With the Edinburgh Fringe now in full swing, we wanted to highlight ten shows we feel are immediate stand-outs at this year’s festival. So here they are in no particular order.
Don Biswas: The Revolution Will Be Disorganised
Biswas’s unapologetic left-wing political stance is as unwavering as it is sincere, not many comics can come across as genuine, vulnerable but without a hint of arrogance, oh yes, and be really, really funny!
Elvis Died of Burgers
Deep-dive into the events at the end of the life of Elvis, with Blink Dance Theatre’s signature sensory show. Using a non-linear narrative, semi-improvised dance, theatre and spoken word you’ll not have a dance experience as rich as this anywhere else at the Fringe.
What Can Indian Look Like?
A series of two solo shows following Natasha’s and Shaharah’s exploration of their underrepresented Indian identities. Their performances alternate, so you could go on two consecutive days to get the full experience, and we strongly recommend you do.
McClaine Beirne: Wheelie Funny
After performing extensively all over the UK, Bierne brings his best material to the Fringe with his first full-length show. The self-described ‘sit-down’ comedian, is instantly likeable and will leave you with a smile on your face you can’t shake.
Sam Campbell: Bulletproof Ten
Perhaps the most intriguing show at this year’s Fringe. A one-off ten minute set, apparently it will knock your socks off, and we can’t wait to see what Sam does.
Bipolar Badass
Mari Crawford’s one-woman show takes us on the journey of a Bipolar life, from initial diagnosis to the struggles, crashes and apathetic Psychiatrists that lay ahead.
Deaf Action Presents: Red Aphrodite by Amy Murray
The star of The Witcher: Blood Origin returns to the Fringe, with this self-penned one-woman show about lust, periods, dating and sex. She will be expressing, in British sign language, some hilarious, cringe and tragic experiences for her life that she bets could be happening to you too!
Sikisa: Hear Me Out
Sikisa brings her second stand-up hour to the Fringe and this time it’s personal, as she asks: why is it so hard to say the right things? Having appeared on Live at the Apollo, you can be rest assured that you’ll be left in the presence of a very capable talent.
A Fairie Tale
Niall Moorjani reimagines the folk classic Thomas the Rhymer in an evening of strangeness, sexy fairies and swearing. Exploring queerness, Scottish race and gender identities and set to live cello music from Diana Redgrave.
Frank Lavender: Be Funny
The northern funnyman from a bygone age, and often in the shadow of his much loved in-law Myra DuBois, entertains with his very own hour. Gareth Joyner’s grotesque character is a perfect blend of clown, crudeness and inspired originality.
You can find times, dates and ticket links to all these shows in our 2023 guide here.
