One of the fun things to do in Edinburgh during festival season is to see a well-know comedian work through new ideas that will end up being performed in venues across the UK - and the world.
Work in Progress shows are often fairly haphazard affairs, where the performers may refer to notes, happily follow comedic dead ends, and guage the audience’s reaction to different material and punchlines.
The positives for an audience is that for a small price they get to see a big name in a tiny venue deliver what is often an entirely unique performance never to be repeated.
It’s often also the case the the material has actually been pretty well developed between the listing being submitted for the Fringe programme and the show itself – equating to even more of a bargain. In 2023 Ahir Shah even won the Edinburgh Comedy Award for a show that was originally listed as a work in progress.
This means they often sell out quite far in advance, so if you fancy any of these, don't delay booking them on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe website.
Here are 18 of the best in this year’s programme.
13. Celya AB
One of the most exciting emerging talents in live comedy, Celya AB scooped a Chortle Award for Best Newcomer in 2022 and has reached the final of both the Funny Women awards and the BBC's New Comedy Award. See what the French comic has been working on at the Monkey Barrel from August 11-24. | Contributed
14. Chris Forbes
Scot Squad star Chris Forbes reckoned that the height of summer would be the perfect time to try out a few festive jokes. It's certainly an interesting plan. His work in progress show 'Father Christmas' is on at The Stand for six shows only, between August 11-17. Festive jumpers are optional. | Contributed
15. Huge Davies
Former Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee Huge Davies is bringing more of his unique musical comedy to the Fringe this year with a work in progress at the PBH Free Fringe. He's promising "The same wearable keyboard, new hour-long experiment and an incredible bucket speech." at Binkies Lounge from August 2-24. | Contributed
16. Chris Cantrill
One half of much-loved sketch duo 'The Delightful Sausage', Chris Cantrill's 2024 solo show 'Easily Swayed' was an absolute delight from start to finish. He's now working on a sequel and you can see how he's getting on at the Monkey Barrel from August 15-19. | Contributed