5 Must-See Comedy Shows at the Fringe 2017
The Gilded Balloon is one of the Big Four venue operators at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – their main venue is the Teviot Row House by Bristo Square right next to the University of Edinburgh. The Gilded Balloon is known for their world class comedy shows, so naturally we asked the lovely folk there to list five of their favourite comedy acts in 2017 – and we have to say their recommendations sound pretty interesting! Take a look below.
1. Funny Women Fest
Following a sensational and successful year for the Funny Women Awards, Funny Women is back in Edinburgh with a brand new format – a comedy chat show featuring the funniest females from across the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Spend your lunch hour experiencing a veritable feast of comedy, interviews and Fringe favourites as Funny Women Fest features a very special guest host and a different line-up every day. Funny Women founder Lynne Parker’s mission to help women find their voice through performing, writing and using humour in business and everyday life has been championing some fantastic acts since it launched 15 years ago, including Bridget Christie, Katherine Ryan, Andy Osho and Sarah Millican.
2. Michael Redmond
The story of a journey which began in Dublin 30 years ago; one joke was all it took to change Michael Redmond’s life. Probably best known as the monosyllabic priest, Father Stone, from the iconic Channel 4 sitcom, Father Ted, Michael is a Fringe legend. His tenth show at the Edinburgh Fringe follows a number of hugely successful shows, including “Eamon, older brother of Jesus” from his BBC Radio 4 series. I Wrote a Joke in 1987 promises to be an entertaining hour of storytelling, including how Madonna was the first person to hear the joke before Michael left Ireland and why he has bequeathed something unusual to Piers Morgan. Oh, and the assurance of more than one joke.
3. Ray Bradshaw
Ray Bradshaw’s Deaf Comedy Fam is a bona fide Edinburgh Festival Fringe first: each show will be performed by Ray simultaneously in both spoken English and British Sign Language, which just happens to be Ray’s first language. During Ray’s last run at the Fringe in 2015 there were only 6 BSL interpreted comedy shows, a shockingly low statistic he has made it his personal mission to change. Ray’s comedy is a heart-warming and hilarious look at life with deaf parents which debuted at Glasgow International Comedy Festival and completely sold out. This is your chance to experience the first EVER comedy set at the Fringe to be spoken and signed by the stand-up themselves.
4. Scott Agnew
Glasgow’s Scott Agnew set the bar high in 2016; the 36 year old stand up made national newspaper headlines when he revealed he was HIV positive in last year’s I’ve Snapped My Banjo String Let’s Just Talk. 2017’s Spunk on Our Lady’s Face picks up Scott’s story where 2016’s left off, as he examines the effects of ‘coming out’ and how he, and others, reacted to the press coverage. Drawing on his Catholic upbringing Scott’s show is a dissection of bravery, stupidity and personal anecdotes. If an hour of engaging, personal storytelling is up your street – and you’re not faint hearted or easily offended – this is the show for you.
5. The Craig Ferguson Show
Want to witness celebrity interviews, your favourite acts from across the Fringe and much more at Gilded Balloon’s brand new venue for 2017, Rose Theatre? Returning to the Fringe for the first time in 24 years, Scottish-born, late night US television veteran, Craig Ferguson, brings his acclaimed radio show, The Craig Ferguson Show, to the people in what promises to be an A-list, extra special run of shows. Also broadcasting live to the US on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Craig will be joined by comedian and fellow star of The Late Late Show, Josh Robert Thompson, as they share the fun and excitement of the world’s largest arts festival with America!
Edinburgh Festival accommodation at its best
If you want to stay right in the middle of where it’s happening but still somewhere quiet and secluded with a private garden, 15 Buccleuch Place is just the place for you. (And no, it’s not too good to be true!) Dogs and babies are welcome too. We let this charming home as both a one bed and a two bed – you’ll love it here!
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