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.
17. Ria Lina: Riabellion
"Expect a relentless stream of hilarity as Ria explores the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules." Monkey Barrel, July 28-August 24. | Contributed
18. Helen Bauer: Bless Her
"Helen is back and is struggling. She has spent the last year being forced to hang out with someone she doesn’t like and who honestly does not like her. It’s tense, it’s uncomfortable, they won’t leave." Monkey Barrel, July 28-August 24. | Contributed
19. Ania Magliano: Work in Progress
"Ania Magliano has some new thoughts/jokes/confessions/gossip to share with you before you’ve even had your lunch." Monkey Barrel, July 28-August 10. | Contributed
20. Amy Gledhill: Make Me Look Fit On The Poster
"Two very special performances of her award-winning show about self-confidence, romance and bin bags." Monkey Barrel, August 19-20. | Contributed