Edinburgh Fringe 2024 – Top Picks: Comedy

Caitriona Dowden is Holier Than Thou
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth, 3-25 Aug, 12.50pm

A deadpan delivery and comical misunderstanding won Caitriona Dowden the Chortle Student Award in 2022. Now performing her first solo stand-up hour, she’s set to explore her lapsed Catholicism, remaining religious guilt and in-depth knowledge of medieval saints. 

 

Chelsea Birkby: This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky
Just the Tonic at The Caves, 1-25 Aug (not 12), 9.20pm

Effervescence meets existentialism in Chelsea Birkby’s sophomore hour as the smart, charming, chatty stand-up follows her hit debut show by embracing, in equal measure, society’s enthusiasm for ass and the musings of philosophical giants.

 

Dan Rath: Pariah Carey
Underbelly, Bristo Square, 31 Jul-26 Aug (not 12), 9.50pm

A recent diagnosis of Lyme disease has added more symptoms to a stand-up already suffering from long-Covid and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. All of which informs his latest show, adding to Dan Rath's rising reputation as one of the most off-kilter voices in comedy. 

 

Hot Department
Pleasance Courtyard, 31 Jul-25 Aug, 9.25pm

The sketch duo of Honor Wolff and Patrick Durnan Silva arrive from Australia powered by berserk charisma and sultry joy. 

 

Jin Hao Li: Swimming in a Submarine
Pleasance Courtyard, 31 Jul-25 Aug (not 14), 7.10pm

In both student competitions and the BBC New Comedy finals, Jin Hao Li had already proved himself a comedian who can create a whole world with an admirable economy of well-chosen words.

 

Josephine Lacey: Autism Mama
Pleasance Courtyard, 31 Jul-25 Aug (not 12, 22), 6pm

Many mothers anticipate guiding their children through puberty, but for Josephine Lacey, whose son is autistic, the experience is quite different. In her first Edinburgh show, Lacey welcomes us into the world of a mother and son navigating a challenging time.

Michelle Brasier: Legacy
Gilded Balloon Patter House, 31 Jul-26 Aug (not 14), 7pm

What’s in a name? Michelle Brasier was recently mixed-up for another Michelle Brasier, inadvertently being handed an envelope of coins intended for her namesake. Legacy is the story of Brasier's exploration of identity and mistaken identity. 

 

Phil O’Shea: Never Pretend to Be an Owl
The Stand Comedy Club, 31 Jul-25 Aug (not 12), 9.30pm

A favourite on the local comedy scene, Phil O'Shea revels in delightful clowning nonsense, making improbable connections with a bag of props and tomfoolery, masterly creating inventive characters. 

 

Sam See: And I Can’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore 
Laughing Horse @ Counting House, 1-25 Aug (not 6, 13, 20), 5.45pm

Once a government-mandated sex educator, Sam See's latest hour is more personal and will strike a chord with anyone who’s felt a disconnect between where they grew up and where they feel at home. 

 

Sara Barron: Anything For You
Monkey Barrel Comedy, 29 Jul-25 Aug (not 5, 12, 19), 4.45pm

Why is it that the person who first brought us into the world can also regress us into white hot carpet thumping fury with just a few motherly words? Sara Barron is using her fourth Edinburgh hour to give mum both barrels – at last! 

 

Trygve Wakenshaw: Silly Little Things
Assembly Roxy, 31 Jul-25 Aug (not 12), 8.15pm

Dadaist mime Trygve Wakenshaw’s last show at the Fringe was back in 2017. He’s since relocated to Czechia and recently picked up the main comedy award (again) in his native New Zealand. Silly Little Things is the first part of a new trilogy – promising to combine clowning silliness and experienced wisdom.