The Best Comedians at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023
We're halfway through The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023, and with reviews flying in, we wanted to let you know which comedians those of you going down for the second half simply have to see!
Last updated: 16th Aug 2023
Originally published: 15th Aug 2023
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023 is well underway, and the reviews are flying in. Whilst the festival is a celebration of all things arty and creative, from theatre to cabaret to art installations, the thing that people mainly head down to the Fringe for is the awesome array of comedies that occupy venues all around the city. With the festival now heading into its third week, we decided to let you guys in on all the best things happening when it comes to all things funny.
From some of the biggest comics in the game fine-tuning their tour shows before heading out across the country, to unique concept panel shows putting comics up to games like Dungeons and Dragons (although the show has nothing to do with the game or its copyright they promise), to some newcomers ready and pried to smash their debut hour; the Fringe looks alive with laughter this year, and we want to help you make the most of your visit.
So, have a look at who we think the best comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe are, and also a few of the best shows too; scroll down and check it out!
Comedians and (Similar to but Legally Distinct from) Dragons
When: Every day at 2:15pm
Where: Laughing Horse at Home Bar in Edinburgh
Join three of the bravest comedians in all the land as they embark on an epic adventure, filled with dice rolls, glory and probably at least a few failed death saves! Chamring and silly, this show is hosted and DM'd by Stuart Kennedy, who takes full responsibility for setting up all the gags and getting the guests comic to truly immerse themsleves in the world and the roleplaying.
This is a live adventure with audience interaction, so put on your robe and wizard hat, pour yourself a flagon and get ready to see some very questionable decisions being made! A show for everyone, whether you're a forever DM, or you called someone a nerd once and now feel bad about it. Let's go on an adventure!
Adam Rowe: What’s Wrong With Me?
When: 17th - 20th & 22nd - 27th of August at 9:55pm
Where: Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh
Adam Rowe is a legend in the Northern comedy scene. One half of the enviably brilliant Have A Word Podcast and a comic who is ready and primed to take over the country, Rowe is known for his unique mix of observational humour, self-deprecating jokes, and riotously funny storytelling.
In his latest show, "What's Wrong With Me?", Adam Rowe delves into his personal experiences with mental health issues, offering a hilarious yet insightful take on the topic. Drawing on his own struggles and those of his friends and family, he brings a refreshing and honest perspective to the stage, inviting audiences to join him on a journey of self-discovery and self-deprecation.
Join him at Monkey Barrel to get an exclusive chance to see the tour show before he heads out on tour. It's insanely good fun, and one you won't regret.
Lorna Rose Treen: Skin Pigeon
When: Every Day at 4:35pm and 11:15pm
Where: Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh - The Attic
The greatest thing to come out of Redditch since the fishing tackle; character comedian Lorna Rose Treen has been pretending to be other people for fun since she could dress herself. Now she's inviting you inside her mind for an hour of characters, comedy, content, content, content, costumes and content.
Tickets to her Fringe show have been absolutely flying out, and if you are going for the latter end of the month, make surte to head over to the Fringe site and get your tickets asap. theyre nearly gone and this is one you dont wanna miss!
Tadiwa Mahlunge: Inhibition Exhibition
When: Every day at 9:25pm
Where: Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh - Bunker Two
As seen on BBC One, Dave, Comedy Central, and at 25, already performing at major festivals and historic venues across the UK, Tadiwa Mahlunge has been gathering pace as a prodigious act, and this year at the Fringe he has brought his debut hour, and if the reviews are anyhting to go off, its one of the very best ion show!
An alumnus of the 2022 Pleasance Comedy Reserve at the Edinburgh Fringe, Tadiwa has provided tour support for Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jessica Fostekew and Desiree Burch’s Amazon Prime special, and before long he'll be one of those names you and your family are laughing along to on the telly. Get on this one asap!
Dan Tiernan: Going Under
When: Every day at 10pm
Where: Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh
He's 27, gay and riddled with dyspraxia. Dan's had a big year, quitting his job as a dinner lady, going full-time in comedy and finally leaving home, yet somehow he still feels he's completely going under. The reigning BBC New Comedy Awards winner and British Comedian of the Year presents his gag-heavy, high-energy debut hour.
Monkey Barrel will be absolutely bouncing with belly-rumbling laughter once Dan gets on stage, and by the look of the reviews, it already has done. Secure them asap, there's not a lot left!
Mark Nelson: Bits & Pieces
When: Every day at 7:05pm
Where: Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh - The Hive
One of Scotland's most seasoned, and undoubtedly best-working comics, Mark Nelson is coming to the fringe for his 10th show this year. The multi-award-winning stand-up is returning with new stuff, some of his greatest hits and also some other bits and pieces from his decade at the Fringe.
This is another one of the insanely good lineups at the Monkey Barrel (we could probably just stay camped in here all month and not have any complaints), make sure to secure your tickets on the Fringe site if you're heading down for the last couple weeks of the festival.
Elliot Steel: Love and Hate Speech
When: Every day at 9:55pm
Where: Underbelly at Cowgate in Edinburgh
Comedy's best nepo baby (and there's a lot) returns to the fringe once again to bring his brand of dark and witty humour to those lucky few in attendance. The show sees Steel annal everything from near-life-altering injuries sustained at jiu-jitsu to everyday Gen-Z life, Elliot's new show will leave you in fits of laughter. After gaining huge success online, Elliot is a regular at Britain's top comedy clubs despite being in his mid-twenties. Seen on Comedy Central's Roast Battle and Comedy Central at the Comedy Store.
Annabel Marlow... is this okay??
When: Every day at 8:30pm
Where: Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh - The Attic
From staring in the original cast of the Edinburgh musical SIX, Public (Vaults), and several perfect pictures (Instagram) Annabel Marlow makes her solo debut at the Fringe and is bringing her eclectic musical comedy to the lucky punters in attendance. Enjoy a comedy gig that is full of original music, perfect singing (not kidding), and absolute vibes.
Her show explores love (whatever that is!), contraception (modern!), graphic designers (nooo!), having opinions (or not!), overthinking (she sounds cute!) and just how much attention one girl apparently needs. So put down the knitting, and bring a hot single friend to watch Annabel perform all these songs and jokes about literally herself and maybe three others.
Rob Auton: The Rob Auton Show
When: Every day at 2:25pm
Where: Assembly Roxy (Upstairs) in Edinburgh
Rob Auton is a fringe stalwart who has written nine hit Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy/theatre/spoken-word shows on specific themes including Yellow in The Yellow Show, and Sleep in The Sleep Show (he is really creative with the names). In his tenth show, Rob turns the pen on himself in The Rob Auton Show, a show about Rob Auton.
In the hour, Rob explores the memories and feelings that create his life on a daily basis. It's oh so original, dry as toast, and absolutely hilarious. He's returning for a tenth show for the reason, and if you're off to the fringe this year, you have to go and see why that is.
101 Psychos: We Turn Insanity Into Hilarity
When: Every day at 1:45pm
Where: Laughing Horse at The Counting House in Edinburgh - The Loft
Sanity? Overrated! Let your inner psycho run wild! In this epic panel show, a line-up of audacious comedians takes on the wild world of mental health with humour, wit and raw honesty. From neuroses to breakdowns, you will be laughing your way through the chaos. With a daily rotating line-up, you'll never run out of reasons to chuckle, chortle, and snicker at the wonderfully twisted world of mental health. Hosted by Moni Zhang, founder of the Berlin Mental Health Festival, this one is as cathartic as it is funny, and will leave you feeling a lot better about your own struggles.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
