Monday July 22nd 2024
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
New comedians to see at the Edinburgh Fringe. We’ve scoured the programme for 10 of the most exciting comedy acts making their fringe debut this year.
Serious Theatre from Serious People
In their comedy debut, Charlotte Anne-Tilley (Almost Adult) and Mabel Thomas (Sugar) use their multi-rolling prowess to share the talents, dreams and despair of Bet On It theatre company as they strive to make it big at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Packed with priceless acting tips, pin-sharp audience interaction, can these acutely observed, hilariously realised characters set aside their big egos and huge ambitions to get the show on the road? Expect emotional outbursts, bizarre show pitches and a whole lot of drama as BBC’s ‘This Country’ meets your childhood youth theatre in this unmissable character-driven satire.
1pm Gilded Balloon 31st July – 26th August (no show 12th or 19th)
Tickets HERE
Chris Weir: Well Flung
For his debut hour, Scottish comedian Chris Weir (BBC Scotland, Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year finalist) leads us through his first ever holiday fling, set in the sunny cruising beaches of Gran Canaria.
In this modern-day romcom, Chris navigates the grey areas and accelerated relationship of a five-day romance. He explores the ups and downs of sudden monogamy, romantic expectations, financial imbalances, inevitable fallouts, wandering eyes, gay romps – all to ask the question: is companionship worth it, or are we better off alone?
2:40pm Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose 31st July – 26th August (no show 14th)
Tickets HERE
Lil Wenker: Bangtail
Photo Credits: Hudson Hughes.
Baddest. Cowboy. Texas. These are just a few words to describe the Baddest Cowboy in Texas. He roots ‘n’ toots ‘n’ roots, from the mightiest mountains to the sauciest saloons. But what happens when a Badder Cowboy-er Texas-er (AKA his nemesis) rides into town and steals his title? Bangtail is an epic tale of a man in search of his manhood. So saddle up for an hour of unbridled cowboy clown chaos as our hero journeys from the Wild West to the American office.
4:15pm Pleasance Courtyard Cellar 31st July – 25th August (not 12th)
Tickets: HERE
Bella Humphries: Square Peg
Hotly anticipated stand-up debut about family, farmers and finding out that being yourself is really hard work! Rising star Bella Humphries ‘oozes charm’ (BlizzardComedy.co.uk) as she delves into every nook and cranny of her life so far to find out who she is, and why. As heard on BBC Radio Wales and seen at Machynlleth Comedy Festival, Greenman Festival and supporting Kiri Pritchard-Mclean on tour.
6:10pm Just the Tonic Mash House – Just the Bottle Room, 1st – 25th August (not 12th)
Tickets: HERE
Abby Wambaugh: The first 3 minutes of 17 shows
Abby awoke in hospital after a late miscarriage and, high on anaesthesia, decided to become a comedian. In this silly, goofy, heartfelt show Abby presents her best 17 ideas for her highly anticipated debut hour, including potential hits like Old Man Learns Parkour and a very long impression of the number nine. Funny Women finalist and co-host of Help Hole podcast alongside Sofie Hagen. ‘Reminiscent of Hannah Gadsby or Tig Notaro… Tackles what could be a thorny, complex subject with grace, underplayed charm and some great jokes’ (Chortle.co.uk).
7:15pm Pleasance Courtyard – Attic 31st July – 26th August (not 12th)
Tickets: HERE
Amy Mason: Free Mason
After an encounter with a wildlife enthusiast, the Funny Women Award finalist explores what it means to be a human animal (nightmare, tbh). Expect coming out in your 30s, rinsing homophobes and forming a coven with your kids. The debut stand-up hour from the ‘brilliant’ (Bridget Christie) comedian and writer. 11 million views on TikTok. Heard on BBC Radio 1, Radio 5, Radio 4.
8pm Pleasance Courtyard
Tickets HERE
Lou Taylor: Jeans and a Nice Top
Having racked up over 18 millions views for her online sketches, stand up comedian and viral sensation Lou Taylor makes her Edinburgh Fringe debut with an hour of hilarious social commentary and nostalgia.
Why live in the present when you could live in the past? Let Lou Taylor transport you back in time to her happy place: the 90s. Jeans and a Nice Top is a classic coming-of-age tale, but less Call Me By Your Name and more ‘text me on your Nokia’.
8:30pm Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three, 31st July – 25th August (not 12th)
Tickets: HERE
Paulina Lenoir: Puella Eterna
Photo Credits: David Pickens
Following the celebrated residency of her alternative cabaret show Fool’s Moon at Soho Theatre, theatre-maker, designer and clown, Paulina Lenoir makes her highly anticipated solo comedy debut in a dreamlike and absurdist tale of birth, life and death told through the eyes of a poetic idiot.
Puella Eterna is a ridiculously grandiose, delusional poet on a quest to resolve life’s most profound questions. In her search for eternity between the pages, Puella sets out to perform a whole lifespan from conception to the after-life, racing against the limits of time. Clowning meets performance art, cabaret, poetry and fashion in this surreal and philosophical comedy hour.
10pm, Assembly Roxy – Downstairs, 31st July – 25th August (not 12th or 19th)
Tickets: HERE
Ian Lockwood: The Farewell Tour
Famous musician Ian Lockwood has accomplished everything he’s ever wanted during his illustrious and extremely successful career, and thus, he’s ready to die! See him in concert for his final performance on Earth. From critically acclaimed musical comedian Ian Lockwood comes a new narrative concert experience about life, death and friendship. Featuring 10 hilarious original comedy pop songs, Lockwood examines the fear of abandonment that is hidden so well behind a confident pop star facade, for a touching and earnest show that delivers a laugh a minute.
10:20pm Underbelly Wee Coo, 31st July – 26th August (not 12th)
Tickets: HERE
Andrew Doherty: Gay Witch Sex Cult
Photo Credits : Hudson Hughes
A sticky, spooky horror comedy about gender-reveal parties, demons from hell, and a Gay Witch Sex Cult (a sex cult for gay witches). ‘A comedy masterclass’ ***** (SpyInTheStalls.com). ‘Had me in a perpetual chuckle… Andrew Doherty’s performance is one of outstanding precision’ ***** (AllThatDazzles.co.uk). ‘Perfectly crafted and controlled’ ****½ (LondonPubTheatres.com). ‘The most I’ve laughed at a show, probably ever’ (LostInTheatreland.co.uk). ‘You’re a part of something special by the end’ (BingeFringe.com). London Pub Theatre Standing Ovation Award nominee. VAULT Origins Award nominee.
11pm, Pleasance Courtyard Attic, 31st July – 25th August (not 12th)
Tickets: HERE
