EDINBURGH FRINGE 2016
United Agents has some fantastic talent up at the Fringe Festival this year, which takes place from the 5th to the 29th August. Here is a list of all our shows.
ADAM LARTER’S RETURN ON INVESTMENT
12:50 (1 hr)
Heroes @ The Hive
Aug 6-14 & 16-28
It's 1987 and Glenn Fiscal is riding high in the corporate stationery world. He’s learned business the hard way, studying after hours while flipping burgers down the cobblers. The company is guided by his vision and his mission statement but he knows he can’t take all the credit. Meryl is the heart of the company (and the money) so he respects her decisions greatly. A surreal comedy play starring Adam Larter, Marny Godden, Joz Norris and Lucy Pearman. 'Stubbornly divorced from any conventional idea of success' (Fest).
Tim Crouch (Writer/Director)
17:15 (1hr 30 min)
Summerhall
Aug 3, 5-7, 9-14, 16-21 & 23-27
‘Hilarious, harrowing and maddening’ **** (Time Out). In preparation for the film role of a lifetime, an actor goes to extreme lengths to dig up the truth. Her subject is celebrated artist Janet Adler, who rejected the art world in favour of a private life. A re-staging of Tim Crouch’s notorious Royal Court play, it's the story of a raid – on a house, a life and a legacy. From the real to unreal, fake to true and theatre to film, the play marries a fascination with form to a compelling story of misappropriation and death.
Katie Bonna
16:40 (1 hr)
Roundabout @ Summerhall
Aug 5-8, 10-15, 17-22 & 24-28
Would the world be a better place if we were all honest? Fringe First winner Katie Bonna (Dirty Great Love Story) is giving a TED talk on the science of lying. Well, that’s not quite true. TED haven't actually asked her to do one – yet. From duping her sister into drinking wee to repeated infidelities, Katie unpicks her history to confront humanity’s obsession with fibs. Previous: ‘Restores your faith in human nature and the Fringe’ **** (Telegraph). ‘Laughs are frequent, unsignalled… brilliant’ **** (Times). ‘Bonna puts in a simply dazzling performance’ (Stage).
Henry Naylor (Writer & Director)
16:30 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon Teviot
Aug 3-16 & 18-29
Kobane, 2014: there’s a siege as fierce as Stalingrad. ISIS, having steam-rollered through Iraq, expect to take the town easily. But the citizens have found a heroine: a crackshot sniper, with 100 kills to her name. And she appears indestructible. She’s the Angel of Kobane. Fringe First-winning Naylor’s last play, Echoes, transferred off-West End and Off-Broadway, won seven major international Fringe awards and received 26 four and five-star reviews included the Australian, Guardian, Scotsman, Sunday Mail, Sunday Times, and Times. ‘A hugely impressive play’ (Mark Lawson). Best Theatre, Adelaide 2016. Spirit of the Fringe, Edinburgh 2015.
Elliot Griggs (Lighting Design)
15:20 (1 hr)
Underbelly, Cowgate
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
'Imagine seeing all the stuff that you've done played out in your head in glorious technicolour... and then opening your mouth to speak and all that comes out is mixed-up nonsense and spit and dribble.' Tom's dad is dead. Mr Chambers needs a funeral director. Tom is not a funeral director. Conversations become confused. Mr Chambers' mind begins to disintegrate. As their memories intertwine and unravel, Tom connects to his father in ways he had never expected. A gut-wrenchingly funny new play about one man struggling to remember while another tries to un-forget.
BETH VYSE AS OLIVE HANDS IN ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP
15:10 (50 mins)
Heroes @ The Hive
Aug 4-9 & 11-28
Beth Vyse's sassy, leopard print clad alter ego: Olive Hands (Britain's number 2 in the morning!), daytime TV wannabe resurrects her career on a cruise ship. After a terrible stint performing on land she takes to the seas, when she begins to sink. What depths will she go to to save her show? ‘Hands down the funniest thing I've seen at the fringe’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘This show has cult written all over it, a formidable comic actress’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). **** (Skinny). **** (Stage). **** (Three Weeks). Dresscode: Leopard Print.
James Turner (Set & Costume Design)
18:00 (1 hr)
Underbelly, Cowgate
Aug 4-15 & 17-28
‘She just needs to understand that it's not her fault, that she's not to blame, that she's not a slut.' Three women and two men swim in shame. Everyone's exposed. Everyone wants revenge. No one's talking about it. Five candid stories about revenge porn and all its many victims. Blush is a slap in the face and a call to arms. Written by Charlotte Josephine and presented by Snuff Box Theatre – the team behind award-winning Bitch Boxer.
Robert Florence & Iain Connell
Times vary (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon Teviot
Aug 4-14
After selling out the Glasgow Comedy Festival show at the King's Theatre in under an hour, the BBC Scotland sketch show Burnistoun is coming to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! Iain Connell and Robert Florence invite you on a trip to Scotland's favourite city, home of Jolly Boy John, quality polis McGregor and Toshan and internationally renowned voice recognition lifts. Get ready to have your eardrums ruptured as the shoutiest show on TV finally arrives in this 'touristy place' then up eh road!
Henrietta & Jessica Ashworth, Leanne Davis
13:25 (1 hr)
Just the Tonic at The Caves
Aug 4-14, 16-22 & 24-28
The Dudes have a mission: to make you laugh. Hard. And they will stop at nothing. Winners of the Best Newcomer Award at Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival 2016, these four award-winning comics present a joyful hour of sketches that are surreal, topical and exuberantly silly. Expect dancing and false moustaches. Call of Dudey is written and performed by the Dudes and directed by Henrietta Ashworth. ‘Extremely funny comedians ricocheting off each other like they're in a pinball machine’ (LondonCityNights.com). ‘Monty Python meets Amy Schumer by way of French and Saunders’ (Charlotte Davey, Harper’s Bazaar).
Jamie Demetriou, Natasia Demetriou and Ellie White
00:00 (2 hrs)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 23-26
British Comedy Award-winning sketch heroes Seb Cardinal and Dustin Demri-Burns- fresh from their sell out monthly show in Hackney where anything goes - bring their show to Pleasance for four nights only.
Cardinal Burns presents…, produced by Knock2bag, introduces new characters and new material, with a few little treats thrown in. Plus there’s resident acts Jamie Demetriou, and Natasia Demetriou and Ellie White. Plus special guests.
Guy Masterson (Director)
14:50 (1 hr)
Assembly Roxy
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
From Kerala to Camden, an epic, mystical tale of love, loss and soul-food. A cobbler and a cook concoct a delicious transcontinental enchantment as tragedy and chance entwine. As Katie dreams of curries and chapattis; Ajna, of holy souls and reincarnation… A delightful, poetic, magical story that conjoins the spirit of India with the heart of London. 'Clair Whitefield is wonderfully watchable! A solid example of a modern day fairy tale. Audiences will be highly rewarded!’ (ThreeWeeks). Directed by Olivier award winner (for Morecambe) Guy Masterson.
16:00 (30 mins)
Laughing Horse @ The Free Sisters
Aug 4-14 & 17-28
There's an egg here to find other eggs and see if they're OK? 30 minutes of relaxing nonsense. For anyone aged 16-99 that ever had a little crack. By Lucy Pearman (LetLuce, Weirdos, The Bill). 'Delightful Lucy Pearman is a genuine comedy talent, subtle, straight and seemingly completely crackers' (TheGoodReview.com).
16:00 (1 hr)
Underbelly, George Square
Aug 3-15 & 17-28
The Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer nominee and CBBC star, Sam Fletcher, presents his usual heady, mid-afternoon blend of jokes, lo-fi showbiz flair, idiotic theatrics and some genuine (sort of) magic tricks. 'What I come to Edinburgh for... a total pro' **** (Times). 'An uplifting hotch-potch packed with content... put simply no other show has made me smile so much this year' **** (Independent). 'Sam Fletcher mixes gags, drawings, tricks and games. A true indie comic' **** (Time Out). @mongooseking
17:45 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-14 & 16-28
After 'threatening to be the hottest gang in town' (List), Edinburgh Best Newcomer nominees, Daphne (Phil Wang, Jason Forbes and George Fouracres) threaten Edinburgh again with new sketches, more dramatic pauses and louder sound effects. As heard on BBC Radio 4’s Daphne Sounds Expensive. Winners of Best New Act at London SketchFest 2015. 33 stars for Daphne: **** (Guardian). **** (Telegraph). **** (Independent). **** (List). ***** (Londonist.com). **** (Skinny). **** (Scotsman). **** (Chortle.co.uk).
Al Smith (Playwright)
16:00 (1 hr)
Institut francais d’Ecosse
Aug 5-14, 16-21 & 23-28
Without a doubt Nikolaï Gogol's greatest piece of work. Ours is a very peculiar hero: this low ranking civil servant in the Tsarist bureaucracy reveals his stupefying fate through his Memoirs, which grow stranger with every line. We find out that he speaks dog fluently, can prevent stellar collisions and is destined for the Spanish throne! This incisive dark comedy 'is performed by a young actor with promising debuts' (Radio France). For the first time in Edinburgh following its success in France (Avignon Festival, Guichet Montparnasse Theatre). ‘Amazing, disturbing and moving' (TouteLaCulture.com).
Elliot Griggs (Lighting Design)
15:00 (1 hr 15 mins)
Pleasance Dome
Aug 3-14, 16-25 & 27-29
Evil is rising. Grab a mop. Multi award-winning comedy captains Kill the Beast present a new twisted tale inspired by 80s sci-fi, 90s gaming and cracking superhero theme tunes. From the brains behind The Boy Who Kicked Pigs and He Had Hairy Hands, Don't Wake The Damp is a non-stop, neon rollercoaster of shocks, shadows and shameless wigs. Original music, astounding projection and trademark dreadful faces – dare you find out what's waiting in the dark? 'A scorchingly talented young company' (Time Out). 'Incredibly, unbelievably funny' (List). 'A deliciously macabre affair' (Stage).
Phillip McMahon (Director)
13:00 (65 mins)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-9, 11-14, 16-21 & 23-28
“Exceptional acting squared with exceptional writing […] unmissable.” ★★★★★ (The Sunday Times). Join Jason, a wannabe DJ on a chemically enhanced trip through the streets of Dublin as he stumbles from one misguided misadventure to another. Somewhere between the DJs, decks, drug busts and hilltop raves, he stumbles across a familiar face from the past, his brother Daniel. Daniel is an educated, homeless addict, living on the streets of Dublin. The brothers haven’t seen or spoken to each other in three years but over a lost weekend they reconnect and reminisce over tunes, trips, their history and their city. Two brothers living on the edge, perhaps they have more in common than they think, but how long can this buzz last?
Hamish Rush, Brad Birch (Playwright)
17:00 (1 hr 20 mins)
Pleasance Dome
Aug 3-14, 16-21 & 23-28
Brad Birch takes Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People into the centre of a very modern scandal. How does Tom Stockmann keep both people and press on side when he makes a discovery about the town’s prestigious new Spa? Squint are back, following 2015’s award-winning Molly – ‘sexy as Hell’ (Time Out), ‘you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve exited the theatre’ (Edinburgh Evening News) – now in association with Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, whose acclaimed commissions have produced 15 new plays including Alastair McDowell’s Pomona, Gary Owen’s Ring and Growth by Luke.
18:00 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-28
Hello! I'm the English Comedian of the Year and this is my debut show. In Australia it sold out – I know that sounds like bragging, but I don't know another way to explain that people liked it. I've also appeared on BBC, ITV, E4 and supported Joe Lycett on tour. Still bragging. I just really like doing comedy and if you come and see me, I reckon you'll like it too. Best Show (nominee), Fringe World Australia. 'Powerfully entertaining. Unstoppable force' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Hilarious rubber faced bright young talent' (Stage). 'His baby-faced rudeness is delightfully wrong' (Journal).
18:00 (1 hr)
The Stand Up Comedy Club 2
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
Bethany Black is an idiot. She had two years where her life exploded; she got dumped by her fiancée and then things really went downhill; death, illness and a fractured leg followed. Broken and on the verge of giving up, something extraordinary happened. She got cast in a starring role in Russell T Davies' TV series Cucumber Banana Tofu, becoming the first trans person to star as a transgender character in the UK, and first on US broadcast television. Suddenly she’s making history, entirely by accident. But what happens when this happens and you’re an idiot?
THE FREE ASSOCIATION PRESENTS …
Michael Orton-Toliver (Director/Performer)
12:45 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon at the Counting House
Aug 3-28
Three brilliant, original and hilarious improv acts: DVD Box Set – your new favourite TV show, entirely improvised by a cast of FA players, inspired by an audience suggestion. The Wunderkammer – hit improv comedy from DNAYS, inspired by TED-style talks from daily expert guest enthusiasts, academics and comedians. ZooTube – London improv heroes The Petting Zoo journey to the weird and wonderful world of YouTube to inspire this hour of improvised scenes and sketches. The FA: 'A superb master class in the art of improv' ***** (LondonTheatre.co.uk). One show daily, checkwww.gildedballoon.co.uk for details.
THE FREE ASSOCIATION : JACUZZI
23:00 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-21
The Free Association is London's leading improv powerhouse, and we're thrilled to bring you our headline show: JACUZZI. Join us for the hottest improv show on the Fringe, where every night a different special guest from the world of comedy and beyond joins an all-star team of improvisers for an hour of spontaneous hilarity. Featuring members of improv and comedy institutions such as Austentatious, UCB Theatre, Improv Olympic, Massive Dad, Max and Ivan and many more. Come on in, the water's fine. ‘A superb master class in the art of improv’ ***** (LondonTheatre.co.uk).
Ellan Parry (Set & Costume Designer)
15:40 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-14 & 16-29
Tommy, 22, lives with three generations of his family. They've learnt to ignore the strange things his nan says over dinner and the bizarre rumblings coming from the attic. Horribly honest clowns and questionable cabaret acts ignite the stage with Human Zoo's trademark live music, puppetry, poetry and movement. Giant is an explosive, absurd and visceral coming of age adventure... could Tommy's nan know more than meets the eye? Supported by Arts Council England.
21:25 (1hr)
Just the Tonic at The Caves
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
Multi award-winning idiot Harriet Kemsley keeps making mistakes and she might be about to make the biggest one of her life... She's performed stand-up on The One Show and the Radio One Comedy Lounge, and been tour support for Katherine Ryan and Isy Suttie. 'A very funny new stand up' (Time Out). 'It's not an exaggeration to say Harriet's one of our favourite comedians in the world right now' (LaughOutLondonComedyClub.com). 'Bursting with hilarious moments' (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine).
20:50 (50 mins)
Heroes @ The Hive
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
The multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated star Spencer Jones brings his comedy alter ego and total idiot, The Herbert, to Edinburgh with the brand new show, Eggy Bagel. A mash-up of visual comedy, strange music, props and characters. A story about wheelbarrows, dads, evil water and eating too much chocolate. Comedian voted Barry Award winner for Best Performer and Best Show in Edinburgh 2015. Hello Mum. ***** (Times). ****½ (Chortle.co.uk). **** (Evening Standard). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (Scotsman). ***** (TVBomb.co.uk). pay-what-you-want.info
17:20 (1 hr)
Underbelly, Cowgate
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
Nominee: Chortle Award 2016 – Breakthrough Act. Nominee: Chortle Award 2016 – Music and Variety Award. Fresh from a sell-out London run, BAFTA-nominated star, Spencer Jones, returns for another joyful burst of his Edinburgh Fringe hit of 2015. A show about failing, failure, how to fail and why you sometimes have to fail to win. 'Spencer Jones has built one of the silliest, most consuming shows of the Fringe' ***** (Times). 'A joyous hour of props-based lunacy... Utterly delightful' **** (Time Out).
Times vary (1 hr 10 mins)
Traverse Theatre
Aug 8-14
The Queen of Ireland Panti invites you into her gender-discombobulating, stiletto shaped world, exposing stories behind the make-up – from performance giant to accidental activist – to reveal the national f*cking treasure she is today. In 2014, Panti landed herself in a legal shitstorm, dubbed Pantigate. Her speech about homophobia went viral, was broadcast worldwide, remixed by Pet Shop Boys, caused a parliamentary meltdown and fed into Ireland’s marriage equality referendum success. Hilarious and poignant, Panti traces her journey from small-town boy kicking against traditions to towering plastique woman in false lashes making history.
14:10 (50 mins)
August 4-6, 9-28
Heroes @ The Hive
Aug 4-6 & 9-28
Cups are important. More important to Eric Meat than they are to most people. But then Eric isn't most people, he's just one person. Come and listen to him pour out his heart. It's full to bursting with love, joy, gratitude and chips and he'd love to share everything with you. 'Joyously bonkers… the perfect level of exaggerated oddness, without tipping into the self-indulgent' **** (Chortle.co.uk). 'A twinkle-eyed comedy natural' ***** (ShortCom.co.uk).
George Dennis (Sound Design)
Times vary (1 hr 20mins)
Traverse Theatre
Aug 4-7, 9-14, 16-21 & 23-28
The new exciting theatre experience from the creator of Bullet Catch and Quiz Show. 2016 marks Rob and Lucy's 15th anniversary. What better way to celebrate than to create a show about love? For research, Rob underwent an MRI scan. His ventromedial prefrontal cortex surged when looking at a picture of his wife. But it also surged when looking at other pictures. Part TED Talk, part theatrical experiment, In Fidelity combines evolutionary theory and a live onstage date. Whether you're single or not, this is a play for those looking to find and celebrate love.
KANSAS SMITTY’S THE WORLD’S GREATEST IMAGINARY BAR
22:00 (5 hrs)
The Biscuit Factory
Aug 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 & 25-27
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at this year's Fringe, Kansas Smitty's will throw the kind of party they've become famous for: the jazz rave. Since it's opening over a year ago in London, Smitty's has been turning jazz's exclusive and snobby reputation on its head. The bar is bringing its acclaimed range of no-nonsense cocktails and programming to the Fringe with these feel-good, joyous parties featuring secret live shows and DJ sets capping off their week.
LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS
Written by Sam Steiner
12.10pm (1 hr) 5th-28th August
Roundabout @ Summerhall (Venue 26)
Aug 5-8, 10-15, 17-22 & 24-28
Walrus’ award-winning show returns to Edinburgh in Paines Plough’s Roundabout.
‘Let’s just talk until it goes.’ The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime. But what if there were a limit? Oliver and Bernadette are about to find out. This two-person show imagines a world where we’re forced to say less. It’s about what we say and how we say it; about the things we can only hear in the silence; about dead cats, activism, eye contact and lemons, lemons, lemons, lemons, lemons. “About as promising as debuts get.” (Time Out).
20:30 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-28
Well, what a year it's been for this comedian, choir boy and aspiring goalkeeper. He's travelled the world in the name of football and talked strategy with the greatest player on the planet. He's also fallen for a six-foot blonde (not Peter Schmeichel) and has turned vegetarian. Jokes, singing, less flirting! (Probably). Star of FIFA: Quest for the Best (Sky Sports 1), seen on Soccer AM (Sky 1), Sweat The Small Stuff (BBC Three), Rugby's Funniest Moments (Sky 1). 'Expect to hear more from Griffith' (Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard). 'A lovely beardy face' (Sunday Times).
17:40 (1 hr)
Assembly Roxy
Aug 3-14 & 16-28
On a hovercraft, no one can hear you bark... Fringe legend and Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson's uproarious tales of woe, a dog and transcontinental wedlock. The dog came with a package... it could not be abandoned in Paris, and the next eight years tested everything: marriage, career and sanity. A tormented, often hysterical life of poo, piss and pooches. ‘Masterson is utterly unmissable!’ (Times). ‘When Guy Masterson takes you on a journey, strap yourself in as it's a full-throttle ride!’ (Adelaide Advertiser). Winner: Stage Award Best Actor 2001 (Nominated 1998, 2003, 2011).
12:30 (1 hr 30 mins)
Just the Tonic at The Tron
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
Lunchtime stand-up to warm up your chuckle muscles. Join five of the most exciting new acts and rising stars at The Tron; you saw them here first! Daily specials announced each day on the venue boards. Previous acts include Amused Moose Winner Pierre Novellie, BBC New Comedy Award Finalist Tom Ward, Leicester Square New Act Winner Joshua Ross and Chortle Student Comedy Award Winner Kwame Asante.
21:30 (1 hr)
Voodoo Rooms
Aug 6-28
In 2003 Kieran Hodgson heard the music of Gustav Mahler and decided to write a symphony. 13 years later Kieran returns to the Fringe with a violin and a story about falling in love and attempting something far beyond your abilities. A brand new show from character comedian and 2015 Fosters Comedy Award Nominee. As seen on BBC One's We're Doomed!: The Dad's Army Story and Upstart Crow. Guardian’s No.1 Comedy show of 2015. ***** (Guardian). **** (Telegraph, Sunday Times, Scotsman, Time Out).
23:30 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 24-28
Critically acclaimed sketch groups Massive Dad ('performed with flair' **** Guardian), Lazy Susan (Fosters Best Newcomer nominees) and Birthday Girls ('excellently executed' **** BroadwayBaby.com) are joining forces for one week only. Expect sketches, mash-ups and mash-up sketches from eight of the most exciting humans doing comedy right now. Between them, they've received over 250 review stars (count them), appeared on everything from Channel 4 to Comedy Central, and are excellent, kind, tender people. Unmissable, unless you can't make it. 'An idea of what comedy's future might look like' (Independent).
21:45 (1 hr)
Banshee Labyrinth
Aug 6-28
The underground comedian returns, following in the footsteps of the ‘undisputed buzz comedy of last year’ **** (Guardian), Waiting for Gaddot, which received rave reviews, sell-out crowds and an Amused Moose Best Show 2015 Comedy Award. ‘The end of comedy as we know it’ ***** (Mirror). ‘A bold, hilarious, hard-hitting hour’ ****1/2 (Chortle.co.uk). ‘The wildest ride I have been on at the Fringe’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘An adrenaline rush of misadventure’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Simply remarkable’ **** (Independent).
19:00 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-28
Following his critically acclaimed portrayal of Dracula, Nick Mohammed's alter ego Mr Swallow is back with a magical, musical biopic of Houdini that he's definitely rehearsed this time. Definitely! **** (Guardian). **** (Times). **** (Independent). **** (Telegraph). **** (Scotsman). **** (Metro). **** (Evening Standard). **** (Chortle.co.uk). **** (List). **** (EdFestMag.com). Star of Ridley Scott's The Martian, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and upcoming feature Bridget Jones's Baby. 'Hilariously uninhibited and brilliantly executed... Mr Swallow is a character as enduring as he is comically irritating, as the ceaselessly creative Mohammed has proved over the years' (Chortle.co.uk).
Elliot Griggs (Lighting Design)
Times vary (1 hr 30 mins)
Traverse Theatre
Aug 4-7, 9-14, 16-21 & 23-28
Written and directed by Matthew Wilkinson. A thrilling modern tragedy about a Russian architect driven to revenge after losing his family in a plane crash. Cal MacAninch and Thusitha Jayasundera give electrifying performances in this searing new play about the human impulse to strike back. Inspired by real events. Nominated for three Off West End Theatre Awards.
13:45 (1 hr)
Assembly George Square Theatre
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
Set in a world where 'Britishness' is state defined, three women decide to resist definition altogether. And form a punk band. An anarchic new comedy by Afsaneh Gray (2014 Royal Court studio group), presented by Paper Tiger Productions and Fine Mess Theatre (2015 Les Enfants Terribles Edinburgh Award for Divas winner). 'Subtle and very funny' **** (Stage). 'Ingeniously twisting narrative' **** (Fest). 'A gripping story: go see it for goodness' sake' **** (BritishTheatreGuide.info).
18:15 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon Teviot
Aug 3-16, 18-23 & 25-29
This is the story of the end of the world. Not this world, another world. 'Side-splittingly funny' (BroadwayBaby.com), surreal storytellers zazU return with their most epic show yet. Set in their strange new land of alternate laws and eccentric inhabitants, this show brings together new characters and old favourites to face the greatest threat zazU has ever encountered. With the residents of zazU's lives being literally turned upside down, who will find enough raisins to stay alive? 'Surreal... silly fun' **** (ThreeWeeks). 'From the sublime to the ridiculous... stylish and bizarre throughout' **** (EdFringeReview.com).
REET PETITE – A WORK IN PROGRESS
19:15 (45 mins)
Gilded Balloon at the Counting House
Aug 3-14 & 16-29
One of the brightest young talents on the Northern comedy scene who is beginning to make her presence known across the country. Finishing runner-up in 2014's Funny Women competition, she went on to be the only female finalist in 2015's Chortle Student Comedy Awards. Fresh from performing at Latitude Festival and supporting Katherine Ryan on tour, this baby faced comic is one to watch out for. 'Sharp writing' (Guardian). ‘A solid act' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Definitely one to watch' (Funny Women). 'You. Are. So. Funny' (Katherine Ryan). 'Rising star' (Narc Magazine).
REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN.
Beth Park, Alice Birch (playwright), Madeleine Girling (Set & Costume Design)
Various times (1hr 10mins)
Traverse Theatre
Aug 16-21 & 23-28
You are expected to behave. Use the right words. Act appropriately. Don’t break the rules. Just behave. This play is not well behaved. Alice Birch examines the language, behaviour and forces that shape women in the 21st century, and asks what’s stopping us from doing something truly radical to change them.
ROB CARTER IS CHRISTOPHER BLISS
23:40 (1 hr)
Just the Tonic at The Tron
Aug 4-14 & 16-27
Christopher is a novelist; a passionate, committed and self-confident novelist. The only problem is he doesn’t quite know what a novel is. Award-winning comedian Rob Carter brings his new character to the Fringe. A loveable idiot with a smile on his face, Christopher is blissfully unaware of his narrative dead ends, misquoted phrases and inconveniently-placed plot twists. Rob has appeared in Channel 4’s Peep Show and Fresh Meat and BBC Three’s Siblings. 'A ludicrously diverse performer, Rob Carter is unquestionably worth your time' ***** (ThreeWeeks). 'Rob Carter's alter ego, Christopher. Inspired' (Latest7).
Stacey Gregg (Playwright)
18:05 (1 hr)
Roundabout @ Summerhall
Aug 5-8, 10-15, 17-22 & 24-28
For those who don’t feel like they’re in the right life the web is a place to be yourself. ‘Happiness. Aching, constant, consuming – on there it’s more real than real life. I’m honest on there. I’m being honest. That’s important.’ Out in the real world though, things can be very different. A story of first love through the eyes of a gender-curious teen, Scorch examines how the human story often gets lost amidst the headlines. ‘The real life issue takes on heightened dramatic resonance, fractured and splintered by Gregg’s syncopated prose style’ **** (Irish Times).
Gareth Armstrong (Writer/Director), Guy Masterson
13:15 (1hr 15 mins)
Assembly Rooms
Aug 4-14 & 16-28
One of the most globally successful shows of the last two decades, Gareth Armstrong’s Shylock explores the tragic, tempestuous, often unbelievable life of fiction’s most famous Jew. Villain? Victim? Or is Shylock someone even more intriguing? Guy Masterson’s award-nominated, gloriously comedic yet moving performance, gets to the core of Shylock’s issues, rekindling his extraordinarily divisive role in The Merchant of Venice. Shylock confronts and confounds the stereotypes. For students, Shakespeare aficionados or lovers of theatre in general, Shylock brings Shakespeare to life, history to the forefront and magic to the stage. ‘An exceptional piece of theatre’ (Independent).
20:30 (1 hr)
Assembly George Square Theatre
Aug 18-28
The multi award-winning, true Fringe institution and one of the planet's funniest social and political commentators (slightly) returns. As seen on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and many more. As heard on his own BBC Radio 4 show Late Agenda and voice of Ex On the Beach. Back for only a limited season, get your tickets quick for truly of the of the masters of stand-up who’s never shy to let you know his big ideas. ‘One of the funniest men in Britain’ ***** (Telegraph).
13:30 (45 mins)
Sabor
Aug 6-9, 11-16, 18-23 & 25-27
Join Cassie Atkinson, 'Future national treasure' **** (ToDoList.org.uk), as we run through the rainbow of her mind. 45 minutes of fun and quirky character comedy mayhem. Face on ITV and E4. Words on BBC Radio 4. 'Most vivacious presence on stage' (Financial Times).
17:00 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-15 & 17-29
Ever heard the one about the birth at a funeral? Or the one with the monkey? How about the one with the end of the world? Three men are in a pedalo. They're going to save humanity. After acclaimed Fringe hits Fade, Inheritance Blues and The Sunset Five, DugOut Theatre return to examine how lies become stories and stories become legend.
Liam Williams (playwright)
17:30 (1 hr)
Assembly George Square Studios
Aug 3-14 & 16-28
The debut play by double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Liam Williams. This is a play about gender, the ethical dimensions of modern love, and a mandatory sillier third theme to make the whole thing seem less serious, in this case lemon tart. Praise for Liam Williams: ‘Voice of a generation’ (Independent). ‘An extraordinary cri de coeur’ ***** (Guardian).
19:45 (1 hr)
Gilded Balloon Teviot
Aug 3-29
After a successful run of sold out shows at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Darren Connell, star of BBC’s Scot Squad, makes his much anticipated Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut with Trolleywood. Dark rubber-faced tales about heartache, weight struggles and knuckledusters; a show that is not be missed.
21:30 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 5-14
Why? Because of austerity, Donald Trump, cheese strings, George Osborne, being single, Isis, The Daily Mail, tax avoiders and the inexplicable popularity of nail bars. That's why. Come to this show – last time there was a fire and almost no one died! Award-winning comedian returns to the Fringe with his critically acclaimed show. ‘If you haven’t seen him live, then you haven’t seen him at his very best’ ***** (Mirror).
16:05 (1 hr)
The Stand Comedy Club 5 & 6
Aug 4-13
Star of Live at the Apollo, QI and The Jonathan Ross Show, the razor sharp and hilariously funny Canadian returns to the festival. Direct from a complete sell-out national tour throughout the UK and Australia, Katherine premieres her brand new work in progress show. Put this at the top of your must-see list for this year’s Fringe. ‘Young, smart and acridly funny’ (Sunday Times). ‘Thoughtful, funny and just twisted enough’ (Times). ‘Warped wit... striking presence... killer lines... calm confidence’ (Scotsman). **** (Fest). **** (Independent). **** (Chortle.co.uk).
16:30 (1 hr)
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 3-29
Deliciously twisted, award-winning sketch troupe This Glorious Monster make their highly anticipated Edinburgh debut with their new show: Wrong ‘Uns. From a depraved driving instructor to the world’s most sadistic HR ladies, Wrong ‘Uns is a universe inhabited by the gloriously monstrous characters that surround us every day. Stars of Doctor Who, Galavant and David Brent: Life on the Road. As seen on BBC One, BBC Three, Channel 4 and ABC. ‘The next League of Gentlemen’ (Jimmy Mulville). ‘Excellent’ (Independent). ‘This Glorious Monster, one of the funniest comedy groups on YouTube’ (Comedy.co.uk).