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.
25. Liam Farrelly – You Need to Shut Up
"Farrelly's hit the point in his life where he thinks most people need to shut up, the best way to showcase this? Making you shut up and listen to him for an hour." The Stand, July 31-August 24. | Contributed
26. Stuart Goldsmith: An Inconvenient Time (WIP)
"Whether you're frozen in fear or glued to the road, come and get unstuck as Stuart explores how to hold hope in your heart despite absolutely everything." Monkey Barrel, August 11-17. | Contributed
27. Sindhu Vee: Work-in-Progress
"Sindhu Vee returns with a work-in-progress for a new tour." Monkey Barrel, July 31-August 10. | Contributed
28. Larry Dean: Work in Progress
"Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Larry Dean tries some new jokes." Monkey Barrel, August 1-7. | Contributed