After a rough ol’ year for cinephiles in Edinburgh, it’s a relief to see the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) programme for 2023 in fine fettle. As our full round-up shows, it’s paving the way for a fuller even more dynamic festival in the future. Also in the headlines, Monkey Barrel goes full throttle on its Fringe preview season, The Fringe Society sends performers onto the street and we cover another highly rated act hitting the city this year. 

Edinburgh International Film Festival unveils its full programme…

…for its newly streamlined six-day run (Friday 18-Wednesday 23 August). Included in the programme are a handful of Scottish films from up-and-coming directors, new features from arthouse heavy-hitters like Kelly Reichardt, Christian Petzold and Ira Sachs, alongside an array of classic indie films, shorts and open air screenings. Read our full coverage of the announcement here. 

Fringe act previews happening in July…

… at Monkey Barrel in a regular showcase evening hosted by comedian Liam Withnail. The Monkey Barrel Comedy Club will be laying on a bundle of extra shows for Fringe favourites and newcomers to get their Fringe hours match-fit for August. Nine showcases will be performed at the venues throughout July. Pop along if you fancy seeing a five star show before the Fringe has even started. Find out when the shows are happening here. 

Street events activity for Fringe 2023…

…welcoming more than 500 theatre performers, comedians and circus acts to Edinburgh’s streets. Performers will hit the city’s High Street from 11am every day in busker pitches dotted around the area, with a list of those performing published on the EdFringe site and shared across Fringe social media channels at 10am every day throughout August.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society, said, ‘The street events programme is a must-see for residents and visitors alike, when these iconic streets of Edinburgh are host to street artists and buskers from all over the world; whether they’ve been performing for decades or a first timer, the Fringe street events showcases a range of talents, skills and styles guaranteed to lift your day! Bring the family, enjoy the sights and sounds, Fill Yer Boots, and don’t forget to tip performers!’

Four stars or more 

French-Algerian comic and writer Celya AB will return to Edinburgh from Wednesday 2-Sunday 27 August at the Pleasance with her new show Second Rodeo, which tells of her reluctance to grow up. We loved AB’s show Swimming last year, awarding it four stars for its sharp, fresh wit. ‘With material that’s relatable yet original, she shares with the audience her experience of moving from Paris to Birmingham, befriending Brexiteers, and dating men who could have been professional footballers (if it wasn’t for that knee injury),’ wrote our reviewer Rachel Cronin. ‘Celya AB works the crowd with natural comedic flare. Classy and hilarious, this is a Fringe debut that is certain to catapult the fresh-faced comic to further success.’ Read the full review here.