FINDS OF THE FRINGE

Forget the big-name celebrities, Isobel Lewis offers some unusual smaller shows to take a chance on in Edinburgh

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August is fast approaching, and the cobbled streets of the Scottish capital are calling. Still the world's biggest arts festival 78 years in, Edinburgh Fringe remains the most exciting place for performers and punters to spend their summers. Here, emerging acts and student performers can play the same stages as seasoned actors, get discovered by Netflix - or struggle to break even. It can be brutal, and it can be brilliant; truly, there is nowhere like it.

Of course, much has been written over the years about the problems the Fringe is facing when it comes to the rising costs of venues, tickets, and accommodation. The latter has only been amplified in 2025. A little band called Oasis are conveniently playing three nights at Murrayfield the same month, leading to an even higher surge in costs to stay in the city. Expect, too, further strain on local services.

And yet the Fringe trundles on, as it always does. This year, you can catch prolific actors like Brian Cox in Make It Happen at the Edinburgh International Festival (of which the Fringe is an offshoot), and comedians you adore from the telly playing to small, captive audiences: Alan Davies, Sara Pascoe, even Rosie O'Donnell.

But having spent many a summer watching, reviewing, and even performing at the festival, I'd argue that big-name acts shouldn't dominate your Fringe schedule, given the sheer breadth of talent on offer. Watch some free comedy in a dingy room above a pub! Join a random queue and see where it goes! Ask around for the "Fringe celebrity" acts who would struggle to get recognised out of Edinburgh in August but are considered rock stars here.

That's the fun of the Fringe - and here are 11 of the most exciting shows you can see in Edinburgh this August...

Rob Auton: CAN (An Hour-Long Story) Assembly Roxy, 30 July to 24 August, 1.25pm