Every August, comedians from across the globe gather in Edinburgh for a whole month of comedy excellence. We asked our resident Edinburgh Fringe expert to help you get ready for the biggest arts festival in the world. Over to Box Office & Marketing Assistant Bettie White (pictured above on the right, alongside Venues Coordinator Misti Heslop), who shares her tips and recommendations – plus the secret to enjoying the Edinburgh Fringe right here in Brighton!
Why I Love The Edinburgh Fringe
August is my favourite time of year. The Edinburgh Fringe is a comedy enthusiast’s Christmas, birthday, and every other celebration all rolled into one. I have not missed a festival since the age of 16 (apart from 2020, I think I had something on that year? Can’t quite remember…) and this year will be my 12th visit to the festival. It is where I met my best friends, discovered my favourite comics, and had truly the best times of my life. Some of my fondest memories are tied to the beautiful city of Edinburgh and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Your favourite comedian most likely cut their teeth in Edinburgh and some much-loved TV comedies started as a Fringe show (The League of Gentlemen, The Mighty Boosh, Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place, Fleabag, Flight of the Conchords, the list goes on!).
A stand-out Fringe moment for me was seeing Baby Reindeer at the Roundabout Stage at Summerhall in 2019. Me and my best friend Laura were already massive Richard Gadd fans, and excited to see his new play that was quickly becoming the talk of the festival. Little did we know how incredible the show would be and the global success it would go on to have. I am forever grateful I got to see it in its electric Fringe iteration.
Whilst not without its problems – there are things I wish were different or more accessible – I’d say that Edinburgh Fringe is something you must experience at least once in your life.
Sharon Wanjohi at Down the Hatch Comedy Club, Komedia (photo by Roxy van der Post)
Survival Tips For The Edinburgh Fringe
- Be open minded
Whilst it is exciting (and very helpful) to plan your visit ahead of time, I always leave some space in my schedule for hidden gems. That flyer you’ve just been handed, or the recommendation you have just received, could turn out to be the best thing you see at the festival! Keep an open mind and be prepared to take a chance.
- Dress for the weather
I have been sunburnt and wet through on the same trip… I got caught out last year and had to run down to Princes Street to buy an Emergency Raincoat™, missing out on precious show-watching/beer-drinking/laughing time!
- Accept that time is limited
Sadly, you won’t get to see everything. In 2024 alone, there were more than 51,446 performances of over 3,746 different shows! Even the most dedicated Fringe-goer can’t create more hours in the day to see more shows. Most performers will return the next year, but otherwise see if you can catch a tour show at your favourite local independent arts venue instead.
Joe Kent-Walters brings Frankie Monroe back to Edinburgh Fringe!
Shows I Am Excited To See In 2025
- Rich Hardisty: POP – 15:40 Summerhall Arts
Rich was a stand-out for me at the 2022 Fringe, his incredibly unique show was both hilarious and heartbreaking. This time you’ll find him in the theatre section of the programme and it’s one of my most anticipated shows of 2025.
- Lorna Rose Treen: 24 hour Diner People – 18:20 Pleasance Courtyard
Lorna won best joke of the Fringe in 2023 (‘I started dating a zookeeper, but it turned out he was a cheetah’) and I have been lucky enough to see her on a couple of mixed bill nights at Komedia.
See for yourself how amazing she is at her Edinburgh Preview double-bill with John Tothill on 30 June.
- Phil Ellis: Soppy Stern – 12:45 Monkey Barrel Comedy
Phil Ellis is one of my all-time favourite comics and someone who I rarely get to see outside of Edinburgh Fringe. I implore anyone who gets the chance to see one of his shows and prepare to make him one of your favourite comics too!
- Johnny White Really-Really: am/pm – 12:30 Hive 2 at Monkey Barrell Comedy
It is always a treat to watch Johnny perform. I genuinely believe he is one of the most unique performers on the comedy scene. His last show, at the 2023 Fringe, got a glowing (and rare) 5-star review from Chortle in which he was dubbed “a truly singular mind and talent”.
Johnny’s performing his Edinburgh Preview double-bill with Bilal Zafar on 14 July.
- Sharon Wanjohhi: In the House – 18:55 Pleasance Courtyard
I first saw Sharon at Down the Hatch, Komedia’s Queer & Alternative Comedy Club, a couple of years ago and I’ve been excited to see her go from strength to strength since. This is Sharon’s debut hour at Edinburgh Fringe and there’s no way I’m missing it!
Get a sneak peek at her Edinburgh Preview double-bill with Thor Stenhaug on 21 July.
- Luke Mcqueen: Comedian’s Comedian
Another Down the Hatch discovery, I have since seen Luke’s hilarious double act with Mark Silcocks and am looking forward to his first solo Edinburgh show in years.
- Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time) – 21:30 Monkey Barrel Comedy
Joe Kent-Walters won best Newcomer at last year’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards and he’s bringing back his outrageous character of Frankie Monroe. Due to its sell-out success, I didn’t get the chance to catch his show last year, so I am doubly excited to see it now!
Joe’s Edinburgh Preview double-bill with Rob Auton takes place on 15 July.
Designed by Bettie White.
Can’t make it to Edinburgh? Fear not, for you can experience the magic of Edinburgh Fringe right here in Brighton!
At Komedia, our Edinburgh Preview Season takes places throughout June and July 2025, with work-in-progress shows from more than 30 amazing acts such as Chloe Petts, Pierre Novellie, and Sophie Duker.
With tickets from just £8 for two previews (almost the cost of 1 solitary Fringe pint), you can come along and find your new comedy obsession!
