Must-see shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
With 3,600 performances, there are plenty of laughs to be had at the 2026 edition of the nation’s premier comedy event
Now in its 78th year, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the biggest international fixtures for alternative comedy and performance. Over the years, the event’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards have helped launch the careers of Bridget Christie, Steve Coogan and Richard Ayoade. Any comedian who has serious ambitions knows they run through Edinburgh.
For anyone spending significant time in the city in August, the fringe shows rise and fall on the word of discerning punters, reviewers and the general public. Everyone has a chance to make their name.
This year, Edinburgh will host at least 3,600 shows, everywhere from big established venues, such as the Pleasance, through to dingy basements. With many shows operating a “pay as you feel” policy, you won’t be short of entertainment, but do be prepared to witness the raw artistic process. Here’s Hyphen’s pick of shows that reflect the glorious anarchy of the fringe.
#1 Son. The tale of an alternative Arab comedian and his father
7-31 August, Slice 5 at Hoots @ Hilton, £2-£12 pay what you can
A story of a father and son at odds over comedy, with Sammer Elzubaidi and Ridwan Hussain.
2 Muslim 2 Furious 3: Sharia? I Hardly Know Her!
6-30 August, The Ballroom at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, free
Aisha Amanduri and Hasan Al-Habib bring a new show to the fringe, following 2025’s sell-out Mecca Drift.
Hajar, Like Badger
7-31 August, Hoot 5 at Hoots @ The Apex, £10-£12
Hajar J Woodland takes you on a journey through 90s nostalgia, professional singing and the British-Iranian experience.
Salma Habib Lyons: Work in Progress
8-18 August, Back Room at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Slow Progress Cafe and Records, free
An insight into British Pakistan-Irish Catholic family life as part of PBH’s Free Fringe.
Rizul van Geyzel: Arrested
6-30 August, The Loft at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, free
The story of how the comedian was arrested for his act and pursued by rightwing extremists, culminating in a court hearing for sedition.
Arabs and Asians
10-16 August, Cabaret Bar at Pleasance Courtyard, £12-£13
A showcase that brings together comedy talent from Arab and Asian communities.
Bilal Zafar: Rubicon
5-30 August, Jersey at Underbelly, Bristo Square, £12-£13
Back at the fringe with a show that promises a “life-changing experience”, Zafar is an established presence on the comedy circuit and a previous Edinburgh best newcomer nominee.
Tez Ilyas: Tez Things I Hate About You (Work in Progress)
6-17 August, The Lounge at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, free
A chance to see the comedian, author and star of Man Like Mobeen work through new material for his next tour.
MAJENIN – A Palestinian Love Story
5-31 August, 10 Dome at Pleasance Dome, £8-£16.50
A romcom spread across New York, London and Palestine that is part standup and part theatre.
Pink Rabbit
5-30 August, Daisy at Underbelly, Bristo Square, £8-£11.50
A coming of age story with actor Farah Ashraf that explores faith, OnlyFans and the lure of attention.
4 Better or 4 Worse
6-30 August, Upstairs at Laughing Horse @ Bar 50, £5-£12.50
In Aisha Amanduri’s second show at the 2026 Fringe, she teams up with Vlad Ilich to give you an insight into what a loving relationship between a Kazakh and a Macedonian really looks like.
Hanna Shammas Takes It To Heart
24-30 August, Buttercup at Underbelly, George Square, £12-£13
The comedian and author takes you to Haifa, the insanities of living as a Palestinian and the hole in his heart.
Sami Abu Wardeh Hates You
5-30 August, Beside at Pleasance Courtyard, £10-£15
The comedian wants to know if hate can be funny and why only the political right seems to be interested in it.
Samira Banks – Work in Progress
14-30 August, Nic 6 at Hoots @ Nicolson Square, £5-£15
Tipped as a rising star, Banks’s dark comedy has already won her the festival’s 2023 So You Think You’re Funny award. Now you can check out her latest work in progress.
