pleasance LONDON

Based in Islington, North London, our year round home has two amazing performance spaces for live comedy, theatre, drag and cabaret, showcasing and developing the best new work.

Join show rehearsals, parties and performances.

We dedicate this year's show to the late, great, founder of NewsRevue, Professor Michael Hodd who launched this multi award-winning, Guinness World Record-breaking institution, 43 years ago. Emma Taylor, its producer since 2001, says 'it is fitting that Mike's enduring legacy will make its debut in the iconic Pleasance Grand.'

Expect 100% brand new material, much of it written by the 'preposterously talented' cast and creative team. From King Charles to Keir Starmer, Prince Harry to Putin, Sunak to strikes and sleaze, no stone will be left unturned. NewsRevue provides 'license to dissent en masse.'

At a time when the cost of a show matters more than ever, it is reassuring to recommend something that delivers. Every. Single. Time Broadway Baby

Satirically brilliant Guardian

Makes the viewer grateful for freedom of speech Edinburgh Evening News

You won’t want it to end and will most likely laugh until you ache Broadway World

17:30 (18:30)

Avalon

LUKE KEMPNER IN GRITTY POLICE DRAMA: A ONE-MAN MUSICAL

Star of Spitting Image and Steph’s Packed Lunch, impressionist Luke Kempner brings his one man British police drama to Edinburgh. With 60 impressions all played by one man.

As seen (and heard) on The Last Leg (C4), The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Love Island: Aftersun (ITV2) and The Now Show (BBCR4).

17:30 (18:30)

Ingenious Fools

WILLIAM THOMPSON: THE HAND YOU'RE DEALT

William Thompson (BBC New Comedy Awards Finalist 2021, as seen and heard on Dave & Channel 4, BBC Scotland) is a rising star from Belfast. Growing up disabled on a Northern Irish council estate, where people aren’t known to be sympathetic, William tries his best to make the most out of the hand he was dealt.

Mudblood Podcast co-host and regular guest on Tea With Me.

17:40 (18:40)

Stamptown Proudly Presents AMUSEMENTS BY IKECHUKWU UFOMADU

Winner: Drama Desk Award (2018). The Emmy-nominated actor and 'gentleman-scholar of alt-comedy' (Vulture, New York Magazine) makes his Edinburgh debut with a waggishly absurd exploration of such vital topics as 'The Alphabet' and 'Counting'.

You don't want to miss him before he becomes a household name Time

17:40 (18:40)

Stamptown and Rotten Science

Proudly Presents

DREW MICHAEL: DREW'S ADVENTURES

Nominee: Writer's Guild Award (2x). A former Saturday Night Live writer with two HBO comedy specials, Emmy-nominee Drew Michael makes his UK debut!

One of the best specials I've seen New York Times

Drew represents the past and future of stand-up comedy GQ

COMEDY

17:40 (18:40)

Blue Book Artist Management

17:40 (18:40)

PLEASANCE COURTYARD • CABARET BAR

Show And Tell in association with Sophie Chapman Talent

HAL CRUTTENDEN:

IT'S BEST YOU HEAR IT FROM ME

Last year's critically acclaimed show is back for a limited run. A year on after his wife left, there's still so much more to laugh about and resolve. Who got the house, the dogs, the car? What did the kids say? And what's the dating scene like in your 50s? From Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and Would I Lie To You. A repair shop for broken hearts. Mirror

RACHEL PARRIS: WORK IN PROGRESS

The BAFTA-nominated comedian, The Mash Report (BBC2) star, Live at the Apollo (BBC1) star and viral sensation, presents a work-inprogress hour of her signature blend of stand-up and songs. This is classy, clever comedy –uproarious Scotsman

Venomously witty Evening Standard

Beguiling... Her songs really score... a gifted performer Times

17:50 (18:50)

Georgia House Productions

CRIZARDS: THIS MEANS

WAR

Crizards, the 'classic double act' (Guardian), are back with a wonky war epic directed by Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, Jordan Brookes. They say you are your own worst enemy... Well, not during wartime. As seen on BBC One and Dave. Guardian

A comedy triumph Reviews Hub

17:50 (18:50)

United Agents

KIRSTY MANN: SKELETONS

Kirsty (Funny Women Awards finalist) has a secret and this is her confession: she’s an undercover doctor. Please don’t tell anyone. A ridiculous true story from awardwinning writer, 'smart character comic' (Scotsman) and 'wo-mann of many talents' (Not The Front Row).

Excellent Metro

Phenomenal Entertainment Now Grabs the gig by the funny bits Scotsman

17:50 (18:50)

Show And Tell in association with Curtis Brown

FREYA PARKER: IT AIN'T

EASY BEING CHEEKY

Are you a little cheeky guy?

Interested in the lifestyle? Come and join Freya as she navigates the struggles of trying to remain cheeky when it's raining trauma. From 50% of sketch duo Lazy Susan comes a 100% debut hour of stand-up.

As seen in the BBC Three sketch show Lazy Susan. Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee. Outrageous and irreverent Guardian

18:00 (19:00)

Avalon

GLENN MOORE: WILL YOU STILL NEED ME, WILL YOU STILL FEED ME, GLENN I'M SIXTY MOORE

The Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee, Mock the Week and Absolute Radio star's smash-hit 2022 show returns for just fourteen shows!

Chortle

Mail on Sunday

18:00 (19:00)

Off The Kerb Productions

LINDSEY SANTORO: PINK TINGE

Alright bab!? Debut stand-up hour from one of the most exciting voices to come out of Brum in recent years. Since appearing as part of Best in Class in 2018, Lindsey has made numerous appearances across TV, radio and podcasts, including Comedy Central Live and Sarah Millican's Elephant in the Room (BBC Radio 4). 2021 finalist at the British Comedian of the Year.

A star in the making Chortle

18:00 (19:00)

COMEDY

PLEASANCE COURTYARD • BUNKER THREE

Impatient Productions / United Agents

MARY O'CONNELL: MONEY PRINCESS

Mary O'Connell is conflicted: she hates capitalism but she loves to shop. A hotly anticipated debut from a blunt, disturbed perspective of observationalannoyance and mischief. Money, pop culture, and trying to be a good person (if possible).

As seen on BBC Three, Comedy Central. Funny Women runner-up 2020. OnlyFans Creative Fund Winner 2023.

£7 £10 (£8.50) £11 (£9.50)

18:00 (19:00)

Impatient Productions

SHAPARAK KHORSANDI: SHAPCHAT!

In the blink of an eye, Shaparak has clocked up 50 years on this planet, a quarter-century as a comedian. What would the 25-year-old Shaparak think of this incarnation? Two dogs: very good. Tory friends: what has she become!? And why are there still so many things she doesn't know, or is just learning now: is it going to take another 50 years?

A fast-paced, celebratory hour from this much-loved Fringe institution and the author of forthcoming memoir, Scatterbrain. 12 nights only!

More passion, relevance and urgency than ever Chortle She has plenty to say, and says it with pointedness and potency Guardian

Has the crowd in the palm of her hand List

18:05 (19:05)

Chambers Touring Ltd

NABIL ABDULRASHID: THE PURPLE PILL

A show about trying to be a good person while staying a badman. Join the star of Live at the Apollo for this 'unapologetically funny' (Telegraph) exploration of empathy, morality and political contradiction. As seen on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News for You, The Big Narstie Show, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Unapologetic.

Evening Standard

18:20 (19:20)

PLEASANCE COURTYARD • BENEATH

Show And Tell in association with Curtis Brown

JANINE HAROUNI: MAN'OUSHE

Janine thought she knew her family. Then she took a DNA test and things got messy. The Edinburgh Best Newcomer nominee and star of her Amazon Prime stand-up special explores her Arab roots, pregnancy, and what happens when your mail order DNA test doesn't go to plan.

Ready for her Netflix special Times

18:10 (19:10)

Impatient Productions / United Agents

MAMOUN ELAGAB: WHY I LOVE WHITE PEOPLE

Highly anticipated debut from rising star Mamoun Elagab. Born to academics, a dark turn put his life into new perspective. This is not champagne socialism - this is the voice of the people.

Finalist: BBC New Comedy Award, Leicester Square Comedian of the Year, Chortle Comedy Award. His time has come.

A mischievous way of tweaking liberal guilt Chortle

18:30 (19:45)

Fabulous Musicals

BURNS THE MUSICAL

'You have to look back to see the way forward.'

With toe-tapping melodies, spectacular harmonies and soulful ballads, Burns the Musical introduces Robert Burns to the pop generation. Leaving Robert anchored in the 18th century the show examines his subsequent fame through a 20th century lens. Written and directed by Tish Tindall.

18:30 (19:30)

The Cambridge Footlights THE CAMBRIDGE FOOTLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL TOUR SHOW

'The most renowned sketch troupe of them all' (Independent) embarks on another exceptional world tour. Join the Footlights for an hour of sketch comedy from the finest Cambridge comedians!

Creative, funny and full of new ideas EdFringe Review (for Footlights Tour, 2022)

18:30 (19:30)

Off The Kerb Productions

IVO GRAHAM: ORGANISED FUN

After dismantling a barge (Taskmaster), doxxing himself in the Doubletree (Off Menu), and blanking on the 1992 Ipswich Town crest (University Challenge), Ivo ropes his audience into more chaos against the clock. Expect quizzes, tangents and fluster. Best Show/Joke nominee 2019.

BBBB

Motormouthed finesse Times I could watch him natter all day Telegraph

18:30 (19:30)

Stroud & Notes and The Pleasance

PUBLIC - THE MUSICAL

Usually avoid public bathrooms? Here’s one you won’t want to miss! This award-winning new musical follows four unlikely strangers who find themselves trapped together in a genderneutral public toilet. With an hour to kill until maintenance arrives, the group navigates unexpected challenges, pungent opinions and some seriously sticky conversations. Created by queer-led theatre collective Stroud & Notes, Public –The Musical explores stories of identity, connection and compassion, alongside an electrifying pop/rock score. This will be a trip to the bathroom you'll never forget! Winner of the Pleasance Charlie Hartill Fund 2023 and VAULT Origins Award.

Outstanding... wholly original All That Dazzles 17

18:30 (19:30)

Friends at the Poolyard HOT AS HELL

Meet Becky, whose best (and only) friend just happens to be a demon from a Ouija board. It’s the night of her first-ever high school party, and she can’t navigate the social jungle alone... so she breaks the golden rule and invites the spirit to join her.

Written by Johnna Dias-Watson (known for her work as an actress in Wednesday), this play is a dark comedy about loneliness, horror, and finding out who you truly are.

Instagram: @FriendsAtThePoolyard

18:30 (19:30)

Friends at the Poolyard TEACHER'S PET

The somewhat relatable yet painfully uncomfortable story of young love. High school senior, Jane takes us on a journey through the technicolor musical landscape of her sexy and forbidden relationship with chemistry teacher, John Mccormack. You will laugh, cry, sing, maybe even dance! Come along, don't be shy!

18:30 (19:45), 20:45 (22:00), 15:30 (16:45) & 17:45 (19:00)

King's Head and In Your Face presented by James Seabright

Trainspotting Live

Immersive adaptation of Irvine Welsh's classic, staged in celebration of the book's 30th anniversary and the show's 10th. Six sell-out Fringe seasons, so please book early! Choose life. A big fat hit! NME

Better than either the book or film in my opinion Irvine Welsh

75 of the most intense, funny and moving minutes of theatre I have ever experienced BoxDust

18:40 (19:40)

Avalon

CHLOE PETTS: IF YOU CAN'T SAY ANYTHING NICE

Fresh from her smash hit sellout debut, rising star Chloe Petts returns with her follow-up hour. Praised for her polite and well-mannered way of handling hot topics like gender and toxic masculinity in the last show, this year she’s returning with a newer, ruder approach to the big issues. Expect routines on weddings, men who like Millwall and calling you all a bunch of virgins.

18:40 (19:40)

Soho Theatre

18:50 (19:50)

Avalon / Strip Light Productions

SAPAN VERMA:

Shame On Me

Catch India's stand-up star Sapan Verma live for the first time at the Edinburgh Fringe.

A veteran of shows across the globe, Sapan’s killer observations and hilarious storytelling have seen him open for Coldplay and Jay-Z, headline the first ever Indian comedy showcase at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and train celebrities to perform comedy on his show One Mic Stand (Amazon Prime).

JONNY PELHAM: OPTIMISM OVER DESPAIR

Jonny told the nation his biggest secret. He's pretty sure it was a mistake. As seen on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week.

18:55 (19:55)

Alexandra Haddow in association with PBJ Management

ALEXANDRA HADDOW: NOT MY FINEST HOUR

Have you ever done anything wrong? Alex has. Relationships, sex, feminism, and even dancing. The only thing she’s ever got right was writing a show about it.

Best New Show nominee (Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2023), tour support for Frankie Boyle and Eshaan Akbar. One of the most exciting new acts on the circuit Frankie Boyle

19:00 (20:00)

Off The Kerb Productions

ANDY PARSONS: BAFFLINGLY OPTIMISTIC

Having done 17 full-run Edinburgh shows, Andy hasn't done one for 17 years. He thought it was time he went back. But he's only doing the last two weeks as he's now got parental responsibilities. And he might get homesick. As seen on Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week.

Hysterical Mirror

Very funny Times

Punchline king Guardian

19:00 (20:00)

Chortle in association with Gag Reflex

FAST FRINGE

So many comedians, so little time! In this unmissable Fringe institution, 12 top comedy and variety acts handpicked by leading comedy website Chortle, perform ridiculously short sets in one furiously fast-paced showcase. A gloriously entertaining festival smörgåsbord!

19:00 (20:00)

Off The Kerb Productions

Marcus

BRIGSTOCKE:

Cheese And Whine

There are no problems that cannot be improved by eating cheese. Fact. Award-winning comedian and International Cheese Judge Marcus Brigstocke guides you through the subtle art of pairing the best cheeses with a fine whine of your choosing.

Charming, hilarious and utterly refreshing. Don't miss this incredible show Sunday Mirror

Sharpest one-liner merchant Sunday Times

19:00 (20:00)

Berk's Nest in association with United Agents

KIERAN HODGSON: BIG IN SCOTLAND

The three time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee commutes from his new home of Glasgow every day for a month. He's that guy from the BBC's Two Doors Down (he's Gordon), the Bad TV Impressions viral videos, and three Channel 4 specials.

A delight to watch... every line is wired for laughter Guardian

Structure and delivery that puts most other shows to shame Telegraph

Ravishingly entertaining, full of insight and plenty of laughs Times

19:00 (20:00)

Impatient Productions

PETE HEAT: HUGE

Sharp, charmingly surreal and joyously unhinged, this hilarious modern magic show will break your brain into cute little pieces.

Would've given Jesus a run for his money Alex Horne

What the f*ck just happened?

ThreeWeeks

Excellent jokes and superb wizardry; a thrilling ride. Feels like something secret and very special indeed Wee Review

19:00 (20:00)

Maybe You Like It

Pleading Stupidity

The hilarious and unbelievable true story of two bumbling Aussie boys' calamitous bank robbery, and the stories left behind in their wake.

A rollercoaster ride packed with ridiculous situations and hilarious characters. A total hoot View from the Outside

So much f*cking fun. Delightfully original. Simply a must-see Binge Fringe (for Redacted Arachnid)

19:05 (20:05)

Off The Kerb Productions

DANIEL FOXX: VILLAIN

People's princess and TikTok starlet Daniel Foxx delivers his stand-up hour debut with a show about childhood, Tilda Swinton and bullying (but in a chic way). With his trademark wit and grandmother's pearls, he's taking us back to the 2000s, when the Special K diet was all the rage and the only queer representation was Jafar. As seen on BBC One, BBC Three, Comedy Central UK and on Instagram and TikTok (The Supervillain's Gay Assistant).

Fabulous Nigella Lawson

19:10 (20:10)

Siân Docksey

SIÂN DOCKSEY - POLE YOURSELF TOGETHER!

Pole dancing comedian Siân Docksey (as seen on BBC 3, 'Joy and bewilderment in equal measure' Skinny) cheerfully ignores climate disaster, another recession and the steady creep of fascism to see if hanging off a stick can make you stop thinking about death.

Co-created with Jake Wood. Directed by Alexander Bennett. Unalloyed joy and full of impish verve Chortle

COMEDY

19:15 (20:15)

Georgia House Productions

MATTY HUTSON: DON'T HOLD BACK

Leicester Square New Comedian and Musical Comedy Awards finalist, musical comedian Matty Hutson bares his sensitive soul in this highly anticipated debut hour, accompanied by as many instruments as he can fit into a suitcase. As heard on BBC Radio 4's The Now Show.

I need to hear a whole album of this genius Shaun Keaveny Emotional but hilarious British Comedy Guide

19:10 (20:10)

Strip Light Productions / Avalon Management

JOSH WELLER: AGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

A stand-up comedy show about trying to 'make it in the music industry'. And other jokes. But mainly that.

Signed and dropped by Universal records all within the space of a year way back in 2010, Age Against the Machine is the story of Weller’s failed music career and a love letter to music.

19:15 (20:15)

Strip Light Productions

CHLOE RADCLIFFE: CHEAT

Chloe is a serial monogamist who's very bad at one of those words. In this gutsy, electric debut from an NYC-based rising star, Chloe admits the guilty secret that most people keep forever. She’s been seen on Comedy Central and written for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. There’s a confidence and ebullience she exudes that suggests she’s been doing stand-up her entire life Thrillist

19:25 (20:25)

COMEDY

PLEASANCE COURTYARD • BUNKER ONE

Off The Kerb Productions

LOUISE YOUNG: FERAL

Debut hour from Geordie rising star with a show all about class, chaos and coming out. She did ask her friends if her life had been feral enough to warrant this title, they laughed and assured her it still is. Tour support for Alan Carr and Tom Allen. As seen on Comedy Central Live and Channel 4's Original Comedy shorts. As heard On BBC Radio 4 (Fred at the Stand). Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2020 finalist. Leicester Comedy Festival Best Debut show nominee 2022.

Lee Martin for Gag Reflex

ADAM KAY: UNDOCTORED - THIS IS GOING TO HURT...MORE

The nation's twelfth-favourite doctor returns for his first month at the Fringe since 2016. This is Going to Hurt was the publishing phenomenon of the century, selling over three million books, winning multiple BAFTAs and with a live tour attended by over 250,000 people. But it was only part of the story. With his stethoscope now hung up, Adam shares more suture-splitting anecdotes from both on and off the wards. From the first days of medical school to life after the NHS, Undoctored is a hilarious and astonishing portrait of an extraordinary life, from one of

Britain’s finest - and funniest -storytellers.

It’s about hospital admissions and personal ones.

It's about being a doctor and being a patient. It's about an hour long.

The show also contains some favourite moments from This is Going to Hurt, because people ask for refunds if they don't get the 'degloving' story.

Laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreakingly sad, wonderful

Jonathan Ross

I don't think anyone has made me laugh so much about the human body as Adam Kay Rev Richard Coles