The Edinburgh Festival Fringe was one of the many artistic casualties of the global pandemic, meaning the streets of the Capital have remained free of the usual August hubbub since the last full edition was held back in 2019.
The return of the event, scheduled to take place from August 5-29, will be welcomed by all those who missed the annual cultural feast, as well as business owners who rely on the huge number of visitors that flock to the city.
Comedy fans are already scouring the programme for the must-see standup sets and for fans of Taskmaster – the show that challenges comedians to a series of hilarious challenges – there are no shortage of familiar faces in the programme.
The majority of Taskmaster contestants started out with Edinburgh shows, including presenters ‘little’ Alex Horne’ and the Taskmaster himself – Greg Davies.
Here are the 11 shows featuring comedians from the programme that you can book tickets for now on the Fringe website.
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5. Phil Wang: The Real Hero in All This
Phil Wang made a memorable appearance in series 7 of Taskmaster - and not just because of his trousers - but still came last, a massive 43 points behind the incredibly competent Kerry Godliman. This August he'll be bringing his new hour of comedy, 'The Real Hero in All This', to Assembly George Square from August 15-21 at 9pm. Photo: Contributed
6. Lou Sanders: One Word: Wow
Lou Sanders triumphed in series 8, with Scot Iain Stirling her closest rival. A real Fringe favourite, she'll be bringing 'One Word: Wow' to the Monkey Barrel at 5.40pm most nights. Photo: Contributed
7. Paul Sinha: One Sinha Lifetime
Former doctor and star of the smash hit gameshow 'The Chase', Paul 'The Sinnerman' Sinha came last in series 8 of Taskmaster, when Lou Sanders triumphed. He'll be bringing 'One Sinha Lifetime' to the Stand's New Town Theatre venue most afternoons in August at 4.40pm. Photo: Contributed
8. Ed Gamble: Electric
Ed Gamble was the winner of series 9 of Taskmaster, finishing eight points clear of Rose Matafeo, as well as hosting the hugely popular Taskmaster podcast. Saying he's "charged up and ready to flick the switch on even more nights of attention seeking", he's bringing 'Electric' to Edinburgh for a limited run from August 8-14 at 9pm at Assembly George Square. Photo: Canva/Getty Images