With hundreds of Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows to choose from, we will be picking out the acts we think you should see this year, starting with the best stand-up comedians appearing in the Capital in August.
Jack Docherty will perform as his character The Chief from BBC comedy smash Scot Squad, following a successful one-man show last year about his love for David Bowie. Other acts to watch out for include talented female comedians Chloe Petts, Sasha Ellen, Harriet Kemsley, Stevie Martin and Bella Hull, as well as 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee Dan Tiernan.
There is also the incredible Edinburgh return for Matt Forde, who was diagnosed with cancer after suffering pains at last year’s Fringe. Currently learning to walk again, Matt has returned to work on his acclaimed Political Party and British Scandal podcasts, alongside hosting Absolute Radio’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Football Show. His final challenge is to get back to stand-up and he recently performed gigs at London’s Soho Theatre ahead of his Fringe run in August.
17. Garrett Millerick
Following on from spending four consecutive years being recommended as one of the top comedy shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and recently performing stand-up on legendary US late night show Conan, award-winning comedian Garrett Millerick brings a brand-new hour, Garrett Millerick Needs More Space, to this year’s Fringe. Marking his 10th solo hour and 22 years performing at the Fringe, Garrett is performing his new show at Monkey Barrel, The Tron from July 29 – August 25 (not 5th, 12th, 19th) at 4.25pm. Garrett Millerick Needs More Space, sees comedy’s ‘angriest optimist’ return for a hilarious, honest, and mostly historically accurate, exploration of space travel. In his latest hour, Garrett examines his totally insignificant place in the universe and how little he actually knows about anything. | Avalon Photo: Avalon
18. Aidan Sadler
Returning to the Fringe with his show, Melody, Aidan Sadler will springboard through the top steps to surviving the apocalypse with 80s-inspired synth-wave melodies. Expect musings on the price of a meal deal, the art of living in the moment and a deliciously scandalous encounter in a shipyard. With electrifying original hits you'll be humming to Armageddon, Melody finally answers the highly anticipated question: 'will it ever stop?' Nominated for Best Cabaret at the West End Wilma Awards. Aidan Sadler: Melody, August 2-25 (No Mondays), 7.50pm at The Voodoo Rooms - The Ballroom (Venue 68). £10 - £12. | Michelle Mangan Photo: Michelle Mangan