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 last month, with 3,352 show across 265 venues, and some are already selling out - with others still being added to the bill.
It can be a fairly daunting prospect to narrow those down when organising your Fringe.
While seeing something new is very much part of the Fringe experience, sometimes it’s nice to go and see something that’s already been successful.
Luckily there are plenty of returning shows that have previously wowed sold out Edinburgh audiences, along with those that arrive in Scotland’s Capital on a wave of award winning success.
Here are 18 that caught our eye. You can book them all at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe website.
13. The Boy With Tape on his Face/Tape Face
It's been 20 years since a little-known mime called The Boy With Tape On His Face arrived in Edinburgh - taking the first step to global superstardom. Since then New Zealander Sam Wills has reached the final of America's Got Talent, had huge headlining runs in Las Vegas, toured the world, and changed his name to Tape Face. He also won the Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize in 2012. He's back in Edinburgh to celebrate the anniversary, performing the first show he brought to the city at the Pleasance Grand from July 30-August 10. | Contributed
14. Julia Masli: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Another Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show - this time from 2023 - Julia Masli is a clown set on solving her audience's problems and anxieties in her show 'ha ha ha ha ha ha ha'. Since her Edinburgh success she's toured the word to glowing reviews and is now back in Edinburgh's Capital from August 11-24 at the audience participation-friendly (be warned!) Pleasance Queen Dome. No two shows will be the same, so you might even want to go twice. | Contributed
15. Nick Mohammed is Mr Swallow: Show Pony
An Edinburgh regular, Nick Mohammed shot to global fame in hit Apple TV series 'Ted Lasso'. He's back this August in character as the hapless Mr Swallow in new show 'Show Pony' for one night only at the Playhouse on August 22. It's already toured the UK, gaining near-universal glowing reviews. | Contributed
16. Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
There are no shortage of improv comedy shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but perhaps none as reliable and consistantly funny as 'Showstopper!'. The premise is simple - the cast create an all-singing, all-dancing musical using ideas submitted by the audience. It's seen them sell out shows since 2008 and bagged them an Olivier Award. See a new musical every night at the Pleasance Grand from July 30 to August 24. | Contributed