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.
AAA 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 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 - 31 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 NOWAlex Kitson: Now Look Here
Hoots @ Potterrow — Big Yurt
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 20:45
60 mins
Age: 14+It’s nice to do things in real life isn’t it? After two critically acclaimed shows in 2024 and 2025, multi award-winning comedian Alex Kitson has a brand-new hour of stand-up comedy to show you. He's talking about attention so if you could direct yours his way he'd be very grateful. One of the best reviewed shows of the Edinburgh Fringe 2025. ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer nominee. Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Edinburgh Fringe nominee 'The future of British comedy' ***** (ThreeWeeks). 'The audience laughter is non-stop' ***** (ThePhoenixRemix.com). 'Insanely original' ***** (EuropeanComedy.com).
BOOK NOWRob Nother: Another Way
By Rob NotherHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 4 (Nicolson Square Venues)
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 20:50
45 mins
Age: 18+Dangerously confident, Rob Nother is sure he's living life the right way. Everyone else knows he isn't. From shamelessly pimping out his Irishness, to devising free travel schemes, join Rob as he explores life as a chancer. 'Naturally confident with rock solid material to back it up' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Killed it' (Adam Ray).
BOOK NOW0 to 2 mph In Under 60 Minutes
Hoots @ The Apex — Hoot 6
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 21:00
60 mins
Age: 16+Zoom zoom zoom! The boys are back! Last year was their first sell out run, now they're taking it for granted. With new accolades: Chortle Student Finalist and Hastings Comedian of the Year Oliver Moore is back with Ricky Gervais' Dutch Barn Spirit of Comedy Finalist and BBC New Comedy Award-shortlisted Ridwan Hussain for another split bill of stand-up. It's better than the rest, find out why we did so well last year with this new hour of comedy. If we sell out again, it's really gonna go to my head.
BOOK NOWNathan Cassidy: Ewwww!
Hoots @ Potterrow — Wee Container 2
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 21:00
60 mins
Age: 18+Multi award-winning Fringe legend with an extraordinary new stand-up show. Contains full-frontal nudity! Ewwww! After a throwaway comment from a 20-year-old, Nathan begins to unravel. Is he old? In this daring, electrifying hour, he responds the only way he knows how: by taking the biggest risk of his career. Expect powerful storytelling, brutal honesty and a moment you will never forget. Star of six specials (three on Amazon Prime), BBC Radio 5 Live and million-downloaded podcast Daily Notes. ‘An excellent comedian’ ****½ (One4Review.co.uk). 'Vulnerability, self-exposure (literally), and razor-sharp storytelling combine' (Leicester Mercury).
BOOK NOWShrink Wrapped: A Psychologist Analyses Comedians Live
Hoots @ The Apex — Hoot 1
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 21:00
60 mins
Age: 16+Comedy and psychology unite for the most entertaining therapy session you'll ever witness. Ever been deep in a therapy session and gone: I want to know what the hell she's thinking? Well, now's your chance... with comedians in the hot seat. Three comedians and a therapist come together for a live therapy session unlike any other. 'Shrink Wrapped changes the game' ***** (FringeFeed.com.au). 'Some say laughter is the best therapy. Shrink Wrapped gives us both. Don’t miss it' **** (Mix 102.3, Adelaide). 'A perfect blend of comedy and analysis' **** (List).
BOOK NOWEvery Ghost Story Ever
Hoots @ Potterrow — Wee Container 1
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 21:05
60 mins
Age: 16+Join connoisseur of the creepy Billy Bones for a whistle-stop tour of every ghost story ever told, or your money back!* *no refunds. Experience ghost stories from throughout the ages: from the first ghost story ever written, to the true tale of Arthur Conan Doyle speaking from beyond the grave, to terrifying accounts of the hauntings of Edinburgh's own Greyfriars Kirkyard, and much more. Why do we tell ghost stories? What makes us truly afraid? Is this show supposed to be serious or funny? All these questions will be answered in: Every Ghost Story Ever.
BOOK NOWOllie West: Discovery (WIP)
By Ollie WestHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 9 (Nicolson Square Gardens)
7 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 21:10
60 mins
Age: 16+Ugh. Ugh ugh. Ooga. Ooga ooga. Ugh ugh ugh. Unga bunga. Ooga ugh. Ugh. **** (Scotsman). As seen on Finn vs History, BBC Three and David Attenborough's Walking with Cavemen. Soho Rising 2026. Leicester Square Theatre Sketch Off finalist 2025. Best Debut nominee, Leicester Comedy Festival 2023. 'Ollie West is animalistic and quite frightening' (AYoungerTheatre.com). This is not a decision you will regret.
BOOK NOWSamira Banks – Work in Progress
By Samira BanksHoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 6 (Nicolson Square Venues Courtyard)
14 Aug - 30 Aug
Start times: 21:10
45 mins
Age: 18+A new material stand up comedy show by Samira, known for her deadpan delivery, her devastating punchlines and the cheeky glint in her eye just before she pulls the trigger. As a daughter of refugees, with a dark sense of humour, and an often surreal and silly way of seeing the world, join Samira, winner of the prestigious So You Think You're Funny? award, as she experiments and explores in this work in progress.
BOOK NOWMock the Clock
Hoots @ Nicolson Square — Nic 7 (Nicolson Square Gardens)
7 Aug - 31 Aug
Start times: 21:20
60 mins
Age: 12+Stand-up comics hit the stage with their best material before throwing caution aside for fast-paced, chaotic improvisation. Expect quick wit, big laughs and unpredictable moments as performers tackle audience suggestions and off-the-cuff challenges. The show builds to the iconic Scenes We’d Like to See finale, where comedians fire out punchlines in a rapid one-liner showdown inspired by a classic TV format. With a rotating line-up of talented acts, no two nights are ever the same. Smart, silly and brilliantly unfiltered, this is a high-energy comedy showcase that keeps the laughs coming from start to finish.
BOOK NOW
