As the Edinburgh Fringe is well underway, it is easy to start wondering where did the summer go and look forward to pumpkin spice latte season. However, there’s still plenty of time to plan ahead, so we thought we’d put together some shows worth watching. This year, The Fringe is as busy as ever, with over 3,000 shows to choose from. And being bombarded with flyers on the street can make it even more confusing. Not to worry though, we’ve got you covered: we put together a list of several Fringe shows that shouldn’t be missed.
1. Grace Campbell Is On Heat
Credit: Norwich Theatre
7:40pm at The Gilded Balloon At The Museum – Auditorium (August 2 – 11)
Following her sell-out Fringe performances in both 2022 and 2023, Grace Campbell brings a brand new stand-up show about her life, dog, mental health and relationships with men this Fringe. A highly hilarious, fiery performance for both men and women that addresses her complex nature, sex, navigating adulthood, obsession with relationships, and the reasons behind the issues Grace has been experiencing throughout her life (plus, her new doggy). This relatable and provocative act of unfiltered realism will make you chuckle most of the time: she is authentic, fiery and straightforward; all qualities that make for a memorable show.
2. Harriet Kemsley: Everything Always Works Out For Me Comedy
Credit: Harriet Kemsley
6:10pm at Monkey Barrell – Monkey Barrel 1 (July 31 – August 12)
During previous years, Harriet Kemsley brought her light-hearted take on the beauty industry and self-love and her life as a mother. Harriet Kemsley tackled not only the unrealistic expectations of society towards women and their looks but also being a first-time mum to a daughter while jokingly addressing her marriage and beauty solutions. This year, Harriet is only coming back to us for three days with one show a day, so we can’t wait to find out what ‘Everything Always Works Out For Me’ looks like!
3. Mark Watson: Work-In-Progress Is Not a Cop-Out, It Demonstrates Respect For The Paying Audience
Comedy (stand-up)
Credit: Mark Watson
2:50pm at The Stand Comedy Club – Stand 2
We went to see Mark Watson’s show last year: it was the beginning of the show, and the mic stopped working: the fact that everyone was already almost crying with laughter is a great testament to Mark and his 23 years of experience as a comedian. Mark is a bit of a legend at The Fringe and has so many jokes up his sleeve you will leave with a sore belly. The description on the Fringe website is utterly mysterious regarding this year’s show: “Two years is how long it takes me to write a proper show. This summer, we try ideas out in a small room. Each performance will be a bit different. But that isn’t necessarily a recommendation.”
4. Magical Bones: Bonefide Magic
Credit: Magical Bones
4:55pm at Underbelly, Bristo Square – Ermintrude (August 1 – 11)
And for the magic lovers, Magical Bones is a show of breakdancing, a celebration of street culture and real magic. The act brings back the childlike wonder, making us believe in the impossible again. It is a show full of life, jaw-dropping tricks and radiant charisma. When asked about his show, Bones says: “Magic can inspire, and a lot is about trust. I’ve always used magic to share my experiences of street culture & lifestyle and all the heroes that have inspired me – this show is no exception. I have poured my heart and soul into these new effects pushing myself to the realms of impossibility, and I believe this is my most ambitious project to date.” You can tell how much work has gone into making the performance, and magic has been brought to life in Edinburgh this August.
5. Drag Queen Wine Tasting
Credit: Drag Queen Wine Tasting
Various times at the Ministry of Camp – Monboddo
Drag queens, cabaret and wine tasting? The perfect combo is coming back to The Fringe this year Their 2022 Fringe debut poured 3,000 glasses of wine for over 1,000 audience members at the MONO restaurant. The show sees a charismatic duo guide wine lovers through three delicious wines, and mouth-watering food pairings, all topped off with a dash of audience engagement and a side serving of singalong. Vino aficionado, Beth Brickenden from The Three Drinkers, Amazon Prime TV promises: “This year will be bigger, bolder & right in the thick of the action; we’ll have new wines, a new venue, fresh pairings, exciting competition prizes and brand-new tunes, but the same old trollops hosting! Expect buckets of laughs, special guests & more raucous tasting notes.”
6. Shane Danie Byrne: But He’s Gay
Credit: Shane Daniel Byrne
6:10pm at Underbelly – The Dairy Room
Shane Daniel Byrne is bringing some feel-good Irish comedy to Edinburgh this year, so expect to hear plenty of Irish accents in the queue for the show. Shane is bringing his second show to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, as well as having won second place at ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ in 2019. Shane has sold-out his shows last year, being renowned for being people’s “favourite Irish comedian”.
7. Michelle Brasier: Legacy
7pm at Gilded Balloon Patterhouse – Doonstairs
Last year, Michelle Brasier had a sell-out Fringe run and told her story of getting scammed during the pandemic after being sold a pilates reformer for a suspiciously cheap price. It was a musical about staying kind and seeing the best in people, coaching a scammer through a guided meditation when they’re having a panic attack for not paying you back and how to make a show about the bad things that happen to you. This year, she is examining the different life choices she could of made and all the women she could of been. The songs are hilarious, the vocals are outstanding and the trio seem like all-round decent people. You’re in for a treat!
8. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Credit: Love You Musical
3:40pm at thespace @ Surgeon’s Hall – Grand Theatre
If you’re a fan of musicals, then this one is for you – ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ is a tale of modern love, from the very beginning stages until the very end of life itself. With simple yet effective staging and heartwarming vocals, the show leaves spectators shedding a light on modern dating, and even contemplating on their own relationships. A delightful 80 minutes filled with lighthearted laughter as well as wholesome scenes.
9. Will Shea, Won’t Shea?
Credit: Shea Stanley
2:15pm at C Arts / C Venues / C Aurora – studio
A non-pretentious one-woman LGBTQ+ show filled with witty humour, and gotta LOVE witty humour. Shea is bringing her debut show based on “will-they-won’t-they” rom-coms like ‘Harry Met Sally’ with a romantic comedy of her own, embarking on a journey of discovering her sexuality. An absolutely hilarious take with a happy ending, just not the kind you might expect!
So, here’s our wee round-up of noteworthy Fringe shows to see. Whichever you choose, you’re in for an evening of side-splitting comedy and pleasant surprises.