12 must-see comedy shows at Edinburgh Fringe 2025
Ahead of the world’s biggest arts festival, here’s our must-see comedy shows at this year’s Fringe.
With a dizzying number of shows on offer every single day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, how on earth are you meant to decide what to go and see? Thankfully we’ve got you covered. If you’re a fan of comedy, here’s our top twelve from the thousands upon thousands of options. Oh, and if you’re looking for some stars of tomorrow then here’s our newcomers too.
Chloe Petts
The show: Big Naturals
What is it?: You’d assume Petts to be a very high status comic. They’re so incredibly smart, charismatic and witty, with such an easy command of the stage. And yet what makes them so compelling is how disarming and warm they are. Comedy is of course objective and we must guard against dealing in absolutes. That said, if you don’t rate Petts as one of our very finest talents, you’re definitely wrong and probably a wrong ‘un.
Where is it?: 19:00, Pleasance Courtyard – Forth
Grace Jarvis
The show: Just Because I’m Crying Doesn’t Mean I’m Not Having a Nice Time
What is it?: It seems clear from Jarvis’ work that she doesn’t always feel completely in-sync with the world around her. Luckily for us, she turns that divergence into a superpower with a perspective on life that is unique, compelling and very funny. Exuding a sort of melancholy optimism, even in the face of the most abject calamity, she’s like a pre-wanker Morrissey before he stopped looking at the stars.
Where is it?: 17:50, Underbelly, George Square – The Wee Coo
Tamsyn Kelly
The show: Hot Titty Bungalow
What is it?: It’s bizarre how the middle-classes characterise working class life as grim and worthy or even ‘brave’. Fuck off. It’s riotous, joyful and full of more soul than you could ever dream of. Which describes Tamsyn Kelly to a tee. She is a righteous and sardonic joy when in full flow, and indeed the exception that proves the rule: a working-class talent who found her voice and place in an industry not designed to include her.
Where is it?: 16:20, Monkey Barrel Comedy (Cabaret Voltaire) – CabVol 2
Paul Sinha
The show: 2 Sinha Lifetime
What is it?: It seems wrong-headed to describe a much-loved household celebrity as ‘underrated’, but there’s a strong case for Sinha being exactly that. The contention being that he’s (arguably) celebrated for the wrong thing. He may entertain as a Chaser and impress as a quizzer, but he truly shines on stage. Sinha is an absolute worldie of a stand up and the fact he’s a bona fide polymath shouldn’t dilute that fact.
Where is it?: 15:45, The Stand Comedy Club 3 & 4 – Stand 3
Daniel Muggleton
The show: You May Be White, I May Be Crazy
What is it?: If you were wondering whether Muggleton has mellowed following the life-changing experience of fatherhood, you’ll be pleased to know there’s no growth whatsoever. He’s still saying all the wrong things in the most exquisite way. There’s some absolutely killer lines to be found here, from skewering the superficial ‘well-being’ messaging aimed at men these days to an exceptional bit about marital rows played out through furniture.
Where is it?: 16:00, Laughing Horse @ The Pear Tree – Main Room
Michael Fry
The show: Fry Me to the Moon
What is it?: Part of an exciting new wave of Irish comedy born of the internet age, Fry feels in many ways like the leader of the pack. So established is he as a virtuoso and versatile talent that it is something of a surprise that this is his first solo outing. What you get with Fry is beautifully observed and nuanced characterisation, wry humour and expert storytelling. The best thing to come out of Ireland since Kerrygold.
Where is it?: 20:35, Monkey Barrel Comedy (Cabaret Voltaire) – CabVol 2 (from Aug 11)
Elouise Eftos
The show: Australia’s First Attractive Comedian
What is it?: The title is perfect. It’s like your first test. Are you going to take it literally or do you realise it’s part of a heightened, almost drag-like persona? Eftos performs a sort of kung-fu trick, using your prejudices and preconceptions about a woman on stage against you. It comes as no surprise that she is of Greek-Macedonian heritage. As an immigrant you’re immediately judged in all sorts of ways, doubly so one imagines if you’re a female comic. Eftos rallies against that with such flair. Her act is defiant, outrageous and empowering.
Where is it?: 20:30, Pleasance Courtyard – Below
Diona Doherty
The show: Get Your Pink Back!
What is it?: Doherty is a genuine multi-hyphenate who seems to excel in her every creative endeavour. And it’s all imbued with an uncanny relatability and natural charm. Be it acting, podcasting, playwriting or stand up, she has a knack for connecting with her audience in an acutely personal way. It is therefore intriguing that GYPB centres around a need to restore a sense of identity in the context of another hyphen – motherhood.
Where is it?: 14:55, Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 2
Michelle Wolf
The show: Michelle Wolf
What is it?: One of the joys of the Edinburgh Fringe is the chance to see both ends of the comedy spectrum back to back, from exciting unknown to established superstar. This year, we get to add the wonderfully talented and impossibly cool Wolf to our itineraries. Not only is she one of the most influential, daring and brilliant comedians around, but she also continues to fight the good fight when it really matters. Michelle Wolf is the truth.
Where is it?: 20:30, Pleasance Courtyard – Forth (Aug 11-17)
Evaldas Karosas and Katie Green
The show: What Men Want
What is it?: What a treat it is to have these two on a shared bill together. Green and Karosas are hardly two peas in a pod stylistically, but they make perfect sense as yin and yang. Green is a wonderfully ebullient and gifted performer who wears her Latina heritage on her sleeve and excels when trying to figure out why people are the way they are (see: ‘men’ and ‘the British’). Karosas meanwhile is in his element when taking an acutely observed central premise and growing the most absurd tentacles from it. He also has the easy charm to get away with saying the most heinous things. As an aside, the poster deserves every award.
Where is it?: 15:55, Cinema Room @ Banshee Labyrinth (Aug 13-24)
Killian Sundermann
The show: This Boy is Cracking Up
What is it?: One of the few upsides of the bleak Covid era was the emergence of outstanding talents such as Sundermann. The two things that strike you about his stellar online content is his comedic versatility and brilliant use of subtext. Even his most fleeting skits hint at a deeper story. TBICU showcases what a gifted writer and performer Sundermann is, his fascinating dual cultural heritage, and his enduring love of Phil Lynott.
Where is it?: 17:30, Underbelly, Bristo Square – Jersey
Paul McCaffrey
The show: What a Time to Be Alive
What is it?: Navigating the Fringe is a lot. You owe it to yourself to take a few speculative punts. You also owe yourself at least one sure thing. If you want a laugh for an hour straight, McCaffrey is the surest thing around. There’s a reason why other comics rank him amongst their personal favourites. Simply put, McCaffrey is an absolute fucking superstar; a goat tier standup who just gets better and better.
Where is it?: 20:45, The Stand Comedy Club 2 – Stand 2 (from Aug 18)