2019 Edinburgh Fringe
Recommended 2019 shows
![Recommended](https://cdn.comedy.co.uk/images/graphics/fringe/recommended.png)
The BCG team sees hundreds of shows during each Fringe. Here is a list of our favourites from 2019, 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.
Aaron Chen: Piss Off (Just Kidding)
A very funny hour of comedy as Aaron Chen toggles between the status of an alpha and a beta male who writes his own fan fiction and is flanked by semi naked portraits of himself, but gets bullied by an elderly lady on a plane.
Aaron Simmonds: Disabled Coconut
In his debut Fringe show, Aaron Simmonds demonstrates expert storytelling whilst packing jokes and opportunities for mirth into every moment. Showcasing an honest approach to dating with a disability, Simmonds is definitely one to watch and is destined for greater things in the future.
Adam Larter: Good Morning Croissant
Prop-comic Adam Larter is drawn into the world of games - Jumanji style. Join him as he is sucked into a supermarket-themed board game. Features a rework on a musical classic, and a hand-operated conveyor belt (which requires two audience members to operate).
Ali Brice: Bin Wondering
Something seriously heavy but ultimately for-the-best happened to Ali Brice a few months back, and so obviously being an Ali Brice show he relates this weighty tale via the medium of large semi-aquatic reptiles, a somewhat-forgotten Geordie legend, bread, balloons and a duck. And so much more.
Alice Snedden: Absolute Monster
After her fantastic Edinburgh debut last year, Alice Snedden offers us another brilliant hour of intelligent stand-up on irrational self confidence (typical Leo) and on how we use this to justify bad behaviour.
Amy Annette: What Women Want
Amy Annette chairs a round table discussion with the first question starting with the words "What women want is...". On the day BCG saw the show the guests were the excellent Phil Wang, Sara Barron and Sarah Keyworth who were all given the time to shine. It's a great way to start your day at the Fringe.
Anna Drezen: Okay Get Home Safe!
A cracking hour of stand-up and near-the-knuckle satire on female fascination with true crime and its shadow over everyday life. The show is peppered with hilarious spoof adverts, including one that was deemed way too dark for Saturday Night Live.
Austentatious
There have been several improv troupes that have taken the idea of making up a story based on a famous work: there are shows based on Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, etc, but this show - creating Jane Austen novels based on titles suggested by the audience - is still the best.
Bec Hill: I'll Be Bec
Bec Hill is back from the future with a message for us. It's hard to describe this show without spoilers, so we'll just tell you to go and see it and say that fans of her best-known work are in for a special treat.
Business Casual
A high-energy hour from US trio Jeremy, Hunter and Cory who rapidly fire out sketches - some very short, some longer - mixed with repeat jokes and audience interaction. It's fast, noisy fun with earthy humour and great chemistry between them.
Carl Donnelly: Shall We All Just Kill Ourselves?
Carl Donnelly is a Fringe veteran and a performer comfortable in his own skin. His natural charm and charisma put the audience at ease immediately in the most intimate of venues. He considers whether it's worth the effort to try and be a 'good' person or if we're all doomed regardless and should just enjoy the ride. Donnelly is one of the most consistent performers at the Fringe and this year he does not disappoint.
Catherine Cohen: The Twist...? She's Gorgeous
Using only a gold tinsel backdrop and the sheer force of Catherine Cohen's charisma, the Pleasance Beneath basement room is transformed into a New York cabaret club. Catherine uses her fabulous voice to sing dark tales of teenage rejection, slut shaming, and how to hide a dead body. In between songs she flirts with the audience and gives them a searingly honest and hilarious insight into a millennial's outwardly perfect, inwardly bleak life.
Chris Parker: Camp Binch
A high-energy show from Chris Parker on growing up gay in rugby-revering New Zealand, finding sanctuary in the school drama club and ensuring the next generation find it too. It's a warm-hearted, very funny hour topped and tailed with a show tune and a brilliant dialogue with his former headmaster. The photos from Chris' childhood are an absolute joy too.
Ciarán Dowd: Padre Rodolfo
A year after Ciarán Dowd swashbuckled his way to the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer, he's back with another fantastic hour of non-stop gags. This time Don Rodolfo has put his life of murderous debauchery behind him and joined the priesthood, but luckily he's kept his swagger as he battles new demons.
Clive Anderson: Me, Macbeth and I
Much like the title character of The Scottish Play, Clive Anderson is seemingly the tragic hero of his own story, managing always to say the wrong thing at the right time. Luckily for us, this resulted in an hour of amicable anecdotes that in the hands of this stalwart managed to raise huge laughs with absolutely no danger of being a 'luvvie', such is the wry cynicism that permeates every gag.
Daniel Audritt: Better Man
Newcomer Daniel Audritt describes himself as a 'people-pleaser', and questions what's wrong with that. He's certainly a crowd-pleaser... his joke-packed hour is delivering some big laughs at lunchtime.
For He's a Jolly Goodfellow
Like a Jason Byrne gig, half of this was fantastic chatting with a raucous Friday night crowd, by a comedian at ease with the audience, often being very funny themselves. A confident debut show from a natural comic.
Gusset Grippers
If you think an hour of advice on pelvic floor health might be of use, then this is guaranteed to be the most enjoyable way to laugh whilst you learn. Comedian and physiotherapist Elaine Miller is perfect for this - both knowledgeable and a great comic performer.
Big Wendy
A show that slowly reveals itself to be fantastic. Benita has had a rollercoaster year of grief, bad lovers and bad judgement calls and you're going to be aching to hear how it all pans out. An exciting debut hour.
Emmy Blotnick: Party Nights
A flawless hour of charming, upbeat stand-up on modern day life, bouncing from internet shopping, Dwayne Johnson, self help books, bra fitting and dance class.
Esther Manito: Crusade
Tales of motherhood and mixed heritage expectations told in a refreshing, eloquent and damn funny style. Laughs from start to finish.
Frank Foucault: Desk
Smart. That's the word to describe this hour. Luke Smith - AKA Frank Foucault - presents a surreal and very funny show that's particularly hard to describe. Think David Lynch meets James Acaster, with doppelgängers, a story centring on James Corden and the best strip tease we've ever seen.
Gareth Mutch: The Old Man in the Carvery
This local boy is well worth the climb to the Attic room of the Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre. Once you've stopped wheezing from the exertion, you'll be wheezing with laughter as the jokes keep coming thick and fast.
Garrett Millerick: Smile
A healthy antidote to woke comedy, this hour of high-energy grumpiness is written purely for laughs as he eschews recycling, re-examines 90s television and does a bang on impression of Gordon Ramsay.
Glenn Moore: Love Don't Live Here Glenny Moore
This is an outstanding hour of comedy packed with running jokes and callbacks. What seems like one of Glenn Moore's trademark shaggy dog stories morphs into a real life revelation as he flips ideas, language and finally a celebrity jibe with which it's impossible to contend.
Ian Smith: Half-Life
Ian Smith is one of the most likeable stand-ups on the circuit, and he mixes his eager-to-please persona here with some quality gags and stories. The premise isn't as much about Chernobyl as the blurb suggests, but that's probably a good thing - as the tale of love at the heart of the show is a joy to hear, and very funny.
Ivo Graham: The Game of Life
Ivo Graham uses carefully chosen words to form great routines. His latest show - on the topic of becoming a father - is another hour of solid laughs.
Jack Tucker: Comedy Stand-up Hour
A young crowd lapped this up the night BCG saw it, giving it a standing ovation. It's easy to agree - this frenzied parody of a desperate, egotistical comedian is intricate, well-honed and very entertaining.
Jayde Adams: The Ballad of Kylie Jenner's Old Face
She's replaced the sequins with a black turtle neck and the songs with her take on feminism. The showbiz element remains with Beyoncé and the Kardashians being taken down, but the show really resonates when Jayde gets personal.
Jen Brister - Under Privilege
Redressing the balance after 30 years of cock jokes, Jen Brister directs her wry fury at vaginas, at the tyranny of small children and at equality. Prepare yourself for big laughs and a frank discussion of labioplasty.
Jessica Fostekew: Hench
This year Jessica Fostekew has one of the strongest shows of the festival, which is apt considering her newfound addiction to weight lifting. Through highlighting the perils of raising an aggressive toddler, as well as recalling her traumatic experience of childbirth, this show is an honest and hilarious look at what it means to be a woman, as well as the inner grace and composure required to put your coat on every day.
Jimmy Slim and Lewis Blomfield: Scratch and Sniff
This sketch duo have a joyous selection of creations. These include a building site manager who has taken a new path as a spiritual healer, and a talk from the tar-strained face of a representative from the Marlboro Tobacco Company. A fun and chaotic show.
Joanne McNally: The Prosecco Express
A high-energy hour on being the single, childless woman drinking prosecco at other people's weddings; on living in her mum's attic; and on being adopted. The laughs come thick and fast as this quick-witted Irish comedian races from one joke to the next. If you were stuck on your own at a wedding, Joanne McNally would be the ideal fellow guest.
Joe Jacobs: Grimefulness
A unique and innovative show which combines grime music with an honest and refreshing discussion about male mental health. Expect raps about relaxation techniques and parodies of the modern grime movement in one of the most creative shows of the Fringe, but also one that is entertaining and easily accessible for those who have never listened to grime before.
John Robins: Hot Shame
John Robins' latest hour explores the minefield of dating in the post #MeToo era, and - despite the through line of shame - the gag rate is as high as any of his previous hours.
Jordan Brookes: I've Got Nothing
Another great hour from Jordan Brookes, one of the most inventive minds in comedy. The dark energy and physical comedy keep the laughs coming as he teases and double bluffs the audience - just sit tight...
Neal Portenza is Joshua Ladgrove In: Edinburgh's Only Bilge Pump Sales Seminar
Do you want to sell more bilge pumps? Do you want to learn what goes on behind the scenes at a bilge pump seminar? Do you want to know what a bilge pump is? Let Joshua Ladgrove answer all these questions. You'll laugh and learn in equal measure. One of the best shows you'll see on the free fringe.
Joz Norris Is Dead. Long Live Mr Fruit Salad.
It feels strange to recommend a show in which the main star is absent, but Joz Norris's replacement Mr Fruit Salad does a remarkable job. He is new to the circuit, but he certainly has ambition... you just have to make sure that he has got the right show theme.
Just These Please: Suitable
Well written sketches, delivered in an impressively slick style. Their musical numbers - particularly a topical song about Edinburgh bus drivers - are amongst the many highlights.
Kelly Convey: Telephone Voice
In her debut hour, Convey mixes her working class background with tales of her love life and high-flying previous career as a TV executive, to great effect. There's great material in this show, and she is a welcome new voice on the stand-up scene. A star in the making and talent to watch out for.
Ken Cheng: To All The Racists I've Blocked Before
Ken Cheng has always been a fantastic joke writer but he's now also growing in confidence on stage, making him all the better company in this show that reflects on social attitudes to ethnicity and his position as a British-born Chinese comic.
Kiri Pritchard-Mclean: Work in Progress
Kiri Pritchard-Mclean's work in progress on empathy is already more accomplished than most shows on the Fringe, as she smashes out killer lines with the speed and accuracy of a Williams sister. A few new dates have been added to meet demand, so grab a ticket while you can.
Legs
Silly, whimsical and hilarious: exactly the kind of show you should experience at the Fringe. Bizarre physical comedy that leaves you wondering exactly what you just watched. Encapsulates the real spirit of the Fringe.
Leo Kearse: Transgressive
A triumphant hour of outrageous and dark jokes, not pushing but gleefully running straight through the boundaries of taste and acceptability in today's "woke" culture.
Lou Sanders: Say Hello To Your New Step-Mummy
Put simply: a very funny hour from a very funny lady.
Martin Mor - Instigator
A high-energy hour of friendly crowd work, quick wit and earthy stand-up on being diagnosed early with prostate cancer, along with a heartfelt exhortation to men to get checked.
Matt Forde: Brexit, Pursued By A Bear
This man keeps getting better and better and will help you see the funny side of the world today. Join him for an insight into what the first BoJo/Trump meeting may look like - you'll not see a better Trump impression outside of the White House.
Michael Legge: The Idiot
If you like your lunchtime comedy loud and angry then you can't go wrong with Fringe stalwart Michael Legge. Legge is a consistently strong performer at the festival but this year's show is a particular stand out. More political than previous years, he tackles the big topics like the impact of Brexit on the Irish border, ukulele-playing comedians, and why only one of us decided to be Iggy Pop...
I'm Coming
A show about one young women's long held ambition to finally experience an orgasm. Molly Brenner is a natural: there's great jokes here from a wonderful, bold newcomer.
Nick Helm's I Think, You Stink!
A joyous homage to horror. Nick Helm has assembled a dream team of musical comedians as his cast - Sooz Kempner, Jenny Bede, Rob Kemp and rising star Katie Pritchard - all who are given moments to shine and excel. It's a brilliant production in every aspect - the costumes, lighting, and slick intro video. We hope it has a life outside of the fringe, but - in case not - catch it while you can!
Olga Koch: If/Then
A storming hour of comedy, If/Then is a tale of womens' jobs, computer science, self-image and first love. A worthy successor to 2018's excellent Fight.
Pat Cahill: Uncle Len Needs a New Part for His Hoover
Visit Monkey Barrel for a taste of the modern day music hall with Pat Cahill. Through tales of his Uncle Len, who makes the oddest cameo appearance you'll see this August, and catchy songs (they'll stay with you all day), he'll help you realise your dreams. A great way to spend an hour of your day.
Paul Currie: Release the Baboons (All Ages)
There's a real lack of shows at the Fringe for young people who are too old for kids shows but too young for adult material. Paul Currie is the perfect solution with this family-friendly version of his brilliant 2014/2015 show. The teenagers BCG went with loved his high-energy, surreal nonsense so much that they got a selfie with him, and our street cred rocketed.
Pete Firman & The Amazing TBC
Aside from being a top rate magician, Pete Firman knows how to work an audience. His patter and crowd interactions makes the gig akin to a comedy night where the MC has taken charge, and take charge he does. For the magic here manages to both astonish and tickle the funny bone simultaneously in a riotous evening of old school showmanship that tips its hat to the greats of old whilst adding his own unique spin.
Pierre Novellie: You're Expected to Care
On a little more incendiary form this year (which does suit him), Pierre Novellie continues to be a bulletproof-reliable comedian with strong observations on society.
Police Cops - Badass Be Thy Name
The trio behind Police Cops have built up a reputation for delivering fast-paced gag-packed comic plays. There's no sign of any law enforcement in this latest offering, instead they set the action around a vampire-infested Manchester at the turn of the millennium. A great script, excellent performances and super inventive use of props makes Badass Be Thy Name the latest addition to their string of hits.
Rhys James: Snitch
Another enjoyable hour of comedy from Mock The Week star Rhys James. A talented and likeable stand-up, book before all the tickets sell out.
Rhys Nicholson - Nice People Nice Things Nice Situations
Strap in for a blisteringly funny hour of stand-up from the sharp suited but even sharper tongued Australian comedian. This is his seventh fringe and although he's concerned about getting older his caustic wit is as fresh as ever. Find out what he thinks about high school reunions, the joy of a family night out to a storage unit (yes really!) and how he deals with the double threat of homophobic feedback and increased body hair. A gem of an hour.
Rob Auton: The Time Show
There's some absolutely wonderful, creative jokes here. Rob Auton picks a different topic each year (this year is 'time') and rinses every inch of humour out of it. Another funny, beautiful show from the Fringe's comedian laureate.
Sarah Kendall: Paper Planes
There are few comedians who can combine storytelling with comedy as well as Sarah Kendall. Previous years' shows have focused on her childhood, but this tale is of her current life - writer's block sapping her confidence, the dreamlike state of jet lag in LA and anxiety over things out of her control. From the elegiac to the earthy, she paints a picture in one perfect phrase, nails characters with pinpoint accuracy and will
still happily talk about taking a shit in the middle of the night.
Scream Phone
A hugely enjoyable mash up of horror movie and musical, the three leads commit fully to the over the top nature of the show and all have West End quality voices to match!
Simon Munnery: Alan Parker Urban Warrior Farewell Tour
Simon Munnery's ineffectual anarchist, a brilliant 90s parody of 80s left-wing activists, is back. He seems more relevant than ever in today's woke climate as he hectors his 'comrades' on his distrust of technology, delivers some beautiful one liners and offers a radical solution to climate change.
Sleeping Trees: Silly Funny Boys
Another joyous hour from the Fringe sketch veterans. This time we are transported back to an 80s variety show, which is the perfect format for us to meet a wide selection of characters as we unravel a gunge-based mystery. Pop this show into your schedule for an hour of exactly what it says on the tin - Silly Funny Boys.
Snort
A raucous hour of hilarious late night improv. A group of New Zealand comedians are having the time of their lives creating monologues and sketches using one word from the audience. The perfect way to finish off a day at the Fringe.
Stuart Laws Is All In
Stuart Laws has flipped the script. He's decided to judge the audience instead of vice versa. It's hard to explain anything more about the overall narrative of the show without ruining the ambitious challenge that he has set himself. Laws has such a great way with language that there are regularly jokes hidden within other jokes - often leading to laughter rippling around the venue as the various pennies drop. You'll be hard pushed to find many other lunchtime shows with such consistent laughs and such a satisfying conclusion.
The Delightful Sausage: Ginster's Paradise
In a nightmarish version of Hi-de-Hi!, this double act delivers an hour of brilliantly written comedy that packs in the laughs from start to finish. Get there early or buy a ticket in advance, as this lunchtime show is proving as popular as it did last year.
The Man
Performed by Patrick McPherson, The Man explores the topic of male identity, including the important steps of repressing your emotions and openly accepting your privilege. McPherson gives 100% commitment to each of his characters whilst engaging the audience into understanding the many issues associated with masculine identity. A beautifully crafted comedy show which will stay with you during the festival and beyond.
Tom Kitching: Welcome to My Barn!
Get yourself down to Tom Kitching's farmyard comedy show for a chance to meet a sheep with an identity crisis, as well as enjoying a fierce five minute sheep cattle rap battle. It's intentionally niche character comedy with 100% commitment, the result being a show that's joyfully silly and ridiculous.
I, Tom Mayhew
A show about a topic rarely discussed at the Fringe: the challenges associated with being working class. Tom Mayhew talks passionately about the subject, whilst maintaining a high gag rate throughout. He may have a quiet persona, but the messages in the show are loud and clear.
Tom Walker: Very Very
Tom Walker's show is largely mime (a genre he admits up top is comedy's least favourite child), mixed with audience interaction, a fair bit of speech and a brilliant use of sound cues. He bounces from short skits to longer narrative sketches - some cheerful, some dark, some graphically sexual - in a glorious hour of laughter as he transforms into an old lady who accidentally kills animals, disposes of a body and has an affair with a coat.
Will Seaward's Spooky Midnight Ghost Stories VI
Spooky storytelling, classic jokewriting and absurdity galore: this is a wonderful show. Hilarious, lovable and something for everyone. Will Seaward is a must-see hero of the Fringe.