August is fast approaching which means it’s time to scour the Edinbugh Festival Fringe programme for the best shows to see.
The physical programme was launched earlier this month, with 3,352 show across 265 venues, and some are already selling out.
It can be a fairly daunting prospect to narrow those down when organising your Fringe.
It’s always nice to take a chance on something, hoping to be the first to see a hot new act - but sometimes it’s just nice to see somebody familiar from television.
Since 2004 the BBC’s Live at the Apollo has been one of the most popular small screen showcases for standup comedians - acting as a rite of passage for those on their way to fame and fortune.
Those appearing on early episodes included the likes of Jo Brand, Lee Mack, Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, Russell Howard, Sean Lock and Dara Ó Briain.
And, while it’s not watched by as many people as in its heyday - when everybody in Britain seemed to know Rhod Gilbert’s ‘lost luggage’ routine - it’s still seen to be one of the most prestigious TV bookings for both up-and-coming and established comics.
Here are 31 who have made the grade and are appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. You can buy tickets for all the shows here.
5. Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers
"Combining Cally’s comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name, the show has at its heart her own story of radical reinvention – taking her from meetings in boardrooms to treading the boards, thanks to a chance conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers." Assembly George Square, August 22-23. | Contributed
6. Ignacio Lopez: Nada
"Ignacio Lopez creates an hour of blisteringly funny stand-up right in front of your very eyes! Mining his unique and hilarious upbringing, as well as suggestions from the audience, Ignacio crafts an intricate story of mystery and suspense from nothing." Hoots @ The Apex, July 31-August 8. | Contributed
7. Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath
"As a woman who has narrowly escaped making life and experiencing death, Desiree explores death, menopause, spirituality and nationality, staking her claim as the right voice for these very wrong times, while offering insights into middle age, identity, social demise and other apocalypses." Monkey Barrel July 28-August 10. | Contributed
8. Larry Dean: Dodger
"Larry's been spending a lot of time with his granny lately. He wants to tell you about it." Assembly Rooms, August 15-16. | Contributed