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 week, with 3.352 show across 265 venues.
For fans of the hugely popular television series Taskmaster it’s tempting to see at least a couple of familiar faces from the show.
Presented by Greg Davies and Alex Horne (who also created the programme, originally as a show for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe), the first series of Taskmaster was broadcast in 2014 on comedy channel Dave, before expanding its audience after being poached by Channel 4 in 2020.
In total there have been 19 series, along with a number of special one-off episodes.
That means there are plenty of former contestants, 17 of which are appearing in Edinburgh this year.
Here’s who to book on the Fringe website.
5. Paul Sinha
As well know for his quizzing prowess on TV's 'The Chase' as he is for his standup, former doctor Paul Sinha was a contestant in Series 8 of Taskmaster, finishing last with 136 points. He's marking 30 years of coming to the Fringe with his new show '2 Sinha Lifetime' at The Stand from July 31-August 24. | Getty Images
6. Richard Herring
Self-styled King of Edinburgh Richard Herring is making a welcome return to the Fringe with his chat show 'RHLSTP' (RHLSTP!) at the Stand from July 30-August 10. There will be a new guest (or two) every day. Rich won series 10 of Taskmaster in 2020 with 162 points, before also triumphing in 2022's Champion of Champions II, with 17 points. | Getty Images
7. Jamali Maddix
Jamali Maddix appeared as a contestant on Series 11 of Taskmaster, finishing fourth with 137 points. He's bringing his new show 'Aston' to the Monkey Barrel from August 13-24. | Contributed
8. Bridget Christie
Edinburgh Comedy Award-winner Bridget Christie returns to Edinburgh following acclaim for writing and starring in Channel 4 show 'The Change', about a woman who finds a new lease of life when she goes through the menopause. A regular on television and radio, she's back in Edinburgh for the first time in a few years with a work in progress at the Monkey Barrel from August 2-9. In 2022, Christie appeared as a contestant on Series 13 of Taskmaster, finishing third with 157 points. | Getty Images