EDINBURGH 2023: Pick of the Programme - Comedy

With nearly 3000 shows now on sale for the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, trying to narrow down what to see can be a bit of a task. BWW reviewer Natalie O'Donoghue has selected her top ten picks across the festival programme to highlight the shows you really don't want to miss this year!

Sofie Hagen: Banglord

Longtime BroadwayWorld favourite Sofie Hagen returns to the Fringe with their new show Banglord. The Edfringe site listings is giving absolutely nothing away about the content of this show but, in Sofie we trust. 

Mark Nelson: Bits & Pieces 

Bits & Pieces is Mark Nelson's 10th year at the festival and this year is a compilation of new stuff and some of his greatest hits. Frequently viral on social media, Mark Nelson is a comedian can always be relied on for a solid hour of cut-throat observations.

Fiona Allen: On The Run

One of the announcements that got me most excited for this year's festival is the debut hour from Fiona Allen. I would cite Smack the Pony which first aired in 1999 as my introduction to comedy and I'm quite frankly, absolutely beside myself for this one.

Sikisa: Hear Me Out

Making waves in the comedy scene, Sikisa is back at the Fringe after a successful debut in 2022. Finding out she had dyslexia as an adult, in Hear Me Out Sikisa looks back on how communication has affected her life with a focus on academic success. Definitely one to get excited about, you might have seen her on Live at the Apollo or Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club.

Kieran Hodgson: Big In Scotland

Having seen a preview of Big In Scotland at the Glasgow International Festival back in March, I'm extremely confident that this will be one of the top comedy shows of the Fringe. Kieran made the permanent move to Scotland in 2020 and has made a huge effort to embrace his new home. 

Susan Riddell: Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman is a mix of standup and filmed sketches from an incredible Scottish talent. I've caught Susan Riddell at mixed bill nights over the years but only saw my first full hour at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival this year and I can't wait to see Wonder Woman!

Stephen Buchanan: Charicature

Another established comedian finding success with viral Tiktoks, Stephen Buchanan is back with a blend of standup and sketches. A longtime favourite on the Scottish comedy scene, you might have seen his sketches about airport WHSmiths or the con that is the fajita kit. Always brilliant and another I'm extremely excited to see.

Bilal Zafar: Imposter

Hugely likeable comedian and Twitch streamer Bilal Zafar returns to the Fringe with a show about how his housemate tried to get him arrested five times in two days the week before his wedding. If that blurb doesn't draw you in, I don't know what will. 

Ania Magliano: I Can't Believe You've Done This

Ania Magliano's 2022 Absolutely No Worries If Not was the show I was kicking myself for missing last year after hearing so many people raving about it and I won't be making the same mistake twice. I Can't Believe You've Done This is about the worst haircut of her life and is directed by Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Jordan Brookes.

Liam Withnail: Chronic Boom 

Another favourite from the Scottish comedy scene, Liam Withnail is a gifted storyteller and a pretty big deal on Tiktok. Chronic Boom is a show about chronic illness and a hospital stay that looks at the curveballs life throws. Having seen Liam before I'd hedge my bets that it's probably going to be a little bit emotional and very, very funny.

The full programme is available at www.edfringe.com 

To post a comment, you must register and login.