Ten of the best Edinburgh Fringe comedy shows that aren't stand-up
There's a huge wealth of improv, sketch and character comedy to enjoy at this year's Fringe
Stand-up comedy shows tend to get the most attention at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe but that shouldn't always be the case. Edinburgh has also played host to some of the most famous proponents of sketch, character and improv comedy, including The League of Gentlemen, The Mighty Boosh, Flight of the Conchords, Steve Coogan and Al Murray.
Here we round up 10 of the most exciting (non stand-up) comedy shows set to grace Edinburgh this August.
Character
Joseph Morpurgo: Hammerhead
Morpurgo follows up his Comedy Award-nominated 2015 show with another multimedia adventure.
Joseph Morpurgo: Hammerhead, Pleasance Courtyard, 2–28 Aug, 8pm.
The Inane Chicanery of a Certain Adam GC Riches
The Comedy Award winner returns another wildly unpredictable hour in which audience members should probably fear for their safety.
The Inane Chicanery of a Certain Adam GC Riches, Pleasance Dome, 2–27 Aug, 9.45pm.
Steen Raskopoulos – The Coolest Kid in Competitive Chess
Australian character comedian Steen rides a fine line between hilarity and pathos in what he describes as 'probably' his darkest show yet.
Steen Raskopoulos – The Coolest Kid in Competitive Chess, Underbelly, Cowgate, 3–27 Aug (not 14), 8pm.
Butt Kapinski
PI Kapinski uses her personal spotlight to get in and among her audience in this choose-your-own-adventure show. Read our interview with Deanna Fleysher, the woman Butt Kapinski.
Butt Kapinski, Pleasance Dome, 2–27 Aug (not 9, 14, 21), 8.10pm.
Sketch
Gein's Family Giftshop: Volume 3
Dark sketch work from the terrible foursome.
Gein's Family Giftshop: Volume 3, Pleasance Courtyard, 2–28 Aug, 10.20pm.
Aunty Donna: Big Boys
Constructed idiocy from the Australian YouTube sensation.
Aunty Donna: Big Boys, Gilded Balloon Teviot, 2–14 Aug, 10.30pm.
James & Jamesy: 2 for Tea
The Canadian Comedy Award-winners bring their celebration of friendship and imagination to the Fringe.
James & Jamesy: 2 for Tea, Gilded Ballon Teviot, 2–27 Aug (not 14), 6.15pm.
Improv
Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis
Whose Line is it Anyway legends Mike McShane and Colin Mochrie are joined by hypnotist Asad Mecci for this unique improv show based on audiences' subconscious suggestions.
Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis, Assembly George Square, 2–27 Aug (not 14), 10.30pm.
The Noise Next Door: 10
The remarkably talented improv foursome celebrate their first decade at the Fringe.
The Noise Next Door: 10, Pleasance Courtyard, 2–27 Aug (not 16), 10.50pm.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
A brand new musical is created from scratch every night by a team of theatrical pros, all based on absurd audience suggestions.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Pleasance Courtyard, 2–27 Aug (not 15), 6pm (also 11.20pm on 13 & 16).