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.
9. John Kearns
Comedy genius John Kearns is the only person to have won both the Best Newcomer Award and the Main Prize at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards - in 2013 and 2014. He'll presumably be back in his trademark false teeth and wig for his work in progress at the Monkey Barrel from August 8-13. He's also appearing alongside fellow comic Adam Riches in character as crooners Michael Ball and Alfie Boe at the Pleasance Grand from August 14-16. In 2022, Kearns appeared as a contestant on Series 14 of Taskmaster, finishing joint-fourth with 144 points. | Contributed
10. Jenny Eclair
Jenny Eclair is in Edinburgh for two shows only this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Gilded Balloon. She'll be talking about her fascinating career at the Gilded Balloon from August 8-9. In 2023, Eclair appeared as a contestant on Series 15, finishing third with 152 points - and is also the host of 'Taskmaster: The People's Podcast'. | Getty Images
11. Nick Mohammed
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. In 2024, Mohammed appeared as a contestant on Series 17, finishing fifth with 131 points. | Getty Images for Tribeca Festiva
12. Rosie Jones
Rosie Jones was a big hit in series 18 of Taskmaster last year, despite finishing last with 137 points. Long an Edinburgh favourite, she's back with a work in progress entitled 'I Can't Tell What She's Saying' at the Pleasance Courtyard from August 11-17. | Getty Images