With this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe just two months away, we’ve taken a look at the household names heading to the world’s largest arts festival in August.
Among the big names coming to Edinburgh this year are some big Scottish stars, TV presenter and former 90s poster girl Gail Porter, Rab C Nesbitt and Only Child actor Gregor Fisher, former politician Mhairi Black, Travis frontman Fran Healy, and Fife stand-up Daniel Sloss.
From further afield, American actress, presenter and comedian Ruby Wax and hilarious ventriloquist Nina Conti will be here. As well as a host of comedy legends including Julian Clary, Jack Dee, Frank Skinner, Sara Pascoe and Phil Wang.
13. Ruby Wax
Ruby Wax is performing her brand-new show Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. She will be bringing her scandalous behind-the-scenes stories and classic, unseen television clips to the Pleasance Courtyard for a limited five-day run. An absolute Fringe icon. Absolutely Famous mines Ruby Wax’s extraordinary life and career – from interviewing everyone from Hollywood stars to politicians and public oddballs – with the sharp wit and psychological insight she’s known for. If you like your comedy with brains, stories and serious star power, this is one to jump on. Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous, at Grand at Pleasance Courtyard, August 25-29, 3.30pm. | Local Library Photo: Lorenzo Agius
14. James Acaster
After a brand-new show from one of the Fringe’s most beloved modern masters? Say no more. James Acaster returns for one day only with a fresh hour packed with everything fans love about him – and these performances are being filmed for future release, which means demand is going to be wild. If this one fits your schedule, book immediately. James Acaster, at Monkey Barrel 3 at Monkey Barrel Comedy, August 4, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 10pm. | Local Library
15. Jack Dee
A show by Jack about jokes. Who doesn’t like jokes? Honestly, fair enough. Jack Dee is celebrating 40 years in stand-up and bringing exactly what the title promises: jokes, delivered with that gloriously dry, world-weary brilliance only he can pull off. A proper comedy institution. Jack Dee: Jack's Joke Show, at Ballroom at Assembly Rooms, August 17-23, 4.45pm. | Local Library
16. Phil Ellis
Multi award-winning comedian and breakout star of Taskmaster on Channel 4, Phil Ellis returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of his biggest tour to date, bringing his hit stand-up show Bath Mat to Monkey Barrel 1 from August 3-30 at 1.55pm. Due to overwhelming demand, an extra London tour show (his eighth so far on this tour) has also been announced at Wilton’s Music Hall. This follows a hugely successful first leg of the tour, which has seen the ‘comic genius’ (The Scotsman) and ‘Lord of Misrule’ (The Skinny) sell out an astonishing 50+ shows across the UK (including London’s Leicester Square Theatre and a five night run at Soho Theatre) and extend the tour into 2027. Edinburgh Festival Fringe tickets are on-sale now. Full dates and tickets at philelliscomedy.com. | Avalon Promotions