British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

2018 Edinburgh Fringe

Recommended 2018 shows

Recommended

The BCG team sees hundreds of shows during each Fringe. Here is a list of our favourites from 2018, in alphabetical order. If you're intrigued by a show and are thinking of booking tickets to see it, click through to the listing for more information.

Adam Larter: Boogie Knights. Adam Larter

Adam Larter: Boogie Knights

A big, joyful, silly adventure from the reliably bonkers man behind the Weirdos comedy collective. Particularly recommended for those with a fondness for disco.

Adam Riches Is Coach Coach 2: Coach Harder. Adam Riches

Adam Riches Is Coach Coach 2: Coach Harder

Don't be put off if you didn't see the first instalment of Coach Coach back in 2015, you'll soon catch up. Sit back and let yourself be swept up in the excitement of the volfsball match of the century. Will good triumph over evil, will Eric Coach ever find true happiness, will you ever know what volfsball is? Fabulous fun for comedy and sports lovers alike.

Adam Riches Is The Guy Who.... Adam Riches

Adam Riches Is The Guy Who...

Adam Riches is at his most deliciously slippery in this masterclass in who to avoid when you come out of a long term relationship. You'll laugh and learn in equal measure.

Adam Rowe: Undeniable. Adam Rowe

Adam Rowe: Undeniable

This is a masterful hour on his upbringing, his girlfriend and life in general. It's well-written and well-delivered with lots of big laughs. Adam Rowe is the real deal - see him now before he's playing arenas.

Alex Edelman: Just for Us. Alex Edelman

Alex Edelman: Just for Us

Stephen Fry asked Alex Edelman to assist him with his BAFTA scripts, so he should be good. And he is. From self labelled 'stupid jokes', to a strange tale involving his subversive act of infiltrating the 'hard right', it's a well produced and consistently funny show.

Andrew Lawrence: Clean. Andrew Lawrence

Andrew Lawrence: Clean

Master of dark humour and a political provocateur in recent years, Clean sees stand-up Andrew Lawrence remind audiences of his ability to write and deliver clean, non-partisan humour just as well any other comic. In his inimitable sardonic style, Lawrence pontificates on life with a toddler, partner and crippling mortgage as he approaches middle age.

Any Suggestions, Doctor? An Improvised Adventure in Space and Time

Any Suggestions, Doctor? An Improvised Adventure in Space and Time

Any Suggestions Improv have taken a well-loved family staple and melded it with a talented cast, sharp improv skills and a slick live soundscape to create an enjoyable hour for all ages. More a set of knowing nods than a slavish fan-fuelled odyssey, you don't need to be a Doctor Who fanatic to appreciate this crafted and capable slice of Fringe improv.

Ashley Blaker: Observant Jew. Ashley Blaker

Ashley Blaker: Observant Jew

This is a fascinating debut show from Ashley Blaker on his secular Jewish upbringing, his move to Orthodoxy and how he combines his new life with his job in media. He's a great presenter and there are jokes aplenty.

Athena Kugblenu: Follow The Leader. Athena Kugblenu

Athena Kugblenu: Follow The Leader

Athena Kugblenu looks at leaders in the modern world and considers whether she herself could be one. Likeable, effortless and honest, Kugblenu, who is currently heavily pregnant, pulls a very funny and original show out of the bag.

Beth Vyse As Olive Hands: The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. Beth Vyse

Beth Vyse As Olive Hands: The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

What goes on behind the scenes of your favourite breakfast television programme? Join Olive as she bravely battles with low ratings and missing guests, using everything and everyone she can to save her job.

Bethany Black: Unwinnable. Bethany Black

Bethany Black: Unwinnable

Slick, confident stand-up from a great comedy mind - 15 years in the industry, you're in very safe hands. As she says, if you're at the Edinburgh Fringe and you don't watch a comedy show by a fat autistic transgender lesbian, have you *really* been at the world's biggest arts fest?

Big Shop. Image shows from L to R: John Tothill, Eve Delaney

Big Shop

We all do a Big Shop. Ever wondered what your fellow shoppers are thinking? Go see this duo who draw you into the worlds of their acutely observed characters. Hugely entertaining with great chemistry they're having lots of fun on stage and you will too.

Brennan Reece: Evermore

Brennan Reece: Evermore

Warm, emotional and rip-roaringly funny, this is Brennan Reece's best show yet. One of the greatest storytellers around, he takes the audience on a rollercoaster of a ride that's full of sharp wit and perfectly executed gags, whilst making the whole thing look effortless. It's a show that leaves a lasting effect on your heart.

Brexit

Brexit

Another hilarious satirical play from the people who brought you Coalition, amongst others. Brexit features regular thesp Timothy Bentinck alongside four comedians showing their admirable acting chops - Hal Cruttenden, Pippa Evans, Mike McShane and Jo Caulfield. A new PM tries to negotiate Brexit, and in a particularly revealing scene attempts to get a Eurosceptic and Europhile onside using comparable tactics. More jokes than your average stand-up set.

Briony Redman: Sketch Artist. Briony Redman

Briony Redman: Sketch Artist

Briony Redman can always be relied on for a great Fringe hour. Her clever but fun one-women sketches would be perfect for their own Radio 4 show. Until that happens, enjoy her here.

Catherine Bohart: Immaculate. Catherine Bohart

Catherine Bohart: Immaculate

Catherine Bohart is a name to watch out for. Her debut Fringe show covers the story of her OCD, her bisexuality and her Father becoming a deacon, and how this affected her family's opinion on the Irish Gay Marriage vote. An intriguing, heart warming tale but one that is full of fun stories and witty oneliners. A confident storyteller, Catherine commands the stage with ease. A star in the making!

Chris Washington: You Beauty!. Chris Washington

Chris Washington: You Beauty!

Chris Washington's second show is just as brilliantly funny as his Newcomer nominated debut show. It's the heartwarming tale of how an unexpected star has had a brilliant twelve months and caused a Royal Mail walkout in the process. Full of stories, from handling the Comedy Awards with no management (just four blokes from Wigan), to having doors answered by the unexpected as a postman. Chris's show is a real treat and one to keep an eye out for as he goes from strength to strength on the comedy ladder.

I Spy With My Little Eye Something Beginning With Why Have You Been Sleeping With My Wife: A Play by Christopher Bliss. Rob Carter

I Spy With My Little Eye Something Beginning With Why Have You Been Sleeping With My Wife: A Play by Christopher Bliss

Ruddy hell this is a great show! Join Christopher Bliss, Shropshire's greatest novelist as he puts on his first play. Who will win best villager of the year, who'll win worst villager and have to leave the village for ever? Village life has never been so entertaining.

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Home Sweet Home. Christopher MacArthur-Boyd

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Home Sweet Home

This is an excellent debut hour from a young Scottish comedian. From his knowingly terrible impression of his Australian girlfriend, to his love of wrestling, and life at home with his parents, he keeps the laughs flowing in a brilliantly written show.

Ciarán Dowd: Don Rodolfo. Ciarán Dowd

Ciarán Dowd: Don Rodolfo

Top-notch solo show from this member of acclaimed stretch trio BEASTS. Expect high quality laughs from this swashbuckling tale.

Dan Nightingale: Sex, Drugs and My Nanna's Bungalow. Dan Nightingale

Dan Nightingale: Sex, Drugs and My Nanna's Bungalow

Dan Nightingale explains how he's becoming boring now he's moved out of the city and settled down with his family in a bungalow. This show is definitely not tedious though... an assured stage presence and well-written routines result in many audience members wiping away tears of laughter.

Daniel Cook: Carpet. Daniel Cook

Daniel Cook: Carpet

A brilliant performance by Daniel Cook makes this one of the best stand-up shows in the 2018 Fringe programme. Cook can induce giggles from just a sideways look; but his frenetic, high-energy set is absolutely packed with great jokes too. So good!

Demi Lardner: I Love Skeleton. Demi Lardner

Demi Lardner: I Love Skeleton

Demi Lardner's show is tricky to sell using just written words. 'Australian woman shouts Samantha repeatedly, eats lettuce and reenacts a nana parade to a techno soundtrack.' But audiences and awards panels love her with good reason. This show is packed with surreal, nonsensical moments and very, very funny.

Do You Think That's Wise? - The Life and Times of John Le Mesurier

Do You Think That's Wise? - The Life and Times of John Le Mesurier

You would think that John Le Mesurier was actually stood before you. A detailed, accurate and emotional portrayal of the life of the Dad's Army star. This is an amazing biographical tale worthy of being staged to a larger audience - look out for it on tour.

Ed Gamble: Blizzard. Ed Gamble

Ed Gamble: Blizzard

An energising and delightful hour of comedy from a disarmingly charming comedian. Fun and joy pervade the air during Ed Gamble's refreshingly positive latest Fringe offering. Any worldly worries disappear for an hour and leave everyone on a pleasant high. If you like fun, go see Blizzard.

Gusset Grippers

Gusset Grippers

60 minutes giving women clinical advice on how best to care for their vaginal and pelvic floor health. Yes really. But there's also good jokes, and you'll almost certainly learn something.

Ella Woods: Wing Defence. Ella Woods

Ella Woods: Wing Defence

Why don't more women do sport, and why doesn't women's sport get taken more seriously? A very funny hour on a great topic - there's so much relatable content here, especially for women. A beautifully structured show by the very likeable Ella Woods.

Emma Sidi: Faces of Grace. Emma Sidi

Emma Sidi: Faces of Grace

Another solid hour of hilarity from character comedian Emma Sidi. Five more beautifully constructed characters tells their stories. Sidi is a master of her craft and guaranteed to get any audience laughing.

Eshaan Akbar: Prophet Like It's Hot. Eshaan Akbar

Eshaan Akbar: Prophet Like It's Hot

Lots of super fun, intelligent humour on race, religion and identity can be found in Eshaan Akbar's show at the Gilded Balloon.

Fin Taylor: When Harassy Met Sally. Fin Taylor

Fin Taylor: When Harassy Met Sally

Fin Taylor impressively wins over a huge room with ease while tackling the #MeToo movement. He has a gutsy take on matters and pulls laugh after laugh out of what should be difficult to pass-off material. Taylor is a unique voice in comedy right now, see him while you can still get a ticket.

Flo & Joan: Alive on Stage. Image shows from L to R: Nicola Dempsey, Rosie Dempsey

Flo & Joan: Alive on Stage

Another strong hour from the deadpan musical comedy duo. This time they take on inappropriate tweets, crackers and sex robots. Hilarious, original and very enjoyable.

Foil, Arms and Hog - Craicling. Image shows from L to R: Sean Finegan, Conor McKenna, Sean Flanagan

Foil, Arms and Hog - Craicling

Already an online sensation and quickly becoming a Fringe favourite, these three are even better on stage! Bringing belly laughs to the audience from the start, they have great chemistry, fantastic wit and excellent audience interaction. From singing monks to a gameshow to gain entry to the US, this hour is full of great oneliners, catchy songs, upbeat sketches and a little bit of confetti.

Foxdog Studios: Robot Chef. Image shows from L to R: Lloyd Henning, Peter Sutton

Foxdog Studios: Robot Chef

As the title suggests, Foxdog have created a Robot Chef which the audience finds itself in charge of via an augmented reality world. It's a truly unique experience in terms of the technology and there's some brilliantly understated comedy to boot. All you need is a fully charged phone and an empty stomach.

Garrett Millerick: Sunflower. Garrett Millerick

Garrett Millerick: Sunflower

A great hour of intelligent comedy from Garrett Millerick with 90s pop references, a discussion of context and humour, and a much more personal story of how laughter helped in dark times. He has huge energy, there are big laughs and his story-telling is masterful.

Garry Starr Performs Everything. Damien Warren-Smith

Garry Starr Performs Everything

Idiot actor Garry Starr demonstrates pretty much every form of performance in this hour - from Shakespeare to mime. Damien Warren-Smith undertakes some impressive physically-demanding clowning to get big laughs, roping in willing audience members along the way. You'll have seen everything by the end. Do you know Noh? If no, go.

Gary Tro: Idoit. Gary Tro

Gary Tro: Idoit

This is an entertaining and at times highly-impassioned show. Tro has some especially good arguments surrounding the topic of karaoke. Tro can also be seen performing in MARVELus.

Geoff Norcott: Traditionalism. Geoff Norcott

Geoff Norcott: Traditionalism

Norcott delivers a brilliantly funny, tight hour of gags in [l]Traditionalism[/i], dialling up the working-class angst against establishment politics and the anti-Brexit orthodoxy in comedy. The most (only?) in-touch-with-the-mainstream political comedy show you'll see all year.

Glenn Moore: Glenn Glenn Glenn, How Do You Like It, How Do You Like It. Glenn Moore

Glenn Moore: Glenn Glenn Glenn, How Do You Like It, How Do You Like It

This hour long show is not laugh a minute... it's multiple laughs every minute. Glenn Moore has packed so many well-written jokes into this show it's an absolute joy to spend 60 minutes in his company.

Heidi Regan: Heidi vs Sharks. Heidi Regan

Heidi Regan: Heidi vs Sharks

Describing herself from the off as a 'slow burner', Heidi Regan uses PowerPoint to detail the timeline of films about killer sharks. If you think this can't sustain an hour... think again! There is, of course, more personal material within and, while Heidi admits she can't fix anything in the wider world with an hour of stand-up, she certainly leaves you asking a few questions. Namely, which 'Sharktopus' movie shall I watch first?

Helen Duff: How Deep Is Your Duff?. Helen Duff

Helen Duff: How Deep Is Your Duff?

Soon to pop up in the Will Ferrell and John C Reilly flick Holmes & Watson, Helen Duff takes an entertainingly autobiographical turn in How Deep is Your Duff: it's wordier than before but there are still heaps of ideas and visual hi-jinks from the Gaulier-trained clown.

Henry Paker: Man Alive. Henry Paker

Henry Paker: Man Alive

Henry Paker's show features some lovely ideas and callbacks across his well-structured hour. The highlights though have to be the illustrations he presents on screen, particularly the touching tale he weaves about a man who collects clocks. It's a free show, so get there early to get a seat.

Ian Smith: Craft. Ian Smith

Ian Smith: Craft

Ian Smith keeps the energy upbeat and the laughs flowing throughout his hour. It's a fun, friendly show filled with origami swans, haikus and glow-worms, all 'crafted' together with top notch audience banter.

James Meehan - Gaz. James Meehan

James Meehan - Gaz

A passionate, heartfelt and very funny hour of stand-up from working-class comic James Meehan. A voice that needs to be heard.

Jayde Adams: The Divine Ms Jayde. Jayde Adams

Jayde Adams: The Divine Ms Jayde

The Divine Ms Jayde is a truly spectacular show. In stunning sequined diva attire, Jayde Adams performs jokes with an air of drama, and belts out songs in her powerful operatic voice.

Jen Brister - Meaningless. Jen Brister

Jen Brister - Meaningless

A powerful stand-up show focusing, in-part, on feminist issues. Jen Brister's expertly delivered routines strike the right balance between making important points and generating big laughs.

John Hegley: New and Selected. John Hegley

John Hegley: New and Selected

The long-serving Lutonian poet and low-key rock 'n' roller is on cracking form, strutting around Assembly Studio Two and making reading out of books seem super-cool.

John-Luke Roberts: All I Wanna Do Is [FX: GUNSHOTS] With a [FX: GUN RELOADING] and a [FX: CASH REGISTER] and Perform Some Comedy!. John-Luke Roberts

John-Luke Roberts: All I Wanna Do Is [FX: GUNSHOTS] With a [FX: GUN RELOADING] and a [FX: CASH REGISTER] and Perform Some Comedy!

The preposterous title says it all. Introducing this as his 'manifesto for absurdity', John-Luke Roberts is relentless in the performance of his farcical characters and rich skits. The show is absolutely packed with gags and huge laughs rightly abound.

Jon Harvey: TreasuRETROve. Jon Harvey

Jon Harvey: TreasuRETROve

Jon Harvey has spent his life finding hidden gems in the world of low-budget films, archaic computer games and lesser-known comic book heroes, which he generously shares in this show. They're the impetus behind another story in his life (the audience are asked not to spoil the big reveal) and the second part of the show details his mind-blowing adventure. We can't say anything more - you'll have to unearth this gem on your own.

Jordan Brookes: Bleed. Jordan Brookes

Jordan Brookes: Bleed

Jordan Brookes is a master manipulator. He lures the audience into his mental horrorscape with well-structured exponential ramping-up of unease. As it peaks, he forces his audience to become lost in the echoes of his troubling mind. This darkly innovative show takes risks that absolutely pay off with solidly unsettling laughs throughout.

Jordan Gray: People Change. Jordan Gray

Jordan Gray: People Change

Upbeat, mad and energetic, Jordan Gray delivers a great hour of stand-up, storytelling and musical comedy. In her debut hour, she discusses trans issues, religion and embarrassing stories from her musical career. Unlike any other show on the Fringe.

Beetlemania: Kafka for Kids!

Beetlemania: Kafka for Kids!

Kafka's angst-ridden stories might not seem the obvious choice for a family-friendly show, but this is a great hour for children and adults alike. The group's own adventures intertwine with re-enactments of Kafka's tales, brought to life with the most basic props, and there's a chance for some audience participation. The sketch group dynamics - the earnest one, the strict one, the one who only speaks Finnish - are crowned by the joy that radiates from the ever-hilarious Tom Parry.

Kelly Convey: Dependent Woman. Kelly Convey

Kelly Convey: Dependent Woman

A real star in the making, Kelly Convey is sure to become a household name. This work-in-progress show already shows moments of brilliance and is a tantalising glimpse of material to come. See her before she's selling out huge venues.

Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Victim, Complex. Kiri Pritchard-McLean

Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Victim, Complex

Kiri Pritchard-McLean gets great jokes out of emotional trauma. A raw breakup tale from this fast-rising storytelling comic.

Laura Davis: Ghost Machine

Laura Davis: Ghost Machine

Laura Davis's show is a rare combination of genuinely brilliant stand-up and a good use of theatrical devices. Existential crises abound with mental health as a key theme as she creates a 'night-time' feel to the show, reminding us of times when, alone in bed, our thoughts take over. A beautiful hour of comedy.

Laura Lexx: Trying. Laura Lexx

Laura Lexx: Trying

A terrific stand-up who's had a tough time since her last Edinburgh hour: this show explains what happened, but is still choc-full of fine gags.

Lauren Pattison: Peachy. Lauren Pattison

Lauren Pattison: Peachy

One of the most likeable acts at the Fringe. A warm, positive hour of well-crafted stand-up from an hilarious Geordie lass.

Lazy Susan: Forgive Me, Mother!. Image shows from L to R: Freya Parker, Celeste Dring

Lazy Susan: Forgive Me, Mother!

A flawless hour of sketches interwoven with an internal narrative from Lazy Susan. The dynamic between the two is a joy as they dip in and out of some dark material and keep the laughs coming.

Lola and Jo: Focus Groupies

Lola and Jo: Focus Groupies

Join Leslie and Jackie, your focus group facilitators for the afternoon, to provide feedback on Lola and Jo's new sketches. A joyous hour full of weird, wonderful and tightly written characters.

Lou Sanders: Shame Pig. Lou Sanders

Lou Sanders: Shame Pig

This is a very funny hour on shame, particularly around sex on the part of women. Lou Sanders tackles difficult subjects like assault and alcoholism with the lightest of touches and lots of big laughs - this show has been selling out so get there early to avoid disappointment/shame.

Lucy Pearman: Fruit Loop. Lucy Pearman

Lucy Pearman: Fruit Loop

A brilliantly barmy follow up to last year's Newcomer nominated show, Maid of Cabbage. In Fruit Loop, Lucy Pearman brings the room to life again with her ludicrous costumes and ridiculous characters. It's an hour of wonderfully crafted nonsense which is almost impossible not to go along with.

Maisie Adam: Vague. Maisie Adam

Maisie Adam: Vague

Millennial coming-of-age stories from a natural raconteur - Maisie Adam's show takes us from rural Yorkshire to metropolitan Brighton via her first experiences of festivals and chaotic clubbing holidays with mates.

Manhunt. Image shows from L to R: Emm Downie, Leo Reich

Manhunt

If student shows strike fear into a comedy punter's heart, Manhunt breaks the rules. This is a slick hour of sketches centred round two young people's search for love. It's a very funny hour that's well written and flawlessly performed - it's also worth checking out their sister show Big Shop.

Mark Thomas - Check Up: Our NHS at 70. Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas - Check Up: Our NHS at 70

Mark Thomas is in the 'theatre' section these days, but his latest high-concept epic is still heavy on laughs, as well as drama: he goes behind the scenes at various outposts of the health service frontline, from spellbinding scenes at A&E to some hilarious predictions from his local doc.

Mat Ewins: What Sorry? My Mistake! The Doors Are Not Open; The Show Has Been Cancelled. Do Not Have Your Tickets Ready!. Mat Ewins

Mat Ewins: What Sorry? My Mistake! The Doors Are Not Open; The Show Has Been Cancelled. Do Not Have Your Tickets Ready!

Another hour of impressive video trickery from the Fringe regular and Live From The BBC star. He's good on iPlayer, but there's nothing quite like seeing his technological achievements in person.

Mawaan Rizwan: Juice. Mawaan Rizwan

Mawaan Rizwan: Juice

In this high energy show, Mawaan Rizman talks about the rest of his family's unexpected success in showbusiness; about his boyfriend; and about breaking society's pressures on sexuality. There are loads of jokes, mesmerising dances and the catchiest songs on the Fringe - you'll be singing about your new walk for the rest of the week.

Twonkey's Night Train To Liechtenstein. Paul Vickers

Twonkey's Night Train To Liechtenstein

Paul Vickers' alter-ego is still brilliantly bizarre, but this year's show is actually pretty darn coherent, with some corking songs. The former indie-rocker and his cohorts create some genuinely interesting music and effects to soundtrack Twonkey's emotional journey.

Natalie Palamides: Nate. Natalie Palamides

Natalie Palamides: Nate

While she asks a lot from her audience, Natalie Palamides presents a thought-provoking hour in Nate, exploring themes of masculinity and consent. A remarkable return for last year's Best Newcomer.

Nathan Lang: The Stuntman. Nathan Lang

Nathan Lang: The Stuntman

The former Neighbours star shows his range in this impressively unpredictable hour, switching from stunts to mime to a spectacularly bizarre new character and quite possibly the best balloon-based bit at the Fringe. Well, it'll certainly be up there, anyway.

Neil Delamere: Controlled Substance. Neil Delamere

Neil Delamere: Controlled Substance

An absolute master storyteller who never fails to entertain and provide consistent belly laughs.

Nina Conti Is Monkey. Nina Conti

Nina Conti Is Monkey

Nina Conti's talent is astonishing, whether she's emerging immaculate from a life-size monkey costume, or controlling five audience members in masks. It's easy to forget that the different accents, the singing and the ad-lib jokes are all her work as she magically brings characters to life. Fans will be glad to hear there's also an x-rated guest appearance from normal-sized Monkey.

Olga Koch: Fight. Olga Koch

Olga Koch: Fight

Mixing stand-up and multimedia, Fight is a fantastic hour, both informative and packed with jokes. Catch her whilst you can, for Olga's is a unique voice surely destined for stardom.

Paul Currie: Hot Donkey. Paul Currie

Paul Currie: Hot Donkey

The most high octane, pure unadulterated fun you will ever have in a dark cave. It's free, but guarantee entry to this popular show by booking a £5 ticket - you'll not regret it. Fans of the Muppets, Button Moon and pandas must apply.

Pierre Novellie: See Novellie, Hear Novellie, Speak Novellie. Pierre Novellie

Pierre Novellie: See Novellie, Hear Novellie, Speak Novellie

A first rate hour of fun, intelligently observed, precision performed, satirical stand-up.

Rhys Nicholson - Seminal. Rhys Nicholson

Rhys Nicholson - Seminal

This is brilliant hour from Rhys Nicholson on the recent same-sex marriage vote in Australia and on proposing to his boyfriend. His humour is wry and waspish without losing a genuine warmth - it's a beautifully written show with lots of big laughs.

Rob Auton: The Talk Show. Rob Auton

Rob Auton: The Talk Show

In his latest fringe show, Rob Auton talks about talking. In his playful thoughtful exploration of who we speak to, why, how, when and what we say, many very funny arrangements of words are spoken. It's a silly good time that ends up quite inspiring and uplifting. Well worth seeing.

Rosie Jones: Fifteen Minutes. Rosie Jones

Rosie Jones: Fifteen Minutes

As she warmly greets the audience with a bowl of sweets, Rosie Jones looks like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. Truth is, it would sizzle. This is very funny debut hour on disability and sexuality from an assured performer. You'll never look at Ryan Gosling the same way again.

Sam Campbell: The Trough. Sam Campbell

Sam Campbell: The Trough

The Trough is an exceptional example of the absurd and the surreal. Campbell uses video clips and a variety of props to induce fits of laughter throughout the room. It is silly, nonsensical and simply brilliant.

Sara Barron: For Worse. Sara Barron

Sara Barron: For Worse

Sara Barron's debut hour is a hilariously brutal look at the 'joys' of motherhood, marriage, sex and friendship. She has the high-energy you'd expect of an American and the sarcasm of someone who now lives in the UK. This pay-what-you-want show is packed out so either get there early or buy a ticket in advance.

Sarah Keyworth: Dark Horse. Sarah Keyworth

Sarah Keyworth: Dark Horse

Sarah Keyworth is navigating her way through the ever changing landscape of gender and sexual identity. An insightful and meandering trip via unisex toilets, buying a suit in the children's section, and inspiring a little girl on her own journey through it all. Warm, intelligent and funny!

Sean McLoughlin: Hail Mary. Sean McLoughlin

Sean McLoughlin: Hail Mary

Sean is stronger than ever: clever, quick fire reflections on technology, how it feels turning 30 when you're an underachiever and a well constructed defence of Catholicism, the likes of which you don't often hear at the Fringe.

Seymour Mace Gets Sucked Off by God. Seymour Mace

Seymour Mace Gets Sucked Off by God

Start your day at the Fringe with some lunchtime nonsense from Seymour Mace. This is another cracking hour from one of the most creative minds in comedy with ugly puppets, daft songs, sad drawings and his trademark understated charm.

Sheeps: Live and Loud Selfie Sex Harry Potter. Image shows from L to R: Alastair Roberts, Daran Johnson, Liam Williams

Sheeps: Live and Loud Selfie Sex Harry Potter

It's almost unfair to other sketch shows how good Sheeps: Live and Loud Selfie Sex Harry Potter is. Each of the cast could, in their own right, carry a sketch show - all three together make this a tour de force. All the contemporary elements are present - knockout sketches, layers within layers, conflict between group members and subversion of expectations across timing, topic and trope - and all are delivered with acres of skill, inventiveness and charm. If you're looking for a sketch show that feels at once both classic and cutting-edge, then Sheeps is a must-see.

Sindhu Vee: Sandhog. Sindhu Vee

Sindhu Vee: Sandhog

Sindhu Vee has a unique take on family life. Married to a very rational Dane and raising three children in the UK is a triple culture clash for this feisty whirlwind. She freely shares advice on how to 'win' at marriage and why threatening children with your own demise is way more effective than a star chart.

Sleeping Trees: World Tour

Sleeping Trees: World Tour

A superb hour of very funny, inventive sketches about the group's travels; from a night in a Transylvanian hotel, to a plane crash and a meeting with a centaur, plus the best song about walls you'll ever hear.

The Song Of Lunch. Robert Bathurst

The Song Of Lunch

The Song of Lunch doesn't actually contain a song, or stand-up, or a free lunch. But it does include deft, amusing performances from Robert Bathurst and Rebecca Johnson. Former lovers meet up after a 15 year gap. The reunion may not go quite to plan but the play does. An audience favourite.

Sooz Kempner: Super Sonic 90s Kid. Sooz Kempner

Sooz Kempner: Super Sonic 90s Kid

After last year's film-themed treat, Sooz Kempner takes us through another influential facet of her upbringing: video games. And so much more: there are Skyped-in characters and oddly compelling parking pictures, exasperating misspellings and at least one epic song. An under-sung talent in top form.

Steen Raskopoulos: Stay. Steen Raskopoulos

Steen Raskopoulos: Stay

Another wonderful hour from this master of solo sketch comedy. Steen brings old and new characters to the stage drawing you into their world in a brilliantly constructed intriguing and ultimately emotional narrative. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cry laughing. You'll be hooked from the minute you hear Luther's Never Too Much as you take your seat to the unforgettable emotionally raw climax.

Stephen Bailey: Our Kid. Stephen Bailey

Stephen Bailey: Our Kid

An outrageous, hilarious hour of comedy. Stephen Bailey is a superstar in the making.

Stuart Goldsmith: End Of. Stuart Goldsmith

Stuart Goldsmith: End Of

Another consistently strong hour of stand-up from the slick and very personable Stuart Goldsmith.

Suzi Ruffell: Nocturnal. Suzi Ruffell

Suzi Ruffell: Nocturnal

This is a great hour of pure stand-up from Suzi Ruffell that will resonate with anyone else who dreads 'organised fun'. Her un-mawkish look at anxiety and at gay representation in the media keeps the laughs flowing while making a serious point, plus it turns out she has a lovely singing voice!

Tamar Broadbent: Best Life. Tamar Broadbent

Tamar Broadbent: Best Life

Tamar Broadbent works everyday millennial angsts into very funny songs. A consistently great Fringe act.

The Bear Pack. Image shows from L to R: Carlo Ritchie, Steen Raskopoulos

The Bear Pack

Join two masters of improv - Steen Raskopoulos and Carlo Ritchie - for a brilliant hour-long play based on suggestions from the audience. It's a joy to watch these two interact on stage and there's a Q&A for any elements of the story you'd like to focus on.

Rob Kemp: The Elvis Dead. Rob Kemp

Rob Kemp: The Elvis Dead

This Malcolm Hardee Award-winning show returns for a second year, polished as ever but still performed nightly with full-on commitment to the cause of retelling The Evil Dead II through the songs of Elvis. Rob Kemp's creation is absolutely niche, yet accessible, and remarkably funny.

Tim Key: Megadate. Tim Key

Tim Key: Megadate

Classic Key: this year we get an insight into what it might be like to date Tim Key (Madame Tussaud's, anyone?) via his usual blend of snappy poetry, filmed sketches and sporadic rants. Consistently funny.

Look, It's Tom Little, Alright?. Tom Little

Look, It's Tom Little, Alright?

Clever, sharp, and with a whole host of wonderfully bizarre routines, Tom Little is a comedian who deserves sell-out shows every day of the festival. His likeable, fast-paced nature helps the time fly by whilst the laughs come thick and fast, leaving your funny bone well and truly tickled.

Tom Neenan: It's Always Infinity. Tom Neenan

Tom Neenan: It's Always Infinity

Smart, sharp and assured work from an accomplished writer/performer, fusing slick presentation with an engaging story and plenty of solid laughs.

Tom Walker: Honk Honk Honk Honk Honk. Tom Walker

Tom Walker: Honk Honk Honk Honk Honk

Super-creative madcap fun. Tom Walker has created a show full of quirky, clever surrealism that boasts a winning hit ratio.

Tony Law: A Lost Show. Tony Law

Tony Law: A Lost Show

Tony Law's latest offering, A Lost Show, takes cues from his past shows that he can't remember performing and works them into a fresh new hour. Now three-years sober, Law is on top form. He hasn't lost his trademark dizzying, digressive approach to comedy but has gained a new and attractive wisdom and focus. Well worth seeing.

Will Seaward's Spooky Midnight Ghost Stories V. Will Seaward

Will Seaward's Spooky Midnight Ghost Stories V

Every year Fringe-staple Will Seaward brings a fantastically eerie late night show to the festival, and this one may very well be his best yet. With tales of the old west and an impressive array of hand-made props, allow Will to take you on a hilarious midnight journey that you'll never forget!

William Andrews: Willy. William Andrews

William Andrews: Willy

You'll love some of the invention "cult idiot" William Andrews has brought to Edinburgh. Fun material sold with a great left field persona.

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