Decked out as an authentic American Diner, The Caf has earned a reputation for being jam-packed with local legends, friendly staff and great music since the early 80s. Located between the Royal Mile and the Cowgate. Food available with free Fringe shows throughout the day (and night!). Venue rooms are fully air conditioned and kids are allowed on the premises until 22:00.

Alvin grew up in the heart of Chinese food culture - where families would cook for hours just to avoid a hug. Now living in London, he's facing the greatest challenge of his life: eating cold sandwiches. Will he embrace the English national cuisine… and survive? 'Potent in its imagery, authenticity, perverse logic and volatility' (Comedy.co.uk). 'Hilarious... one to watch' (Chortle.co.uk). ***** (Morning Star). Nominated - BBC New Comedy Awards.

Alvin Liu: Love Letter to a Sandwich

You shall not pass... up this opportunity to see some great Kiwi comedy! The last Lord of the Rings movie came out in 2003 and these NZ comics are still riding that wave. They don't have a single joke about hobbits or any opinions on the works of Peter Jackson, they're just using this as a marketing ploy. Although, they're travelling all the way to Edinburgh so, in a way, their journey is like Frodo and Sam taking the ring to Mordor - we assume, we haven't actually seen the movies.

Lord of the Zings: A Kiwi Comedy Showcase

After a life in the UK, Pernille Haaland (Netflix, HBO, NRK, Discovery) flipped her world upside down during lockdown, trading London's gritty streets, sewers and foxes for the cold, dark fjords of Norway. She's settled in surprisingly well, made friends with the local wolves and seems to be thriving, which is great timing given that the world seems to be unraveling. With far-right extremism on the rise, wars erupting and women's rights under attack, it's truly a golden age for a single, childless lady in her 30s. 

Pernille Haaland: Running with the Wolves

Get your dabbers ready for playful parodies, polished puns and surreal stories from the frontline of the UK party bingo circuit. With on-screen singalong karaoke lyrics, audience interaction and an actual game of bingo it’s unlike any other show you’ll see! Critics Choice Award winner at the 2024 Bay Fringe. Best Comedy Show nominee at the 2024 and 2023 Buxton Fringe. Mamma’s Drag Battle finalist 2024. 'A cheerily endearing persona...' (Chortle.co.uk).

Angela Bra: Secret Diary of a Bingo Call Girl

The 2024 sold-out show returns. The comedic prop pun lunatic, Roger Swift shoots out his infamous 200 puns in one hour! So come and enjoy his trademark crazy homemade props, audio cues and PowerPoint slides. Expect corny jokes and silliness with no theme besides wordplay. Do not expect someone taking himself seriously. Dave's Best Gag of the Fringe list 2016, 2023 and 2024.

200 Puns in One Hour with Roger Swift

Love stand-up comedy? Love badgers? Of course you do! This show explores how the worlds of humans and badgers collide using jokes, PowerPoint, and West Country charm. We’ll learn about the European badger and its dachshund nemesis, the presidential American badger, the world-famous internet sensation that is the honey badger and many more. 'It’s learning, it’s comedy and it’s cool... a fascinating wee treat at the Free Fringe' (MumbleComedy.net).

100 percent Badgers with Matt Hobs

Your chance to get thrown into a hilarious head-to-head with a top comedian. Test your wits and general knowledge as you battle for crown glory in this quiz show. Laugher guaranteed, victory uncertain.

Beat the Comic – Quiz Show

Bad Fatty is a sharp, unapologetic stand-up show that dives into life as a fat Welshman. Growing up on a sheep farm, Stuart Thomas fuses his working-class roots with a modern take on body positivity, grabbing diet culture by the scruff of the neck and calling out society's absurd expectations. Proudly embracing his body and bisexuality, he explores sexuality, body image and depression. Stuart flips fat-shaming on its head – turning everyday moments into hilarious defiance. He’s taking no prisoners. 'A big fat star in the making' (Sofie Hagen). 'Made me laugh a lot' (Scotsman).

Stuart Thomas: Bad Fatty

Start your day off with a laugh at 3's Comedy: Mornings. 3's Comedy brings together three of the rising stars from the new wave of Australian comedy for a whole new hour of hilarious stand-up. They've been seen on TV, they've been heard on the radio, and they've been bumped into on public transport on the way to gigs all across the world. 3's Comedy is guaranteed to make you laugh. 'You'll laugh 'til it hurts' (TheWest.com.au).

3's Comedy: Mornings

The sun has gone down and the lights have come up so that means it’s time for comedy. 3’s Comedy: Nights brings together three of the best young acts of the new wave of Australian comedy for an hour jam packed with laughter. These comedians have done it all – they’ve been on TV, they’ve been on radio, they’ve performed all over the world and now they’re at the Fringe ready to make you laugh.

3's Comedy: Nights

The Breakfast Club is a free stand-up comedy compilation show featuring three fantastic comedians. It’s the most important show of the day, right? Hosted by Ben Ashurst (featured on BBC Radio, Stand-Up For Cider Winner 2023), The Breakfast Club will feature the very best comedy the Fringe has to offer. Every day, our menu of acts will be refreshed so whatever your comedy palette, The Breakfast Club will have something for you. Get your day at the Fringe off to the best possible start with some award-winning stand-up comedy, and join The Breakfast Club!

The Breakfast Club

Ben Ashurst is struggling. Now in his 30s, he should be getting his act together, but it's hard when the world doesn't make any sense. What do you mean you can't walk through a drive-thru?! He's going back to a simpler time, back to when three cheese straws were a pound. This warm, light-hearted stand-up comedy show hilariously highlights the things in life that Ben thinks should be simple... but aren't. Whatever happens, we can laugh about it over some cheesy baked goods (vegan cheese straws available).

Ben Ashurst: Three Cheese Straws for a Pound

At this show you will enter a Canadian stand-up comedy club with MC, opening acts and a headliner. All Canadian and all hilarious. Come down and see why Canada produces the best comedians in the world. You won't be SORRY that you did... EH! You no longer need to travel to Canada to get the comedy experience – it's right here at the Edinburgh Fringe. Acts will change, so come back week to week to see a different line-up with resident compere Canadian funny man David Tsonos.

Best of Canada

Quincunx is Ray Fordyce's favourite word. It means a pattern of five and there are five areas of his life he want's to talk about and how they all connect.

Ray Fordyce: Quincunx

Hey, did your mum ever hide sweets from you when you were a kid? Mine too! All types of sweets, but Nutella especially. We were immigrants and we were poor, and Nutella was for rich kids. The Nutella Wars is choc full of stories about growing up in war (hilarious, I promise) and moving to Australia. Also featuring a beat-up station wagon named Bertha. Vida Slayman has performed all over Australia and the UK. The Nutella Wars is her third solo show. Bring your tablespoons. 'A genuinely funny show' (GlamAdelaide.com.au).

The Nutella Wars

Irish comedy magician Alex J Byrne brings his show Magic Mic back to Edinburgh Fringe following a successful run in 2024! Magic Mic is a comedy magic show that is suitable for all ages and has been toured around Europe to great fanfare over the last couple of years. If you like clean comedy, silly observations and a lot of magic tricks, this is the show for you!

Magic Mic

Elliot Wengler presents his comedic and chaotic history of the monster-hunting franchise with a joke for every Pokémon! Following its smash-hit run at the 2024 Fringe, and having taken the show around the UK and the USA, the Malcolm Hardee Comic Originality Award-nominated 2024 show returns. Will we finally catch 'em all and become Jokémon masters? Full of puns, clowning and chaos, this is not to be missed. For all ages (12 and up advised). 'Likeable performer, nice ideas!' (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Truly funny stories' (Concrete Comedy). 'Enviable performing abilities' (TheTab.com).

Elliot Wengler: Jokémon

Elliot Wengler presents his most personal show, about relationships, night terrors, operations and adventures. He's had one hell of a few years, from the depths of nightmares that broke his relationship to winning medals at his new gym. He's a changed man. Honest. Don't be frightened, let's go. Malcolm Hardee Comic Originality Award nominee in 2024. 'Likeable performer, nice ideas' (BroadwayBaby.com).

Elliot Wengler: I Hope This Whole Thing Didn't Frighten You

Is your job actually real? Clue: if your job title is mostly abbreviations, then probably not (sorry, CEOs, PDFs and SEO optimisation wizards). The faker the job the realer the money! In this show, we will demystify how so many people make so much money from jobs that are thoroughly pointless. We’re beyond excited to humbly share these life-changing career hacks on curating your signature style for success, finding your passion for paying your mortgage and turning every email into a meeting. See you on LinkedIn!

50 Ways to Succeed at a Pointless Job

What advice did the Guinness World Records' Oldest Man have for Sam Michael and how did it change his outlook on life? Sam Michael's debut solo hour show, World's Oldest Man hilariously explores feeling older than your years (even in childhood!) and nostalgically looks back on those just-missed adventures of 'youff' whilst trying to relive them (before it's too late!). But what happened when Sam actually met the Guinness World Records' world's oldest man and what was the "life-changing" advice that he gave him?

Sam Michael: The World's Oldest Man

Have you ever dreamed of being #1? Ana Falcon's high-energy, late-night stand-up dives into her journey of becoming the #1 Mexican in Estonia. Because if you can make it in Eastern Europe, you can make it anywhere! This show premiered to rave reviews at the 2024 Tallinn Fringe: 'A powerful feat of storytelling and stand-up' (SourCreamAndDill.com). Ana Falcon was crowned the winner of Estonia's first-ever Comedy Roast Championship in 2024. She is part of Pussy Jam Comedy, a collective that creates safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people and their friends can enjoy stand-up in English.

#1 Mexican in Estonia

Jay Sodagar's intelligent comedy returns, but this time he talks about love of all kinds. How getting a dog reframes how you approach and love others. But what about the others? Half politics with topical commentary, the other half social commentary on love. Don't bring tissues, it's not that kind of show. The show is not Love Actually and not soppy, but a funny, intelligent, truthful insight. Is love a projection of your soul or is it a spiritual vibration or a different feeling to everything else in life?

Love Less Life by Jay Sodagar

A musical stand-up show dealing with life as an Irish male raised in a culture where emotions are things to be avoided. It’s much better to push them right down whenever they rear their ugly heads until they pop up as bigger problems down the line. A metaphysical hydra, if you will.

And How Does That Make Me Feel?

The world’s a mess and Simon doesn’t know what to do. Surely telling some jokes will help, right? Join Simon for his Edinburgh debut and get ready for clever, quirky and really original stand-up comedy. His antics probably won’t save the world, but they just might save your night. Don’t miss this fresh act – all the way from New Zealand, just like Hobbits, splitting the atom and women getting the right to vote.

Simon Kay: Sad Boi, Funny Guy

In 2023, like a Dickensian protagonist, BBC shortlisted comedian Lizzie Simpson lost her beloved uncle. Leaving behind paper towels, many a spicy VHS and a flat in the capital, Lizzie found herself with £20,000 and a dream. Should she invest in her future or a Fringe show? You decide! After toiling the London open mic scene, finally with the means to bring her vision to the unsuspecting public, this oversharer with a dry, yet likeable edge asks whether her uncle's retirement fund is being put to good use.

Should Statements: A Show Brought to You by (a little) Inherited Wealth

A darkly funny, deeply personal queer comedy about survival, identity and reclaiming the spotlight. From childhood dreams to crushing setbacks, Tristan Wolfe navigates trauma, stage fright and the absurdity of it all, finding laughter in the breaking points. Growing up, he longed to be on stage, but family pressure and rejection pushed him into silence. Years later, a near-tragic moment changed everything. Now, he shares his journey with sharp wit, original music and raw honesty. A show for anyone who’s ever felt on the edge, whether breaking down or breaking free.

Tristan Wolfe – Break:Out

Brand new stand-up comedy from 2024 BBC New Comedy Award finalist Jake Donaldson, packed with nostalgia, punchy jokes and stories about finding your place in the world. All set to the soundtrack of the 2000s. 'Phenomenal' ***** (@edfringecomedy, X). 'Truly brilliant humour' **** (NorthWestEnd.co.uk). 'A fibrous hour' **** (@EdinburghEye).


Jake Donaldson is the Fifth Weezer

Voice actors bring Anime to life through games, live dubbing, and challenges! New guests daily – come back and see a different show every time! Your host: Soness Stevens, Tokyo-based voice actor, the voice you know as Hello Kitty (1999-2024), Metro announcements worldwide, Ultra Boy, Time Crisis 5, Nintendo Arms, and Bomberman. She also voiced the worst video game ever! You’re an Otaku who’s translated the lyrics to DanDaDan? Spent your childhood watching Saturday morning cartoons? You'll love this! www.animezing.games

Anime-Zing!

June Helen Tuesday is a toxic trans mess and she’s trying to get away with it. Her parents don’t accept her, she's in trouble with the law and she’s not turned into the sort of woman she wished she’d be. This is a 45 minute show about taking HRT from the gutter. Performance includes opening support act. Leicester Comedian of the year Nominee, 2025. Welsh New Act Finalist, 2024. As Heard on BBC Radio Wales. 'Oodles of chaotic energy' (Chortle.co.uk).

June Tuesday: Comic Trans (plus Friend)

A very silly show about a serious pain in the back. After a minor back injury, Katie has become obsessed with spines. How they work, why they hurt, and why the only ones making sense are two rats from IKEA. Marvel as she accepts that things dropped on the floor no longer exist! Watch her beloved yoga mat gather dust, for your entertainment! Best in Class Alumni, Katie Mitchell makes her full-run debut with a show riddled with scientists, rats, odd bathroom-encounters and 90s girl-groups. No laughter. No sudden movements. You must sneeze upwards.

Katie Mitchell: Spine Hygiene

A funny, delightful early evening show with a revolving line-up of the best established and up-and-coming female comedians from around Edinburgh and the Fringe.

Edinbra Fringe Comedy

Multi award-winning Cheekykita is Batshit! Set in woods in Manchester, there's a bat with songs, dances and daftness. Come meet the Batshit! 'Go see Cheekykita, mental!' (Tony Law). 'It's brilliant' (BBC Radio 4). 'Like stepping through 2001: A Space Odyssey's stargate, it is a journey' (Comedy.co.uk). 'Hilarious, bizarre and endearing all rolled into one absolute delight of a show. I laughed A LOT' ***** (Edinburgh-Reviews.co.uk).

Cheekykita – Batshit

After 2024’s sell-out show, Stags returns with some hilarious new neuro-spicy adventures in his innovative 1290.5-step mission for success. Questioning what it means to be AuDHD in a neurotypical world.
'Few things more charming... With nothing but a microphone and a rain sound machine, Stags brings his audience into his memories... Audience doubled up in laughter' (Margaret Hall, Playbill). 'An immensely likeable and charismatic performer'(NeurodiverseReview.com). 'Highly recommended!!' Audience reviews: 'Very very funny!’; ‘I was absolutely roaring with laughter’; 'As a diagnosed AuDHDer, I f*cking loved this show’; 'What a fantastic show!’.

1290.5 Steps to Autistic Success – Kittenageddon (Sidequests and Buffering)

Join host John Spillane for the ultimate Fringe afterparty! Credits include BBC, RTE, WWE, Comedy Central and he's the host of Ladbible Ireland. Best Performer and WIT award nominee Dublin Fringe 2024. 'One of the country's most energetic performers' ***** (Pick of the Fringe on RTE.ie). 'The maddest man on the Irish Scene' ***** (Ranked #1 Comedian on IrelandBeforeYouDie.com). 'John may be the most talented and naturally funny performer at the Fringe' ***** (Distractify.com).

Late John with Tonight Spillane!

Victorian State Finalist RAW Comedy 2024. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. Up-and-coming stand-up Alex Watson has had some tough choices to make, and would like to share them with you in this debut hour. Expect belly laughs, quirky tales and dark observational comedy from this self-effacing and cheeky comedian. 'Smart, fearless, dazzling – a rising star of the stand-up circuit!' (Tim Ferguson, Doug Anthony All Stars). Tour support for Rudy-Lee Taurua and JJ Whitehead.

Alex Watson: Bad Decisions CANCELLED

Growing up in the Swiss mountains with lonely men looking after sheep, Leo heard the thumping call of the big city gay clubs, and oh boy, did he follow that call. What does Swiss German dirty talk sound like and where do jock straps come from? What happens in a dark room stays in a dark room? No longer!! After this show, you will know exactly why the office gay is always so vague about his weekend. HR wouldn't approve of this show! Poppers tasting menu included!

Leo Mahr is a Seasoned Whore. Spicy Tales of a Swiss Village Gay

Ty contains multitudes. Comedian, teacher, lover, friend, 'party yogi' (FringFeed.com.au). When he figures out what the other 45 shades are, he'll update this bio. Ty's spent the past year performing around the world, teaching to pay bills, dancing on tables, breaking up, making up and most importantly, writing jokes. This is 50 minutes and 50 shades of the best he's got to offer from this trip around the sun. 'Gray demonstrated a tremendous sense of bravery to disregard how unflattering a story may make his character' ****½ (X-Press Magazine).

50 Shades of Ty Gray

Tinnitus, turning 35 and TK Maxx. WIP from ‘clear comic talent’ (BeyondTheJoke.co.uk) Caroline Madds. Finalist So You Think You're Funny? NATYS, Bath New Act, Reading New Act and Funny Women Semi-finalist. A show for people who have ears, or a house deposit locked in ASOS or tried to buy some dodgy ear candles off a man in a Morrison's carpark. Crashing into her mid-thirties and missing every box, tinnitus took her silence, so she took her cochlea into her own hands to find a cure, with chaotic results. 'Engaging, quick and charming comedian' (RDG.today).

Caroline Madds: Buzzin' (Work in Progress)

If you're unlucky enough to be a heterosexual woman, you are faced with the grim reality of having to deal with men to fulfil your sexual reproductive and companionship needs. It's tough out there. Men are weird and complicatedly uncomplicated, but I have made all the mistakes, so you don't have to! I will teach you the best manipulation tips, coping skills and general man life hacks to get you through.

Everything I've Learned About Heterosexual Men – WIP

Like Kells Said is a darkly comic thriller inspired by true events, set in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh. After the tragic death of her childhood sweetheart in a house fire, Kelly finds love again – but her attempt at a fresh start is derailed when she’s drawn into a dangerous drug deal riddled with betrayal and violence. As two shocking murders shake her world, Kelly must confront the brutal truths around her.

Like Kells Said...

After ten years away from the spotlight, Alec Crane returns with his gift. Join him as he communicates with the world beyond, which with the right guidance... can be controlled. Jump into the character comedy world created by Alec Crane – An ex-TV medium has returned for the first time in 10 years. Find out what the allegations made against him were, why he is back and where exactly he got his powers.

An Hour of Controlling the Dead with Alec Crane

Jake Patrick is doing a breakfast show. As such he'll be wrestling with his demons before most people have had their shreddies.

Jake Patrick – Breakfast Show (WIP) 

Danielle is breaking up with the United States. In this darkly funny solo show, Danielle explores fairness, fallout and finding yourself on the wrong side of the American Dream. After leaving a chaotic career in tech and nonprofits, Danielle heads abroad, hoping to feel free – but the migraines follow. Set against a backdrop of rising extremism and personal absurdities, Freedom Camp blends storytelling and character work to explore what happens when you speak up in systems that want you quiet. And why she still can’t leave America alone.

Freedom Camp (Work in Progress)

Two comedians in the ultimate sourdough split-bill smackdown. In the brown corner: Vish Lal, one man on a mission to work out whether he’s an absolute geezer or an absolute virgin. In the white corner: Genny Edwards (Time Out Red Hot Comedy Finalist, 2025) who just wants to know where Manic Pixie Dream Girls go when they grow up. In this fun, personal, high-energy show, the pair talk Ibiza stag do’s, failed threesomes and the merits of farmhouse over wholemeal. 'They win the audience over with their natural charm and chemistry' (Dec Munro, Co-founder of the Bill Murray).

Bread Wars

Scott stepped out on his own 12 months ago and took the plunge of starting his very own business. Little did he know, the last 365 days have been an education on just how much, everyone out there in the corporate world, is a lying ba*tard!! 'A real comedy treat, loved it!' (ThreeWeeks.co.uk). 'Delivered with aplomb' (Advertiser, Adelaide). 'Just the right side of edgy' (Scene). 'You're desperate honey' (Jeremy Vine).

Laughing Horse @ City Cafe

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