The world’s largest arts festival is back, bringing thousands of performers from all over the world together in the heart of Scotland for three weeks of ground-breaking entertainment. If you're new to the Edinburgh festival, or too overwhelmed by choice to know where to start, we've got you covered.
Here are 9 things definitely not to be missed at this year's Fringe (or to Google I you’re sat at home and want a laugh from your sofa):
1. My Beautiful Black Dog, Underbelly
Mental health is all over the programme this year - and this excellent show wants to challenge the stigma in the most beautiful, and wildly brave way. One girl – the incredible Brigette – takes you on a frank and funny journey through her own depression through song and poetry. Imagine the Mighty Boosh crossed with the best episode of Girls. Prepare to cry and laugh several times over. You’ll leave a better person.
The source of our late night TV binge sessions is taking to the stage. Notflix is an entirely improvised show based on, you guessed it, Netflix. Musical theatre, a live band, and original improvised songs will come together in the exiting chaos of this performance. The cast will be looking for audience contributions, so go prepared to get involved.
3. Bryony Kimmings’s Fake It ’Til You Make It, Traverse
This is no conventional love story. Get ready for the most authentic piece about a pair in love performed by - a real life couple. Darkly funny and painfully relatable, follow Bryony Kimmings and partner Tim Grayburn’s as they narrate their relationship, and attempt to navigate his male depression. An intelligent emotional roller-coaster.
This musical performance is inspired by Bach and... Daft Punk. We know, it doesn’t sound like it should work, but listen as the classical music is given a modern spin with a heavy dose of pop. There’s even some rap thrown in for good measure.
5. Alex Edelman, Pleasance Courtyard
The brilliant Alex Edelman returns to the Edinburgh fringe after winning the Foster’s best Newcomer award last year. A must see for all of us who relate to failed attempts at running away from grown-up responsibility in your twenties.
6. Lou Sanders, Laughing Horse, City Café
Lou Sanders is your girl if you like your stand-up a little on the silly side. We absolutely love that she doesn’t take herself anything too seriously, and Lou is a guaranteed laugh for anyone and everyone who watches her perform. Expect to leave with a healthy dose of the giggles and a slight ache in your sides.
7. Nina Conti: In Your Face, The Assembly Rooms
We’re so excited for Nina Conti to perform at the fringe this year, bringing ventriloquism back into the spotlight. Her list of comic achievements is pretty impressive – British Comedy Award winner, Sunday Night at the Palladium and Live at the Apollo performances and a casual Bafta nominated film – the woman is unstoppable. Puppet improvisation at its best, a surefire crowd pleaser.
8. Key Change, Northern Stage, Summerhall
If you’ve watched every episode of Orange is the New Black at least twice, and are in need of some gritty drama about women in prison, this one is for you. Four rolls of masking tape, a ghetto blaster and a few chairs is all that was used to create this eye opening piece of theatre. Devised with women from Her Majesty’s Prison YOI Low Newton, near Newcastle, and was originally toured to male prisons. But now it’s at the Fringe and a welcomed hard-hitting addition to this year’s line up.
9. Massive Dad 2.0, Pleasance Dome
Sketch geniuses Stevie Martin, Tessa Coates and Liz Smith are your go-to comedy trio. Hotly anticipated for consistent laughs, Massive Dad 2.0 brings you all of their best material so far for the most fun you’ll have at a sketch show. Hilarious throughout, you’ll struggle for breath in between jokes - you’re in for a treat.
Get your tickets here: tickets.edfringe.com
