Ultimate Guide: Hannah Gadsby’s Return and Two Gwyneth Musicals to See

Unpack your pac-a-mac, fire up your funny bone, and gird your loins. The Fringe is here.

With over 3,500 shows – ranging from serious plays in proper theaters to intense one-on-one experiences set in unconventional spaces like a toilet – the world’s biggest arts festival is back at its pre-Covid scale. This year’s lineup includes big names in comedy and theater such as previous comedy prize winners Hannah Gadsby and Rose Matafeo, TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney, along with hundreds of Fringe first-timers and the return of beloved acts.

Feel free to take a chance on a debut performance in a damp pub basement at eight in the morning – that’s the spirit of the Fringe. However, if you need some guidance navigating the myriad of repurposed car parks, lecture halls, rain-battered pop-up tents, and overheated office cubicles, here’s a curated pick of some of the best shows this year.

Hannah Gadsby: Woof!

Hannah Gadsby’s 2017 show Nanette redefined what stand-up comedy could achieve. By relating experiences of growing up lesbian and neurodivergent in a conservative setting, the show evolved from humor to a powerful emotional narrative, earning Gadsby the Edinburgh Comedy Award, a Netflix special, an Emmy, and global acclaim. Woof! is their first Fringe show since then, with Gadsby now exploring life post- Nanette. 18-25 August, Underbelly

Natalie Palamides: Weer

Palamides made a splash with Nate, a drag king and clowning spectacle exploring machismo and consent, later turned into a Netflix special. She is back at the Fringe with Weer, described as “an achingly tender Nineties rom-drom (romantic dramedy)”. 5-25 August, Traverse

Sheeps: The Giggle Bunch (That’s Our Name for You)

The sketch trio Sheeps – formed by Daran Johnson, Liam Williams, and Al Roberts – reunites after individual successes. Followers will be glad to see them back, especially after their 2022 show, Ten Years Ten Laughs. 31 July, 1-16 and 18-25 August, Pleasance Courtyard

Ahir Shah: Ends

Ahir Shah won the Edinburgh comedy award for Ends at last year’s Fringe, a heartfelt take on modern Britain and his late friend Adam Brace, who passed away in May. Shah is bringing the show back for those who missed it. 12-23 August, Pleasance Courtyard

Patti Harrison: My Huge Tits Huge Because They Are Infected NOT FAKE

This title accurately hints at the show’s delightful silliness. Fans of Tim Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave will recognize Patti Harrison for her equal absurdist humor. Harrison is back after a partial run last year. 1-11 August, Pleasance Courtyard

Sophie Duker: But Daddy I Love Her

Winning Taskmaster and Celebrity Mastermind showcases Duker’s blend of humor and intellect. Her new show delves into sugar daddies and choosing silliness over reality. 31 July, 1-13 Aug, 15-25 Aug, Pleasance Courtyard

Rose Matafeo: On and On and On

2018 Edinburgh comedy prize winner Rose Matafeo has ascended to fame with her BBC sitcom Starstruck and numerous TV appearances. After a work-in-progress showcase last year, she returns with a fresh solo show. 9-16 and 18-25 August, Pleasance Courtyard

Zoe Coombs Marr: Every Single Thing In My Whole Entire Life

Zoe Coombs Marr’s comedic style is detailed and inventive. This new show promises to cover all aspects of her life, organized via an Excel spreadsheet. 30-31 July, 1-6, 8-13, 15-20 and 22-25 August, Monkey Barrel Comedy

Dylan Mulvaney: F*ghag

TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney, who faced significant backlash following a Bud Light ad, now brings her first solo show to the Fringe. The show combines her musical theater roots with original songs. 31 July to 25 August, Assembly George Square

The Outrun

Amy Liptrot’s 2016 book is transformed into a stage play by playwright Stef Smith and director Vicky Featherstone. The show tracks Liptrot’s struggle with alcoholism, moving from London to Orkney. 31 July to 24 August, Church Hill Theatre

The Fifth Step

Jack Lowden stars in this new play by David Ireland, addressing themes of alcoholism and redemption. 21-25 August, The Lyceum

The Bellringers

Daisy Hall’s “The Bellringers” is set in a bell tower during an impending lightning strike. This play highlights love and community. 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26 August, Roundabout @ Summerhall

Nation

YESYESNONO’s production “Nation” is a detective thriller exploring themes of nationhood. Known for hits like Five Encounters on a Site Called Craigslist, it promises innovation. 1-5, 7-12, 14-19, 21-26 August, Roundabout @ Summerhall

Gwyneth Goes Skiing/ I Wish You Well

Two musicals about the Gwyneth Paltrow skiing incident add unique flavors. The first, Gwyneth Goes Skiing, comes from the creators of last year’s breakout hit Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story. The second features X-Factor semi-finalist Diana Vickers. 31 July to 26 August, Pleasance Courtyard

Sh!t Theatre: Or What’s Left of Us

Sh!t Theatre returns with their distinctive performance art style, exploring folk music and ending with a song and drink. 1-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-25 August, Summerhall

Adam Riches: Jimmy

Adam Riches transitions from comedy to theater with a show about tennis player Jimmy Connors. Known for interactive, audience-driven comedy, it’ll be interesting to see if his humor seeps into the theater piece. 1-11, 13-18, 20-26 August, Summerhall

Edge of Time

This new one-woman musical follows sociologist and feminist pioneer Hannah Gavron, blending her life story with writer Daisy Boulton’s experiences. 1-11, 13-25 August, Underbelly Cowgate

Weather Girl

A play by Brian Watkins addressing the climate crisis, produced by Francesca Moody, known for Fleabag. She also brings two other intriguing shows: VL and I’m Almost There. 1-11, 13-18, 20-26 August, Summerhall

Same Team

This play about women competing in the Homeless World Cup returns after a successful debut at the Traverse. 3-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-25 August, Traverse Theatre

Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs from 2-26 August; edfringe.com.

Edinburgh International Festival runs from 2-25 August; eif.co.uk

Source: The Guardian