Political

Steve Richards Presents Rock'n'Roll Politics 2020

Steve Richards Presents Rock'n'Roll Politics 2020

A wild political landscape opens up – election-winning Boris is not as mighty as he seems; Brexit not done, a new Labour leader, SNP storms: epic dramas for a brand new show. 

The House Is on Fire

The House Is on Fire

It’s 2086. 

Failure Studies

Failure Studies

Failure Studies is a new short play by Marco Biasioli. 

Geoff Norcott: Taking Liberties

Geoff Norcott: Taking Liberties

Norcott’s unique brand of provocative stand-up is returning to Edinburgh. 

Andrew Maxwell: All Talk

Andrew Maxwell: All Talk

Living in Kent - Maxwell tells us – he is surrounded by the sort of puce-faced, fake WWII heroes who seem to think that having once watched a film with John Mills in it automatic… 

Play Before Birth

Play Before Birth

It’s an old feminist adage that the personal is political – and it doesn’t get much more personal than this. 

In Conversation with... Patrick Harvie

In Conversation with... Patrick Harvie

Co-leader of the Scottish Green Party and MSP for the Glasgow area since 2003. 

Jena Friedman: Miscarriage of Justice

Jena Friedman: Miscarriage of Justice

Jena Friedman is scared shitless and wants to feel less alone. 

Bismillah! An ISIS Tragicomedy

Bismillah! An ISIS Tragicomedy

Radicalisation, disenfranchisement and the rock band Queen. 

Eurosceptic Song Contest

Eurosceptic Song Contest

Curated by satirical parody-pop pun merchants The Iain Duncan Smiths, the Eurosceptic Song Contest is a Eurovision for Brexit that features intimate live performances from Borrisse… 

Football, Feminism and Everything in Between: Live with Alastair and Grace Campbell

Football, Feminism and Everything in Between: Live with Alastair and Grace Campbell

Football and feminism are both huge parts of our culture and everyday lives, but rarely have they been brought together and forced to get along. 

Nish Kumar: It's in Your Nature to Destroy Yourselves

Nish Kumar: It's in Your Nature to Destroy Yourselves

“Is it a stand-up show, is it a rally?” Nish Kumar certainly blurs the boundaries between the two. 

Fear Here and Terror There

Fear Here and Terror There

What would you think of if I told you this was a play about radicalisation? Who would you picture? What did they look like? Where were they from – here, or there? 

Death and the Maiden

Death and the Maiden

What would you do if you had the chance for revenge? 15 years after being kidnapped and tortured in General Pinochet’s Chile, Paulina Salas tries to forget the past and build a q… 

10:31, MCR

10:31, MCR

It was a day like any other day. 

Ideology and Hair Gel

Ideology and Hair Gel

1983, a boarding school in the German Democratic Republic. 

Beauty is Pain

Beauty is Pain

Beauty is Pain is a political performance art piece surrounding Donald Trump’s support of the Miss USA pageants and treatment of women in the mainstream media. 

Black Holes

Black Holes

An Afrofuturist history of the universe from the Big Bang to dreamshout death. 

Medea Speaks

Medea Speaks

Medea Speaks is a rallying cry to take the conversation begun by #MeToo further. 

The Passion of the Playboy Riots

The Passion of the Playboy Riots

True story of the role played by theatre in the birth of modern Ireland, set backstage during performances of groundbreaking Irish plays, Cathleen ni Hoolihan (1902), The Playboy o… 

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar

Intense and irreverent, this production strips Julius Caesar to its bare bones to explore the selfish workings of professional politics. 

Die or Run

Die or Run

The 1980s. 

Standard:Elite

Standard:Elite

Hidden Track returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Standard:Elite, an award-winning choose-your-own-adventure show with a twist that continues to delight audiences of all a… 

Before the Wall

Before the Wall

Atmospheric drama about Second Opium War, populated by rarefied creatures of Chinese and British royal courts. 

Status

Status

We all have a nationality. 

Matt Forde: Brexit, Pursued by a Bear

Matt Forde: Brexit, Pursued by a Bear

Join Britain’s leading political comedian as he once again promises his last show as an EU citizen (maybe). 

The Bugle Live

The Bugle Live

Global smash-hit podcast returns with its unique live cocktail of up-to-the-second satire, powerhosed hogwash and on-demand puns. 

In Conversation with... Humza Yousaf

In Conversation with... Humza Yousaf

MSP for Glasgow Pollok, Cabinet Secretary for Justice. 

Alex Kealy: Rationale

Alex Kealy: Rationale

Alex Kealy’s latest Fringe performance is a politically charged, self-deprecating show based on sound political analysis and funny life anecdotes. 

In Conversation with... Kezia Dugdale

In Conversation with... Kezia Dugdale

Kezia Dugdale has been an MSP since 2011 and was leader of the Scottish Labour Party from 2015 until 2017. 

A Poet's Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse

A Poet's Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse

The economy has crumbled, politics has turned our society on its head. 

Breakfast Plays: The Future Is [...]

Breakfast Plays: The Future Is [...]

Remarkably, if you wander into The Traverse at 9am, you will find an audience willing to watch a rehearsed reading of a brand-new play and not a spare seat in the house. 

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Following a five-year sell-out residency in London, Matt Forde (as seen on Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, The Royal Variety Performance and Question Time) returns to Edinb… 

In Conversation with... Nicola Sturgeon

In Conversation with... Nicola Sturgeon

Scotland’s First Minister chats to Graham Spiers about Scotland, politics, gender balance, favourite books and (maybe) eighties pop music. 

Franz and Marie: Woyzeck Retold

Franz and Marie: Woyzeck Retold

For an incomplete play, Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck has nevertheless managed to secure enduring interest. 

Speaking Out: A Conversation with John Bercow

Speaking Out: A Conversation with John Bercow

Speaking Out: A Conversation with John Bercow. 

Woke

Woke

Fringe First winner returns for six shows only. 

Andy Zaltzman: Satirist For Hire – Blindfold Cliff-Edge Unicorn Brexit Britain Bogus Prime Minister Democrageddon American Elections Cricket World Cup General State of the World Specials

Andy Zaltzman: Satirist For Hire – Blindfold Cliff-Edge Unicorn Brexit Britain Bogus Prime Minister Democrageddon American Elections Cricket World Cup General State of the World Specials

Zaltzman, host of the global smash-hit podcast The Bugle, brings his uniquely interactive stand-up show Satirist For Hire. 

Tortoise ThinkIn

Tortoise ThinkIn

Tortoise believes the world deserves slower, wiser news. 

Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster

Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster

Just what does it take to make a monster? Is inhumanity truly born simply from reanimation, or is it a product of the already inhumane environment? Re-investigating Mary Shelley’… 

In Conversation with… Len McCluskey - CANCELLED

In Conversation with… Len McCluskey - CANCELLED

Britain’s most influential trade union leader talks about the industrial and political challenges of leading over 1. 

Tortoise ThinkIn

Tortoise ThinkIn

Tortoise believes the world deserves slower, wiser news. 

Jammy Dodgers

Jammy Dodgers

If we started the world again, would we do a better job? The world they’re in has fallen apart. 

Conscious

Conscious

Held captive in the windowless laboratory where she was first conceived, the AI Alice has only ever seen the world through the skewed words of her captors, moulded by the sinister … 

Pizza Shop Heroes

Pizza Shop Heroes

Phosphorus Theatre works with refugees and asylum-seekers to create original collaborative autobiographical storytelling. 

Left-Wing Conspiracy Theorist With Dyspraxia 2

Left-Wing Conspiracy Theorist With Dyspraxia 2

After the success of his debut hour, political comedian Don Biswas returns to the festival with a brand-new WIP show: Left-Wing Conspiracy Theorist with Dyspraxia 2. 

Left-Wing Conspiracy Theorist With Dyspraxia 2

Left-Wing Conspiracy Theorist With Dyspraxia 2

After the success of his debut hour, political comedian Don Biswas returns to the festival with a brand-new WIP show: Left-Wing Conspiracy Theorist with Dyspraxia 2. 

Making a Murderer: Part 2 – Brendan Dassey’s Post-Conviction Lawyers Laura Nirider and Steven Drizin in Conversation

Making a Murderer: Part 2 – Brendan Dassey’s Post-Conviction Lawyers Laura Nirider and Steven Drizin in Conversation

Join Brendan Dassey’s lawyers Laura Nirider and Steven Drizin discussing coerced and false confessions, interrogation tactics, and Brendan’s wrongful conviction whose case has ca… 

Bismillah! An ISIS Tragicomedy

Bismillah! An ISIS Tragicomedy

The premise of Bismillah! An Isis Tragicomedy, in the Fringe guide, "a story of radicalisation, disenfranchisment and the rock band Queen" was compelling enough to want t… 

Monica: This Play Is Not About Monica Lewinsky

Monica: This Play Is Not About Monica Lewinsky

In order for theatre to be political, it certainly does not have to make any truly profound statement on the state of the world. 

The Passion of the Playboy Riots

The Passion of the Playboy Riots

True story of the role played by theatre in the birth of modern Ireland, set backstage during performances of groundbreaking Irish plays, Cathleen ni Hoolihan (1902), The Playboy o… 

Sage Francis and B Dolan Are Epic Beard Men

Sage Francis and B Dolan Are Epic Beard Men

After a decade of sharing stages and crafting collaborations in the studio, real-life rap BFFs Sage Francis and B Dolan have finally caved to years of fan pressure to form an offic… 

Trashfuture: Live at the Fringe

Trashfuture: Live at the Fringe

Trashfuture, the political comedy podcast about how the future is trash, is doing its first ever show at the Edinburgh Fringe, for one night only on 10th August. 

Grace Campbell: Why I'm Never Going Into Politics

Grace Campbell: Why I'm Never Going Into Politics

Everyone is at the Gilded Balloon to catch a glimpse of Alistair Campbell’s daughter, and Grace by name - but not by nature - gives us everything we want and so much more. 

Dream of a King

Dream of a King

Actor/writer Christopher Tajah of Resistance Theatre Company gives an impassioned performance in Dream Of A King at theSpace Triplex, as he reimagines the hours leading up to the a… 

Home

Home

There is no place like Home – but what is it? What does home mean if you don’t have one? Or if it is a place you are scared to be in or to leave? Can you really feel at home if i… 

DUPed

DUPed

The 2018 Scotsman Fringe First Award-winning show returns for just two performances. 

Matt Forde: Brexit, Pursued by a Bear

Matt Forde: Brexit, Pursued by a Bear

Matt Forde’s reputation as one of our finest political satirists moves into even more assured territory with this caustic and superbly angry hour of impressions and observations. 

From the Top

From the Top

A delight, witty but profound exploration of the power relationship between choreographer and dancers, From the Top, choreographed by Hong Kong-based Victor Fung, is a send-up of a… 

In Conversation with... Ruth Davidson

In Conversation with... Ruth Davidson

Whatever else the history books will make of UK politics in 2019, it can at least acknowledge some impressive feminist credentials, with women leading parties right, left and centr… 

Cherie – My Struggle

Cherie – My Struggle

Cherie Blair has been somewhat of an enigma. 

The Butcher, the Brewer, the Baker... and the Commentator

The Butcher, the Brewer, the Baker... and the Commentator

Confused about money? Concerned about the economy? Join editor-in-chief of MoneyWeek and FT columnist Merryn Somerset Webb and/or financial writer and comedian Dominic Frisby as th… 

In Conversation with... John McDonnell

In Conversation with... John McDonnell

Shadow Chancellor since 2015 and MP for Hayes and Harlington since 1997, McDonnell has campaigned against the Iraq war and argued for curbs in bankers bonuses, decent pensions, fre… 

Mouthpiece

Mouthpiece

A play for naval-gazing theatre goers everywhere, Mouthpiece delivers an impactful message about exploitation and appropriation. 

Fox

Fox

This monologue, written and performed by Katie Guicciardi, addresses the underreported issue of post-partum depression through a thoughtful combination of analogy, props and heartf… 

Conspiracy Theory: A Lizard's Tale

Conspiracy Theory: A Lizard's Tale

Conspiracy theories can sometimes be reduced to light hearted niche interests only fully embraced by weirdos on the fringes of society. 

The Rubbish Show

The Rubbish Show

On the Brink Theatre Company return to Edinburgh, their name having a deeper relevance than ever, with their alternative take on our critically fragile environment; influences happ… 

Titania McGrath: Mxnifesto

Titania McGrath: Mxnifesto

Titania McGrath may just be a young Kensington girl with a modest Trust Fund and a thirst for social justice, but she’s in Edinburgh to make a difference, and inspire us common peo… 

Andrew O'Neill – We Are Not in the Least Afraid of Ruins; We Carry a New World in Our Hearts

Andrew O'Neill – We Are Not in the Least Afraid of Ruins; We Carry a New World in Our Hearts

After the apocalypse, hope. 

Joe Wells Doesn't Want to Do Political Comedy Anymore!

Joe Wells Doesn't Want to Do Political Comedy Anymore!

The news is too horrible to joke about, so Joe’s looking for a new shtick. 

Kate Smurthwaite: Bitch

Kate Smurthwaite: Bitch

What do you do when after 15 years of making people laugh and campaigning for human rights, you’re still best known as ‘that feminazi bitch off the telly’? The Have I Got News For … 

Trying It On

Trying It On

It’s 1968, the height of the worldwide student revolt. 

Nazis Need Jews

Nazis Need Jews

Winner, Morecambe Fringe: Best Spoken Word Show. 

Sarah Southern: Tentatively Tory

Sarah Southern: Tentatively Tory

Sarah Southern had her political awakening very early: at three she was dressing up as Maggie! She worked at the heart of the political machine and her story of elections, campaign… 

The Butcher, the Brewer, the Baker... and the Commentator

The Butcher, the Brewer, the Baker... and the Commentator

Confused about money? Concerned about the economy? Join editor-in-chief of MoneyWeek and FT columnist Merryn Somerset Webb and/or financial writer and comedian Dominic Frisby as th… 

American Justice

American Justice

No Frills Theatre are proud to present the Scottish premiere of American Justice by Richard Vergette. 

A Political Breakfast

A Political Breakfast

This show is fun in the morning, in a worrying world, with solutions and breakfast (from the cafe) on offer. 

Like Me

Like Me

What does it feel like to have been raised online? Are there any benefits to this constant connection? This gender neutral script, a debut piece from a new writer, will be performe… 

Twice Over

Twice Over

Twice Over examines Thatcher and May’s leadership through the lives of two Northern women. 

Westminster Hour

Westminster Hour

Westminster Hour: fatal consequences in this fast-paced and darkly comedic drama with unexpected twists. 

Westminster Hour Part 2

Westminster Hour Part 2

The second instalment of Andy Paterson’s dark and funny Westminster drama finds anti-hero Archie Cornwall installed as a Prime Minister who must derail a Scottish Independence refe… 

Confessionals

Confessionals

A coming-of-age character piece, Confessionals tells the story of one shift for young barmaid in a Glasgow boozer. 

Scottish Feminist Judgments: Reimagining the Law from the Outside In

Scottish Feminist Judgments: Reimagining the Law from the Outside In

Law impacts on people’s daily lives in numerous ways, but we can often feel remote from it. 

Chagos 1971

Chagos 1971

This is a bizarre, unbelievable, but true story – and a darkly hilarious play. 

Darren McGarvey AKA Loki: Scotland Today

Darren McGarvey AKA Loki: Scotland Today

The new live show from bestselling author and critically acclaimed hip-hop artist Darren McGarvey AKA Loki the Scottish rapper. 

The Good, The Bad and The Brexit

The Good, The Bad and The Brexit

Brexit, eh? Depending on your point of view and when you are reading this, Brexit is a triumph/success/step forward/minor improvement/non-event/problem/mess/shambles/disaster. 

Akala – In Conversation – Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire

Akala – In Conversation – Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire

One of the most important voices in Britain, Akala is a BAFTA and MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist, writer and social entrepreneur. 

Coming Home With Me

Coming Home With Me

A night exploring the grimy underbelly of a girls’ night out. 

Vote Dr Phil?

Vote Dr Phil?

Phil Hammond was sacked by the BBC for pledging to stand against his MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, in 2022 (or next week). 

The Guilty Feminist: Live Podcast

The Guilty Feminist: Live Podcast

The Guilty Feminist podcast has become a comedy phenomenon with over 60 million downloads since it launched in early 2016. 

Alistair Williams: How to Lose Weight and Be Less Racist

Alistair Williams: How to Lose Weight and Be Less Racist

If the title of this show doesn’t let you know that Alistair Williams (as seen on Comedy Central) is a real stand up comedian, I don’t know what will. 

Tom Ballard: Enough

Tom Ballard: Enough

Best Show Nominee, Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2016. 

The Two Moronnies – Brexed Off!

The Two Moronnies – Brexed Off!

Sophisticated wit and wordplay as The Two Moronnies lampoon the lampoonable in their unique, energetic musical style. 

Ashley Haden: F*ck You, and F*ck Your Beliefs

Ashley Haden: F*ck You, and F*ck Your Beliefs

Are we good people or just arseholes who are good at lying to ourselves? Ashley Haden once again looks to tackle our own privilege in an hour of, at times, uncomfortable and, at ti… 

Simon Munnery: Alan Parker Urban Warrior Farewell Tour

Simon Munnery: Alan Parker Urban Warrior Farewell Tour

Once the most radical, now the only radical. 

Rod Shepherd: Slacktivist – Free

Rod Shepherd: Slacktivist – Free

Croydon’s sixth leading conspiracy theorist attempts to debunk the big myths: JFK, Twin Towers, why British Bake Off went to Channel 4. 

Journeys of the Mind and the Megabus

Journeys of the Mind and the Megabus

Joe Bates (BBC Radio 4 Extra, 6 Music) and Luke Chilton (BBC Radio 4, Radio 4 Extra) have both been on a journey: one into the recesses of a broken mind in a foreign land, the othe… 

Immoral Maze

Immoral Maze

As more and more subjects aren’t being talked about, the Immoral Maze deals with them in the most honest way morally possible: by getting comedians to rip them apart. 

Talk a Big Game

Talk a Big Game

After shows on gangs, golliwogs, racism and politics, James Nokise returns with last year’s hit show on… sports! Yep. 

Rod Shepherd: Slacktivist – Free

Rod Shepherd: Slacktivist – Free

Croydon’s sixth leading conspiracy theorist attempts to debunk the big myths: JFK, Twin Towers, why British Bake Off went to Channel 4. 

Traitor

Traitor

Hello. 

Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran

Rich Kids: A History of Shopping Malls in Tehran

The global gap between rich and poor grows. 

Shit Socialist

Shit Socialist

Chris Tavner presents his new stand-up show about his life of being a socialist activist. 

Lydia Hirst: I'll Be Your Dog

Lydia Hirst: I'll Be Your Dog

Arrested and kicked out of France, this is a show about the misadventures of a comedian in the Calais Jungle. 

Ella Al-Shamahi and Susie Steed: Gold Diggers

Ella Al-Shamahi and Susie Steed: Gold Diggers

Join the digger, British-Arab archaeologist Ella (BBC presenter and National Geographic explorer), and gold-hating economist, Susie (NATYS finalist 2019, Funny Women regional final… 

The Patient Gloria

The Patient Gloria

The Patient Gloria wowed audiences at the Abbey Theatre during its sold-out world premiere at the Dublin Theatre Festival. 

Sid Singh: American Refugee

Sid Singh: American Refugee

From the mind who performed on / wrote for BBC Three, Comedy Central UK, Boom Chicago and had his debut Comedy Album hit number three on iTunes. 

Until the Flood

Until the Flood

Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith (Yellowman) performs the UK premiere of her poetic and revelatory play. 

Jonny & the Baptists Love Edinburgh and Hate Bastards

Jonny & the Baptists Love Edinburgh and Hate Bastards

We live in a divided world and we want to cross that divide. 

Christopher KC: Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Rice

Christopher KC: Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Rice

Twice-nominated Scottish Comedy Awards Best Newcomer, Christopher KC, brings his riotous debut show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 

SOLD

SOLD

‘To be free is very sweet. 

Trump Lear

Trump Lear

Last year’s ‘chaotically enjoyable’ (Spectator) sell-out hit Shakespeare adaptation returns. 

Iain Dale: All Talk

Iain Dale: All Talk

Award-winning LBC radio presenter, CNN political commentator and For the Many podcast host brings his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs to the Fringe for the first tim… 

Reparation

Reparation

2024. 

Iain Dale: All Talk

Iain Dale: All Talk

Award-winning LBC radio presenter, CNN political commentator and For the Many podcast host brings his acclaimed, incisive insight on current affairs to the Fringe for the first tim… 

I’m Afraid of Americans

I’m Afraid of Americans

Comedic musings from an American artist who moved from Ohio to Brooklyn to Iceland. 

Rahul Kohli: All My Heroes Are Dead, in Jail or Touched Up Your Gran

Rahul Kohli: All My Heroes Are Dead, in Jail or Touched Up Your Gran

Rahul Kohli was unperturbed by the small audience on the evening this reviewer attended, likening it to ‘a Theresa May cabinet meeting’. 

Robin Clyfan: The Sea Is Big Enough to Take It

Robin Clyfan: The Sea Is Big Enough to Take It

At the centre of its big, warm heart, The Sea Is Big Enough to Take It is a story about a non-activist boy and his activist mother, and by extension a story about all of us and our… 

The Guilty Feminist

The Guilty Feminist

Deborah Frances-White (from BBC Radio 4 and Global Pillage) and special guests record an episode of her hit comedy podcast, with over 30 million downloads since 2016. 

Working Class Hero

Working Class Hero

Working Class Hero’s biggest flaw is that it isn’t about anything. 

Status

Status

Chris Thorpe's solo show for this year is about grappling with national identity as a white british man. 

I Am Not Your Woman

I Am Not Your Woman

‘If I had a name for every woman with a story, I’d run out of space and I’d be writing forever’. 

Crack/ed

Crack/ed

Warden, a young single mother, is determined to fight to get her addict son Ryan the treatment that he needs, before it’s too late. 

Tales of the Unacceptable

Tales of the Unacceptable

In the wake of #MeToo and #TimesUp Sameena Zehra and Seymour Mace set out to examine UK comedy. 

Hillary's Kitchen

Hillary's Kitchen

Hillary Clinton and other influential women from history sit at her kitchen table in the days following the 2016 presidential election result, drowning their sorrows in chardonnay … 

The Piano Men

The Piano Men

Sing us a song, you’re the piano man. 

Please Stop!

Please Stop!

Please Stop! Please Stop! Please Stop! No this is not a command but a comedy documentary which explores the view that all cities in the UK lack identity. 

Nazanin's Story

Nazanin's Story

The true and ongoing struggle of a family ripped apart, after Nazanin and her baby daughter were taken in Tehran in 2016. 

In Conversation With... Emily Thornberry

In Conversation With... Emily Thornberry

Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury, is the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Shadow First Secretary of State. 

Man Down

Man Down

Man Down emerges from three years of research and hours of interviews and discussions with people in Baltimore, USA. 

In Conversation With... Richard Leonard

In Conversation With... Richard Leonard

A proud socialist and trade unionist, elected Scottish Labour Party leader in 2017 on a radical programme of change. 

We Need To Talk About

We Need To Talk About

Award-winning Jolyon Rubinstein’s hit satirical podcast is leaving the comfort of the Spotify studio and traveling to Edinburgh for three exclusive recordings. 

Gie's Peace

Gie's Peace

Following her sell-out show Bonnie Fechters at last year’s Fringe, performer/writer/director Morna Burdon returns with more inspiring stories about women of courage. 

Pussy Riot: Riot Days

Pussy Riot: Riot Days

It’s very rare that you go to ‘the theatre’ and feel as though you are witnessing a moment in history; with Riot Days, Pussy Riot successfully creates this feeling. 

Matt Forde: Brexit Through the Gift Shop

Matt Forde: Brexit Through the Gift Shop

The whole thing’s a mess and only one person can sort it out. 

Paper Dolls

Paper Dolls

The feelings and concerns of women are very much in our thoughts at the moment and their songs have always been at the centre of our tradition. 

The Butcher, the Brewer, the Baker... and Merryn Somerset Webb

The Butcher, the Brewer, the Baker... and Merryn Somerset Webb

Confused about money? Concerned about the economy? Join editor-in-chief of Moneyweek and FT columnist Merryn Somerset Webb as she interviews, talks over and argues with a well-know… 

A Fortunate Man

A Fortunate Man

There are books which are called seminal largely because so many people have read them. 

The Bugle Live

The Bugle Live

Two live editions of the globally popular topical podcast. 

Andy Zaltzman: Right Questions. Wrong Answers.

Andy Zaltzman: Right Questions. Wrong Answers.

Zaltzman, host of long-running global hit podcast, The Bugle, returns to Edinburgh to (a) ask, (b) confront, (c) evade and (d) incorrectly respond to, the biggest questions facing … 

Women for Trump

Women for Trump

A verbatim play created from interviews conducted across America in late 2016, Women for Trump explores why five women were, or were not, persuaded to vote for Donald Trump. 

Snowflake It 'Til You Make It

Snowflake It 'Til You Make It

There is something very reminiscent of Bill Murray in Matt Duwell: the optimistic sarcasm is the overlying note in his voice; he produces easy crowd-pleasing material, imbued with … 

Steve Richards Presents Rock'n'Roll Politics 2018

Steve Richards Presents Rock'n'Roll Politics 2018

In a different show every day the audience has the chance to seize back control of Rock’n’Roll Politics as broadcaster and author Steve Richards conducts a tour of the latest seism… 

Mr Saxon's Excellently English Evening of Entertainment

Mr Saxon's Excellently English Evening of Entertainment

Roll-up. 

Falkland – The War the World Forgot

Falkland – The War the World Forgot

Two unlikely friends find a camaraderie against a backdrop of bitter conflict, questionable politics and moral debate waged overseas. 

Rory Bremner and Jan Ravens

Rory Bremner and Jan Ravens

She’s Merkel to his Trump. 

A Beginner's Guide to Populism

A Beginner's Guide to Populism

Getting power is easy. 

A Kinder, Gentler Comedy

A Kinder, Gentler Comedy

Signing on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, driving an Austin Maxi to Morocco, asylum seekers*, the Treason of the Blue Books, women’s football, Nationalism*, Buck O’Neil, Je… 

Pyg

Pyg

Pyg is a twist on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. Cross-dressed cast explore Shaw’s explosive use of language and the impact of dress on gender. 

Connected Lives

Connected Lives

Baz, Muyemba and Poppy are isolated and feel alone – in a city of half a million people. 

Conscious

Conscious

Set the night before Project Upgrade is rolled out across the globe, the AI Alice confronts the consequences of her existence and threatens to dismantle the very system she was bor… 

On the Exhale

On the Exhale

“You always thought it would be you”. 

Loki, the Scottish Rapper: Poverty Safari Live

Loki, the Scottish Rapper: Poverty Safari Live

Like stereotypes, labels generally become meaningless upon scrutiny. 

Mark Thomas – Check Up: Our NHS at 70

Mark Thomas – Check Up: Our NHS at 70

Mark Thomas regales us with a peppy portrayal of his health-check on the NHS, in commemoration of 70 years since its inception. 

Loving Monica

Loving Monica

Inspired by Monica Lewinsky’s reappearance in the media, Blancmontage Theatre Group sets out to find the real story behind the White House intern and her famous relationship with… 

Beldon Haigh and the Mother of All Bands (MOAB)

Beldon Haigh and the Mother of All Bands (MOAB)

Trump, Putin and Kim Jong-un live on tour! King of the modern protest song Beldon Haigh and Mother Of All Bands bring a weird and wonderful live band performance. 

In Conversation With... Paddy Hill

In Conversation With... Paddy Hill

One of the so-called Birmingham Six, wrongfully convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings in 1974, at that time the worst terrorist atrocity in mainland Britain. 

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Following five years of sell-out London shows, Matt Forde’s Political Party returns to Edinburgh for two live shows! Previous guests include: Tony Blair, Nigel Farage, Michael Port… 

Drowning Not Waving

Drowning Not Waving

A DJ. 

Don't Knock Your Granny

Don't Knock Your Granny

Six feisty older women shine a light on family violence. 

#Hypocrisy

#Hypocrisy

Lost in blissful foreign travel, Imogen joyfully succumbs to the spoils of Western privilege. 

Adventures in Menstruating With Chella Quint

Adventures in Menstruating With Chella Quint

Bloody funny period comedy about breaking taboos and ending period poverty with ad-busting, craftivism and a bleeding ridiculous conga line. 

Adventures in Menstruating With Chella Quint

Adventures in Menstruating With Chella Quint

Bloody funny period comedy about breaking taboos and ending period poverty with ad-busting, craftivism and a bleeding ridiculous conga line. 

Theatre Uncut: Women on Power

Theatre Uncut: Women on Power

The multi award-winning political agitators are back at the Traverse with a morning of outstanding new writing and fiery debate. 

Kill the Boy

Kill the Boy

It starts like this. 

In Conversation With... Aamer Anwar

In Conversation With... Aamer Anwar

Originally from Liverpool, coming to study at Glasgow University in 1986. 

Queen of the F*cking World: The Second Coming

Queen of the F*cking World: The Second Coming

Returning with a brand-new kick-ass sequel, Queen’s bass guitar dances across sexual politics. 

Prehistoric

Prehistoric

In an empty and decaying room four performers armed only with limited props, a beat up collection of instruments, and a selection of microphones bring to life a tale of anger, rage… 

A Self-Help Guide to Being in Love With Jeremy Corbyn

A Self-Help Guide to Being in Love With Jeremy Corbyn

When Jess Green joined the Labour Party at university she doubled the number of members who met weekly in the Liverpool Philharmonic pub. 

Alistair Barrie – The InternationAL

Alistair Barrie – The InternationAL

Alistair Barrie headlines comedy clubs all over the world and is a BBC Scotland Breaking the News regular. 

Kate Smurthwaite: Clit Stirrer

Kate Smurthwaite: Clit Stirrer

Kate Smurthwaite finally tells us what she really thinks. 

Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd: Reasons to Be Cheerful

Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd: Reasons to Be Cheerful

Following a string of sell-out live dates and festival appearances, Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd bring their hit podcast to the Fringe. 

A Political Breakfast

A Political Breakfast

Chris O’Neill and four comics will talk about the news and be amusing while being awake! They will be joined by insomniacs in search of laughter. 

Pigs in Blankets

Pigs in Blankets

ADAM, or Autocrats Destiny Altering Machine, is an absurd government that rules over its empire with an iron fist. 

The Welcome Revolution

The Welcome Revolution

‘There’s something about the UK, you don’t welcome people. 

It's a Dog's Brexit

It's a Dog's Brexit

EU exit day is just seven months after the Fringe. 

Westminster Hour

Westminster Hour

Fatal consequences in this fast-paced and darkly comedic drama with unexpected twists. 

Girls Like That

Girls Like That

Buzz. 

A New Political Comedy Show

A New Political Comedy Show

‘Social barriers will dissipate as Rick Molland and Sully O’Sullivan go head-to-head in an epic stand-up comedy battle’ (TheCultureTrip. 

Ah Dinnae Ken

Ah Dinnae Ken

It’s Scotland. 

Behind Our Skin

Behind Our Skin

Two intertwined monologues about womanhood and immigration merge, coalesce and diverge. 

Hug the Bunny

Hug the Bunny

Rage, nymphomania, ecstasy and numbness. 

The Arsonists

The Arsonists

‘These days most people don’t believe in God. 

Action Man

Action Man

Upon retirement, Corporal Liam Drury returns to be confronted with sudden and debilitating flashbacks to his time in combat. 

Little Potatoes

Little Potatoes

Matchmaking mums at the Shanghai marriage market hatch a plan to get their little emperors hitched. 

As It Happened (Contemporaneous Notes)

As It Happened (Contemporaneous Notes)

Since the 1st January 2018, five writers have worked collaboratively, writing a new scene each week in response to socio-political events. 

What's Mark Zuckerberg Got to Do With It?

What's Mark Zuckerberg Got to Do With It?

A tender look at the humble homo sapien and how 200,000 years of steady progress have led us to. 

Louise Reay: Eraserhead

Louise Reay: Eraserhead

The first show in Edinburgh was banned. 

Daphna Baram: Sugarcoating

Daphna Baram: Sugarcoating

A Middle Eastern Mary Poppins gets type 2 diabetes from her spoonful of sugar, and gets told to lose weight or lose her toes. 

3000 Trees: The Death of Mr William MacRae

3000 Trees: The Death of Mr William MacRae

Willie MacRae – anti-nuclear campaigner, SNP politician and successful lawyer. 

Conscious Comedy With Samantha Pressdee

Conscious Comedy With Samantha Pressdee

Ommmm. 

Lewis Schaffer: What Have You Heard?

Lewis Schaffer: What Have You Heard?

Something’s up with Lewis Schaffer. 

The Trouble With Being Born Romanian

The Trouble With Being Born Romanian

Is this offbeat Romanian guy supposed to be the future of stand-up comedy? With his introspective and sometimes dark approach to comedy, keep an eye on this young whippersnapper ba… 

Alex Kealy: A Kealy's Heel

Alex Kealy: A Kealy's Heel

Political comedian/ball of anxiety Alex Kealy honks on about love (passionate) and politics (jaded) for show number three. 

Gráinne Maguire: What Has the News Ever Done for Me?

Gráinne Maguire: What Has the News Ever Done for Me?

Hosted by Gráinne Maguire (as seen on Dave’s UnSpun with Matt Forde), every day three different comics bring along the story from the news they think is the most important and arg… 

Bronston Jones: God Bless 'Merica 4 – Free

Bronston Jones: God Bless 'Merica 4 – Free

For the 4th year, American atheist Bronston Jones reacts to the chaos of his country with a prayer: God Bless ‘Merica, because it’ll take a miracle to fix it. 

Ayesha Hazarika: Girl on Girl

Ayesha Hazarika: Girl on Girl

The fight for feminism. 

Ashley Haden: We All Die C*nts

Ashley Haden: We All Die C*nts

Ashley Haden is back with the eagerly awaited final chapter of the C*nting Trilogy. 

Samantha Pressdee: Pulling it Together (WIP)

Samantha Pressdee: Pulling it Together (WIP)

Four years ago Samantha lost everything, including her marbles. 

In Addition

In Addition

Set in a near-future Britain where healthcare is privatised, a young couple’s relationship is quietly pulled apart by an aggressive lack of sleep. 

Britain, Let's Talk About the Golliwogs

Britain, Let's Talk About the Golliwogs

***** (Scotsman, 2017). 

Shady With a Chance of Sunburn

Shady With a Chance of Sunburn

Dana Alexander offers her unique and irreverent perspective in an industry that is dominated by the privileged and homogeneous – a purple sheep in a group of black sheep. 

Matt Forde: Brexit Through the Gift Shop

Matt Forde: Brexit Through the Gift Shop

The whole thing’s a mess and only one person can sort it out. 

Sisterhood

Sisterhood

A fearless adventure into the dark heart of a paradigm shift. 

Not Yet Suffragette

Not Yet Suffragette

Not Yet Suffragette is a potent mix of feminist theatre and stand-up comedy surrounding how – not far – women’s rights have come since winning the vote. 

Trumpageddon

Trumpageddon

President Trump returns for a third season at his ‘summer White House’ after two sell-out years (and a most relaxing golfing holiday at Adelaide Fringe). 

Brexit

Brexit

A new Tory PM must unite his party’s warring factions with his masterful plan for a final Brexit deal. 

Disgraced

Disgraced

Amir Kapoor is happily married and about to land the biggest career promotion of his life – but his success has come at a price. 

Left Wing Conspiracy Theorist (With Dyspraxia)

Left Wing Conspiracy Theorist (With Dyspraxia)

Armed with exhaustive statistics, a wild imagination and a uniquely hilarious take on current events and systemic conspiracies, Don Biswas delivers a frantic hour of lighting-fast … 

Call Mr Robeson

Call Mr Robeson

In view of the recent violence in Charlottesville, KKK sympathisers in the White House and, even on our end of the pond, much of the sentiment behind Brexit, a discussion of the in… 

1984

1984

George Orwell’s magnum opus novel 1984 is eerily relevant today despite being published in 1949 and shows us a world of constant war, omnipresent surveillance and propaganda cond… 

In Conversation with… Jeremy Corbyn

In Conversation with… Jeremy Corbyn

The journey from backbench MP to ‘PM-in-waiting’ has been long and eventful. 

A Machine they're Secretly Building

A Machine they're Secretly Building

The audience were completely absorbed by Proto-Type Theater’s exposition of global mass-surveillance in A Machine They’re Secretly Building, the title aptly born from whistlebl… 

Australia: Still F*cked

Australia: Still F*cked

Kieran Butler (Che Guevara on the Fringe, ****(Scotsman)) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, (Jesus was a Rape Baby) for the sequel to his sold-out cult hit, Au… 

Polly Toynbee and David Walker: In Conversation

Polly Toynbee and David Walker: In Conversation

Polly Toynbee and David Walker join Professor Chris Carter to discuss their dream government, constructing an imaginary cabinet from politicians of the past half century. 

Australia: Still F*cked

Australia: Still F*cked

Kieran Butler (Che Guevara on the Fringe, ****(Scotsman)) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, (Jesus was a Rape Baby) for the sequel to his sold-out cult hit, Au… 

Joseph K

Joseph K

Joseph K is a modern day adaptation of Kafka’s The Trial brought to us by students from KGS Theatre Company. 

Anathema

Anathema

Anathema is a promising first piece of work from Bearded Dog Theatre, starting strong with difficult topics not often discussed on stage – specifically the issue of male rape. 

Eurohouse

Eurohouse

Following last year’s Fringe success and UK tour, Bertrand & Nasi’s darkly comic look at the EU’s founding ideals returns to Summerhall for just four performances. 

Jim Naughtie – My Life in Broadcasting

Jim Naughtie – My Life in Broadcasting

Jim Naughtie is one of Britain’s most distinguished radio broadcasters and journalists. 

Locker Room Talk

Locker Room Talk

Delve into an hour of real Locker Room Talk, a term made infamous by Donald Trump, and allow yourself to be immersed into the murky and dark world of everyday sexism that society d… 

Australia: Still F*cked

Australia: Still F*cked

Kieran Butler (Che Guevara on the Fringe, ****(Scotsman)) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, (Jesus was a Rape Baby) for the sequel to his sold-out cult hit, Au… 

Action at a Distance

Action at a Distance

Confronting head-on complex ethical dilemmas that co-exist with modern Western imperialism, this new play written by Rory Horne is urgent, engaging and also deeply entertaining. 

5 Soldiers

5 Soldiers

Nestled in the artsy comfort of the Fringe bubble, it is all too easy to forget about the murmurings – or in some cases, bellowings – of war that have been thrown back and fort… 

Year Zero

Year Zero

A tale of two countries. 

Hear All About It

Hear All About It

Reactivists bring you a new show each week, based on the news of the week before. 

Australia: Still F*cked

Australia: Still F*cked

Kieran Butler (Che Guevara on the Fringe, ****(Scotsman)) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, (Jesus was a Rape Baby) for the sequel to his sold-out cult hit, Au… 

Will Hutton – Brexit and the Future of Social Democracy

Will Hutton – Brexit and the Future of Social Democracy

Will Hutton is one of Britain’s best-known public intellectuals. 

Australia: Still F*cked

Australia: Still F*cked

Kieran Butler (Che Guevara on the Fringe, ****(Scotsman)) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, (Jesus was a Rape Baby) for the sequel to his sold-out cult hit, Au… 

Ripe

Ripe

Loosely based on The Handmaid’s Tale, this play takes place in a modern day fertility unit. 

Just an Ordinary Lawyer

Just an Ordinary Lawyer

Nigerian Tunji Sowande quietly breaks through multiple barriers to become Britain’s first black judge in 1978. 

Maklena

Maklena

Perhaps at the time it was first written this play would have been seen as fantastic, dealing with themes that were deeply entrenched in many of the Soviet plays of the early 1930s… 

The Cause of Thunder

The Cause of Thunder

It’s two years after the referendum, and Bob Cunningham has stuff on his mind: whether or not to take early retirement, politics and what to do about the no vote, Brexit, Corbyn,… 

Morale Is High (Since We Gave Up Hope)

Morale Is High (Since We Gave Up Hope)

Manchester dark comedy duo Powder Keg (Ross McCaffery and Jake Walton) scream out their political statements in Morale Is High (Since We Gave Up Hope) but none which make an impact… 

Bonnie Fechters – Songs and Stories of Hope and Resistance

Bonnie Fechters – Songs and Stories of Hope and Resistance

‘In the 1970s there was a wee bit of a stooshie here in Scotland. 

X The Musical

X The Musical

Robert S J Lucas’ new show, X The Musical is set in a vaguely sketched-out dystopian future where politics are the most important thing in the world and everyone is required to v… 

In Conversation With… Barry Crimmins

In Conversation With… Barry Crimmins

Legendary American stand-up, political satirist, activist and child sexual abuse survivor talks frankly about his life’s emotional and intellectual journey that has had audiences… 

The Vagina Dialogues – The Völvas

The Vagina Dialogues – The Völvas

The Völvas is an international feminist performance ensemble. 

Parable of Lysistrata

Parable of Lysistrata

A modern adaptation of the Ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata. 

Breakfast Plays: B!rth

Breakfast Plays: B!rth

The Traverse Theatre sadly need to offer more than a bacon roll to make Breakfast Plays: B!rth worth getting up for. 

John Prescott: In Conversation

John Prescott: In Conversation

John Prescott, returns to the Edinburgh Fringe after his sell-out performance last year. 

Blurred Justice

Blurred Justice

Amnesty International Award winning Blurred Justice is a thrilling and humorous play where the fate of one man lies in the hands of the audience. 

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Following four years of sell-out London shows, Matt Forde’s political interview returns to Edinburgh for one show only with special guest, Alistair Darling. 

The Class Project

The Class Project

This is a show about belonging. 

Topical Storm 2017

Topical Storm 2017

The Stand’s resident satire team of Mark Nelson, Stuart Murphy, Keir McAllister and Vladimir McTavish return with their unique take on the news in a world gone crazy. 

Hero

Hero

Let me preface by saying that Hero suffered from technical issues when I saw it, which was announced at the play’s beginning and therefore meant that some of the lights for the p… 

Hear All About It

Hear All About It

Reactivists bring you a new show each week, based on the news of the week before. 

Ayesha Hazarika: State of the Nation

Ayesha Hazarika: State of the Nation

Politics, power and how we lost the plot. 

Australia: Still F*cked

Australia: Still F*cked

Kieran Butler (Che Guevara on the Fringe, ****(Scotsman)) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, (Jesus was a Rape Baby) for the sequel to his sold-out cult hit, Au… 

Pistorius: A Shakespearean Tragedy

Pistorius: A Shakespearean Tragedy

Macbeth. 

Domestic

Domestic

Can the state go into your home, uncover your secrets and trap you with what it finds? Domestic is a love story between Mia – an activist, and Cal – the policeman sent to spy o… 

Gunshot Medley

Gunshot Medley

“Black lives matter!” Hold it there and let that well-known refrain ring in your head, along with the image it conjures up in your mind. 

Trumpus Interruptus: The Impeachment of Donald J Trump

Trumpus Interruptus: The Impeachment of Donald J Trump

A panoply of productions about Brexit, Trump and alt-right politics are gracing this year’s Edinburgh Fringe – Trumpus Interruptus is Mea Culpa Theater’s contribution to the … 

Bob Slayer: Whatever Next?

Bob Slayer: Whatever Next?

Something akin to Grand Master of the bits of the Fringe that aren’t ‘a capitalist mess’, as he styles it, a visit to Bob Slayer’s double-decker bus is a source of rejuvena… 

Alex Salmond... Unleashed

Alex Salmond... Unleashed

A festival of fun, friends and freedom. 

Commons

Commons

In an upmarket hotel room, two men – one a disgraced politician, the other an ex-rent boy – meet to rekindle old loves and re-open old wounds in this darkly comedic character s… 

Geoff Norcott: Right Leaning but Well Meaning

Geoff Norcott: Right Leaning but Well Meaning

There’s one point during Geoff Norcott’s latest show when it really flies, when you sense he really has most of the audience on his side — even though at least one or two of … 

Thom Tuck: An August Institution

Thom Tuck: An August Institution

Thom Tuck’s stand-up show, An August Institution, opens with an extended maths joke, which sets the tone for an hour of fairly niche humour. 

In Conversation With… John McDonnell

In Conversation With… John McDonnell

Shadow Chancellor since 2015 and MP for Hayes and Harlington since 1997, McDonnell has campaigned against the Iraq war, and argued for curbs in bankers’ bonuses, decent pensions,… 

Chris Mullin: In Conversation

Chris Mullin: In Conversation

Chris Mullin returns to the Business School to reflect on the great political disasters he’s known, in conversation with Professor Chris Carter. 

Escaping Trump's America

Escaping Trump's America

I’ll start off by saying that the lack of an audience on this particular viewing did not afford much opportunity to the performers. 

Ramy: In the Frontline

Ramy: In the Frontline

We all saw the coverage of the Egyptian revolution in 2011, but who can say they’ve been in the same room as someone personally involved? Ramy wasn’t just a participant in the … 

Nina – A Story About Me and Nina Simone

Nina – A Story About Me and Nina Simone

1960s America. 

Brown Bag Events

Brown Bag Events

If you have a passion for current affairs, a thirst for knowledge, or are simply looking for an interesting topic to discuss at the dinner table, these free events are for you! Our… 

Wall 2.0! A Thinly Veiled Manifesto for How to Mend Our Broken World Disguised as a New American Musical

Wall 2.0! A Thinly Veiled Manifesto for How to Mend Our Broken World Disguised as a New American Musical

Wall 2. 

Hardeep Singh Kohli: Alternative, Fact

Hardeep Singh Kohli: Alternative, Fact

Hardeep Singh Kohli is a Fringe favourite and you can tell immediately by his stage presence that he is relaxed with the audience. 

Mark Thomas: A Show That Gambles on the Future

Mark Thomas: A Show That Gambles on the Future

Early in his Fringe show Mark Thomas reveals the impressively religious character of his upbringing. 

Australia: Still F*cked

Australia: Still F*cked

Kieran Butler (Che Guevara on the Fringe, ****(Scotsman)) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, (Jesus was a Rape Baby) for the sequel to his sold-out cult hit, Au… 

The British Idles

The British Idles

Alcohol, drugs, zero-hour contracts and love triangles befall this bunch of misfits, who desperately search for a way out. 

Know Brexit

Know Brexit

Geoffrey Brown guides us through the sticky path that is Britain’s exit from the EU armed with a gaudy slide show, an intro song, It’s the End of the World as We Know it and I … 

Sink

Sink

Sink is a poignant and fascinating drama about one of China’s greatest playwrights, Lao She; a man who wrote for his country and was once honoured as an ‘Artist of the peo… 

Queen of the F*cking World

Queen of the F*cking World

Unleash your inner queen! Via Shakespeare, Chekhov to RuPaul, a kickass theatre-cum-cabaret tour de force exploring sexual politics and identity, revealing how an exotic dancer bec… 

Joe Wells: I Hope I Die Before I Start Voting Conservative

Joe Wells: I Hope I Die Before I Start Voting Conservative

Received opinion says that we become more right-wing as we get older. 

Gareth Morinan: Brexitocracy (Explained With Graphs)

Gareth Morinan: Brexitocracy (Explained With Graphs)

Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit graphical comedy Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Brexit Br… 

Chris Coltrane: Make Love and Smash Fascism

Chris Coltrane: Make Love and Smash Fascism

Comedian and activist Coltrane returns with another hour of uplifting, Tory-smashing comedy. 

Tiernan Douieb: Miserably Happy

Tiernan Douieb: Miserably Happy

‘Very friendly but fiercely political’ (Time Out) comedian, Tiernan Douieb, considers if ignorance is indeed bliss, and if so, surely he shouldn’t know that. 

Chris Coltrane: Make Love and Smash Fascism

Chris Coltrane: Make Love and Smash Fascism

Comedian and activist Coltrane returns with another hour of uplifting, Tory-smashing comedy. 

Tiernan Douieb: Miserably Happy

Tiernan Douieb: Miserably Happy

‘Very friendly but fiercely political’ (Time Out) comedian, Tiernan Douieb, considers if ignorance is indeed bliss, and if so, surely he shouldn’t know that. 

Australia: Still F*cked

Australia: Still F*cked

Kieran Butler (Che Guevara on the Fringe, ****(Scotsman)) joins his favourite antipodean comedian, Sofie Prints, (Jesus was a Rape Baby) for the sequel to his sold-out cult hit, Au… 

Matt Panesh – Freedom...!

Matt Panesh – Freedom...!

New show. 

Our Christian Nation

Our Christian Nation

What if the extreme Christian right in the USA got everything they wanted? Emmy winner Joe Janes’s play, featuring 10 Chicago actors performing 40 characters, shows us the absurdit… 

Wrecked

Wrecked

Based on The Tempest, Wrecked is an absurd political satire chronicling two days in the lives of six pirates and one dead parrot, shipwrecked on a tropical island. 

The Lynching

The Lynching

Jackie Walker tells the story the media wouldn’t let her tell you. 

Jimmyville

Jimmyville

A naturalistic drama with a cast of eight and duration of 60 minutes with strong elements of Brechtian theatre. 

Another Political Comedy Show

Another Political Comedy Show

‘Social barriers will dissipate as Rick Molland and Sully O’Sullivan go head-to-head in an epic stand-up comedy battle’ (CultureTrip. 

Narcos – A Conversation on the Capturing of Pablo Escobar With DEA Agents Steve Murphy and Javier Pena

Narcos – A Conversation on the Capturing of Pablo Escobar With DEA Agents Steve Murphy and Javier Pena

The real-life actions of Murphy and Pena were the inspiration for the hugely successful Netflix crime series Narcos, which tells the story of Colombia’s infamous drug cartels and… 

Sink

Sink

‘I love this country, but who loves me?’ The play is based on the true story of Lao She, a Chinese writer of great esteem, who, at one stage, was given the title of People’s Ar… 

Tobias Persson: Sweden Sour

Tobias Persson: Sweden Sour

What do you call a burning police car in Sweden? Monday. 

Out of the Bad

Out of the Bad

A black comedy dealing with complicated lives, loves and buried secrets. 

Digital Fart from the Neo-Archaic Futureland (Russia)

Digital Fart from the Neo-Archaic Futureland (Russia)

Is Putin’s Russia in fact a closer-than-it-looks, post-fact global future? Can it be avoided? And are we really that different? Fringe’s first Russian alternative comedian, Oleg, c… 

We Are Still All C*nts

We Are Still All C*nts

While the world grips onto its safe space with progressively whitened knuckles, We Are Still All C*nts will be a haven where the left, the right, the old, the young, the rise of fa… 

Gráinne Maguire: What Has the News Ever Done for Me?

Gráinne Maguire: What Has the News Ever Done for Me?

Every day, Gráinne is joined by three top comics who try to persuade the audience why their favourite news story is the most import of the week’s news. 

David Sheeran: I Am Donut

David Sheeran: I Am Donut

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Skyfall and Love Actually: three films President Trump will encourage the Prime Minister to stream during his state visit to the UK (probab… 

Samantha Pressdee: Back 2 Basics

Samantha Pressdee: Back 2 Basics

A bittersweet tale of political awakening. 

Fin Taylor: Lefty Tighty Righty Loosey

Fin Taylor: Lefty Tighty Righty Loosey

The most talked about comedian from last year’s Fringe is back. 

Ahir Shah: Control

Ahir Shah: Control

In an age of global socio-political turmoil, Shah presents a show about freedom, fascism, complacency, complicity, resistance, and milk. 

Infant Hercules

Infant Hercules

Loud, outspoken and very accessible political comedy from a Northern working-class prospective. 

Susie Steed: Money Walks – The Unofficial Story of Capitalism

Susie Steed: Money Walks – The Unofficial Story of Capitalism

Follow in the footsteps of power on this walking tour of capitalism from British Empire to banking crisis, with jokes. 

Jack Barry: High Treason

Jack Barry: High Treason

This show is about why we should legalise all the drugs. 

Rahul Kohli: A Not So Chubby, Brown

Rahul Kohli: A Not So Chubby, Brown

Geordie Rahul Kohli’s back with his much anticipated second hour following from his critically appraised debut. 

Start Swimming

Start Swimming

A Young Vic Taking Part Production. 

Bin Laden: The One Man Show

Bin Laden: The One Man Show

‘Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to show you how to change the world…’ The world’s most notorious terrorist tells his remarkable, provocative and multi award-winnin… 

Trump’d!

Trump’d!

A new comedy musical from the Cambridge Footlights. 

Wall! A Thinly Veiled Metaphor for Our Current Political Landscape Disguised as a New American Musical

Wall! A Thinly Veiled Metaphor for Our Current Political Landscape Disguised as a New American Musical

Two cultures have thrived, one on each side of an impenetrable wall. 

Just An Ordinary Lawyer

Just An Ordinary Lawyer

Nigerian Tunji Sowande quietly breaks through multiple barriers to become Britain’s first Black judge in 1978. 

Fandom Undivided

Fandom Undivided

We are slowly falling apart, we are stagnating. 

Price (still) Includes Biscuits

Price (still) Includes Biscuits

Satirical, witty and topical. 

Obama & Me

Obama & Me

“I am a cog in the wheel of free movement. 

Hang

Hang

Set in the near future, Hang imagines a world where the death penalty has returned and, with a sinister game-show-like feel to it, the victim determines the fate of the offender. 

Agent of Influence: The Secret Life of Pamela More

Agent of Influence: The Secret Life of Pamela More

In a time of pre-war political tension, gone are the days of frothy fashion journalism for Pamela More, a feisty and glamorous Times journalist who stubbornly prioritises haute-c… 

David Sheeran - I Am Donut: Work In Progress

David Sheeran - I Am Donut: Work In Progress

Skyfall, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Ghost, The Godfather, Citizen Kane, Beauty and the Beast, Notting Hill, 50 Shades Darker and Beetleju… 

Sexual Fears of a Modern Day Virgin

Sexual Fears of a Modern Day Virgin

Kids these days! No one knows what they’re up to. 

Know Brexit

Know Brexit

“The UK has voted out. 

A Remarkable Person

A Remarkable Person

This critically-acclaimed, award-winning Norwegian (but performed in English) play philosophises: Do we humans really have a deep need for an identity, or is this need utter nonsen… 

Between You and Me

Between You and Me

This Brighton-based forum theatre company produce thought-provoking performances about social and political matters, using storytelling, discussion, and re-enactment. 

Smurthwaite on Masculinity

Smurthwaite on Masculinity

Left-wing, highbrow, feminist, atheist comedian Kate Smurthwaite finally takes on the issue right at the very heart of women’s rights: men. 

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons

“The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime”. 

Ross And Doug Present Scenes From The Life And Death Of Lord Haw Haw, Britain's Most Patriotic Traitor

Ross And Doug Present Scenes From The Life And Death Of Lord Haw Haw, Britain's Most Patriotic Traitor

Funny. Political. Ends with a hanging. 

Samantha Pressdee: Work in Progress

Samantha Pressdee: Work in Progress

A bitter-sweet tale of political awakening. 

Happy Birthday, Bob

Happy Birthday, Bob

From his first eponymous album in 1962 to his latest, Fallen Angels, via his never-ending tour, Bob Dylan has always divided opinion: Upsetting the Establishment as a Folk/protest … 

Harun Musho'd: Harun With a View

Harun Musho'd: Harun With a View

Harun Musho’d’s stand-up comedy explores his own identity, weaving politics and history into the story of his family and their antics. 

Under My Thumb

Under My Thumb

Six women. 

Zahra Barri: Talk Like An Egyptian

Zahra Barri: Talk Like An Egyptian

Zahra’s a bit like the country of Turkey, in that she’s a mix of Eastern and Western culture, and also she is a bird. 

The Print-shop

The Print-shop

Brighton comics creators and graphic novelists Joe Decie, Hannah Eaton and Daniel Locke are spending a week producing hundreds of original drawings, prints and comics that explore … 

I'm The Hero of This Story

I'm The Hero of This Story

CTRL ALT DEL: Restart, Repeat, Restart, Repeat. 

Hidden Mother

Hidden Mother

In her mind Diana is a glamorous singer-raconteuse at a Petrograd nightclub, and Leon her accompanist. 

Sajeela Kershi: Paradise Beneath Her Feet!

Sajeela Kershi: Paradise Beneath Her Feet!

A new work-in-progress show from this multi award-winning comedian. 

Meet Fred

Meet Fred

Hijinx Theatre in association with Blind Summit. 

SpokeEasy

SpokeEasy

Do you remember a time when we all SpokeEasy? A time before every movement, word and thought was watched? Before cameras in trees? Come! Follow the signs for The Yellow Canary,… 

OUT

OUT

We are presented with two bodies: a loud Jamaican dance hall music and disco lights. 

Guy Wah: Professional Arsehole

Guy Wah: Professional Arsehole

‘Professional behaviour’: a series of actions deemed acceptable in the workplace. 

Tez Ilyas: Teztify (WiP)

Tez Ilyas: Teztify (WiP)

“Ilyas has a slickness more reminiscent of US comics, and the gags to back it up, though his most prized asset could yet be his bold, subversive streak” (The Guardian). 

In Debt We Trust

In Debt We Trust

Fusing stand-up, cabaret and live documentary, we go on a journey through that most deceptively fascinating of subjects - debt! With comedy vignettes (laughs), appearances from … 

A Pessimist's Guide to Being Happy

A Pessimist's Guide to Being Happy

Are you, have you been or do you know a pessimist? Are you, have you been, or do you want to be happy? This is the stand-up comedy show for you! Matt Duwell is happy and he is ill-… 

Undercover Refugee

Undercover Refugee

What happens when a 25-year-old Norwegian girl travels alone through Europe together with refugees? Karen Houge, a Norwegian documentarist and Gaulier-trained actor, went to Les… 

UK Subs

UK Subs

This legendary Punk band continues to represent the true spirit of Punk Rock. 

Chicken Soup Crusader

Chicken Soup Crusader

In this unsafe space, with Brexit looming and Trump trumpeting, Daphna Baram attempts to clear us all a path. 

David Hoyle

David Hoyle

Post-drag, post-gender, impossible to beat, performance avalanche and avant-garde legend David Hoyle returns for an unmissable evening of high comedy, sound, vision, paint and song… 

Octopus

Octopus

Intelligent, funny and thought provoking theatre at The Warren. 

Last Orders At The Dog & Dumplings

Last Orders At The Dog & Dumplings

Boogaloo Stu’s dark comedy ‘Last Orders At The Dog & Dumplings’ is an uproarious and merciless exposé of the cold-blooded takeover striking our communities in the name of regene… 

Taliesin: A Tale of Power, Class and Environmental Catastrophe

Taliesin: A Tale of Power, Class and Environmental Catastrophe

Plunge into tales of the legendary Welsh bard Taliesin. 

Wet Bread

Wet Bread

Adele can’t work out how the Tories are in power – everyone she knows voted Labour, and don’t get her started on Brexit. 

Protect and Survive

Protect and Survive

1984. 

Rahul Kohli: A Not So Chubby Brown

Rahul Kohli: A Not So Chubby Brown

Geordie Rahul Kohli is back with his much anticipated second hour following on from his critically acclaimed debut hour: ‘Newcastle Brown Male’. 

Juliet Meyers: The Dog and Other Global Irritations

Juliet Meyers: The Dog and Other Global Irritations

Juliet Meyers (Writer on ‘Sarah Millican TV Programme’, ‘8/10 Cats’ and ‘News Quiz’) returns with her show about her clingy rescue dog, unconditional love and being a wolf. 

Alex Kealy: Too Early To Say

Alex Kealy: Too Early To Say

Comedian and vertebrate Alex Kealy presents his second comedy show. 

Anti-White PC Mangina Rises!

Anti-White PC Mangina Rises!

Dick Coughlan thought he was a good guy. 

The View from the Mountaintop

The View from the Mountaintop

A pitch-black comedy from award-winning playwright, Matt Morrison. 

I Hope I Die Before I Start Voting Conservative (Work In Progress)

I Hope I Die Before I Start Voting Conservative (Work In Progress)

Apparently we all get more right-wing as we grow older. 

Reality Check

Reality Check

Athena Kugblenu has watched, listened and looked for a long time, and now she’s grown tired of the conventions of the left wing press. 

Immigrant Diaries for Refugees - Sajeela Kershi & Guests

Immigrant Diaries for Refugees - Sajeela Kershi & Guests

Immigration, migrants, the refugee crisis; hot divisive topics of debate that have been blamed for Brexit, Trump, rise of hate crimes in the past year. 

The Writers' Bloc

The Writers' Bloc

Soviet Russia, 1937. 

Shell Shock

Shell Shock

One soldier’s story of coping with PTSD. 

Mobile

Mobile

Co-commissioned by Live Theatre/The Marlowe Theatre. 

Discretion Guaranteed

Discretion Guaranteed

There’s a lot going on in Discretion Guaranteed at Paradise in the Vault. 

Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary

Timelines blur as Queen Mary Tudor stands reading the Financial Times in this capable performance that draws parallels between the purging reign of Bloody Mary and the policies of … 

One for the Road

One for the Road

Harold Pinter’s short play, One for the Road, concerns torture, and you can assume it’s talking about state-sanctioned torture, given Rising Phoenix Repertory’s decision to t… 

Child’s Play

Child’s Play

Child’s Play begins with the tidying away of props and banners at the end of an organised demonstration; in the meantime, characters exchange strident opinions on how frustrating… 

Vince Cable: In Conversation

Vince Cable: In Conversation

Professor Chris Carter welcomes distinguished economist and highly respected parliamentarian, Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable. 

John Prescott: In Conversation

John Prescott: In Conversation

Lord John Prescott discusses his career in the public eye. 

Collateral Damage

Collateral Damage

The programme for Collateral Damage states that, while the play was written in 1999 in response to contemporary issues, it “has many resonances for us today”. 

IndyRef2: The Rebellion Continues?

IndyRef2: The Rebellion Continues?

Tory victory at the General Election, the crushing of Labour in Scotland, chaos on the Opposition front benches. 

Antigone

Antigone

Eleventh Hour Theatre’s fresh and admittedly interesting take on Sophocles’ Classic tragedy presents a new spin on the classic tale that, whilst successful enough, fails to rea… 

Adam Boulton: In Conversation

Adam Boulton: In Conversation

Professor Chris Carter welcomes one of the leading journalists of our time, Sky News political editor Adam Boulton, to share his take on the leaders and major events that have prov… 

ScotlandsFest 2016

ScotlandsFest 2016

Big thinking in a small country – sparky talk, flyting, debate discussion and soapbox slots. 

ScotlandsFest 2016

ScotlandsFest 2016

Big thinking in a small country – sparky talk, flyting, debate discussion and soapbox slots. 

You, Me and the Distance Between Us

You, Me and the Distance Between Us

Ellen spent six months volunteering in Europe’s refugee camps. 

Lifted

Lifted

Lifted is a play about Scotland, identity, immigration, police violence, racism and mermaids. 

The Calm

The Calm

In the near future, the line between war and terror is blurred in a military hospital behind the front lines, ahead of the final push. 

I Love Ursula Hamdress

I Love Ursula Hamdress

Theatre and physical theatre about the contemporary condition of women and farmed animals, created following Carol Adams’ lecture The sexual Politics of Meat. 

Hang

Hang

Hang, the latest show from Yellow Jacket Productions, set in the near future where the death penalty has returned with an added feature, the victim is able to choose the method of … 

Ears on a Beatle

Ears on a Beatle

Billed as “not simply a docu-drama”, Ears on a Beatle promises perspective on the post-Summer-of-Love, post-Fab-Four decade in which the two protagonist agents find themselves. 

Counting Sheep

Counting Sheep

Counting Sheep is a theatrical triumph that throws the audience into the centre of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. 

On the Conditions and Possibilities of Hillary Clinton Taking Me as Her Young Lover

On the Conditions and Possibilities of Hillary Clinton Taking Me as Her Young Lover

On the Conditions and Possibilities of Hillary Clinton Taking Me as Her Young Lover definitely wins the title of most intriguing show title at the Fringe, and it’s definitely wor… 

Private Manning Goes to Washington

Private Manning Goes to Washington

Chelsea (formerly Bradley) Manning remains in a high security US Military Prison on a 35-year sentence for passing nearly a quarter of a million classified files to Wikileaks in 20… 

Glasgow Girls

Glasgow Girls

2005. 

We Are All C*nts

We Are All C*nts

What you see is what you get with Ashley Haden’s notoriously dark humour in this aptly-named free show. 

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Following three years of sell-out London shows Matt Forde’s Political Party returns to Edinburgh for a one-off special! Previous guests include: Tony Blair, Nigel Farage, Michael P… 

This Evil Thing

This Evil Thing

Many appreciate conscientious objectors because they seem on the right side of history. 

Call Mr Robeson

Call Mr Robeson

Call Mr Robeson is Tayo Aluko’s tribute to one of the twentieth century’s most recognisable singers in terms of looks and voice. 

Ayesha Hazarika: Tales from the Pink Bus

Ayesha Hazarika: Tales from the Pink Bus

Ayesha Hazarika spent eight years as political adviser to Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband. 

Steve Richards Presents Rock 'n' Roll Politics

Steve Richards Presents Rock 'n' Roll Politics

Loyalty. 

Brexit at Tiffany's

Brexit at Tiffany's

In the aftershock of the Brexit referendum, what do the world’s funniest folk in comedy have to say about it and other world matters? Join us for one night only of International … 

Ayesha Hazarika: Tales from the Pink Bus

Ayesha Hazarika: Tales from the Pink Bus

Ayesha Hazarika spent eight years as political adviser to Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband. 

Private Manning Goes to Washington

Private Manning Goes to Washington

A new play imagining a secret meeting between US President Barack Obama and Chelsea Manning, the transgender US soldier currently imprisoned for leaking classified information to W… 

The Echo Chamber

The Echo Chamber

Current affairs can be baffling, and we have all been overcome with the need to turn off the news and pretend that horrific acts of terrorism around the world aren’t happening. 

Faslane

Faslane

On the surface Jenna Watt’s new show Faslane sounds like it should be a simple comparison of the reasons for and against renewing the Trident nuclear base; it turns out to be jus… 

The Inspectors Call

The Inspectors Call

Exploring the impact of creeping corporatism and excessive accountability. 

YPFii

YPFii

0. 

Mark Thomas: The Red Shed

Mark Thomas: The Red Shed

Mark Thomas’ new one-man-play blends spoken word and storytelling to create a compelling, intimate and rousing performance that lifts the spirit in this pitch perfect personal an… 

Knowing EU

Knowing EU

Although this show might have been more useful to see before the EU referendum, Knowing EU’s straightforwardness pushes to one side all the unclear statistics and hot headed deba… 

Expensive Shit

Expensive Shit

Theatre audiences are, for the most part, quite comfortable with their self-assigned role of secret voyeurs of the people on stage who go about their lives with no apparent knowled… 

Acting Alone

Acting Alone

Acting Alone is a thoughtful, introspective piece of solo storytelling in which actor Ava Hunt reflects on the suffering of the Palestinian people and the frustration she feels at … 

Reality Check

Reality Check

BBC New Comedy Award 2015 finalist Athena Kugblenu has an opinion on everything. 

Sins Borne

Sins Borne

Absolutely implausible and performed implausibly too: there are moments where Sins Borne’s premise works but they are too sparse. 

Bash

Bash

Neil LaBute sets out to upset and disturb audiences and he made a spectacular start with his first play Bash: Latterday Plays. 

The Surge

The Surge

With the parliamentary Labour party at apparent loggerheads with a huge chunk of its ordinary party members, and a Prime Minister arguably governing without a strong mandate, the g… 

David Steel: My Life in Politics

David Steel: My Life in Politics

Lord David Steel joins Professor Chris Carter to reflect on an illustrious career in public life. 

Diary of a Madman

Diary of a Madman

Little remains of Gogol’s original short story, Diary of a Madman, with Al Smith taking much artistic licence in updating it to post-Brexit Britain and turning it into a story of… 

Just an Ordinary Lawyer

Just an Ordinary Lawyer

Nigerian Tunji Sowande quietly breaks through multiple barriers to become Britain’s first black judge in 1978. 

Poena 5X1

Poena 5X1

How can hell be liberal and forgiveness be punishment? Contradictions like these are part of the challenge of this provocative piece of writing and performance. 

Iraq Out & Loud: Reading the Chilcot Report in Full

Iraq Out & Loud: Reading the Chilcot Report in Full

A group of performers, writers, politicians and you plan to stage a reading of the Chilcot Report. 

Call Mr Robeson

Call Mr Robeson

Paul Robeson is a world-famous American actor, singer and civil rights campaigner. 

Samantha Pressdee: Sextremist

Samantha Pressdee: Sextremist

“Every woman is a riot,” is roughly painted on the wall behind the stage area of this hidden-away New Town bar’s seldom used attic space. 

Hot Brown Honey

Hot Brown Honey

To Edinburghians “welcome to The Hive” could mean a questionable night out in a seedy, sticky floored club. 

Out of Our Father's House

Out of Our Father's House

The self-empowerment of interesting American women from history is a dramatic premise that instantly arrests your attention. 

A Boy Named Sue

A Boy Named Sue

A Boy Named Sue written by Bertie Darrell provides an interesting insight into the experiences of members of the LGBT+ community, played with great energy by the cast of three. 

Rocking Your Vote!

Rocking Your Vote!

We Will Rock You meets Yes Prime Minister in this hilarious story of electioneering by 2015 MP candidate Will Goodhand (Channel 4’s Beauty and the Geek, 99 Club stand-up), featur… 

Iraq Out & Loud: Reading the Chilcot Report in Full

Iraq Out & Loud: Reading the Chilcot Report in Full

A group of performers, writers, politicians and you plan to stage a reading of the Chilcot Report. 

House and Amongst the Reeds

House and Amongst the Reeds

London-based Clean Break fit two plays into one show: House, a tight family drama set in a British-Nigerian household, and Amongst the Reeds, a nondescript tale of homelessness, fr… 

The Chicken Trial

The Chicken Trial

Was it animal cruelty to bring 6 chickens to a rowdy nightclub, and is that the wrong question? The Chicken Trial is a “documentary fantasy” recounting the trial of Makode Lind… 

James Christopher – What's the Tory? Mourning Glory

James Christopher – What's the Tory? Mourning Glory

James Christopher looks back in anger at a government driven by greed, for the benefit of the privileged few. 

Eddy Brimson: Up the Anti

Eddy Brimson: Up the Anti

Raided at dawn, arrested for terrorism and a possible 13 years in prison: I’ve had better mornings! MI5, surveillance, democracy, class and them. 

10 Things I Hate About UKIP

10 Things I Hate About UKIP

Joe Wells believes that you should treat all people with love and respect, but does that include UKIP voters? Follow up to the critically acclaimed **** (Chortle. 

Chris Coltrane: Socialist Fun Times

Chris Coltrane: Socialist Fun Times

A new hour of super-fun political comedy from your second-favourite activist comedian, Chris Coltrane. 

Smurthwaite on Masculinity

Smurthwaite on Masculinity

The award-winning comedian, campaigner and writer for Have I Got News for You and The Revolution Will Be Televised sizes up the patriarchy and 21st century male culture. 

A Common Man: The Bridge That Tom Built

A Common Man: The Bridge That Tom Built

Striding onto the stage accompanied by thunderous fanfare, taking his place on a podium and decrying the evil of tyrants and the chains of authority, Dominic Allen’s blistering a… 

Waiting for Garbo

Waiting for Garbo

The world’s largest landfill, an island of floating plastic the size of Texas and Greta Garbo! This theatrical vortex of recycled plays, Garbo’s Divine Woman and words from env… 

Your Majesties

Your Majesties

In the award-winning performance of Your Majesties, Navaridas and Deutinger reenact Barack Obama’s Nobel lecture, held at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo in 2009. 

The Rooster and Partial Memory

The Rooster and Partial Memory

The Rooster is a Palestinian/Lebanese production influenced by thrilling Palestinian dabke folk dance, conveying the sociopolitical experience of the region through the character o… 

Murdered Artists' Society

Murdered Artists' Society

Tribute to all the artists who have been murdered, tortured and exiled. 

Lifted

Lifted

Lifted is a play about Scotland, identity, immigration, police violence, racism and mermaids. 

Gráinne Maguire: What Has the News Ever Done for Me?

Gráinne Maguire: What Has the News Ever Done for Me?

Who has time to care about all the day’s news? Not when most of us have so many good box sets on the go. 

Scotland's Democracy Trail

Scotland's Democracy Trail

Democracy is a hot topic in Scotland. 

Apocalypse Wow

Apocalypse Wow

Ever looked at the world around you? Ever thought about your future in that world and decided the only prudent and logical move is to down tequila and dance on rooftops? This is th… 

Just an Ordinary Lawyer

Just an Ordinary Lawyer

Nigerian Tunji Sowande quietly breaks through multiple barriers to become Britain’s first black judge in 1978. 

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Speech

Nothing will remain sacred when the ‘bombastically liberal’ Rick Molland (ThreeWeeks) meets the ‘shamelessly shocking’ Sully O’Sullivan (Australian Times) in this stand-up … 

John Scott Smashes It to F*ck

John Scott Smashes It to F*ck

A stand-up comedy show in which John promises to rip up the room for the full hour, or you can leave throughout. 

Bronston Jones – God Bless 'Merica (Again)

Bronston Jones – God Bless 'Merica (Again)

Bronston Jones: God Bless ‘Merica (Again). 

This Belongs to George Osborne

This Belongs to George Osborne

Sit back and relax as we honour today’s real comedic geniuses – our very own tax-shirking, pig-pumping Westminster massive! Come join in a celebration of the absurdist joy that… 

Anti-White PC Mangina Activate!

Anti-White PC Mangina Activate!

Dick Coughlan thought he was a good guy. 

Aidan Killian: The Money Shot

Aidan Killian: The Money Shot

‘Ireland’s hottest comedian’ (OneWorldChronicle. 

James Nokise: So So Gangsta

James Nokise: So So Gangsta

Useless former gang member James Nokise takes a light-hearted look at the way we see each other, examining how people end up in gangs and what happens when you’re kicked out. 

Poetry Can F*ck Off

Poetry Can F*ck Off

‘A picker pucker panoramic poetry parade’ (John Hegley). 

2061

2061

The year is 2061 and Tom Skelton is dead. 

Haggis McSporran: Is Out of His Box!

Haggis McSporran: Is Out of His Box!

With referendum fever sweeping the country, Haggis’s face was on every TV. 

No Help Sent

No Help Sent

In the near future, the government approves a bill to cancel the NHS. 

The Communist Threat

The Communist Threat

It’s 1950 Vienna and two British spies are sent to kill a traitor. 

Poetry Can F*ck Off

Poetry Can F*ck Off

By Heathcote Williams (Archangel award-winner). 

Samantha Pressdee: Sextremist (Work in Progress)

Samantha Pressdee: Sextremist (Work in Progress)

Samantha’s a radical feminist, political activist and very funny (maybe not always for the ‘right’ reasons)! Join her for an hour of topless comedy in support of the Free the N… 

Tez Ilyas: Progress in Work

Tez Ilyas: Progress in Work

Edinburgh Fringe’s Funniest Newcomers 2015 (The Guardian). 

Athena Kugblenu: Reality Check

Athena Kugblenu: Reality Check

Bubbling with energy and wit, Athena Kugblenu shares with us her opinions and musings on just about every topic you might need to navigate life as a British millennial. 

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

London, 2014. 

How I Almost Became the First Lady of the USA

How I Almost Became the First Lady of the USA

This is a true story. 

Aidan Killian: A Life of Silver Linings

Aidan Killian: A Life of Silver Linings

Aidan Killian’s World Tour - ‘Around the World in 80 Jokes’ is here. 

Ahmed and the Feather Girl

Ahmed and the Feather Girl

Ahmed, a poor orphan, escapes his war torn homeland and joins the circus. 

Twisted and Tongue Tied

Twisted and Tongue Tied

Nothing like a wild, dark comedy cabaret and a dash of activism to kick off your afternoon! The girls will cross-dress, undress, and try to redress gender imbalance in just 30 min… 

Rahul Kohli: Newcastle Brown Male

Rahul Kohli: Newcastle Brown Male

One Geordie specialising in current affairs. 

Torn Apart (Dissolution)

Torn Apart (Dissolution)

‘Torn Apart (Dissolution)’ is about talking to your lover, drinking beer, ultimate rejection, the white picket fence fantasy, sexuality, the rules of being on a visa, The Berlin Wa… 

Eggs Collective present Late Night Love

Eggs Collective present Late Night Love

A tender and ridiculous show that clambers up your drainpipe with a rose between its teeth. 

Rebel with a Puncture

Rebel with a Puncture

Sell-out comedian Sam Quinn will do whatever his sponsors want: tell jokes, do accents, dance, sing. 

The White Crow: Eichmann in Jerusalem

The White Crow: Eichmann in Jerusalem

I should have known from the start. 

Apostrophe's

Apostrophe's

Chris Parkinson, famous poet and professional troublemaker, returns with a high octane poetic voyage through subjects including party politics, dangerous grammar and anthropomorphi… 

Tribute Acts

Tribute Acts

Everyone wants their dad to be a hero. 

Nick Revell: Heart of Darkness

Nick Revell: Heart of Darkness

“Exhilarating and thought-provoking, angering and very funny” (Kate Copstick, Scotsman), “If you are looking for some first-class, experienced satire, this is your show” (Broadway … 

Eggs Collective Get A Round

Eggs Collective Get A Round

Back by popular demand! Pinned on the arse-end of a night out, ‘Eggs Collective Get A Round’ is a show with lipstick on its teeth and Wotsits on its face. 

Did I Choose These Shoes?

Did I Choose These Shoes?

A thought-provoking, one-woman show exploring the themes of feminism, love, media, society and nature vs nurture. 

Knowing EU

Knowing EU

So, is it good to be in or out? A humorous look at the EU: the good, the bad and the ugly – you’ll learn, laugh and cry – you may even think again about that vote! 

Call Mr Robeson

Call Mr Robeson

As soon as Taylo Aluko, in the guise of Paul Robeson, takes to the stage we know we’re in for a treat. 

In the Land of Gold

In the Land of Gold

A country at conflict with itself, torn between it’s culture and the growing need for democracy, turns to its often-absent King to save them, but does he even care? Now those clos… 

10 Things I Hate About UKIP

10 Things I Hate About UKIP

Joe Wells believes that you should treat everyone with kindness, but that’s not easy when some of them vote UKIP. 

The Other

The Other

Gaël Le Cornec (Argus Angel award-winner with Frida Kahlo) returns to Brighton with a new play on immigration based on refugees’ stories. 

Memories of a Lullaby

Memories of a Lullaby

A one-woman show questioning how socio-political conditions shape us as individuals, while attempting to give a perspective on how our realities differ greatly depending on where w… 

University of Brighton's Festival of Social Science Annual Lecture: Fairness and the City - A Better Politics

University of Brighton's Festival of Social Science Annual Lecture: Fairness and the City - A Better Politics

In this lecture, Danny Dorling considers how the UK, one of the 25 richest countries in the world, has become one of the most unequal and is on course to win the ‘global race’ to b… 

Zahra Barri: Talk Like An Egyptian

Zahra Barri: Talk Like An Egyptian

Zahra’s a bit like the country of Turkey, in that she’s a mix of Eastern and Western culture, and also she is a bird. 

Future of Food: Burgers... or Bugs?

Future of Food: Burgers... or Bugs?

Population growth, climate change and food inequality mean we need to take a fresh look at what’s on our plate. 

TTIP: What Price the EU-US Trade Agreement?

TTIP: What Price the EU-US Trade Agreement?

Will the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership bring growth, jobs and prosperity, or will it kill democracy? A debate with Jacqueline Minor (European Commission), John Hil… 

Think Tank: a comedy, politics and debate show

Think Tank: a comedy, politics and debate show

Think Tank is a live comedy and debate show where professional comedians propose policy ideas to a panel of politicians and experts. 

Kate Smurthwaite: The Wrong Sort of Feminist

Kate Smurthwaite: The Wrong Sort of Feminist

Left-wing, highbrow, feminist, atheist comedy from ‘Have I Got News For You?’ writer Kate Smurthwaite. 

Not Yet Suffragette

Not Yet Suffragette

Time is of the essence in this absolutely faultless performance from EntreprenHER Productions. 

I Demand a Recount!

I Demand a Recount!

One year on from “the closest election in modern times” ‘I Demand a Recount!’ tackles the questions that can’t wait until GE2020. 

Worst Case Scenario

Worst Case Scenario

An expert juggler, an acrobat and dancer, a musician and inventor, and a brave warrioress present an archive of 23 thoughts about conflict, collected over a single year. 

Cut

Cut

Tanglehead Productions & Spiral Arts present ‘Cut’. 

Groomed
BOBBY WINNER

Groomed

Groomed is an incredibly difficult show to watch but such a necessary one. 

Follow Suit

Follow Suit

A madcap frenzy of physical comedy with a political bite. 

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Based on the true story of Crookshank’s time in the R. 

Necessity

Necessity

‘Necessity’ is a compelling new play by writer and director Paul Macauley, about our need to hold onto ideals and what we create in the world when our needs go unmet. 

Rory O'Keeffe: Job's Worth

Rory O'Keeffe: Job's Worth

Affable funnyman and “intelligent youngster” (Time Out), Rory O’Keeffe brings his first stand-up show to Brighton. 

Immigrant Diaries: Sajeela Kershi & Guests

Immigrant Diaries: Sajeela Kershi & Guests

Refugees! Immigrants! Statistics don’t tell the story, people do. 

Brighton Rocks! Power Sucks? Creating a New Democracy for Brighton & Hove

Brighton Rocks! Power Sucks? Creating a New Democracy for Brighton & Hove

Inspired by the new democratic movements at home and abroad, this is a day of creative engagement aiming to develop a vision on how democracy can be extended, enriched and made fit… 

Care Takers

Care Takers

His teacher believes Jamie is being bullied because he’s gay. 

The Bula Loop

The Bula Loop

A darkly comic new play about a family living with autism. 

Not Fast Enough

Not Fast Enough

‘Not Fast Enough’ is a provocative and dynamic sprint through contemporary gender politics and imaginative theatre structures. 

Theatre Uncut

Theatre Uncut

Theatre Uncut commissions playwrights to respond to current events, then make the resulting plays available online so that anyone can perform them. 

Roaring Boys

Roaring Boys

Roaring Boys makes a welcome and very successful return to the Festival Fringe this year adding a further chapter to its interesting history. 

Spoken Word Sundays: Women Speaking Their World

Spoken Word Sundays: Women Speaking Their World

On Sunday afternoon, myself and around fifteen other people – most of them women – perch ourselves on armchairs in a cosy room in Appletree Writers at The Whole Works, on a qu… 

Islands

Islands

Islands is a bit madcap. 

Party

Party

Party isn’t that sort of party; well, it sort of is, and maybe it should be, but overall it isn’t – though it might be after it’s finished. 

Polly Toynbee and David Walker

Polly Toynbee and David Walker

Polly Toynbee and David Walker are two of Britain’s leading social democratic commentators and policy analysts. 

Will Hutton: How Good We Can Be

Will Hutton: How Good We Can Be

Will Hutton examines how Britain could create an economy, society and democracy in which the mass of citizens flourish – reinventing and repurposing core institutions like the co… 

For Queen and Country

For Queen and Country

For Queen and Country. 

Confirmation

Confirmation

At a certain point in Confirmation’s 85 minutes of perspective-smudging, you just want to get up and scream – so inescapably does Chris Thorpe’s script put you face-to-face w… 

Owen Jones: The Politics of Hope

Owen Jones: The Politics of Hope

In Owen Jones: The Politics of Hope, Jones proves himself to be an engaging and eloquent speaker without any airs of pretension. 

Polly Toynbee and David Walker: In Praise of Tax

Polly Toynbee and David Walker: In Praise of Tax

A sage said ‘nothing can be certain but death and taxes’. 

Hooray for All Kinds of Things

Hooray for All Kinds of Things

Sandy Nelson’s comic play examines the intriguing events of the 2010 Reykjavik Municipal elections, in which comedian and actor, Jon Gnarr, became the Mayor of Iceland’s capital, d… 

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Trying to keep up with the ever changing and intense plot of Dario Fo’s fast paced and absurd play can often be a challenge that leaves many productions lagging behind the playwr… 

Chris Coltrane: Left-Wing Propaganda Machine

Chris Coltrane: Left-Wing Propaganda Machine

It’s amazing at times how little Chris Coltrane has to do to make his audience laugh. 

Geoff Norcott: The Look of Moron

Geoff Norcott: The Look of Moron

At the start of his show Geoff Norcott claims he’s a moron. 

Edinburgh Book Fringe

Edinburgh Book Fringe

As part of the Edinburgh Book Fringe, for an hour on Sunday afternoon theatre director and performer Morna Burdon takes the audience through a series of real-life stories and songs… 

Newcastle Brown Male

Newcastle Brown Male

One Geordie specialising in current affairs. 

My Name is Rachel Corrie

My Name is Rachel Corrie

Why did a 23-year-old woman leave her comfortable American life to stand between a bulldozer and a Palestinian home? From the words she left behind, My Name is Rachel Corrie tells … 

Alan Johnson

Alan Johnson

Professor Chris Carter talks to the Rt Hon Alan Johnson about his career in the trade unions, Labour party politics, and his time as a government minister and author. 

A Requiem for Edward Snowden

A Requiem for Edward Snowden

A Requiem for Edward Snowden is a new audio-visual piece on the very current themes of privacy, security and loss in the 21st century. 

Electric Dreams

Electric Dreams

Rose’s earliest memory is a ruined birthday party at the age of eighteen. 

The Litvinenko Project

The Litvinenko Project

Go ahead and sip the gunpowder green tea poured into dainty cups by Tom Barnes and Matt Wilks, the handsome, engaging young performers of The Litvinenko Project. 

We May Have to Choose

We May Have to Choose

We May Have To Choose is a one-person show performed by Emma Hall. 

Australia is F*cked

Australia is F*cked

Kieran Butler **** (Scotsman) returns with an updated version of his political comedy/satire. 

Australia is F*cked

Australia is F*cked

Kieran Butler **** (Scotsman) returns with an updated version of his political comedy/satire. 

Aidan Killian: Holy Trinity of Whistle Blowers

Aidan Killian: Holy Trinity of Whistle Blowers

Aidan Killian is not the kind of performer to shy away from big questions. 

Newcastle Brown Male

Newcastle Brown Male

Rahul Kohli is not just a skilled comic; he has brains, heart, and guts enough to make Newcastle Brown Male something truly special. 

Valiant

Valiant

Valiant is an hour of verbatim stories from women who have experienced war, adapted from the book Valiant War and Exile by Sally Hayton-Keeva who collected interviews from women ac… 

where.to

where.to

Post-rock performance troupe Needless Alley present Where. 

Danny Dorling: Economic Inequality and Our Grandchildren’s Future

Danny Dorling: Economic Inequality and Our Grandchildren’s Future

Did Scotland vote the wrong way on independence? Predicting the future is hard, but if we carry on the path we’re on what becomes of our grandchildren? There is no way that every… 

Sexmaniac. Anarchist Theatre Only for the Mentally Unhinged

Sexmaniac. Anarchist Theatre Only for the Mentally Unhinged

It’s 2015. 

I Hat Lenny Henry – 50p a Ticket

I Hat Lenny Henry – 50p a Ticket

#comicreliefwesternphilanthropiccolonialismandpoliticalantipathyinrésistanceanupdatedanalysisofthecomediesofidentityinpopularculture. 

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Matt Forde's Political Party Podcast

Matt Forde’s Political Party comes to Edinburgh for one night only, following a complete sell-out London run with guests including; Alastair Campbell, Nigel Farage, Michael Porti… 

Australia is F*cked

Australia is F*cked

Kieran Butler **** (Scotsman) returns with an updated version of his political comedy/satire. 

Mark Thomas: Trespass – Work in Progress

Mark Thomas: Trespass – Work in Progress

It’s hard these days to find comics, amongst the slick and edgy big leagues, with a genuine sense of mischief. 

Tony's Last Tape

Tony's Last Tape

I remember hearing Tony Benn speak many years ago, when I was still in school. 

Pip Utton: Playing Maggie

Pip Utton: Playing Maggie

Margaret Thatcher was – still is, two years after her death – a divisive figure, loved and hated in equal measure. 

Cinema

Cinema

It has been said that we all tell stories simply to stave off Death. 

Mind the Gap

Mind the Gap

Six passengers travel on the tube from Stratford to Ealing Broadway. 

Kate Smurthwaite: The Wrong Sort of Feminist

Kate Smurthwaite: The Wrong Sort of Feminist

Watching Kate Smurthwaite doing stand up is like watching a recording of a Tory Peer’s night terrors: not only is she funny, but when it comes to tearing apart injustice, she’s… 

Lifted

Lifted

If you can find it, there is some brilliant (and also free – bonus!) storytelling nestled beneath a dark, dingy pub at this year’s Fringe. 

Lost in Transition

Lost in Transition

Lost in Transition looks at Romania’s decretei: children born as a result of Ceausescu’s 770 Decree that forbade contraception and abortions. 

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown: Promiscuous England

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown: Promiscuous England

The English have been typecast as imperial snobs, rule-bound, repressed, class-ridden, prejudiced – their racism cuts and scars. 

John Bercow

John Bercow

The Rt Hon John Bercow is one of the best known modern British parliamentarians, gaining great praise for his role as the Speaker of the House of Commons. 

Chris Mullin: The Art of Political Leadership

Chris Mullin: The Art of Political Leadership

Churchill, Attlee, Thatcher, Blair. 

Kafka's Ape

Kafka's Ape

Franz Kafka’s short story A Report to an Academy takes the form of an informative lecture given by an ape called Red Peter. 

Sameena Zehra: Homicidal Pacifist

Sameena Zehra: Homicidal Pacifist

Who hasn’t thought about culling parts of the human race? I have and I’m practically an angel! Surely even the greatest pacifist can’t resist, with the forces of UKIP at larg… 

Open

Open

Taking place in the greatest of British institutions — a chip shop — on election night, Open is a devised work by the student-run Nottingham New Theatre. 

Walking the Tightrope: The Tension Between Art and Politics

Walking the Tightrope: The Tension Between Art and Politics

Walking the Tightrope was created as a response to the cancellation of three high profile cultural events last summer. 

Dyspraxia and Politics: The Two Sides to Don Biswas

Dyspraxia and Politics: The Two Sides to Don Biswas

Learning difficulties, the truth in conspiracy theories and politics are the topics of a brave stand up. 

Counting Stars by Atiha Sen Gupta

Counting Stars by Atiha Sen Gupta

“Some people would kill to have what we have,” says Sophie, describing her job as a toilet attendant in a nightclub. 

Myriam Francois-Cerrah: Overstating Religion in the Middle East

Myriam Francois-Cerrah: Overstating Religion in the Middle East

Politics or religion as a source of conflict? From the Israeli Palestinian conflict, via Iran and ISIL, much of what we hear about the Middle East is couched in the language of anc… 

John Pilger: Power and Propaganda (Q&A)

John Pilger: Power and Propaganda (Q&A)

Journalist, film-maker and author, John Pilger is one of only two to win British journalism’s highest award twice. 

Bronston Jones: God Bless 'Merica – Free

Bronston Jones: God Bless 'Merica – Free

With the accompanying subtitle, this show becomes God Bless ‘Merica, Because It’ll Take A Miracle To Fix It; whilst that’s quite a mouthful, it certainly encompasses the sent… 

Treacle

Treacle

This devised two-hander attempts to confront the social stigma faced by those with mental illnesses. 

Comedy Manifesto

Comedy Manifesto

Britain’s top live political panel show. 

Hearing Loss Or Deaf Gain?

Hearing Loss Or Deaf Gain?

Imagine we are creating an encyclopaedia for extraterrestrials. 

Dark Matter

Dark Matter

A political satire and a dark comedy revealing an uncompromised view of our political world from behind the scenes. 

Secret Honour

Secret Honour

‘Remarkable’ (Press). 

Gabriel Ebulue: Armchair Anarchist

Gabriel Ebulue: Armchair Anarchist

Gabriel Ebulue is an anarchist, a self-proclaimed revolutionary. 

David Mulholland's Conspiracy

David Mulholland's Conspiracy

This comedy show started with a question: why is it that conspiracy theorists will chew your ear off explaining that 9/11 was an inside job, global warming is a hoax, and chemtrail… 

Gabriel Ebulue: Armchair Anarchist

Gabriel Ebulue: Armchair Anarchist

Gabriel Ebulue is an anarchist, a self-proclaimed revolutionary. 

David Mulholland's Conspiracy

David Mulholland's Conspiracy

This comedy show started with a question: why is it that conspiracy theorists will chew your ear off explaining that 9/11 was an inside job, global warming is a hoax, and chemtrail… 

Scotland's Democracy Trail

Scotland's Democracy Trail

Democracy is a hot topic in Scotland. 

12.10.15

12.10.15

Exactly 100 years apart, two women’s lives are defined by conflict. 

David von Jones: Ethically Adventurous

David von Jones: Ethically Adventurous

An adventure through a moral maze. 

Erich McElroy's Imperfect Guide to Picking the Perfect President

Erich McElroy's Imperfect Guide to Picking the Perfect President

American comic Erich McElroy presents a brand new hour of stand-up. 

St George is Cross

St George is Cross

Like Britain? Too bad, asshole. 

The Gospel Inquiry

The Gospel Inquiry

The Gospel Inquiry by Sandy Nelson. 

(The Boy with) Green Hair Poems

(The Boy with) Green Hair Poems

A light broadcasts from Mars. At first it falters, is interfered with, then it becomes clear. It is The Boy with Green Hair, anti-war. A short film. 

Steve Richards Presents Rock'n'Roll Politics 2018

Steve Richards Presents Rock'n'Roll Politics 2018

In a different show every day the audience has the chance to seize back control of Rock’n’Roll Politics as broadcaster and author Steve Richards conducts a tour of the latest seism… 

Grace Campbell: Why I'm Never Going Into Politics

Grace Campbell: Why I'm Never Going Into Politics

Grace Campbell survived a childhood in British politics. 

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