During the Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, the Caves transform into a captivating labyrinth of creativity and performance unlike any other. Tucked away beneath the city's bustling streets, these ancient underground chambers provide a uniquely atmospheric setting for an eclectic array of shows and events. Stepping into the Caves during the Fringe is like entering another world altogether. The dimly lit passageways and rugged stone walls create an otherworldly ambiance.

Best Comedy nominee, Melbourne Fringe 2023. Grownup stomps about stage in stupid hats and wigs, and calls it comedy. Embarassing. ***** (TheatreMatters.com.au). **** (Lilithia.net).

I Feel Sick

A themed stand-up comedy show for spreadsheet experts and casual users alike, performed by a true piece of sheet. Sprinkled amongst the jokes you'll learn a few Excel tricks from pun-loving Excel YouTuber and Jewish math addict David, who advises Microsoft on future directions for Excel. Growing up with a maths obsession shaped David's life and paved the way for him to become 'the Excel guy' at the office, attending spreadsheet conferences and mathem-antics. 'Benaim is informative and funny, whilst also giving a heartfelt performance' (TheMagdalen.co.uk).

Excel Comedy and Mathem-antics

Italian Horror Stories by Grand Guignol de Milan is a unique physical theater experience that reimagines the Italian inspirations behind Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Woman in Black. Combining expressive movement, dark humor, chilling tales, and moments of lively comedy, the show immerses the audience in a world of suspense and grotesque fun. The production masterfully blends comedy and horror, using vivid characters to evoke fear, laughter, and wonder. Perfect for fans of visceral performances and the macabre, Italian Horror Stories is an unforgettable celebration of Italy's gothic roots and their impact on classic horror tales.

Italian Horror Stories

Chimp Cocktail is composed of the most brilliant sketch comedy minds of the post-World War II, pre-World War III generation. These courageous morons joined forces to create an hour of outrageous hahas. Whether you've been experiencing fever dreams or you'd like to experience one for the first time, Chimp Cocktail is an absurd response to our absurd times. Chimp Cocktail headlined NYC SketchFest 2024 and currently holds an off-Broadway residency at The Players Theatre. No two Chimp Cocktail shows are the same. Chimp Cocktail is an Infinite Monkey Theater Company production.

Chimp Cocktail

A story of being an artist, licking an armpit and losing yourself. Follow Maria as she takes her grandmother's advice, 'you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar', to heart. But too much honey only gets you into sticky situations. Covering topics like middle-school pool parties, braces and the horrors of getting a degree in the arts, it's a show as full of humour as it is heartbreak. Recently seen at Pittsburgh Fringe, Camden Fringe, Atlanta Fringe, and The Atlanta Theatre.

Fly Trap

Beth Knight used nude self-portraits to overcome the shame she held about her body. Now she's blending her paintings and comedy into an hour show about her fight with internalized patriarchy. 'This show is an example of why the Fringe is wonderful (the show is wonderful too)' **** (One4Review.co.uk).

Beth Knight: Who Told You to Be Small

The late night sultry Burlesque party where anything goes! Sizzling strip tease and alternative variety in the intimate Fancy Room at the historic Caves. Leave your inhibitions at the door as we shimmy into the After-Hours Burlesque Club! A part of the newly formed Scotland International Burlesque Festival. From the producers of Best of Burlesque, Sexy Circus Sideshow, Best of Cabaret, All-Stars Burlesque and more. International headliners, spectacular showstoppers, industry innovators and rising newcomers on the scene. After-Hours Burlesque Club is the ultimate late night party at the 2025 Fringe. Everyone welcome!

After-Hours Burlesque Club

The ultimate international burlesque extravaganza has returned a part of the new Scotland International Burlesque Festival. A celebration of bodies, tradition and inclusivity by award-winning, world-class artists and rising stars on the scene. Appearing in the historic surroundings of the Caves. Brought to you by the executive producer of five-star sell-out Fringe favourite Best of Burlesque, this new All-Stars Burlesque show pushes the boundaries of striptease one step further. Presenting prize winners from Europe's largest industry competition, World Burlesque Games, acclaimed show-stopping artists from around the globe and the hottest new stars around! Warning: may cause excitement!

All-Stars Burlesque 2025

Best of Cabaret from the Fringe returns for a 5th year with an all-star diverse rotating cast of international seasoned artists in the genre. A part of the new Scotland International Burlesque Festival. Vivacious vocalists, variety, circus, comedy and award-winning headline burlesque stars to complete the night. Best of Cabaret showcases a round up of the finest acts at the 2025 Fringe in one stellar showcase. The hottest cabaret ticket in town! Back due to high demand. New show nightly.

Best of Cabaret 2025

Compilation show where a range of comedians will be tested on their improv ability by trying to incorporate randomly assigned props as best as possible into their routine. Prize for best/most innovative use of a prop. Hosted by Matt Male.

Prop Roulette

The Oxford Revue's 62nd annual Fringe show is 45 minutes of innovative sketch comedy, ranging from the observational to the musical to the absurd, all written and performed by the rising stars of British comedy from the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes! Following a year of sold-out sketch and stand-up comedy shows in Oxford, and with alumni like Dame Maggie Smith, Rowan Atkinson, Sally Phillips, Stewart Lee, Armando Iannucci, Al Murray, Alan Bennett, Dudley Moore, and Monty Python's Michael Palin and Terry Jones, this is not one to be missed!

The Oxford Revue Presents: For Revue Dollars More

Delve into the dysfunctional lives of the employees of... We've not got that far yet! After sold-out shows in Cambridge, London and Brighton Fringe 2024, The Workplace has come to Edinburgh! Join us for your new favourite workplace sitcom. Based on suggestions from the audience, a new cast of eclectic characters live out the every day of working the 9 to 5, with ego clashes, office politics and absurd workplace situations. If you're a fan of The Office, Parks and Recreation, or comedy in general, this is a show you don't want to miss.

The Workplace

In his award-nominated stand-up show, Autastic, we meet Simon: a software-developing, Rubik's cube-solving, accordion-playing, anagram-spotting, blue plaque-collecting, grammar-correcting, manor-dwelling, bell-ringing, Morris-dancing nerd. Five years ago, Simon was surprisingly surprised to discover he is autistic. Join him as he questions everything he's ever done, dismantles his life, rebuilds it, and discovers the fantastic and drastic sides of autism.

Simon Harriyott: Autastic

In his debut stand-up hour, Daniel McKeon brings everything he kind of has to help you achieve something! From long-distance relationships to working in one-star pubs to disastrous headshots and more, Daniel will leave no humiliating stone unturned in his efforts to transform failure into a lifestyle brand. 'Slick. Well-written' (The Stand Comedy Club). 'His comic-cheekiness is endearing' (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Sounded great from what I heard' (David Baddiel).

Daniel McKeon: Boyboss

A new comedy musical coming to the Fringe! Six college friends are tricked into reuniting at the debut Fringe performance of Escape Room: The Show. They must work out why, whilst trying to escape the room in front of you, the audience. Watch as their old issues resurface and new problems reveal themselves. With only 60 minutes on the clock, the pressure is on. Who will solve the room and who will fold under the pressure? Original songs, crazy characters and puzzling puzzles a-plenty.

Escape Room: The Musical

EL is not well. Her weekly therapy sessions reveal more than she expected. As she shares her story, secrets and dark memories surface through a muddle of cathartic flashbacks and visceral 'rave-clubbing deliriums' played out in her mind. In these frantic moments, all EL can do is dance. The fateful journey of a tormented woman confronting the haunting shadows of narcissistic abuse amidst a disturbed reality and psychotic breakdowns. But as the story unfolds, does a new, unsettling truth emerge? A Greco-British rave tragicomedy unravelling the complex mind of an abuse survivor.

Her Raving Mind

Fringe 2024 sell-out murder-mystery comedy musical returns to the Fringe! Detective Ben Stone is murdered at his own birthday party, snuffed out like a candle on a cake. Five suspects have means, motive and opportunity, but with Stone lying stone dead, sleuth Molly Evans must take on the investigation... With showstopping songs and devilish twists, join Molly to try and solve the jaw-dropping murder, as the ever more ridiculous motives of the suspects are uncovered one by one – until the killer is finally revealed.

The Detective's Demise

An odd title perhaps for a show taking place in Edinburgh, let alone in The Caves. But those familiar with Plato will understand the reference, as will those familiar with Donald J Trump. Simon hits 60 this year, and perhaps more significantly his daughter hits 21 and his son 18. He no longer needs to think of the children; his time is short and with no more shackles on his instinct, he'll give you the raw, unlubricated truth. 'A masterclass' ***** (Scotsman). 'Outstanding' ****½ (Chortle.co.uk). 'Dynamite' **** (Times).

Simon Evans: Staring at the Sun

The triumphant return of the show that took its first, adorably wobbly steps in Edinburgh 2023. And yet, like the ship of Theseus, or Trigger's broom, according to your level of education, all new! Two years of touring have seen this show continually growing and interweaving new strands of thought and comic invention. Memory, time, grief and scissors – all combine to deliver perhaps Evans' most satisfying show yet, for its final victory lap and curtain call. 'A masterclass' ***** (Scotsman). 'Outstanding' ****½ (Chortle.co.uk). 'Dynamite' **** (Times).

Simon Evans: Have We Met?

Two of UK's newest award-winning stand-up comedians come together for their Edinburgh debuts. With a blend of sharp one-liners and witty observational humour showcasing their unique voices and backgrounds, this dynamic duo delivers an unforgettable comedy experience. Salma is a passionate working-class Londoner telling funny observations about her Irish and Pakistani families. And with 25 million Instagram views, Henning leans heavily into his Norwegian deadpan persona. They both regularly gig with the UK's largest comedy clubs and have toured internationally in the US, Europe and Asia. £5 guaranteed entry. Book early!

Just the Tonic at The Caves

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