EDINBURGH FRINGE FOR EVERYONE
Making the Edinburgh Fringe Festival more inclusive—both for artists and audiences. Our aim is to broaden participation; whether that is performing, attending, or working behind the scenes.
WHAT'S ON
CK Nath: 'A Bit of Foreign Stuff' (WIP)
By CK NathHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 6 (Nicolson Square Venues Courtyard)
7 Aug - 19 Aug
Start times: 19:45
45 mins
Age: 16+High energy and full of bite! A stand-up comedy show about growing up Indian, living in the UK and discovering how strange, funny and wonderful “foreignness” can be. Join CK in this joyful take on identity and belonging. Expect vivid storytelling, cheeky character work and lots of laughs!
BOOK NOWZoe Cousin: Paul Sykes Is Back on the Family Patch
By Zoe CousinHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 6 (Nicolson Square Venues Courtyard)
20 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 19:45
45 mins
Age: 16+Paris. Panama City. Pontefract. Pyongyang. He’s been about a bit. But now he’s back on the family patch; it’s like he never went away. Join Wakefield’s infamous hardman Paul Sykes on a journey about survival, self-discovery and being a big fish in a big pond (Wakefield is the 11th largest city in Britain, when you consider wider districts). You might laugh, you might cry, you will learn how to punch someone in the f***ing earhole. As seen on BBC Three. BBC New Comedy Awards 2025. 'Raucous and genuinely hilarious' (EdFringeReview.com).
BOOK NOW1 Irishman: A Stand-up Comedy Show
By Reece KiddHoots @ The Apex — Hoot 3
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 19:50
45 mins
Age: 14+1 Irishman is a stand-up comedy show from Irish comedian Reece Kidd. This show has sold out for the last three years. Reece has over 150 million views online. Come see his new jokes.
BOOK NOWClaudwick.
Hoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 9 (Nicolson Square Gardens)
20 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 19:50
60 mins
Age: 16+Claudwick is young, wealthy and heir to a large fortune from a noble family. Being raised in some backwater town, he decides to leave his ivory tower and invest in a renovated warehouse loft in Peckham, looking for the exhilarating, gritty urban life. The life he finds though, is not the one he looks for. Fairly disappointed, he starts to educate his new friends and neighbours to make his world make sense again. A sharp, satirical comedic theatre show on the choking reality of gentrification and the intellectual bewilderment of obscene wealth. Directed by award-winning director Katharina Boll.
BOOK NOWJustina Seselskaite: Settled
Hoots @ Hilton (Bread Street) — Slice 1
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 19:50
45 mins
Age: 16+A sharp, witty show developed through sold-out previews and major comedy festivals across the UK. Praised by BlizzardComedy.co.uk as a 'masterclass in full-length storytelling', it blends punchlines with a satisfying narrative. The show explores Justina’s journey as an immigrant since moving to the UK in 2014, capturing the humour and challenges of adapting to a new culture. Justina is an award-winning comedian and a finalist in So You Think You’re Funny? She supported Hayley Ellis, Nina Gilligan, Mark Bittlestone and Katie Norris on tour and appeared on NextUp and BBC iPlayer. Described as Brilliant' (Micky Flanagan).
BOOK NOWMeat Cute or Die! (WIP)
Hoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 9 (Nicolson Square Gardens)
7 Aug - 16 Aug
Start times: 19:50
60 mins
Age: 18+The Love Butchers attempt to solve the loneliness epidemic by orchestrating live meet-cutes right before your eyes! This interactive show forces fate’s hand, stitching strangers together in real time. Romance, chaos and a light sprinkling of gore, presented by two award-winning South African comedians. Low steaks connections, high quality laughs. Foo: 2024 Chortle Student Comedy Award. 'Assured and pacy performer' (Chortle.co.uk). Kate Pinchuck: Comedy Central, multiple Standard Bank Ovation Award, UK tour support for Schalk Bezuidenhout. 'A real find, with the talent and ideas to go a very long way' (One4Review.co.uk).
BOOK NOW2026 Pick of the Fringe
By Hoots FringeHoots @ The Wee Red Bar — The Wee Red Bar
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 19:55
60 mins
Age: 14+Hoots Comedy official Pick of the Fringe showcase returns for 2026 with another hand-picked selection of our favourite acts from across the Fringe. We present an ever-changing lineup of some of the best comics the Fringe has to offer, all crammed into one amazing show. 'A must–see for Scottish comedy lovers' **** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Rick Molland is perfect for the role of compere' (ThreeWeeks). 'Stand-out stand-up' (Rip It Up). Perth Fringe Comedy Award nominated.
BOOK NOWRichard Stott: Streets Won't Forget
Hoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 5 (Nicolson Square Venues Courtyard)
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 19:55
60 mins
Age: 16+Richard Stott (Comedy Central Live, ITV2 Stand Up Sketch Show) amongst other things talks about his affinity with his favourite genre of footballer. A show about the big issues of the day such as masculinity, disability and the fact that Sabrina Carpenter looks like a scouser. **** (Skinny), **** (ThreeWeeks), **** (BroadwayBaby.co.uk). UK Pun Championship Finalist 2026. Guardian Top 10 Jokes Of The Fringe 2023. Come see why he's known on the circuit as absolutely unplayable on his day.
BOOK NOWAAA Comedy Gala
Hoots @ Hilton (Bread Street) — Slice 4
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 20:00
60 mins
Age: 16+AAA Comedy Gala is a hand-picked comedy showcase featuring four outstanding comedians. Each act has been carefully selected for their ability to deliver big laughs in this fast-paced stand-up extravaganza – your chance to discover brilliant new comedians before they hit the big time. Expect sharp wit, big personalities and non-stop laughter as exciting rising stars take the stage. With a mix of unique styles and fresh perspectives, AAA Comedy Gala promises a brilliant night of live comedy.
BOOK NOWBaba
By Halima HabilHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 7 (Nicolson Square Gardens)
7 Aug - 21 Aug
Start times: 20:00
50 mins
Age: 14+Join Romanian-Moroccan Muslim Jewish but also baptised clown Halima Habil in an hour of professional silliness. Baba, a woman trapped in a world of generational repetition, predestined curses and spells, looks for home. From the cold world of the Iron Curtain, to the mystical Maghrebian deserts and the wet Red Sea, she journeys to find the truth of Baba and escape her destiny. This is Baba: 'Really impressive, intriguing and strange, compelling and funny' (Audience review). 'Baba is you me or anyone' (TheReviewsHub.com). A debut solo show by clown Halima.
BOOK NOW2 Truths, 1 Lie
By Simon CaineHoots @ The Apex — Hoot 2
7 Aug - 16 Aug
Start times: 20:10
60 mins
Age: 16+Funny, but is it true? Three headline comedians step on stage. Two are telling the truth, one is a big fat liar. Can you tell who...? The award-winning interactive comedy compilation sell-out show returns to an air-conditioned venue on the Grassmarket! The perfect show for fans of BBC's Would I Lie To You? Total sell-out 2023, 2024 and 2025, so book early! Over 2 million views on social media this year!
BOOK NOWKiller Comedy Club
By GetGiddierHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 8 (Nicolson Square Gardens)
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 20:10
60 mins
Age: 18+Killer Comedy Club brings you the very best comedy talent from the UK comedy circuit and beyond for a killer night of stand-up comedy. Hosted by Harry Stachini, 'British comedy at its best' (One4Review.co.uk), and the award-winning Lewis Coleman. Join Harry and Lewis for an evening of laughs and a new special guest comedian every night. No gimmicks, just exactly what it says on the tin: Killer acts. Killer line-ups. Killer Comedy. It's a no-brainier choice for a guaranteed giggle!
BOOK NOWMichael Shafar: Inappropriate
Hoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 2 (The Main Hall, Nicolson Square Venues)
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 20:10
45 mins
Age: 16+2025 Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show Nominee. Edgy. Dark. Hilarious. In his trademark unfiltered and unapologetic style, Australian comedian, Michael Shafar, weighs into the topics that most comedians are smart enough to avoid. 'Shafar has a disarmingly relaxed approach... with a wildly inventive, darkly comic imagination.' ***** (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). 'He circumnavigates the line between edgy and offensive with beautiful finesse' ****½ (Age). 'If you fear comedy has gotten too politically correct, Shafar will put those fears to rest' **** (Time Out). 'He drives across taboos... this is equal opportunity Sacred Cow slaughter' (Scotsman).
BOOK NOWOctopus
By Louise LeighHoots @ Hilton (Bread Street) — Slice 5
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 20:10
55 mins
Age: 14+An hour of mostly stand-up aiming to explore what I do or don't have in common with the mighty Octopus. These may include: multitasking, sexually aggressive females, a vigilant mother, mating for life, the ability to squeeze through even the tiniest gaps, a brain of many parts, delicious (but chewy), ability to completely change appearance, squirting ink from a gland near the anus and popular with the Spanish. Probably. **** (Chortle.co.uk) **** (Entertainment-Focus.com). **** (TheWeeReview.com). 'Rubs off onto everybody around her' **** (FunnyWomen.com).
BOOK NOWTattoo Dave – Tat’s Life
By Tattoo DaveHoots @ The Apex — Hoot 2
17 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 20:10
55 mins
Age: 16+Tattoo Dave lifts the lid on life as a tattooist, comedian, dog whisperer, social media raconteur, husband and father, and on being the fourth funniest person at home. 49 years of life, with stories honed over four years of stand-up comedy, have produced an incredible, creative and entirely true (just under) one hour of pure comedy.
BOOK NOWFrenchy: The Instigator
By FrenchyHoots @ Hilton (Bread Street) — Slice 2
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 20:20
60 mins
Age: 14+Can comedy even exist without an instigator? Good thing Frenchy is here to provide one as he returns to the stage with a brand-new show featuring his finest, cheekiest work yet. The Instigator is everything fans love about a Frenchy show – razor-sharp jokes, dark one-liners, wild stories and unpredictable, laugh-out-loud moments which’ll have you thinking 'he can’t say that'. He can, and will. And will again.
BOOK NOWJohn O'Keeffe: Surviving Myself
Hoots @ The Apex — Hoot 5
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 20:20
60 mins
Age: 18+After a sold-out 2025 run, the hit show returns! Accepting responsibility for life's disasters with sharp, self-deprecating humour. From therapy struggles, to awkward relationships and common frustrations, this hilarious Irishman will have you laughing non-stop. One of the most exciting stand-ups in the Irish comedy scene. Winner Best New Act Award at Bray Comedy Festival, he has performed with top comedians such as Michelle Wolf, Joanne McNally, David O'Doherty and Neil Delemare. 'So funny' (Wendy Liebman). 'Classic stand-up' (Ruben Rajah). 'Savage' (Amos Gill). 'A cracking Irish comedian' (Comedy.co.uk). **** (One4Review.co.uk). **** (TheWeeReview.com). Comedy.co.uk recommended show 2025!
BOOK NOWBec Hill's Work In Progress
By Bec HillHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 3 (Nicolson Square Venues)
23 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 20:30
60 mins
Age: 16+Because seeing how the sausage gets made is arguably more interesting than seeing a sausage. (Please bring a "show and tell" item (a trinket/something you made/your favourite childhood joke/etc) in case of emergency.) 'Just put her on Taskmaster already' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).
BOOK NOWBecky Umbers: Tell That Horse To Keep His Mouth Shut (WIP)
By RBM ComedyHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 3 (Nicolson Square Venues)
7 Aug - 22 Aug
Start times: 20:30
60 mins
Age: 14+You want to get the truth straight from the horse's mouth. But what if that horse disagrees with you? What if that horse is lying? What if... it's part of the cover-up? We all have that family member: like the aunt who's convinced the Earth is flat. This fun, silly comedy show dives headfirst into the world of conspiracy theories. If you're hoping for proof the moon landing was fake, this isn't the show for you. But if you’ve argued with someone whose theory makes no sense – welcome.
BOOK NOWPhil Cooper: Deckchair
By Phil CooperHoots @ The Apex — Hoot 4
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 20:35
60 mins
Age: 16+Phil's great-grandfather was a decorated WWI veteran; Phil once tried to cook soup in a kettle and ended up with third-degree burns. This charmingly chaotic hour pits a hero's legacy against Phil's own spectacular modern failures. Expect relaxed storytelling with an unvarnished absurd edge, as Phil explores the messy consequences of being an idiot. It's a hilarious dive into the beauty of life's chaos – a reminder that we don't always have to find deep meaning in our choices or mistakes to enjoy the ride. 'Well constructed stories merge into one another seamlessly' (One4Review.co.uk).
BOOK NOW
