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 earlier this month, with 3,352 show across 265 venues, and some are already selling out.
It can be a fairly daunting prospect to narrow those down when organising your Fringe.
It’s always nice to take a chance on something, hoping to be the first to see a hot new act - but sometimes it’s just nice to see somebody familiar from television.
Since 2004 the BBC’s Live at the Apollo has been one of the most popular small screen showcases for standup comedians - acting as a rite of passage for those on their way to fame and fortune.
Those appearing on early episodes included the likes of Jo Brand, Lee Mack, Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, Russell Howard, Sean Lock and Dara Ó Briain.
And, while it’s not watched by as many people as in its heyday - when everybody in Britain seemed to know Rhod Gilbert’s ‘lost luggage’ routine - it’s still seen to be one of the most prestigious TV bookings for both up-and-coming and established comics.
Here are 31 who have made the grade and are appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. You can buy tickets for all the shows here.
9. Laura Lexx: Slinky
"Join multi award-winning stand-up star and viral sensation Laura Lexx in Slinky. This show is effortlessly heartwarming, hilarious about motherhood and fearless with the front row." Monkey Barrel, August 11-21. | Contibuted
10. Sikisa: Serving Justice
"Join the hilarious diva Sikisa for Serving Justice – a bold, thought-provoking hour exploring truth, identity, and what justice looks like in love and life. She dives into her love of wrestling, the pressure to have kids, and the realities of the immigration system – with a twist." Monkey Barrel, July 30-August 24. | Contributed
11. Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty
"Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Ian Smith returns with a new show about stress, love and buying a magic spell off Amazon." Monkey Barrel, July 29-August 24. | Contributed
12. Jamie MacDonald: Toxic Bastard
"As a white, middle-class, straight male with an ok career Jamie fits the current stereotype of a loathsome, over-privileged, toxic bastard. However, because he's blind, he's constantly told he's a role model. FYI, he isn't toxic. But surely he should have the choice to be without people continually telling him he's a hero?" Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose, August 15-24. | Contributed