Hold onto your hats, folks! The Pleasance Theatre Trust has just announced a slew of new shows for their can’t-miss Edinburgh Fringe line-up. With 129 fresh acts across comedy and theatre, spread over the 25 performance spaces at the Courtyard, the Dome, and the EICC, there’s more choice than a kid in a sweet shop. In comedy news that’s sure to tickle your funny bone, top-notch comedians are joining the fray. Edinburgh Comedy Award winners Adam Riches and John Kearns will be gracing us with their presence in “Adam Riches and John Kearns ARE ‘Ball & Boe’” at the Pleasance Grand for three nights only—so grab your tickets faster than you can say “punchline”!
Shows include a Pleasance debut for the internationally acclaimed Emmanuel Sonubi (Live At The Apollo, QI), with this deeply personal yet laugh-out-loud show, Life After Near Death and four-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Kieran Hodgson who returns to the Pleasance with his exploration of the American Dream. Thanyia Moore (Mock The Week, Alma’s Not Normal) returns to Edinburgh with her show about mental strength, the female body and how awesome the NHS is in Scotland, while Edinburgh Comedy Award ‘Best Show’ nominee Glenn Moore (Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week) performs another 300 jokes for Pleasance audiences.
Ivo Graham, the Taskmaster promise-squanderer, published author, and gig pig, embarks on the latest chaotic chapter of his career with Orange Crush. Jenny Ryan (ITV’s The Chase) is finally ready to go public with her theory of the Mamma Mia Multiverse, and musical meteor Jazz Emu was born to please. “Total and Utter Audience Satisfaction” is his middle name – he’ll be living up to his middle-namesake in 2025. One of the hottest show of 2023, Julia Masli also returns to the Fringe in 2025.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Awards 2024 and Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2023 nominated show will delight Pleasance audiences. Fringe favourites returning to Pleasance include award-winning character-comedian Lorna Rose Treen, a glistening new stand-up hour from Sam Nicoresti, and Shaparak Khorsandi, one of Britain’s most beloved and most scatterbrained stand-ups. They will be joined by critically acclaimed cat lady comedian Katie Norris, ‘extraordinary ventriloquist’ (Guardian) Lachlan Werner, as well as selfless hero and Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award 2024 ‘Most Outstanding Show’ Nominee, Ray O’Leary.
Must-see debuts include a joyfully absurd show about pigeons from Toussaint Douglass, shortlisted ‘British Comedian of the Year’ (despite being Norwegian) Thor Stenhaug, musings upon success from Pedro Leandro, and Emmy-nominated KC Shornima. Rory Marshall brings his debut show, Pathetic Little Characters, and Amelia Hamilton presents a high-energy stand-up hour set to an original soundtrack of live rap.
Ayoade Bamgboye asks life’s big questions and provides absolutely no answers in Swings and Roundabouts, while internet sensation Sophie Garrad tackles class, identity and privilege in her unfiltered debut Poor Little Rich Girl. Incredible alumni from the coveted Pleasance Comedy Reserve will also be making their respective debuts this year.
Sharon Wanjohi has been making waves on the circuit with her take on the lack of Gen-Z homeowners. Shalaka Kurup convinces her therapist that there’s something wrong in Get A Grip, while patron saint of bisexuals Sam Williams has a confession to make. The reigning Leicester Square New Comedian champion, Rohan Sharma will present his hotly-anticipated debut in a fast paced, multimedia odyssey.
Further highlights from the Pleasance’s Edinburgh comedy programme include Abnormally Funny People, which will celebrate 20 years with a changing line-up of the world’s funniest disabled comedians. For 2 nights only, Sheeps, their full live-band and some very special guests will be performing songs from their chart-placing debut Christmas album. Breaking the Musical is a parody and unauthorised (but completely legal) telling of an Australian Olympian’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics, through a fusion of dance, music and humour, written by Australian comedian and musician Stephanie Broadbridge. And Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and ‘the 42nd best reason to love Britain’ (The Telegraph), John Shuttleworth is back where it all began in the Pleasance Upstairs, celebrating 40 years in showbiz with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ.
Prepare to be inspired by the Pleasance’s Edinburgh theatre programme, where creativity knows no bounds and stories come alive with passion and purpose. Theatre Re’s “The Nature Of Forgetting” returns to the Grand, an explosive and joyous 5-star international hit that delves into the profound journey of memory across generations through its powerful wordless storytelling. Feel the rhythm of life with “LOLA,” a Flamenco dance musical that beautifully blends jazz and Latin pop, set against Spain’s economic struggles under Franco. This uplifting tale of a young mother’s resilience in finding hope amidst adversity is sure to touch your heart.
Experience the raw energy of Blaze FM as it takes you back to the mid-2000s with its electrifying Political Gig Theatre from The Big House—a testament to perseverance in keeping dreams alive against all odds. Witness Earth’s passionate yet tumultuous love affair with Humanity in “Hot Mess: A New Musical,” where love, hope, and heartbreak unfold in a dazzling original pop musical.
This summer at Pleasance champions new writing like never before. Annie Lareau’s poignant play “Fuselage” reflects on cherishing relationships amidst life’s unpredictability, intertwining personal narratives with historical events surrounding Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie.
For those seeking wisdom beyond words, “The Little Prince” enchants audiences through Toby Thompson’s spellbinding solo performance—a reminder of beauty and human connection inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless novel.
Magic enthusiasts will be thrilled as Tom Brace attempts a world-first feat—sawing himself in half—in his most daring show yet! Prepare for an unforgettable journey through magical history as he aims for legendary status.
With captivating performances like Mariupol fresh from success at The Cockpit or Hold On To Your Butts returning alongside new premieres such as Fly You Fools—the Pleasance promises an extraordinary array of theatre experiences this season!
Join Pleasance at Fringe for comedy, circus acts bursting with wonderment; dance that moves souls; kids’ shows sparking imagination—and so much more! With Pleasance Futures nurturing innovative newcomers’ talents—there truly is no place quite like it during Fringe!
Tickets for all shows are available at www.pleasance.co.uk and
0131 556 6550.
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