Edinburgh Fringe Picks 2012: Edinburgh Comedy Award winners

 

 

Assembly Rooms, 13-24 August, 21:00

Ed Fringe | Russell Kane

 

Russell's been sneaking his way into the mass consciousness since his Edinburgh award win a couple of years ago, and his mainstream popularity is now about as big as his hair. Still, his caffeinated comedy is underpinned by enough ideas to keep it interesting.

 

What if I’m one of the guys who never has a baby? Why is this not a male subject? I plan to give birth, live on stage, then raise it - in front of you. Come along! ‘One of the most stimulating comedians around’ (Times). ‘Extremely funny, poignant and fuelled by real intelligence and passion’ (Time Out). www.russellkane.co.uk.

 

It is never a bad time to watch Russell doing Beyonce on Let's Dance:

 

 

 

 

Pleasance Dome, 16-21 August, 23:30

Ed Fringe | Tim Key

 

The Masterslut trilogy is completed, so here it is again.

 

The man who took the bare bones of poetry and did something funny with them, bringing together killer lines with what has to be the best timing in the business, returns for a one-week late-night slot.

 

Also keep an eye out for his show with Alex Horne. 

 

Key (Newswipe etc) is doing poetry and getting sodden in the same manner as he did last year. A fusion of Radox, talking, standing around and aquatic filmage. Winner, Best Show, Chortle Awards, 2012. ‘This is sublime, busy and evocative work from a man who keeps getting better and better,’ ***** (List). ‘In any other sphere apart from comedy, we’d probably class this way of looking at the world as certifiable. Here it feels like genius’ (Daily Telegraph). ‘At times it’s like a wind-up; elsewhere it’s so lovely you could bathe in it’ **** (Guardian).

 

Here is Key in Cowards (yes we're still banging on about that):

 

(Also on our comedians' comedian list)

 

 

The Stand, 5-26 August, 23:59

Ed Fringe | Daniel Kitson

 

It sold out in double quick time so this is something of a moot point, but this would look like a rather strange list without him on it. It's almost two hours long as well, those lucky ruddy ticket holders. Tickets are still selling for Kitson's theatre piece, mind.

 

A new stand-up comedy show about impossibility, change, not joining in, love, haircuts, loneliness, courage, defiance, knowledge, despondency, cutting the head off a pig, meaning, tattoos, obscenity, opinions, truth and something a Spanish footballer once said.* Thirty-four years old, predictably fond of snacks, surprisingly capable at sport and increasingly uncertain about absolutely everything, Daniel Kitson - comedian, legend and intermittent tool – tries to work out what he actually thinks about things whilst demanding people pay money to watch. *Other topics may be addressed in addition to or in place of the topics listed here.

 

Make yourself feel better with some vintage Kitson clippery:

 

 

 

(Also on our TV stars list)

 

 

Assembly George Square, 13-25 August, 20:55

Ed Fringe | Al Murray

 

The Pub Landlord is back for a new tour. We can't think of many acts where there's a bigger divide between their act on TV (coming across as crass and underbaked) and on stage (quick-witted, hilarious and able to take the audience with him). If you're on the fence, give him the benefit of the doubt – and also check out his three-night pub quiz. http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/al-murray-the-pub-landlord-the-guv-s-olympic-pub-quiz 

 

Britain's favourite pub philosopher, Al Murray - The Pub Landlord, will be polishing his brass neck banter in two weeks of special Edinburgh previews, ahead of his brand new 2012 stand-up tour. The irrepressible innkeeper will be serving up his premier brew of ale-inspired acumen and bar room buffoonery in a show of epic proportions. 'A national treasure' ***** (Telegraph). 'The way he integrates the crowd into the show is awe-inspiring' (Times).

 

A trailer for the show. How terribly modern:

 

 

 

 

(Also on our TV stars list)

 

 

Edinburgh Playhouse, 15-23 August, 20:00

 

A lot of big-name comedians seem to be returning to the Fringe, but it's Moran we're probably most excited about. He's always been a curmudgeon so middle age is unlikely to have improved the situation: fingers crossed for shambolic gold.

 

‘This is stand-up comedy of the first order ... there’s scarcely a word wasted ... seriously good fun’ ****(Times). Following his smash hit sell-out tour, Dylan Moran, star of Black Books, Shaun of the Dead and Run Fat Boy Run, returns to the Festival. Ageing, religion, kids, relationships intertwine with the general absurdities of life. Searing observations and sumptuous imagery, painted across a large fraying canvas with cruel, curmudgeonly Moranesque brush strokes and all delivered with Dylan's renowned, shambolic charm… It's simply unmissable. Early booking advised. ‘As sharp as barbed wire’ (Scotsman). www.mickperrin.com.

 

Why yes I would like to watch all of How Do You Want Me on YouTube: