Last updated: August 20, 2024

There’s only a week left of Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival which this month has seen the city once again embrace all forms of creativity with its massive August celebration of arts and culture from all over the world. We’ve rounded up some of the must-sees of 2024

Gearóid Farrelly: Gearóid Rage (FIVE STARS)

You’re guaranteed a cry with laughter situ at this hour long show from the fantastically funny Gearóid Farrelly. The triggers of this hilarious gay Irish comedian’s rage will resonate with many! There’s a great segment on children (if you like them, prepare to be mildy offended!), while his tales of stuck cotton buds and hospital visits will have you howling. Sarah Millican is a massive fan and it was our favourite show of the festival. Fiver stars, go see. 1920 daily, 19-25 August. Book here.

Anna Akana – It Gets Darker (THREE STARS)

Comedian, actress, writer and YouTube sensation Anna Akana is having a moment this Fringe with packed out shows and some serious hype around her Its Gets Darker show. Raising awareness of mental health issues and suicide in young people, she’s amassed a huge following, while a serious stalking episode saw her give up touring for six years before now heading out on the road once again. While there’s definitely comedic elements throughout to lift the crowd, one lady in the audience spent most of the show crying and with good reason – Akana goes into detail about her 13 year old sister’s death… You’ll get the feeling you’ve been on a journey after this one. August 20-24, 1730. Book your seat here.

Shitty Mozart (THREE STARS)

One of the most bonkers shows we’ve seen! This late night offering from the very likeable and certainly genius Aaron Nemo is his UK debut and definitely one of the more memorable performances of Fringe. Dressed in a Mozart costume from ebay, you’ll get to hear the story of how a cloned Mozart was created through his animations, makeshift instruments, and an amazing sound box as well while a talking disco light recites lyrics from The Killers. You might come away thinking ‘what have I just seen?!’ but you’ll be also be rather glad you’ve seen it. 19-26 August, 2300 nightly, grab your seat here.

Alison Larkin: Grief… A Comedy (FIVE STARS)

English / American writer, comedian and voice over Alison Larkin has an incredible story to tell and by the end of this hour long one woman show, you might just look at your own life differently. You’ll experience a rollercoaster of emotions in the beautiful, carefully told story which was previewed at the Soho Theatre in London last year, with Larkin’s ability to impersonate accents adding to the stunning quality of the story-telling. A must-see. 20-25 August 1410 daily, you can find out more here.

Sarina Freda: No No No Please No God No, Nevermind I’m Fine (FOUR STARS)

This journey of self-expression for the incredibly talented Sarina Freda explores the effects of LSD on a transformative trip. From Sarina’s relationships with her ‘crush’ and her beloved nonna, through to experiencing the actual highs and lows of hallucinogenics – if you’ve never taken drugs, you’ll definitely feel like you have. A powerful tale about the mind’s abilities, you can see Sarina’s pushed herself mentally and physically to make this show. Great to see this rising star in the early stages of a promising career in the arts. 19-24 August, 1605 daily. Grab your tickets here.

Stephan Mullan: Rascal (FIVE STARS)

Get ready for proper belly laughs as Stephan Mullan discusses a range of importance themes and issues but somehow manages to have everyone laughing hysterically. From growing up on a council estate to observations about his Argentinian mother, macho culture, being a single dad and not feeling loved by his religious Irish father, this sharp as a razor performance was witty, clever and made even more hysterical by Mullan’s banter with ‘the denim jacket woman’ in the audience who couldn’t get her arm out of her sleeve. A must-see – five stars. 19-25 August, 1945, find out more here.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (FIVE STARS)

As someone who hates musicals, my pre-conceptions were completely over-turned by this genius production which has you wondering ‘how on earth do they do that?!’ This totally improvised show starts with the audience who come up with a title for the show and the style of the songs. ‘James Bond’s Lie In’ channelled musical style from The Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys and Les Mis while the actors came up with a totally improv-ed plot which involved a round of golf, a lonely Bond villain and romance with Miss Moneypenny. An incredible show which you absolutely must-see. No wonder it’s an award-winner. 19-25 August, 1730, book here.

Adults Only Magic Show (THREE STARS)

Prudish spectators, look away now! Without giving too much away, this ‘adult only’ magic show is exactly what it says on the tin, with nudity and adult content as well as some unbelievable magic from two super likeable magicians and their crazy compere. They’ve taken their magic all around the world and this latest show from them is most definitely memorable! Prepare for audience participation – there’s plenty of it! 20-25 August, 2115. Find out more here.

Finlay Christie – I Deserve This (FIVE STARS)

His stand up has been viewed over 200 million times on YouTube, so when you get the chance to see viral sensation Finlay Christie, you take it! Taking the piss out of his privileged life, Finlay Christie is refreshingly funny, current, and about as Gen Z as it gets. With observations about his boarding school experiences, his early attempts at rapping, views on climate change and old people, the delivery is effortless and to be honest, just absolutely f**king hilarious. A BIG star of the future, don’t miss it. 19-25 August, times vary, book here.

Murder She Didn’t Write

Back for its tenth year and testament to its popularity, this classic murder mystery makes you the author as the cast of Degrees of Error create a completely improvised whodunnit, making you the detective. Become embroiled in the murder in this Agatha Christie style murder mystery! 1550 daily between 19-26 August. For tickets, click here.

Check out the full list of shows by going to the official website.