what's on
Tuesday 23
102 events
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.
La Clique
Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004 and subsequently gaining international acclaim touring the globe, this original and trailblazing Spiegeltent-based cabaret show brings you a magnificent collection of extraordinary new artists and unmissable favourites. A decade on from winning the Best Entertainment Olivier Award and fresh from performances in London and Singapore, La Clique promises to be a night of laughs, gasps, naughtiness and the best in international cabaret. Images from past La Clique seasons
The Gruffalo, the Giant and the Mermaid with Julia Donaldson
Following their sell-out 2018 show, UK's best-selling author Julia Donaldson and a cast of four return with a brand-new show based on her much-loved books including The Smartest Giant in Town, The Singing Mermaid, The Highway Rat, and The Gruffalo. Packed full of songs, puppetry, and audience interaction, join Harry and Betty at their scarecrows wedding, go on an adventure with Cave Baby and a woolly mammoth and see if the grumpy Go-Away Bird would like a friend after all. Every performance will be followed by a book signing.
Circus Abyssinia: Tulu
Inspired by the true tale of an Ethiopian icon, Derartu Tulu, this unmissable showcase of superhuman strength blends breathtaking contortion, awe-inspiring acrobatics, and mesmerising fire juggling with a rocking, exuberant soundtrack. Circus Abyssinia made their UK debut at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe and featured on the Royal Variety Performance in the same year. After touring internationally, including a sell-out run in New York, they are thrilled to return with their greatly anticipated new show. ★★★★★ - Mail on Sunday ★★★★★ - Broadway Baby ★★★★★ - Reviews Hub ★★★★★ - Daily Review *reviews for ‘Ethiopian Dreams'
Destiny
She's gonna be an MTV Base backing dancer, you watch. If J-Lo can make it outta the Bronx then Destiny can make it off the Hill Rise estate. She's fearless, ferocious and up for the fight (she's had to be). A "captivating" (★★★★ The Guardian) show that follows a teenage girl growing up on a Chippenham council estate. Born below the breadline, she's desperate to see beyond the neighbourhood and find hope in hopelessness. A recipient of The Pleasance 2021 National Partnerships Award with Bristol Old Vic FERMENT.
Abandoman aka Rob Broderick - Discography
Using a sample-pad necklace to trigger high-production beats, Rob creates the kind of exhilarating live experience that has won him a string of awards, and the highest of international critical acclaim. He continues to sell out his fringe runs in Edinburgh and Australia each year, wowing audiences wherever he plays.
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
The Tiger Lillies: One Penny Opera
After years away, touring the world, the Olivier Award-winning Godfathers of alternative cabaret celebrate their 30th anniversary with a triumphant return to the Fringe. Based on the seminal 18th century Beggar's Opera the band present a new song cycle swarming with highwaymen, thieves, jailors, pimps, and prostitutes - a world of greed, crime, poverty, and inequality. Expect immense beauty and outrageous comedy from the Grammy-nominated, street opera trio. ★★★★★ (The Guardian) ★★★★★ (The Scotsman)
Murder Ballads
Explosive gig-theatre meets dark comedy cabaret as four actor-musicians invite you to O'Malley's Bar in the town of Millhaven, 1882, in the wildest part of the old Wild West. Weaving Cave's outrageous songs into a darkly comic narrative, the performers take you through stories of betrayals, bar brawls, and blood baths. Expect an hour of laughter, horror, live music and one of the highest death counts you'll ever experience at the Fringe!
The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz
Two of the world's leading alcohol experts return with a hilarious quiz show that gets the rounds in - in more ways than one. With a pen and question sheet in one hand and several world-class drinks in the other, join them on a uniquely absurd, fact-filled journey through time. It's the perfect aperitif to a Fringe night out! ★★★★ - Scotsman Watch on YouTube
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"
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).
Circa: Humans 2.0
Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap, and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. Can we ever find a perfect balance or is adapting to constant change the only way forward? A tightly woven choreography of bodies, pulsing with music, Humans 2.0 is intimate, primal, and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human. Humans 2.0 is commissioned by The Mondavi Center, UC Davis Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Humans 2.0 is supported by the Australian Government as part of the UK/Australia Season 2021-22.
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
Hotel Paradiso
An irresistibly colourful, loud, and fun show for all the family by Lost in Translation, one of the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies and Guinness World Record Holders. With thrillingly spectacular circus skills, physical comedy, theatrical storytelling, and slapstick, Hotel Paradiso sees the staff family tackle the scheming Banker as he tries to possess the Hotel Paradiso. Full of hijinks and impeccable clowning, Lost in Translation will treat audiences to heart-stopping aerial, stunning floor acrobatics, and extraordinary juggling.
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
Welcome to the afterparty, but don’t stay forever! 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. “In a world of wannabes, Woods is the real deal.” (Evening Standard)
Bad Teacher
Bad Teacher is a dark comedy about the trials and tribulations a 20-something female teacher faces in a London based Sixth Form College. This one-woman show, inspired by real life experiences, will confront audiences with eye opening truths about gender politics, mental health, and the outrageous expectations that our current educational system sets for students and teachers alike. Evie, the titular teacher, takes audiences through each lesson, such as "Be Bold, Be Braless" and “Work Hard, Play Harder”, culminating in Parents Evening. The groundbreaking script is unabashedly funny, unflinchingly realistic, and unashamedly female.
Bee Story
It's a sticky situation. Queen Bee & Worker Bee need to work together to rebuild their hive, but things never quite go to plan... A Bee Story is a uniquely Australian physical theatre show for children and families incorporating a kaleidoscope of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music. It tells the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after being destroyed by a bushfire. Join the bees on their buzzy adventures and be enchanted by their pollen-collecting skills, honey-making abilities, and super-bee strength. A Bee Story has themes of environmentalism, sustainability, and community spirit, and was directed by performer Robbie Curtis (Circa, Cirque du Soleil, Circus Oz, Australian Ballet), and co-created with musician and performer Lizzie McRae.
Camille O'Sullivan: Dreaming
“Queen of the Fringe’ (BBC) premiers her new show, a rare intimate evening of dark and light songs. Including Bowie, Cohen, Pulp, Radiohead and Rufus Wainwright. Chameleon like, 5-star sell-out performances include Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall, La Clique, Roundhouse, Later with Jools Holland and a Herald Angel award for RSC solo performance ‘Lucrece’. Camille transforms each song into an intense, emotional experience - joy & pure passion. With musician Feargal Murray. ‘A major star’ ***** Scotsman ‘Masterclass in living a lyric, mesmerising’ *****Mail on Sunday ‘Exceptional voice’ ***** Time Out ‘Hypnotic’ ***** Independent
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
Candy
Do you believe in love at first sight? Will has fallen hopelessly in love with the seductive singer, "Candy". The only problem: she’s his best mate in drag. As Will struggles to make sense of his newfound feelings, his life crumbles at the fringes. Should he seize life by his bollocks and tell Candy how he feels? Can he ever be with her? And what does loving her really mean? The sell-out London comedy-drama returns to the Fringe after a special online performance last year. ★★★★★ “A raw exploration of love and identity” (Indiependent); ★★★★ “Truly captivating” (Theatre Scotland).
Colossal
Following his sold-out, five-star debut show, The Man, Patrick McPherson returns to Edinburgh with Colossal: a one-man comedy play that dives into love stories, morality, and the dance between the two. Colossal weaves sketch comedy, gig theatre and spoken word to tell the comedic and candid story of a man called Dan, his affinity for owls, and his messy recent past. An hour of dynamic theatre, comedy and music, that embraces the spectrum of modern romance, from the first date to the last text, from falling headfirst to falling apart.
Rob Madge: My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?)
When Rob was twelve, they attempted a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their Grandma. As Rob donned wigs and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their Dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy. Unfortunately, Dad missed all his cues and pushed all the floats in the wrong direction. Mum mistook Aladdin for Ursula. The costumes went awry. Grandma had a nice time, though. My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is the joyous autobiographical story of social-media sensation Rob Madge as they set out to recreate that parade - and this time, nobody, no, nobody is gonna rain on it. Awarded Best Off-West End Production 2022 by WhatsOnStage!
Dreamgun Video
The most iconic films you've never seen, because we made them up. 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). 'Merciless, hilarious. Consistently sharp, rapid-fire funny writing and crackling performances' ***** (Irish Times).
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. Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Monday 8 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 15 DAY OFF 22 Star Wars: A New Hope 29 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Tuesday 9 Titanic 16 The Fellowship of the Ring 23 The Shawshank Redemption Wednesday 3 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 10 The Lion King 17 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 24 The Lion King Thursday 4 Titanic 11 Home Alone 18 Titanic 25 ET: The Extra Terrestrial Friday 5 Star Wars: A New Hope 12 The Shawshank Redemption 19 Star Wars: A New Hope 26 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Saturday 6 The Fellowship of the Ring 13 Jurassic Park 20 The Fellowship of the Ring 27 Jurassic Park Sunday 7 The Breakfast Club 14 The Silence of the Lambs 21 The Breakfast Club 28 The Silence of the Lambs
Emmanuel Sonubi: Emancipated
Sonubi has only been on the comedy circuit for what feels like five minutes and he’s already garnering himself a reputation as the 'one to watch out for!' 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. “The bloke has got funny bones” ROMESH RANGANATHAN
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. 'Emo has strong potential, plenty of talent and is, no doubt, a rising star' (FringeFeed.com.au). 'Emo has clearly found his calling' (TheBlurb.com.au).
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. ★★★★ - The Wee Review ★★★★ - Deadline News
Gabby Killick's Game Of Thongs
This is the show that puts the joke in woke. 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 ★★★★ - InDaily ★★★★ - The Skinny UK
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).
Hannah Pilkes: A Woman on the Verge
Hannah makes her solo debut at the Fringe and she is on the verge in more ways than one. 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. ★★★★★ - Wee Review ★★★★★ - Bunbury Magazine ★★★★ - Fringebiscuit
In PurSUEt
'Woman' is sat in a therapist's office. She's been sent there to deal with her drink problem. But she doesn't have a problem and she doesn't need help. She just needs Sue Perkins. They're meant for each other. If only Sue could see that too. But how can she? She's too busy being a celebrity. So 'Woman' sets out in pursuit of her love. From following Sue's every move online - to breaking in backstage at the BBC, there isn't anything she won't do. But can she keep it all together whilst battling her out of control drinking?
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
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
Karen from Finance is Out of Office
Pack your calculators, save your spread sheets and set your automatic email reply because Karen From Finance is heading Out of Office! She's hitting the road and she's hitting it hard. Say goodbye to the 80 hour work week and jump on board the Finance Express for this one-woman journey of self-discovery...and self-annihilation. Beloved Australian drag queen Karen From Finance presents her debut one woman show Out of Office which features all of her trademark high-camp and hilarious mashups, plus all the tomfoolery you can poke a presentation pointer at.
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
Manual Cinema Presents: Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster
Adapted from the beloved children's books by Mo Willems, Leonardo! tells the story of a monster who longs to be scary and the big decisions he must make along the way. This visually stunning production is realised through puppets, paper cut-outs, DIY cinema and live original songs by critically acclaimed multimedia artists Manual Cinema.
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. ★★★★ - The List ★★★★ - EdFestMag ★★★★ - ThreeWeeks ★★★★★ - One4Review ★★★★★ - Broadway Baby 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.
Messiah
An intense and darkly provocative retelling of the myths and realities surrounding the rise and fall of Christ. Fusing realism and surrealism, history and the present, poetry and vulgarity, we enter a beguiling picture of the last days of Jesus' life and those that surround him. A cast of four play multiple characters, moving between ensemble, monologue and song. Includes nudity.
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.
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.
Scummy Mummies
New songs! New sketches! New catsuits! And even some new jokes! Join Ellie and Helen as they celebrate the scummier side of parenting, from drinking wine at teatime to hiding from the PTA. Bring your friends and make it a mum's (or dad's!) night out! Based on the hit Scummy Mummies podcast and best-selling book. As heard on Radio 4 and featured by The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Telegraph. @scummymummies / scummymummies.com.
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!
The Final Approach
Obsessed by detective stories and film noir, Sam can’t help but start digging when his long-term crush drops a case into his lap. As sleep deprivation sets in Sam struggles to hold onto reality and one supposed cheating partner leads to a seismic scandal systematically spread across campus. Using a combination of theatre, film, soundscape and radio Sam recreates the cinematic 'noirish' nightmare inside his mind.
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!
Troy Story
But outside its impregnable walls, a wooden horse stands alone and unguarded. And everyone's pretty sure it wasn't there yesterday. As news ripples through the city of its sudden arrival the politicians, citizens, soldiers and royals all have the same question: what in the Hades do we do about it?
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. ★★★★1/2 - Weekend Notes, Adelaide 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
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
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. Posey Mehta’s debut show is an absurd character comedy about being othered and lonely. Mehta is a Cambridge- and Gaulier-trained big fat idiot, who’s still dining out on the fact she made-out with Emma Corrin in a play once.
Winston and David
Written by Robert Lloyd George, referencing previously unseen family documents and directed by Fringe regular, Maverick’s Nick Hennegan (Henry V, A Christmas Carol, Hamlet-Horatio’s Tale with Sir Derek Jacobi, Romeo and Juliet, and P.A.L.S.).
James Barr: Straight Jokes
An out-of-control hour of jokes from the utterly hilarious, nearly national treasure. James exposes his employers and navigates the utterly exhausting admin of pretending to be woke for "fame". 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).
Lightweight
As a last-ditch effort to recover from eating disorders, Amie enters a 28-day addiction treatment facility and remains there for a year. Tortured by her wildly dysfunctional parents, a seductive cupcake, and the ghost of a dead music icon, Amie surrenders to the fact that she may never recover... Until a new patient enters and disrupts her world forever. Winner "Best Festival Debut" - United Solo Festival, New York City 2021
Havana Street Party
Los Datway street dance, Mas Con Menos percussion, and Kufesa contemporary ballet will blow you away with an urban dance explosion. Accompanying them are a ten piece live band led by rapper Bad Boy Ovio and DJ Ernesto. Expect traditional rumba, sexy salsa and hot Latin hits from the likes of Camila Cabello, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Cimafunk. Sexy, spectacular, unmissable. Created by five-time Fringe First-winning director Toby Gough (Havana Rumba, Havana after Dark).
Make-up
Lady Christina leaves the stage after another performance above another pub. Drag has become a drag and tonight could be her last ever show. But when the make-up comes off, the face in the mirror takes Chris Laneghan back to life before Christina came along. Can he live if living is without her? Step off the stage, leave the glamour and the costumes behind, and get to know the person behind the make-up. ★★★★ - Wee Review
Blunderland
The subversive break-out hit of the international cabaret and circus circuit, we have arrived with a STRONG dose of what we all need at the moment: some outrageous nightlife naughtiness, club-kid antics, and a heady dose of arthouse-weird. Born out of the New York underground queer nightlife scene this show has titillating packed crowds worldwide who are enthralled with its uniquely whimsical and ridiculous performance combinations. Join us for an evening of sensually disastrous drag, burlesque, and circus you won't forget!!
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. ★★★★ - The List
Brave Space
Starting as a puddle of fabric on the floor, it grows to encompass a wondrous world of circus. Intimate and low tech, the audience sits nose-to-nose with an all-female cast of bold physical artists to build the world we want to live in, even for only a few shared moments.
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.
Briefs: Bite Club
An event sautéed in a hedonistic haze of music, circus, drag, burlesque, theatre, and comedy. Described as one of Australia’s most arresting performers, Sahara Beck’s soaring vocals will blast female pride power into the ferociously fierce displays of talent from the BRIEFS boys you know and love. Their slick tomfoolery and heart-stopping hooliganism will be bathed in suave synth, heady hooks, and swelling strings, all set to a glorious pop pulse.
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)
Cirque Alfonse: Animal
In this re-invented agricultural world, the farm is turned upside down! Yet again, the Cirque Alfonse clan has favoured its multidisciplinary approach where circus, song, dance and theatre all come together, driven by original live music ... an irresistible mix of trad and soul that the troupe calls ‘agricultural funk! A production for young and old alike, ANIMAL is the farm gone haywire!
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.
Rebel
Stage dive into the mosh pit for a night of live music, glittering glam rock, phenomenal acrobatics, breath-taking aerials and spectacular heart-stopping sideshow. Combining music and circus, bringing to life an incredible body of work that spanned over 50 years, with an aesthetic that inspired generations.
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.
Splash Test Dummies
Splash Test Dummies are here, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family. See a brilliant array of catch- your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side- splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous. Join the Dummies and come diving from bathtubs to beaches in this aquatic adventure! Winner of Best Children's Presentation - Adelaide Fringe 2020.
Good Grief
A dying man’s last wish: for his friends to create a show about death. Will it be subtle? Will it be sophisticated? Probably not, but it’s his funeral. Literally. Multi award-winning physical comedy company Ugly Bucket process the death of a friend in the only way they know how – through a kinetic maelstrom of outrageous clowning, personal testimony and a thumping techno soundtrack. Ugly Bucket are thrilled to present this hilarious gut-punch of a show.
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.
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. ★★★★ - TheStudent Material heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra Leicester Comedy Festival Best New Show Nominee
This Moment in America
There’s little room for nuance in tweets or slogans. Seeking a deeper conversation, this live audio drama features ever-changing vignettes drawn from real stories across the country, interwoven with current events’ transcripts. Traveling America, gathering American stories, this show has been developed through workshops in writing and performance to promote community and personal healing, asking, "What unites us, in these United States?"
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
Blanket Ban
“Sometimes I’m afraid of this play.” Malta: Catholic kitsch, golden sun, deep blue sea, Eurovision - and a blanket ban on abortion. Propelled by three years’ of interviews with anonymous contributors and their own lived experience of law-breaking, actors and activists Marta and Davinia interrogate Malta’s restrictions on the freedom of women. What does it mean for your home to boast the world’s most progressive LGBTQIA rights, leading transgender laws – and a population that is almost unanimously anti-choice? A rallying cry from award-winning Chalk Line Theatre.
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.
Caligari
Tonight, a new Caligari comes to life – accompanied by a five-piece band. Off West End Award-winning ChewBoy Productions present their minty-fresh take on a German horror cult-classic. Five actor-musicians reimagine the seminal silent film, this time with the doctor’s victims taking centre stage. Embracing the long shadows and broad brushstrokes of German expressionism, ChewBoy’s Caligari exposes parallels between post-war Weimar and the UK today – an ever-widening class divide, a subconscious need for a tyrant, and an unwillingness to rebel against deranged authority.
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.
Love Them to Death
School Attendance Officer Kelly isn't so sure. A piece about who is telling the truth, how we come to that decision, and whether the truth even exists most of the time. A dark and twisty tale set in the borderlands between love and violence – inspired by real events. Written by Max Dickins (The Man on the Moor, Kin, The Trunk) and directed by five-time Fringe First winner Hannah Eidinow.
This is Not a Show About Hong Kong
This is not a virtuosic, visually stunning dance-theatre show about Hong Kong or its people. It's not about the effects of censorship brought by the National Security Bill, nor is it about the loss of freedom in the Special Administrative Region. This is not a show about that deep, sinking, helpless feeling that we can't quite put into words. Everything is fine. Max Percy + Friends are not here.
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.
Definitely Maybe Actually Nevermind
Join drag artist Crystal Bollix as they take on their greatest enemy yet ... Romantic Comedies. Fall in love with this new cabaret extravaganza all about the pitfalls of chick-flicks and Colin Firth. Watch as they navigate the tricky world of rom-com masculinity, femininity and beyond. Expect gorgeous costumes, dazzling lip sync, and maybe a surprise guest or two...
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?