Whether you’re visiting or volunteering, performing or being a punter, the Edinburgh Fringe is an exhilarating, often overwhelming place. For the duration of August, it feels as if every nook and cranny in the city is transformed into a performance space; you’ll see late-night cabaret in lecture theatres, and 3pm stand-up shows in nightclubs. With more than 3600 free and paid shows to choose from, selecting what to see (particularly away from the big-name TV comics) can be a challenge in itself. Below, you’ll find eight of the most exciting shows in this year’s programme, from debut hours from promising stand-ups to moving romcoms and surreal circus. Plus, we’ve picked out some top spots to eat and drink between shows in the Scottish capital.
Maia Tassalini: I Was 22 and Stunning
As a BBC New Comedian of the Year finalist and former member of the Pleasance Reserve, newcomer Maia Tasselini arrives at the Fringe with quite the list of accolades already to her name. Her debut show is all about one Miss Monica Lewinsky, but also the kind of girl who would be obsessed with Monica Lewinsky … which would be Maia herself. Her comedy has the gossipy feel of those pub conversations where you’re not sure how you got there, but you just can’t pull yourself away.
Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker Three. Until August 30, 6pm.
Frankie Thompson: Horrible Things
Frankie Thompson has spent her last few Fringes lip-syncing along to Andrew Lloyd Webber clips (Catts) and dissecting gender with comedy partner Liv Ello (Body Show). Both hours were surreal visual feasts and audiences can expect even more in her new hour, which sees Thompson showing off her collection of “horrible things”. Is it comedy? Theatre? Live art? All of the above? That’s for you to decide.
Pleasance Courtyard, Beside. Until August 30, 8.45pm.
Majenin – A Palestinian Love Story
Fusing stand-up and theatre, Marena Riyad’s romcom follows two Palestinians (one living in New York, the other London) as they surrender to the madness of falling in love. Putting Palestinian stories on the stage will always feel like a political act, but Riyad wrote Majenin (which means “crazy people” in Arabic) with the intention of showing a different side to her culture. It’s a show that constantly subverts expectations, and that’s the magic in Majenin.
Pleasance Dome, 10 Dome. Until August 31. 11.45am.
Soft Spot
It’s important to take risks during the Fringe; taking a punt on an artist or company you’ve never heard of can lead to great discoveries. This year, for me, that show is Soft Spot, a two-hander circus piece from Swedish company Olo Company and Cluster Arts, where every delicate movement is performed on or using wine glasses. With the trailer alone prompting a prickly nervousness in me, I’m utterly fascinated to see how it turns out.
Zoo Southside, Main House. Until August 30, 8.30pm.
Demi Adejuyigbe Sells Out
Comedy content is everywhere on the internet, but American streaming platform Dropout is a cut above the best. As the producers of original unscripted comedy formats, Dropout has a real eye for exciting comedy talent, with any act on the channel’s roster sure to be a winner this Fringe. I’ll be going for Demi Adejuyigbe, a natural performer whose high production value 2024 debut Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going to Do One (1) Backflip already earned him a Best Newcomer nod at the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
Pleasance Dome, Queen Dome. Until August 30. 6.45pm.
Toast
The cost-of-living crisis and the financial toll of the Fringe might be the spectre floating over the festival, but it’s a subject few performers are dedicating their shows towards. Over at Summerhall, you’ll find Jude Green laying the bare the realities of the struggling artist stereotype in Toast. It’s bleak, yes, but supremely funny too.
Summerhall, Dissection Room. Until August 16, 12.10pm.
Dom McGovern: Prize Hog
Fresh off the back of enraging gym bros the world over with his caustic Subway Take “Tracking protein is eating disorder for boys”, comedian Dom McGovern arrives at the Fringe with his debut hour. In the same muscly vein, Prize Hog is an exploration of pop culture and body image, a daringly silly hour about comparison culture, Miss Piggy, and what it’s really like being the only man in an eating disorder support group.
Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker One. Until August 30, 8.30pm.
The Last Mad Man
Best known for his seemingly unrelated gig hosting the Celebrity Book Club podcast, American journalist and comedian Steven Phillips last year relocated to Edinburgh, and now brings his debut play to the Fringe. The Last Mad Man is a strange, satirical one-man show that dares to ask the question: what if the world has ended, and the only man who made it through is an advertising copywriter? Expect a fair dollop of existential malaise, but a lotta laughs too.
Assembly Roxy, Downstairs. Until August 30, 12.50pm.
Where to eat and drink
Edinburgh is known for its excellent restaurants – but the Fringe period is not always conducive to savouring great sit-down meals. Often, there’s little time for squeezing in reservations between catching shows; food is wolfed down on the go, and drinks are grabbed just before or after performances.
There are some staples of the Fringe diet, however, that should not be missed. Curry spot Mosque Kitchen, as well as Noodles and Dumplings are rammed year on year for a reason; the food is well priced and plentiful. Whether you’re solo dining or coming in with a big group, Ikigai Ramen on Southbridge is a fantastic Japanese spot with crisp small plates and punchy broths, including a particularly extensive vegan ramen selection. And should your accommodation be in Leith direction, the tiny Italian deli Gaia serves a delicious selection of paninis and pasta, all at very reasonable prices.
If it’s food-to-go you’re looking for, then it’s all about Nile Valley Cafe, where a flavourful wrap the size of your forearm will set you back less than £6 and keep you full for hours.
