Top comedians performing at the Fringe 2023
10 top comedians at this year’s Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. If you’re looking for something to tickle your funny bone, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the Fringe. Known for showcasing the best up-and-coming comedy stars, as well as hardened veterans of the circuit. This year’s programme runs from 4th to 28th August 2023. With over 3,000 events across 271 venues, and a total of 1,314 comedy shows, the Fringe Festival takes funny business to new levels! If you’re hoping to see some top comedians at this year’s Fringe, we’ve picked out 10 of the biggest shows to leave you in stitches…
1. Frank Skinner: 30 Years of Dirt
Selected dates 3 – 27 August 2023
Assembly George Square
Frank is a legend on the comedy scene, starting out over 30 years ago. His show “30 Years of Dirt” brings us an hour of sharp and witty stand-up. Book tickets.
2. Adam Kay: Undoctored – This is Going to Hurt… More
Selected dates 2 – 28 August 2023
Pleasance Courtyard
Doctor-turned-comedian Adam Kay explores the funny side of medicine, sharing stories from on and off the hospital ward. Book tickets.
3. Sara Pascoe: Success Story
18 August 2023
Underbelly, Bristo Square
Sara Pascoe brings her latest tour to Edinburgh for one night only. Success Story follows Sara’s rise to success, her life as a new mum, and all the ups and downs along the way. Book tickets.
4. Rhod Gilbert: Work in Progress
21 – 27 August 2023
Gilded Balloon Teviot
Welsh comedian Rhod returns to the stage after undergoing cancer treatment with a new work-in-progress show, described as “dark but funny”. Book tickets.
5. Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Friends: Kool Story Bro
21 – 23 August 2023
Pleasance Courtyard
You may know Kiell Smith-Bynoe from hit comedies such as Ghosts and Stath Lets Flats. Kiell hosts a late-night improv show with friends, where something different happens every night. Book tickets.
6. Mark Watson: Search
Selected dates 2 – 27 August 2023
Pleasance Courtyard
Exploring the Internet age and our search for meaning in life, this stand-up show from Mark Watson has audiences rolling with laughter from start to finish. Book tickets.
7. Rosie Jones: Triple Threat
11 – 12 August 2023
Pleasance Courtyard
A mischievous laugh-out-loud show from Rosie Jones, well-known for her appearances on panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock The Week and The Last Leg. Book tickets.
8. Paul Merton’s Impro Chums
10 – 20 August 2023
Pleasance Courtyard
Paul Merton, Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Kirsty Newton and Mike McShane take audience suggestions to create hilarious improv sketches in this long-running Fringe favourite. Book tickets.
9. Ed Gamble: Work in Progress
2 – 13 August 2023
Monkey Barrel Comedy
Ed Gamble brings plenty of witty anecdotes, observations and gags to the Fringe with a work-in-progress stand-up show featuring new material. Book tickets.
10. Rose Matafeo: Work in Progress
16 – 27 August 2023
Monkey Barrel Comedy
And last but certainly not least, Rose Matafeo, star and creator of BBC sitcom Starstruck, brings an hour of work-in-progress stand-up Fringe comedy. Book tickets.
Edinburgh Festival Accommodation
With your comedy itinerary all set, be sure to arrange your festival accommodation as soon as possible. Parliament House Hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms right in the heart of all the action. Book a room early to avoid disappointment during this busy time.
