With more than 1,500 shows already revealed for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we’ve taken a look at some of the famous faces you can see on stage this August.
Fringe favourites including David O’Doherty, Jason Byrne, Reginald D Hunter and Paul Merton will be joined by other ‘well-kent’ faces from comedy including Adam Hills, Nish Kumar, Dara O’Briain and Sara Pascoe.
Joining these famous stand-ups at the Fringe in August will be ventriloquist Nina Conti, politician Mhari Black, TV star Bobby Davro and national treasure Miriam Margolyes.
Joining these famous stand-ups at the Fringe in August will be ventriloquist Nina Conti, politician Mhari Black, TV star Bobby Davro and national treasure Miriam Margolyes.
13. Nish Kumar
Nish Kumar is now a familiar face on British television, appearing on shows like 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Have I Got News for You, as well as Hold the Front Page with fellow stand-up Josh Widdiecombe. Nish is back at the Fringe this August with his latest work-in-progress show for a new tour. In this election year – with the country in turmoil – there’s only one comedian who can kill the mood even further… Nish Kumar. One of The Guardian and The Telegraph’s 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century is back with a brand-new politically charged stand-up show. Nish Kumar: Nish, Don't Kill My Vibe (Work-in-Progress), at Monkey Barrel Comedy, August 2-16, 19-25, 2.50pm. Tickets, £10, at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nish-kumar-nish-don-t-kill-my-vibe-work-in-progress. Photo: Matt Stronge
14. Nina Conti
The virtuoso ventriloquist, BAFTA nominee and British Comedy Award winner presents an unparalleled, unscripted new show that delves deep into who we are, hijacking faces to spark a bold, hysterical reality warp. The daughter of actors Tom Conti and Kara Wilson, Nina has been on our screens as an actor, comedian and ventriloquist for many years. Conti has appeared in several television shows, including Black Books, Holby City, Single, and the Australian panel show Spicks and Specks. Her radio performances include characters in Radio 4 comedy Clare in the Community. Conti and her character Monkey portrayed a morning weather team on the fictional "Wake Up L.A." in Christopher Guest's 2006 film, For Your Consideration. Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway?, at Pleasance Courtyard Grand, July 31 and August 1-6, 8-12, 14-18, 20-25, 7.30pm. Tickets, £22, at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nina-conti-whose-face-is-it-anyway. Photo: Claes Gellerbrink
15. Jason Byrne
If the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is on in August, then chances are this hilarious Irish comedian will be there. The Fringe stalwart has delighted audiences in the Capital for many years and he returns again for 2024. There’s no show like a 'Jason Byrne NO SHOW'. NO SHOW is a show with no comedy safety net. By the end of NO SHOW you’ll have experienced a once in a lifetime show or NO SHOW. Jason, along with the audience, will begin NO SHOW with no show whatsoever. Witness Jason use his infamous audience interactions with a sprinkle of props, both on and off the stage, to create NO SHOW! Jason Byrne: NO SHOW, at Assembly Hall, main hall, August 1-11, 13-18, 20-25, 8.40pm. Tickets, £24, at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jason-byrne-no-show. Photo: Jenny McCarthy
16. Jo Caulfield
Born in Wales and raised in England, Jo moved to Edinburgh in 2013. Whether you’ve seen her on Have I Got News For You. The John Bishop Show or Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, heard her on Just a Minute or Breaking The News, or caught one of her award-winning Edinburgh Festival shows, the chances are you’re already familiar with Jo’s work. At this year's Fringe, Jo brings her best jokes and funniest routines from her 2024 tour show. Voted Comedian's Comedian of the Year, get ready to relish razor-sharp observations and scandalous one-liners as Jo gets her claws into everything that annoys her. Jo Caulfield Pearls Before Swine, at the Stand 3, August 2-11, 13-18, 20-25, 7.10pm. Tickets, £12, https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jo-caulfield-pearls-before-swine. Photo: Flick Morris PR