Edinburgh Fringe 2023: Top Picks – Comedy

Amusements by Ikechukwu Ufomadu
Pleasance Courtyard, 2-27 Aug (not 16), 5.40pm

Deadpan US comedian Ikechukwu Ufomadu is set to school us with absurdist lessons, putting fresh life into the most back-to-basic topics – such as 'The Alphabet' and 'Counting'.

Anna Piper Scott: Such an Inspiration
House of Oz, 4-27 Aug (not 9, 14, 21), 8pm

Australian comedian Anna Piper Scott challenges the negative stereotypes and mistreatment of transgender women.

Bridget Christie: Who Am I? 
The Stand’s New Town Theatre, 2-9 Aug, 1.50pm

A decade after winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award, Bridget Christie wants to motorcycle her way into a mid-life crisis. Her new show mines comedy from osteoarthritis and the lack of middle-aged women in films. 

Dan Tiernan: Going Under
Monkey Barrel Comedy Club, 31 Jul-27 Aug (not 14), 10pm

It’s been quite a year for Fringe debutant Dan Tiernan – supporting his sister through cancer, leaving his job as a dinner lady and moving out of his parents house to become a full-time comedian. 

Eric Rushton: Not That Deep
Laughing Horse @ Cabaret Voltaire, 3-27 Aug (not 14), 3.45pm

For his sophomore show, expect thoughtful stand-up with exquisite one-liners (and, apparently, quite a bit about dolphins). 

An Evening of Mayhem with Megan Stalter 
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 12-27 Aug (not 24), 8.30pm

Megan Stalter, who plays the world’s worst PA in HBO's Hacks, arrives for her first Edinburgh show and looks set to unleash an hour of unravelling alternative comedy. 

Foxdog Studios: Robo Bingo
Underbelly, Cowgate, 3-27 Aug, 8.25pm

The inventive, tech-savvy duo are releasing a bingo bot which can only be stopped by playing along on your phone. 

Katy Berry: Diamond Goddess Crystal Pussy 
Just the Tonic at The Mash House, 3-27 Aug (not 14, 15, 22), 2.10pm

What do you do when you find out your dad is Poseidon the Sea King? That’s the premise of Katy Berry’s debut hour of heartfelt cabaret and comedic storytelling. 

Olga Koch: Prawn Cocktail
Monkey Barrel Comedy, 31 Jul-27 Aug, 7.35pm

After turning 30, Olga Koch took an adult gap year to find herself, but instead found salmonella. 

Shelf: Teenage Men 
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms, 5-27 Aug (not 16), 3.25pm

Join the sketch duo for their sophomore hour, a celebration of their life-long friendship, queerness and what it means to grow into yourself. They also have a kids show at Pleasance Courtyard (2-27 Aug, not 16). 

Susie McCabe: Femme Fatality 
Assembly George Square Studios, 2-27 Aug (not 14), 8.35pm

With her remarkable storytelling and sharp punchlines, Susie McCabe returns with her most personal show yet, chronicling her countless attempts to fit in with the girls. 

Tadiwa Mahlunge: Inhibition Exhibition 
Pleasance Courtyard, 2-27 Aug (not 14), 9.25pm

From being the only Black person in Wales to the ethical dilemmas of holding a corporate job, Tadiwa Mahlunge's debut promises to be a thought-provoking hour questioning the tireless pursuit of success.