Looking Down Under for the next big thing in comedy - Karen Koren

As I sat in the small venue, miles away from the festival hub. I had no idea what to expect or how it would shape the future. But from the moment the show began, I was hooked.

It was unlike anything I had seen in years – magnetic, electric, exhilarating and unique. I knew immediately I had to get this performer to the Edinburgh Fringe. I offered him a slot in our biggest venue for the full run. Before long, Tim Minchin was on his way to becoming one of the biggest names in comedy and musical theatre. That year in 2005 he won the Perrier Best Newcomer Award (now Edinburgh Comedy Award).

Fast forward to 2025 and it’s the Gilded Balloon’s 40th anniversary and 20 years since Tim took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm. Two decades have passed and I’m proud to say that Tim and I are still working together.

This year, we’re collaborating once again to bring two shows to Scotland as part of his anniversary tour, Songs The World Will Never Hear. The show promises an unforgettable evening filled with hilarious songs and stories as Tim reflects on his remarkable journey.

Tim will be performing at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Friday 20 June and at Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo on Saturday 21 June. Whether you've followed his career or have never seen Tim live, I cannot recommend you grab tickets fast enough, his shows are always remarkable. His performances are nothing short of masterful, and they have consistently gotten even better since the first one I saw in Melbourne.

For me, this is the beauty of the comedy festival circuit. You have the option to see a household name in a grand theatre or take a gamble on a new act performing in a tiny 30-seat cupboard-turned-venue, and the latter could lead to discovering the next big thing.

Right now, I’m writing this from Melbourne, where Gilded Balloon has brought the Edinburgh Fringe hit David Bowie & Me: Parallel Lives by the extraordinary Jack Docherty.

Tonight is opening night and I can’t wait to see the audience reaction – and who knows what other gems I’ll find? The next Tim Minchin might well be performing at Edinburgh Fringe later this year.