells an acutely hilarious and socially aware story encompassing true friendship, eccentric coping methods, and a broader reflection on humanity” - Broadway World ★★★★ Winner of the Origins Award at The Vault Festival for Outstanding New Work
Deirdre O'Kane: Demented
Don't miss the star of Sky's The Deirdre O'Kane Show and Moone Boy, and the voice of Gogglebox Ireland, as she returns to Fringe!
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 ★★★★ - Chortle
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.
Ganesh and Cydney's Clinic
Now throw in some glitter, filth, a dash of camp and you're nearly there... After travelling the globe seeking the reaffirmation their lovers never gave them, Ganesh and Cydney have landed in Edinburgh, on a mission to rid the city of lovesickness. 'Clinic' is a new cabaret experience, that's cliche and unconventional in equal measure. With the help of a little audience participation, some outrageously intimate anecdotes, and original songs, 'patients' are taken on a euphoric and enlightening journey towards sexual discovery and self-love. The perfect night-time remedy!
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!
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch
But who is the woman behind the tentacles? From the multi award-winning Fat Rascal Theatre and fresh from complete sell-out runs around the UK, comes the untold story of Ursula the Sea Witch. It’s time to take the plunge as we reveal what really happened under the sea, in a tell-all tale of sex, sorcery and suckers. A musical parody. Book & Lyrics by Robyn Grant and Daniel Foxx and Music by Tim Gilvin.
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. ★★★★ - Phoenix Remix ★★★★ - LGBTQ Arts Review
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).
Dragons & Mythical Beasts
Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku, the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you'd think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don't wake the Dragon... Olivier nominated.
Daniel Cainer: More Jewish Chronicles (and Other Musical Stories)
Six off-Broadway runs and 15 EdFringes. He's written scores for film and TV, his songs have been performed by cabaret artistes and rabbis, his music has launched a thousand cars and washing machines. He's been the "Singing Reporter" on BBC and the world's only "Singing Astrologer" (probably). ★★★★★ - ThreeWeeks ★★★★★ - Time Out (Bagels not included)
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. ★★★★ - Scotsman ★★★★★ - Broadway Baby ★★★★ - List
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.
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. ★★★★ - TheStudent 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. ★★★★★ - Palatinate
The Failure Cabaret
In this dark comedy cabaret, Stephanie Dodd from Fremont, Nebraska (Vocals/Accordion) & Justin Badger from Fremont, California (Vocals/Guitar) use original music to tell their story of meeting in New York, performing on Broadway, accidentally moving to a pretentious mountain town and doing everything in their power to stay sane and married at the same time. This show was born when Executive Producer, Chuck Porter declared, "Hey kids, let's do a show!"‚ after a few beers in a hotel bar.
Cassie and the Lights
When Cassie's mother disappears, the teenager wants to care for her sisters on her own. Is she the right person to be a parent now, or should she let foster parents adopt her sisters and create a new family? Based on real-life events and interviews with children in care and with live music, Cassie and the Lights examines our ideas of what makes a family. Best Theatre winner – Adelaide Fringe.
The Sian Clarke Experience
A dark, twisted, comedic piece full of aggression and discomfort, examining the constraints of a woman biting back in a society eager to silence and vilify those no longer accepting its bullshit. That, or a show about a woman who needs to learn to take a joke. There will be barking, there will be screaming, there will be blood.
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.
Swell
In 2014, residents of Fairbourne were watching their local news when they found out they were to be Britain's first climate refugees, with their town set to be decommissioned and depopulated by 2054. Housing prices dropped over night, insurance disappeared, and life savings were lost in the chaos. Swell follows the story of two siblings caught in the purgatory of a fictional but analogous town, ready to be abandoned. Swell asks: how are we able to understand ourselves when the places we call home crumble around us?