Edinburgh Fringe picks 2012: ten double headers and team efforts

The Edinburgh Fringe brochure is, no matter how you slice it, a thumping information overload of a tome. It's hard to even know where to begin – so we've done the work for you, slicing August's bible up into 30 easy-to-consume guides. From the all-important first hours to Fringe favourites, and from the Free Fringe to the best flyers, these are intended as starting points to help you snaffle out the best shows. They're not exhaustive, instead picking out the shows that caught our eye in given categories, but when your brain can't process another flyer we're pretty sure this is the best way to work out what to see.

 

 

 

 

 

Laughing Horse@Espionage, 2-26 August, 14:30

Ed Fringe | Matt Richardson | Angela Barnes

 

Having done every new act competition under the sun between them, the self-deprecating lady and funny child are teaming up. This is, in short, a great pairing: her comedy is straight-down-the-line, his is exuberant. Last chance to see them before probable first hours next years, we reckon. You'll also see them rotating through the Late Night Laughs rota, alongside other acts including Romesh Ranganathan, Ellie Taylor and Paul Sweeney. 

 

Join two of the hottest rising stars of comedy for an hour of pure, no-nonsense stand-up. As heard on BBC Radio 2, Radio 4 and seen on BBC 2 and E4. Angela Barnes (BBC New Comedy Award winner). ‘Hers is a world-weary and devastatingly matter-of-fact outlook on the world that really makes her stand out’ (Guardian). Matt Richardson (SYTYF? and Chortle Student finalist), ‘Brash, slick and delivered with an irresistible twinkle. Richardson may be full of self-confidence but he has the broad appeal to back up the cockiness’ (Guardian).

 

Here's Angela on RuHo's Good News: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assembly George Square, 2-26 August, 20:55

 

There's a fair few North American format imports this year, but as far as we can tell, this is the only one who turned to Kickstarter to get people to help fund it to come over from Los Angeles. It's a mash-up of sketch, stand-up and more, put together using acts at Edinburgh. To give you an idea of the pedigree of people involved, previous guests in America have included Sarah Silverman, Weird Al, Demetri Martin, Reggie Watts and Margaret Cho. 

 

A mash-up comedy show with the headliner hosting a mix of stand-up comedy, comedic shorts, sketch comedy and character bits. Originally hailing from Los Angeles, the show combines the best of live comedy. 'The Super Serious Show has reverse-engineered the alternative comedy scene, and it didn't take long for comedians, and their audiences, to notice' (Farley Elliott, LAist.com). 'Well, the secret's out. The only thing more packed than the line-up was the studio, where people filled the seats and lined the walls to watch the show' (Jason Islas, LASnark.com).

 

The campaign video to raise funds to come on over...

 

 

 

Just the Tonic at the Caves, 2-26 August, 12:30

 

The best slot for finding future talent – last year, which wasn't its strongest line-up ever, still packed in Suzi Ruffell and John Kearns – brings a fresh set of four comedians to the stage. Always worth a look to be able to say in future years: I saw Millican/Manford/Monahan when they were just starting out. Also check out the Big Value Comedy shows at 18:00, 19:30 and 21:00.

 

Come and join us for lunchtime laughs at a special Big Value bargain sized ticket price. Four of the hottest unknown acts on the first step of the ladder to success. We audition for the Big Value shows all year round to bring you the best of the up-and-comers. Our 18th year as the recognised launch pad for future legends. In previous years Big Value has brought you these people: Sarah Millican, Jason Manford, Seann Walsh, Pat Monahan, Jim Jeffries, Josie Long, Milton Jones, Adam Bloom, Jon Richardson, Glenn Wool, Mickey Flanaghan, Steve Hughes...

 

 

 

 

Pleasance Courtyard, 1-27 August, 19:15

 

Cunningly titled to get them in the front of the Fringe guide, cheeky chap Tom Toal, former Lunchtime Clubber Joe Wells and Rhys James join forces for an hour of early-evening stand-up. You typically expect something a bit work-in-progress with these shows but given the acts involved it could well be more polished than you would otherwise expect.

 

Total sell-out 2005-2011, returns with a brand new line-up. Tom Toal, 'True talent' (Hairline.org.uk). Loaded Laftas Search for a Star 2011 runner-up. Rhys James, 'Highly amusing' (TheStage.co.uk). 'Rhys had the best one-liners of the night. Big things await. Annoyingly talented.' (Richard Herring). 'Amazing skills for someone so young' (Comedy Central). Joe Wells, 'A star of the future ... some of the most surprising and thought-provoking material coming from any comedian in his early 20s’ (Guardian). Book early!

 

Here's Joe, probably the biggest name of the three, earlier this year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pleasance Dome, 1-27 August, 21:30

 

The last stop for many acts before their first hours (last year included Luke Benson, Jim Campbell and Joe Lycett) - ones to watch this year include scourge of new act competitions Matt Rees, and omnishambles John Kearns.

 

Pleasance presents its eighth year of the Comedy Reserve, showcasing four of the hottest new acts on the circuit, supported by the Charlie Hartill Special Reserve. This year's group of outstanding newcomers include Matt Rees, Suzy Bennett, John Kearns and Chris Turner. Previous acts have included Jack Whitehall, Holly Walsh, Pippa Evans, Simon Brodkin and BAFTA winner Daniel Rigby. Don't miss your chance to see the stars of tomorrow!

 

Matt at the Laughing Horse new act award last year: 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cabaret Voltaire, 4-25 August, 17:00

 

Another strong contender from the Free Fringe line-up, this is a heck of a pair: Pat Cahill has made quite a name for himself with his straight-faced absurdism and one-man band songs; Tim Shishodia offers up an off-the-beat view into his distracted mind. All those comparisons in the section below? Utterly fair. If you're a Free Fringe snob, then you're going to be hard-pushed to find a better show to win you over.

 

Leftfield stand-up, sketches and songs from two of comedy’s most exciting emerging acts. Tim Shishodia (winner, Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year 2010, Chortle nominee 2011). ‘Part Harry Hill, with a hefty dose of Rich Fulcher’s style and a dash of Tony Hancock’s pathos-ridden world-weariness’ (Chortle.co.uk). Pat Cahill (winner, New Act of the Year, formerly Hackney Empire, 2012, AmusedMoose Laugh Off 2011, Chortle nominee 2012). ‘Imagine a cross between Sean Lock and Eddie Izzard and you might be getting somewhere, but nowhere close’ (Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard). The highlight of the Free Fringe.

 

Tim in action a year ago: 

 

 

 

 

 

Pleasance Courtyard, 1-27 August, 23:00

 

This is a heck of a line-up: last year's So You Think You're Funny winner, the remarkably laidback Tommy Rowson; London is Funny collaborator Tom Webb; and yes-you-will-be-sung-at former opera singer Lloyd Griffith.

 

Total sell-out 2010-2011, returns with a brand new line-up. Lloyd Griffith, 'The next big thing' (FHM). 'Inherently funny ... very neat lines in his comic repertoire' (Chortle.co.uk). Tommy Rowson, winner So You Think You're Funny? 2011. 'Great lines ... you can't take issue with the judge's decision to award gold to this cool customer' (Chortle.co.uk). Tom Webb, ThreeWeeks Editors' Award winner 2011. 'Hilarious... A comedy treat' (Edinburgh Evening News). 'Ingenious and fresh' (Time Out). Book early!

 

A tad old but bloody amazing: watch Tommy enjoy some wine. In the traditional manner. The traditional, Russian manner: 

 

 

 

Laughing Horse@Meadow Bar, 2-26 August, 14:05

 

This would be a solid pairing before the fact you consider it's on the Free Fringe. Adam Hess is the first person to effectively graduate the Tim Vine school of one-liners – you'll have to pay attention to the lines but it's a gentle way to start a full day of comedy. David Elms brings quiet and calm laugh-along sort of songs. The family friendly tag is true, but don't let that put you off if you're childless and/or drunk.

 

The Fringe 2011 hit returns - Chortle Student Comedian of the Year 2011 Adam Hess and David Elms 'Original, intelligent and madcap' (What'sOnStage.com) present an hour of sharp gags, intelligent observations and comic songs. Suitable for all ages, and completely free! 'This show has to have wide appeal. Thankfully, it has bucket-loads ... a masterclass in audience interaction ... a great show' **** (Skinny). 'Intelligently comic and joyously silly' **** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Doesn't so much raise the roof as catapult it' (Spoonfed.co.uk). 'Virtually batters the audience into laughter' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Laughter here is guaranteed' **** (ThreeWeeks). Family friendly.

 

Adam after his Chortle student award win last year:

 

 

 

 

 

Pleasance Courtyard, 1-26 August, 22:45

Ed Fringe | Comedy Zone

 

Reliable annual showcase. This year's persons of interest include the unexpectedly loved-by-the-ladies Kieran Boyd and sharp-as-a-button and former half of sketch group Dregs, Mark Smith.

 

The Fringe's longest-running comedy showcase is renowned for bringing the future stars of UK comedy to its stage - Dave Gorman, Russell Howard, Al Murray and Russell Kane all started here on their rise to the top. Be the first to catch this year's electrifying rising talent - Kieran Boyd (Live At The Electric, BBC Three), Hayley Ellis (XFM Manchester Breakfast Show), Ahir Shah (The Hackney Empire New Act of The Year 2009 finalist) and Mark Smith (The Sun's Comedy Pick 2012).

 

Kieran dragging up with the witTank 'crew':

 

 

 

 

 

Laughing Horse@ The White Horse, 2-26 August, 15:30

 

Hotly-tipped pairing, both of whom play to differing extents on what it means to play for white-led audiences in comedy: Romesh has made himself a circuit regular with a dry wit, while Jason ring of  a more laidback Nathan Caton.

 

Two of the circuit’s most hotly-tipped newcomers each deliver half an hour of comedy for your delectation. Enjoy the razor-sharp wit of Jason (Brown Eyed Boy – BBC3) and the acerbic observations of Romesh (The Comedy Store – Comedy Central) in an hour of top quality stand-up. Jason delivers slick tales of his childhood and run-ins with US customs, while Romesh balances the demands of bringing up a young family with cynical social commentary. Tipped by many as the free show of the year to check out. Make sure that you do.

 

Romesh in one of those always-good Amnesty videos: 

 

 

INDEX | First hours | Young guns | New Reliables | Solid sorts | Comedian's comedians | TV stars | New TV faces | Double headers and team efforts | Antipodeans | North Americans | Podcast folk | Radio 4 sorts | Free Fringe and free gigs | Innovative formats | Musical comedy | Chat shows | Story-tellers | Character comedy | Political cuts | former Edinburgh Comedy Award winners | former best newcomer winners | former panel prize winners