The slow trickle of Fringe show announcements began this year with line-ups from Just The Tonic and Pleasance, and now Underbelly are entering the fray with their first batch of upcoming shows from established comedians, prolific podcasters and expert improvisers. Tickets for all shows announced are on sale now. 

Top of the bill is Garry Starr, who’ll be reprising last year’s well-reviewed Classic Penguins, an anarchic adventure through literature featuring more than a dollop of Starr’s naked flesh (and a pair of flippers, obviously). That’ll be joined by panel show regular Geoff Norcott’s new hour Basic Bloke 2, which promises a mixture of satire, political sideswipes and observational comedy. 

Also on the bill is Ali Woods with new show Basher; Cerys Bradley with Queer Tales For Autistic Folk; Marc Burrows’ multimedia celebration of Britpop; and Jessica Barton’s new character act Mary Floppins. 

In the podcast world, Brown Girls Do It Too’s Rubina Pabani and Poppy Jay will perform at the Fringe for the first time with their show Mama Told Me Not To Come. Meanwhile, Edinburgh Comedy Allstars, comedy play …Earnest?, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation and Sh!t-faced Shakespeare will return to Underbelly. 

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, various venues, Friday 1–Monday 25 August.