Leith Comedy Festival recommends the best comedy shows at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe!
- Rosalind Romer
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- Jul 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 28
It was particularly difficult to narrow down the recommendations at this year’s Fringe. The world is upside down and people have a lot to say. And we all need to laugh. A lot. So here’s this year’s list.
Images:
Top row: Marjolein Robertson, Liam Withnail, Jordan Gray
Middle row: Jessica Fostekew, Rosco McClelland, Sam Nicoresti
Bottom row: Kim Blythe, Krystal Evans, Ignacio Lopez
Marjolein Robertson: Lein Marjolein tackles big topics with proper belly laughs, weaving in Scottish folklore, while happily ignoring the usual comedy rulebook. Marjolein is smart, funny, and this third show in a trilogy is going to be one to remember. 8.20pm | Pleasance Dome (Queen Dome) | 30th July to 24th August (not 12th) | Book Tickets |
Liam Withnail: Big Strong Boy Liam’s shows have been getting better and better every year, and this one is his best yet. It’s hilarious, personal, and disarming, all handled with a lightness of touch that’s seriously impressive and very, very funny. Get in there before the five star reviews pack it out. 6.10pm | Monkey Barrel 1 | 29th July to 24th August (not 13th) | Book Tickets |
Jordan Gray: Is That a C*ck in Your Pocket, or Are You Just Here to Kill Me? The follow-up to Jordan’s bold and brilliant “Is it a Bird”, which won the hearts and minds of the Edinburgh Fringe, and ruffled a few feathers outside of it. 9.05pm | Assembly Gardens (Piccolo Tent) | 30th July to 24th August (not 6th, 12th or 19th) | Book Tickets |
Jessica Fostekew: Iconic Breath Jessica’s one of the funniest comics around. She’ll make you think, make you guffaw, and leave you wondering how one person can be that good. Just all-round brilliance from a master at work. 5.40pm | Monkey Barrel 3 | 11th to 24th August (not 12th) | Book Tickets |
Rosco McClelland: How Could Hell Be Any Worse? This year's winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, Rosco is adored in Scotland and beyond for his quick wit and magnetic stage presence. Sharp, original, and at the top of his game, this is a comic who knows exactly what he’s doing. 8.05pm | Monkey Barrel (Cabaret Voltaire) | 30th July to 24th August (not 13th) | Book Tickets |
Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer Smart, fearless, and seriously sharp, Sam dives into the controversial stuff and picks it apart with such clarity, you’ll wonder why it ever felt contentious in the first place. Thoughtful, funny, and refreshingly honest. 5.40pm | Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Two) | 30th July to 24th August (not 12th) | Book Tickets |
Kim Blythe: Cowboy Relatively new on the comedy scene, Kim is going places fast, so catch her now before she pulls a Kevin Bridges and blasts off into comedy stardom. 7.30pm | Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose (Other Yin)| 30th July to 25th August (not 11th) | Book Tickets |
Krystal Evans: A Star is Burnt Comedian, author, and soon-to-be TV star on Mitchell & Webb’s upcoming sketch show. Krystal is a brilliant storyteller and stand-up. Tickets are going fast, so grab yours soon! 7.10pm | Monkey Barrel 2 | 30th July to 24th August (not 13th) | Book Tickets |
Ignacio Lopez: Nada Ignacio hosted our electric closing night at the Biscuit Factory last Fringe, and he’s back, but only for the first week. Plus, he’s got a children’s show too, so there’s something for everyone! 9.20pm | Hoots @ The Apex (Hoot 3) | 31st July to 8th August (not 12th) | Book Tickets |
Daniel Kitson: Please note: This is Not a Bargain A late addition to the Fringe programme, Daniel Kitson has legendary status at the Fringe, so if you’re quick, you might still snag a ticket. Just like the good old days before planning your Fringe in February was a thing! 10am | The Stand 3 | 31st July to 24th August (not 6th, 13th or 20th) | Book Tickets |
Shedinburgh A new venue for 2025 that’s shaking up the Fringe by putting performers first. The team has an impressive track-record, including two one-in-a-million shows ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Baby Reindeer’. Various times and events | Book Tickets |
A special mention goes Susan Riddell, who had to cancel her Edinburgh Fringe show for making a stand against the atrocities happening in Gaza. She has provided links to two places to donate to instead (links below). We’ve also been following the brilliant comedian Jen Brister who has been working with All Our Relations, working to get food and supplies directly to displaced families in Gaza.
Comedians have an exceptional way of cutting through the politics and connecting directly with the humanity of a situation.
Have a wonderful Fringe, support live comedy, challenge your beliefs, be kind and laugh lots.
NOTES:
We've taken care to get the information correct, but things change so please check with the venue before you travel. If shows sell out, comedians often add extra shows so check their website. Please also check age guidance and themes.
TOP TIPS:
Most links on here go to edfringe.com. If tickets are sold out, try the venue's website as they may have some tickets left.
Sometimes venues release tickets that have been held back for press just before the show, so if you're out and about and your favourite comedian is sold out, it's worth checking with the venue 15 to 30 minutes before the show starts.
Tickets are cheaper on preview days, usually 30th and 31st July, and sometimes a day or two before after. There are also 2 for 1 deals through the Fringe website on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th August.
