The Edinburgh Fringe is fast-approaching, with plenty of famous faces such as Miriam Margolyes and Bill Bailey set to appear during the 2025 festival.
Taking place across 265 venues, there are already more than three-thousand shows lined-up for August and searching for shows can quickly become overwhelming.
But if you are looking for an easy place to begin, sometimes it is easier to start with what - or who - you already know. There are top comedians such as Alan Davies and Nish Kumar set to appear, as well as reality TV show winners like Hannah Byczkowski from The Traitors, or Scotland’s own Peter Sawkins from the Great British Bake Off.
David Hayman and Pete Doherty are among British celebrities with shows at this year’s Fringe. There are then American sitcom stars such as Caroline Rhea and Eden Sher putting on their own shows, in addition to multihyphenate performers including Nick Mohammed, Eunice Olumide MBE, and The Ballad of Wallis Island’s Tim Key.
There is a huge variety to the shows on offer during the Fringe and this list teases just a fraction of the entertainment which will be available in August. But if you are hoping to be inspired - or just looking for some general guidance - here are 36 famous faces with shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe.
25. Johnson
With her Prime Video special Hijabs Off, you may also recognise Zainab Johnson for her role in sci-fi series Upload. The American comedian will bring her show Toxically Optimistic to the festival from July 30–August 24 at Above, Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33). | Getty Images for The Connie Orla
26. Peter Sawkins
The only Scottish Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins will make his Edinburgh Fringe debut with a baking show at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33). With performers from the festival and celebrity guests making an appearance, Sawkins will put his baking skills to the test from July 31–August 23. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
27. Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe will return to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025 with his improv show Kiell Smith-Bynoe & Friends: Kool Story Bro for a third year. Performing at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33), the actor and comedian will be joined by a rotating cast of improvisers from August 15-22. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
28. Doon Mackichan and Kieran Hodgson
Two Doors Down co-stars Doon Mackichan and Kieran Hodgson will mark four decades at the Fringe with Gilded Balloon. Performing from August 14–16, Hodgson will host a sit down chat with Mackichan about her career and work as well as their time on the BBC comedy together at Gilded Balloon at the Museum (Venue 64). Hodgson will also perform his own solo show Voice of America from July 30–August 24 at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33). | Getty Images