The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet, so we’ve taken a look at just some of the acts to watch out for this August in Edinburgh.
With so many shows taking place across the city, it can be difficult to decide what acts to see, so we’ve taken a look at some of the shows to watch our for this year.
13. Pleasure Little Treasure
Combining theatre with comedy, drag and clowning, this autobiographical, playful work reflects on the story of performer Elina’s strip club upbringing in a newly independent Estonia. A raw and poignant reflection on patriarchy, toxic masculinity and living under the male gaze, the play, Elina’s second solo work, subtly parallels the behaviours we see within the stereotypical macho men and the politics of today. Underbelly Cowgate (Delhi Belly), August 4-13, 5.25pm, 16+. Photo: Hana Knizova
14. El Dizzy Beast
Following sold out Soho Theatre previews, the genre smashing artist returns with their new show about a queer, autistic, latinx caterpillar on the edge. Created and performed by An(dre)a Spisto, in El Dizzy Beast, Dre bursts from their cocoon in a nappy, downs three baby bottles of green bug juice and demands an audience member tattoo their ass cheek with a butterfly. Assembly George Square Studios (Studio Four), 10.30pm, August 15-27 (not 21). Photo: Rebecca Need-Menear
15. Ollie Horn: Not Much
Following a sell-out 12-country tour for his critically-acclaimed 2021 show, one of the UK’s most exciting storytellers is back with a candid new hour about questioning the skill he’s worked for the last decade to get exceptionally good at: stand-up comedy. Book a ticket to discover why Ollie found the Apple Store to be a terrible place for a stand-up gig, the heckles Ollie could never find a good comeback to, and why gigging in a brothel wasn’t so bad. Find out how none other than Joe Pasquale gives Ollie the perspective he needs on his chosen profession. Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Just The Cask Room) @ 6.25pm, August 3-27 (not 14). Photo: Gabrielle Boudville
16. Marc Jennings - Away From Here
The affable fast-rising Scottish comedian returns to the Fringe with his most personal show to date. After the unexpected death of his mum during the pandemic, Marc reflects on his experience of losing a loved one, how it forced him to reflect on his own mortality after a lifetime of putting things off, and why being able to laugh even during the worst experience of his life gave him a renewed appreciation for the healing force of humour. Monkey Barrel @ The Tron, 5.50pm, August 2-15, 17-27. Photo: Andrew Jackson @cursetheseeyes