The Fringe guide reads like the phone book these days, with so many acts lining up to entertain you, but which ones should you invest your time and hard-earned dosh on? Sure, it’s a matter of taste. I mean, some folk will pay hundreds of quid just to see a middle-aged man in a fake hot air balloon, singing theme tunes from 70s TV shows. Each to their own, I guess.
But that’s not what the Fringe is about. It’s like that holiday in Thailand when you took that hooker back to your apartment and learned a new meaning to the phrase “gender reveal”. Roll the dice man, take a chance! Sure, it’s down to personal taste, but the Fringe is like a swinger’s party; there’s something for everyone.
So, throw your keys in the bowl. Here are six acts not to miss if you want to get some comedy diversity and proper belly laughs.
Lou Taylor: Jeans and a Nice Top
Lou Taylor is an online sensation, with nearly 20 million views of her sketches. She comes to the Fringe for the first time, and with the following she has, I’d expect to see her shows packed out. 90s fans are in for a treat., Lou will take you back to a time when life was so much simpler, more fun, but still a bit shite.
How much? £12
Where and when? Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three 8:30 (1 hour)
What to expect: 90s nostalgia, and plenty of proper laughs
Mark Nelson: Getting Better Man
Multi award-winning comedian Mark Nelson has built a huge reputation in the comedy scene, but for me, he still hasn’t got the recognition he fully deserves. Expect plenty of football banter; Mark confesses that even though he’s a huge fan of his national team, he’s found it very difficult to hate the England team recently. He managed to, but it was difficult. He came out the other side of COVID a new man, despite having to home-school his kids; a time so stressful, he was certain he’d be the first person to be involved in a home-school shooting.
How much? Pay what you want, but it’s a good idea to get tickets in advance.
Where and when? Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive). 19.05 (1 hour)
What to expect: Pure Nelson
Rik Carranza Presents: Star Trek vs Star Wars
I’ve been to a few of these and I’ve never seen a bad one.
We all know Jar Jar Binks is a better sci-fi character than Mr Spock. Don’t agree? Then let’s settle this af the Fringe. So, which is better- Star Trek or Star Wars? There’s only one way to find out…go check out this innovative gem of a show which is back for its sixth run at the Fringe. Host Rik Carranza invites comedians from across the Fringe get their light sabers and phasers out to sort it out once and for all.
How much? Pay what you can
Where and when? Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters 17.15 (1 hour)
What to expect: Geek wars
Phil O’Shea: Never Pretend to Be an Owl!
If you like your “Reeves and Mortimer” you’ll love Phil O’Shea. Phil is one half of the popular Soup Group comedy duo and takes his one-man show to the Fringe. One of my favourite Phil O’Shea jokes involves a man who invented the world’s most powerful binoculars. They were so strong that he could see right around the world. Unfortunately, when he looked through them, all he could see was the back of his head. Take your time…
How much? £10
Where and when? The Stand Comedy Club- Club 2 21:30 (1 hour)
What to expect: Owls
Martin Mor: Three Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Nine Weeks
Mor knows how to work the crowd and this brilliant showman showman is back again, with another must-see show. Never one to hold back on a hot topic, Northern-Ireland funnyman Mor is looking at living to at least 80-years old. He’s already had 3,129 weeks of that, but what will he do with the 871 weeks that he has got left? It’ll be well worth the tenner to find out.
How much? £10
Where and when? The Stand Comedy Club- Club 5 and 6 20:20 (1 hour)
What to expect: Plenty of side-splitting banter with the audience
Bella Humphries' star is on the rise, so catch her now. Originally from Swindon, but now based in North Wales, this is her debut Fringe show. It’s the story of someone trying to find their feet in life, before being given an unexpected diagnosis. No spoilers here, but when life throws shit at you, perhaps the best thing to do is laugh at it. You’ll come away well entertained, and maybe even educated too.
How much? £8
Where and when? Just the Tonic Mash House – Just the Bottle Room 18.10 (1 hour)
What to expect: Why you sometimes have to work your arse off just to be yourself
Fred Spanner will be appearing at Ray Fordyce’s Vibrant and Vivacious Variety Show, West Oracle, Edinburgh Fringe, 6.15pm, Saturday 3rd August 2024.
