With less than two months to go until the world’s largest arts festival returns in August, we’ve taken a look at 21 top stand-up comedians to check out at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
As hundreds of comedians get set to head to Scotland’s Capital for the comedy month of the year, it can be almost impossible to decide which funny men and women you are going to spend your hard-earned money on to see live.
Having already recommended the best children’s shows and household names to see in Edinburgh this year at the Fringe, we’ve hopefully helped you narrow your search for the best stand-up comedians to go and see.
Check out our gallery below of 21 great stand-up comedians to see at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including funny people you might already know and some under the radar future comedy stars you might just fall in love with.
13. Olga Koch: Fat Tom Cruise
Olga Koch has one good story. Only it’s not really her story. Do you wanna hear it? Fat Tom Cruise is a show about masculinity, accountability and the stories we tell ourselves - even if they’re not really our stories to tell. Speaking of bringing her new show Fat Tom Cruise to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Olga Koch said: “I would love for you to come see Fat Tom Cruise on tour, not only because I think it is likely my best work but also because I am currently being sued by Tom Cruise and really need the money for legal fees. God bless.” Olga Koch is an award winning comedian and podcaster. She is a co-host of the popular podcast The Glue Factory and most recently the Heated Rivalry podcast Tonsil Hockey with co-host Catherine Bohart. Olga Koch: Fat Tom Cruise at The Pleasance Courtyard - Forth, August 5-30 (not 29th), 5.30pm. | Submitted
14. Pierre Novellie: Okay, One More Then Bedtime
Following the huge success of his BBC Radio 4 series, ‘Why in the Name of Pierre Novellie?’, which was renewed for a second series before the first had finished, Pierre Novellie brings a brand new stand-up show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year plus an extra special hour of his best routines from the last 10+ years of his comedy career. This year’s double show Fringe run also follows the launch of Booksmart, the exciting new gameshow by Audible UK, hosted by Pierre, as well as the publication of his critically acclaimed book ‘Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things? A Comedian’s Guide to Autism’. Pierre Novellie: Okay, One More Then Bedtime, at Monkey Barrel 3, August 5-29, 7.05pm. | Submitted
15. Jimmy Rees - In Reel Life
In Reel Life is a fast, fearless and unpredictable mix of stand-up, character comedy, and sketch. The show delivers relentless satire, rapid-fire transformations, and big audience reactions as Rees explores internet culture, social trends, and the chaos of everyday modern life. Jimmy first became a household name as Jimmy Giggle on the award-winning Giggle and Hoot, spending a decade on Australian television and touring to more than 500,000 people. Previously a fan favourite on Taskmaster Australia, Jimmy is also known globally for his viral character universe, including Meanwhile in Australia, the Brighton Ladies and the Guy Who Decides. Jimmy Rees - In Reel Life, at Gilded Balloon Teviot, Debating Hall, 7pm, August 7-16. | Multitude Media
16. Lou Wall: Where Are All The Tall Grandmas?
In 2025, Lou Wall’s show Breaking the Fifth Wall went gangbusters, selling out seasons at the Melbourne Comedy Festival – where it was nominated for Best Show – the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and New York’s Soho Theatre. In 2026, Lou wants to know Where Are All the Tall Grandmas? Be honest, you’ve never seen one, have you? Do they shrink? Die young? Are short kings eating them!? Or perhaps they are thriving in an underground society, gathering each night by candlelight to uphold the sacred sanctity of the towering matriarch. Lou Wall is not saying that Tall Grandmas are the Illuminati…but they’re also not saying they’re not. In another signature hour, Wall dives head first into the disappearance of tall old women everywhere. In a world where men spread and women fold, Lou presents a powerpoint fuelled, musical investigation into height, heritage and what it truly means to live large. Speaking on bringing their new show to the Edinburgh Fringe, Lou Wall said: “The show is secondary, mainly I’m in Edinburgh to gather crowds in dark rooms and hope that at least one of them is a tall grandma.” Lou Wall: Where Are All The Tall Grandmas, 9.15pm, at Monkey Barrel - MB4, August 5-30, not 19th. | IAM