Every year Paul asks for a list of comedy shows worth checking out at this year’s Fringe. This year is no different. I have trawled through 1,637 comedy shows so that you don’t have to, but I’ve left it to you to look up the show details. So, here is my Check It Out list.
Stand Up
Dave Chawner: Dry Humour
Imagine seeing the world without a drink. For many of us, a chilling thought; for Dave, inspiration for clever, insightful and heart-warming comedy.
Nathan Cassidy: From the Ashes and Ewwww!
Nathan is prolific, turning up every year with two new shows. His highly original comedy leads you somewhere you didn’t expect. Go and see at least one of his shows.
Marc Jennings: If & When
Sharply observed, laugh-out-loud funny, and engagingly told.
Acts that have been on my ‘Must See Live’ list for too long
Samantha Day: I’ve started so I’ll finish
Her comedy persona is at odds with the cleverness of her material and the skill of the delivery.
Larry Dean: Hellbent
Manic Glaswegian energy. Top drawer.
Stuart Mitchell:
Not a lot of seats left for a good reason; get in quick.
Legends
Mark Thomas: 40 years in comedy
A lifetime of hard-hitting comedy that makes you want to storm the barricades. A legend for a reason.
Gyles Brandreth: Up Memory Lane!
Ended up seeing a previous Brandreth show after playing Fringe Bingo. In Fringe Bingo, you go to a venue box office and see the next show on. The only rule is that you can’t back out. I was surprised by how much I loved it.
Surreal Comedy
Paul Currie: Remove Your Skin Please
Always one of the most enjoyable acts at the Fringe. Anarchic genius that lifts the spirits.
Lawrence Dodd: This Can’t Be It
Saw the WIP for this at Brighton Fringe. I wanted to see the finished version before writing a review as I felt this could reach the next level. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get to another performance before Edinburgh. There was more than enough in the WIP to make me want to see the finished version.
Michael Brunstrom: William Tell v The Algorithm
Reviewed this at this year’s Brighton Fringe. Clever, moments of genius and makes some important points. Well worth seeing.
Jordan Brookes
As recommended by Dan Antopolski. I reviewed a previous Fringe show of Jordan’s. The only time I’ve been picked on as a reviewer! Madcap, manic and I am not convinced he always knows what’s coming next. Loved it.
Compilation Shows
Shaggers
Hosted by Nik Coppin, this show is about love, relationships and sex…lots of sex. There is a good reason this show has run for so long and keeps reappearing on lists of shows to see. (It’s sex, isn’t it? Ed).
2 Truths 1 Lie
Three comedians tell you a fact about themselves. Two are true, and one is a lie. You, the audience, get to ask them anything. This has turned into one of the most popular compilation shows.
Comedy for the Curious
Robyn Perkins hosts a comedy panel show about some of the biggest questions in science. This year, the subjects are Genetics and Motivation. Who says learning can’t be fun?
International Acts
Chris Kent
Irish comic laced with traditional wit and charm. Hugely in demand for a good reason.
Ray O’Leary: I Can See O’Leary Now The Ray Has Gone
Dry, sardonic and witty. An internet comedy star winning awards and plaudits around the world.
My Name is Spring Day and Other Stupid Facts
American storyteller, packed with jokes.
Henning Nilsen: A Letter to my Parents
Served with extra dry wit.
Homegrown Scottish Acts
Susie McCabe: Coming of Rage
A woman with a story to tell. Billy Connolly said of Susie, ‘I was blown sideways.’ Doubt you’d get a better recommendation than that.
Raymond Mearns is Looking for Trouble
The world seems to be offended by Raymond; well, he’s got something to say about that. May contain swearing…who am I kidding, it does. Proper Scottish swearing, it’s glorious.
Tia Ray: Oot Ma Banger
Tia has become a huge social media hit. Warm, engaging and challenging.
Craig Hill: You’re not even safe up at the back.
Probably should be in the legends category. A bundle of energy, Craig sets out to roast the audience, and they love it. Imagine buying a ticket just to get picked on by the comic! It’s always a riot.
Quick Tips to a successful Fringe
Go and see random stuff; it is a fantastic opportunity to see the unexpected. Play Fringe Bingo.
Check out the Free Fringe; just because it’s free doesn’t mean it isn’t quality.
Ask people: People are delighted to tell you what’s good and bad.
Have fun.
