Mark Black Mark Black brings his brand-new stand-up comedy and musical show, Horrible Family, to the stage for 2026. Best known as the star of BBC’s Pity Party, Mark has amassed millions of online views with his razor-sharp sketches and songs. Following sold-out performances at the SEC Armadillo and Pavilion Theatre in 2024, he returns with his signature dark wit, brutally honest storytelling and a brand-new collection of hilarious original songs. Expect big laughs, biting observations and outrageous tales from a family you’ll be glad isn’t yours. Audience participation, Strong language/swearing

Ifrah Qureshi Feeling powerless and seeking change, Ifrah Qureshi interrogates the ruthless 48 Laws of Power, by applying them to everyday life. A dark comedy challenging the notion of power in the modern world. Strong language/swearing

Richard Herring King of Edinburgh, and non-recipient of a Hollywood handshake on Bake Off, returns for his 28th Fringe and 45th show. Daily chat with big Fringe names. Emergency questions, impertinent questions, hilarity and embarrassment in award-winning podcast. More than 700 episodes, Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast attracts the cream of the comedy world. Previous guests: Sir Michael Palin, Dawn French, Barry Chuckle, Professor Mary Beard, Stephen Fry. The only podcast that dares to ask guests if they’d like a finger that travels through time. 'Thrillingly rude' (Guardian). 'Packed with energy, insight and beautiful splodges of puerility' (Times). None Age category: 16+

Carnation Productions Ahead of his first-ever national tour of Scotland in September, broadcaster and comedian Tam Cowan (56) returns to the Fringe with his 2026 blockbuster Tam Cowan: A Pee With Pele (And Lots More P*ish), another collection of topical jokes and stories, plus plenty of anecdotes from a 35-year career in newspapers, radio, TV and stand-up. The veteran co-host of Radio Scotland's Off The Ball programme. Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Deirdre O'Kane / Blue Book Artist Management A chance to see Deirdre in creative mode. A work in progress show where you can see new jokes in their infancy as she refines the next chapter of her stand-up. Loose, lively and full of surprises. From The Deirdre O’Kane Show, Last One Laughing Ireland, QI, Gogglebox Ireland, Richard Osman’s House Of Games and Moone Boy. Audience participation, Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Paul McDaniel Come see the Northern Irish deadpan comic's new show where he talks about coming to terms with his "inner" Paul. Perfect if you're a Paul or friends with one! Tour support for Susie McCabe. As seen / heard on Breaking the News and Edinburgh Unlocked. 'An inexplicable delight' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Glorious' (Comedy.co.uk). 'Paul McDaniel is f*cking brilliant' (Janey Godley). None

Bruce Devlin In his first solo stand-up show at 50 after a quarter century in comedy, Bruce has decided to spill the tea on what he calls a life – the highs and lows, the hilarious yet harrowing, and the simultaneously humane. Devlin examines four Ds: death, dyslexia, divorce and Dundee, while exploring the complexities of identity, love and family through a blend of humour and vulnerability, inviting the audience on a journey that’s both heartfelt and hilariously unexpected. It’s a poignant reflection on resilience and the power of laughter in the face of life’s challenges. Strong language/swearing

The Stand Comedy Club One of the very best multi-act lineups with our fresh pick of the hottest acts from across the whole of the Fringe. Expect big names, fresh faces and comedy icons drawn from the many comics who play across our three city venues all year round. Previous guests include John Oliver, Susie McCabe, Mark Nelson, Danny Bhoy, Tom Stade, Ray O’Leary, Jo Caulfield, Christopher MacArthur Boyd, Jay Lafferty, Connor Burns and many more. The perfect Fringe gig. Not to be missed. 'Still my favourite comedy club in the whole world' (John Oliver). Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Jack Brookmyre Jack Brookmyre is Scottish comedy’s up and coming impressionist. Voicing Trump, Attenborough and many others in Noising Up on BBC Radio Scotland, Jack is bringing his spot-on impressions and absurd humour to the Fringe! In Jack’s Fringe debut, Impressionable, he exhibits his full vocal repertoire while exploring what the way you speak says about you and how surface-level snap judgements are becoming more important in a world of dwindling attention spans and sensory overload. Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

Mark Nelson New show from multi award-winning Scottish stand up, returning for a one-week run. Expect the usual musings. UK Comedian's Comedian of the Year. Five-time Best Headliner at Scottish Comedy Awards. Host of BBC’s The Good, The Bad and The Unexpected and Edinburgh Unlocked. As Seen on Have I Got News For You and Have A Word. Over one billion views online. 'Possesses a talent that's simply obscene' \*\*\*\*\* (List). 'A majestic hour of comedy. Perhaps the purest form of stand-up' \*\*\*\*\* (Arts Award, VoiceMag.uk). 'As accomplished a stand-up as you’ll see' (Rolling Stone). None

Deirdre O'Kane and Emma Doran / Storied Management Limited. Queens of Irish comedy, Deirdre O’Kane and Emma Doran, are bringing their hit podcast Keep It Tight on the road. Fresh from their weekly podcast success, Deirdre and Emma are hitting the stage to share their take on everything that’s delighted, bewildered or downright enraged them. Expect quick wit with no topic off limits – from the highest brow to the lowest pelvic floor! With their natural chemistry and razor-sharp humour, this is your chance to see two comedic powerhouses live and unfiltered. None

Susan Morrison Let Susan guide you through Edinburgh’s hilariously skanky past. A world of flying jobbies, dangerous ladies and bonking bankers. Not the history they taught you at school, that's for sure. Edinburgh might think she’s a cut above her grubbier Glaswegian sister, but she forgets her own dodgy past… The whiff of scandal and chamber pots is everywhere. No wonder the curtains twitch. Behind them you’ll find world-class courtesans, bonking bankers and outdoor sex parties. Yes, in Scotland. Brave, given the weather. That’s the funny thing about history… it’s funny. Strong language/swearing Age category: 14+

Sam Serrano 2020 – I was the victim of a hate crime. 2026 – I’m monetizing it in a stand-up show. As seen on Comedy Central and UKTV. 'Killer lines' (Chortle.co.uk). Support for Tom Stade and Stephen Bailey. Strong language/swearing

Mark Watson First steps towards next year's show from the Taskmaster star and Fringe veteran. Approximately 50 minutes of amiable standup on the loose subject of standing up for yourself. Mark's credits are many, both in Edinburgh and in the wider context of comedy, but it might be a mistake to get your hopes too high in this case. None Age category: 16+

Scratchcaird Productions The explosive live podcast where the rumours are put to bed, the allegations are laid out on the table and the guests are held to account. From Loose Lips Sink Ships hosted by Wullie Smith to JB MacAusland’s first public interview, all the characters are taking a seat at the Fraudcast table. You’ve seen all the videos on yer instas, yer tiktoks and now it is time to see it in person. Join the brothers as they discuss the scandals, the properties and the ayahuasca retreats live on stage, nutamiyn! None

Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and the self-dubbed “Lie-In King”, Seann Walsh is 'unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation' (The Guardian). Returning from his run in America, where he made his USA television debut appearance on Conan, Seann Walsh is back on tour in the UK. This disheveled, fiery, animated, fiercely idle, millennial man child is one of best live comedians to have come out of the UK. Seann made his acting debut starring in Comedy Central’s sitcom Big Bad World, this was quickly followed up by the lead role in Monks (BBC One), he utilized his physical comedic abilities in Sky’s silent comedy, Three Kinds of Stupid, which led to him producing, writing and starring in his own silent comedy web-series The Drunk. He also wrote and starred in his own Sky short for Sky Arts and is now co-starring in Jack Dee’s brand-new sitcom Bad Move (ITV one). He recently made his feature film debut as the children’s nemesis in family film, 2:hrs. Seann is quickly on his way to becoming one of the UK’s best comedy character actors. Team captain on Virtually Famous (Channel 4) and a regular on Play To The Whistle (ITV), other TV appearances include: One For The Road (BBC 3), Live At The Apollo (BBC 2), The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), Tonight at The London Palladium (ITV), Celebrity Juice (ITV2), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (Channel 4), 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4), Alan Carr’s Chatty Man (Channel 4) and Russell Howards Stand Up Central (Comedy Central) Seann can currently be heard hosting his weekly radio show News-Ish on Fubar Radio. His debut DVD, Seann to be Wild, was recorded at Hammersmith Apollo to critical acclaim when it was released in 2013 by Universal Pictures.

The Provocateurs We like to think vulnerability deepens empathy. From TED talks to philosophy, we celebrate it as the key to empathy and courage. Dr Adrianna Zabrzewska (Edinburgh Napier University) explores what happens when vulnerability isn’t gentle or liberating but exploited for political gain. What do we know about trust? Do we even need to trust anymore, when we can just look people up online or track their movements? Dr Michael Stirrat (Edinburgh Napier University) explores trust and relationships. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Franziska Heck (Edinburgh Napier University) takes a critical look at robot companionship through media narratives, emerging AI products and ongoing research. As engagement is engineered and companionship comes at a price, she questions what we are building and who benefits from it. Professor Chris Cummins (The University of Edinburgh) asks whether linguistics can do anything to benefit the critically ill. Or indeed anybody. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Professor Tara Spires-Jones (The University of Edinburgh) explores the neuroscience behind a new blood test for Alzheimer’s disease and what it means (and doesn’t mean) for treatment. If you were likely to develop dementia, would you really want to know? Llona Kavege (The University of Edinburgh) dispels the hype around Brave New World like baby-making machines and tackles the pressing social and ethical implications of tinkering with the beginning of life. Part of the Edinburgh Medical School’s 300th Anniversary. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Dr Bérengère Digard (The University of Edinburgh) talks about how your inner world is crafted by your brain. Discover how the brain creates life-like films, erases all sounds and images, blurs faces and gives flavours to sounds. Does the state of the world make you anxious? Worried? Full of impending doom? Emily Payne (The University of Edinburgh) thinks that’s probably a good thing. A dive into the neuroscience behind anxiety reveals instability is to blame, and what you can do about it. Part of the Edinburgh Medical School’s 300th Anniversary. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs As the Edinburgh Medical School turns 300, Professor Roger Jeffery (The University of Edinburgh) asks why women were excluded. Why was there such a long gap from the first efforts to gain admission in 1869 to success in 1916? The future is created through childbirth. Dr Rosie Townsend (The University of Edinburgh) races through time to learn how bravery in birth got us here, and how new technology will shape safer births in the future. Part of the Edinburgh Medical School’s 300th Anniversary. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Would you rather die young and beautiful, or old and prune like? Dermatologists talk about the hazards of sunlight, but Professor Richard Weller (The University of Edinburgh) asks have we got sunshine all wrong as modern science uncovers health benefits. Sperm counts are declining and male fertility hangs in the balance. But what lies behind this threat to our very existence? Professor Rod Mitchell (The University of Edinburgh) has just 30 minutes to save the human race. Part of the Edinburgh Medical School’s 300th Anniversary. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Neurobiologist John Girgis (The University of Edinburgh) puts brains under microscopes to see memories being created. What does that look like? How should we relate to our memories? Are we only the total sum of what we can remember? What can Bridget Jones's Diary teach us about existentialism? Dr David Sorfa (The University of Edinburgh) explores how popular films can provide philosophical insights and discusses freedom, anxiety, the impossibility of finding love and the importance of blue soup. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Professor Zack Moir (Edinburgh Napier University) asks whether universities deliver the bright futures they promise. Using arts education as an example, he explores how students are encouraged to imagine change, yet often trained to fit broken systems. How might higher education nurture justice, collaboration and better futures instead? In 1746, a priest electrocuted 200 monks to measure the speed of electricity. According to the monks the answer was 'Aaaah!' Physicist Dr Nick Werren (Heriot-Watt University) traces electricity's shocking history through sordid science, countless dead frogs and the Corpse Matinée. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Alcohol-free nightlife is an oxymoron to many. But why do we rely on alcohol as social lubricant? Beth Meadows (Glasgow Caledonian University) asks what are the consequences, why some groups (e.g. LGBTQIA+ communities) are at greater risk of alcohol related harms, and what could alcohol-free nightlife culture mean for public health? Wood scientist Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis (Edinburgh Napier University) asks what we think about the purpose of trees. How should we decide which kinds of trees to plant so that future generations won’t be annoyed by our decisions? None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Dr Hailey Austin (Abertay University) undresses the secret origins of superhero comics, revealing how 19th-century nude photography and 1920s erotic pulp magazines created iconic superhero characters like Superman, Wonder Woman and Spider-Man, and influenced their revealing spandex costumes. Dr Jo Thor (The University of Edinburgh) journeys from Annie Lobert’s Hookers for Jesus ministry in modern Las Vegas to Victorian Scotland’s Magdalene asylums – prayer, work, refuge. Were they pioneering social care for prostitutes, or moral control? What should we borrow today? None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Can hearing someone you know change brain recovery? Roseminu Varghese (Edinburgh Napier University) reveals how familiar voices influence consciousness in comatose patients and why human connection may be a powerful clinical tool. Franziska Heck (Edinburgh Napier University) takes a critical look at robot companionship through media narratives, emerging AI products and ongoing research. As engagement is engineered and companionship comes at a price, she questions what we are building and who benefits from it. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Horror films can be cathartic, validating and meaningful. Can they be more helpful than counselling or therapy for dealing with anxiety, depression, grief or trauma? Trauma therapist Dr Amy Beddows (Edinburgh Napier University) and hardcore horror fan thinks so. Can you create a new and exciting innovative business and still be ethical? Join Provocateurs regular Nicola Osborne (The University of Edinburgh) to explore if new ideas and technologies – including AI – can still be ethical and inclusive. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Is it me, you or everybody else? Communication underpins everything we do and yet so often we misunderstand one another. Dr Bryony Buck (Edinburgh Napier University and University of Dundee) explores how divergent brains and bodies can make even simple communication difficult, and possible ways to address this. Ensuring a detainee’s dignity defends against prohibited treatment and supports a more successful return to society following detention. Professor Kasey McCall-Smith (The University of Edinburgh) explores how bad breath, faulty lights and over-running privies unjustifiably degrade lives in detention. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Good predictions don’t necessarily mean good decisions. Dr Lars Schewe (The University of Edinburgh) shows how mathematics is not just about making predictions, but can help to make decisions under uncertainty and what this means for future energy system planning. The Milky Way hosts billions of stars, but how did they get here and what can they tell us about our galaxy's history? Dr Veronika Dornan (The University of Edinburgh) reveals why our Sun is so lonely and what sausages have to do with galaxy mergers. None Age category: 14+

Carnation Productions English comedian, writer, podcaster, and filmmaker known for her upbeat, friendly and silly comedy style, which often incorporates social justice and political themes. She is a pioneering figure in UK comedy, recognized as the first woman to be nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show three times consecutively (2010–2012). Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions Chris Brookmyre is an internationally celebrated crime writer, debuting with Quite Ugly One Morning in 1996 and going on to publish over thirty novels, winning major prizes including the McIlvanney Prize and Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year. His work spans television, theatre, radio and videogames. Dr Marisa Haetzman, a consultant anaesthetist for two decades, later specialised in medical history, researching James Young Simpson and the discovery of chloroform. Together, as Ambrose Parry, they write bestselling historical crime novels such as The Way of All Flesh and latest The Death of Shame. None Age category: 12+

The Provocateurs Should libraries be quiet? Dr Rachel Salzano (Edinburgh Napier University) asks whether libraries are (still) quiet places, what communities think about sound in public libraries, and what people really want to hear in the library. Choose profit, choose western diseases, choose fast solutions, choose easy targets. Dr Mary Wheldon (University of Dundee) didn't. She chose to work on neglected diseases. She talks about the realities and challenges of doing not-for-profit medical research. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Dr Lorena Fernández-Martínez (University of Glasgow) is getting her hands dirty hunting for new drugs to tackle antibiotic resistance. Could future medicines be hiding in the soil in your garden? The Uncanny Valley describes the unease we feel towards almost-human robots. But as cosmetic surgery makes human faces more artificial, are people entering the valley themselves? Dr Carl Strathearn (Edinburgh Napier University) asks could this shift help robots eventually escape it? None Age category: 14+

Carnation Productions The UK’s most effective and best-known political performer has won awards for both stage performances and his human rights work. A one-time Guinness World Record holder for the most demonstrations in one day, he has written and presented six series of the Mark Thomas Comedy Product for Channel 4 and five series of Radio 4’s The Manifesto. The author of five books on subjects as diverse as the arms trade, Coca-Cola and the Israeli Wall in the West Bank – his work has changed the law, kyboshed politicians’ careers and been performed across the world. None Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, Andy's priorities include building a London-style integrated transport system, ending rough sleeping, transforming Greater Manchester into one of the greenest city regions in Europe and a great place to grow up, get on and grow old. None Age category: 12+

The Provocateurs Economists promised AI would boost productivity, raise wages and create better jobs. So why are the numbers flat, and wellbeing shaky? Dr Elena Papagiannaki (Edinburgh Napier University) cuts through hype, asks who benefits and investigates whether today’s job losses are truly AI-caused, or conveniently AI-washed. Follow the curious trail from jewellery to justice as you embark on a true-crime adventure with the world’s first forensic jeweller, Dr Maria Maclennan (The University of Edinburgh). All that glitters is not as it seems... None Age category: 14+

The Stand Comedy Club Sanjeev Kohli’s comedy credentials are stupidly impressive with appearances in Look Around You, The Peter Seraphanowicz Show, The IT Crowd, Rab C Nesbitt, Fresh Meat, The Chief and of course as Naveed in Still Game. He has also appeared in films such as Stan and Ollie, Filth and most recently in BAFTA award winning I Swear. A great opportunity to hear from a man with a stupendous career. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Jim Smith The Perthshire farmer returns to the big smoke with some homegrown fresh pickings ready for sampling. As always, suitable for both country bumpkins and city slickers. None Age category: 12+

The Stand Comedy Club The 31st year of our Fringe flagship show and there’s a reason why this multi-act lineup always sells out! A punchline-packed showcase from headliners to hot up-and-coming acts, hand-picked from performing across our venues all year round. This is an absolute must for every Fringe goer and guaranteed crowd pleaser. Previous acts include Fred MacAulay, Jay Lafferty, Daniel Sloss, Susan Morrison, Mark Nelson, Susie McCabe, Craig Hill, Rosco McClelland, Connor Burns, Christopher Macarthur Boyd and many more. Strong language/swearing

The Stand Comedy Club Best known for the acclaimed Two Doors Down, Jonathan is a stalwart of Scottish television comedy including Naked Video, Rab C Nesbitt, City Lights, Bob Servant: Independent, and the football comedy Only an Excuse? Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Michelle McManus and Anna Welander Join Michelle McManus and Anna Welander for an extravaganza celebrating the best genre of music. Do you know your D:Ream from your M People? Can you tell your Billie Eilish from your Billie Piper? We will take you through the history of POP, via quizzes, audience participation, singalongs and more! Featuring live performances from everyone’s favourite Pop Diva – Michelle McManus. A surprise special guest to boot! This is a show to blow off the cobwebs and fill you full of pure joy. Confetti Cannons at the ready! None Age category: 16+

The Stand Comedy Club Raymond Mearns has over thirty years working at the comedy coal face developing a devout following for his rambunctious rants and hysterical routines. With appearances on Limmy’s Show, Rab C Nesbitt and Ken Loach’s Ae Fond Kiss, he has a lot to say and boy, are you going to hear it. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions Jacqueline Margaret Kay is a Scottish poet, playwright, and novelist, known for her works Other Lovers, Trumpet and Red Dust Road. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

The Stand Comedy Club A a man steeped in UK comedy. From having first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1980 he quickly graduated to writing for such comedy series as Spitting Image, Alas Smith and Jones and The Lenny Henry Show before writing in performing in four series of Absolutely and launching his own late night chat show. Ever since, Jack has been a staple on screen with Scot Squad and more recently The Chief as well as performing his own live shows. He is also co-founder of Absolutely Productions. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

The Stand Comedy Club Jane McCarry known to most as the irrepressible Isa from Still Game, Jane has had a life of performing in TV and theatre in Scotland with appearances in everything from The Tales of Para Handy to Rab C Nesbitt and productions of The Steamie. Join her as she chats through her experiences and how she created one of Scotland’s most loved Scottish comedy characters. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions An Italian-Irish comedian from Belfast, nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe 2022. He has built a major online following through stand-up clips, sketches and podcasts, gaining millions of views. His debut show Translations sold out across the UK and Ireland, followed by Who Do You Think You Are? I Am!, which sold out its Fringe run in advance and toured internationally. Vittorio co-hosts Mike & Vittorio’s Guide to Parenting and co-created Fin vs The Internet. He has appeared on BBC One, Channel 4 and leading podcasts, and starred in the comedy pilot Rewarding. None Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions John Davidson, the Scottish Tourette’s syndrome activist and real-life inspiration for I Swear offers an extraordinary insight into what it is like to live with a severe form of Tourette's Syndrome. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

The Provocateurs Dr Andrew Brown (The University of Edinburgh) examines how his grandparents, along with 400 other Polish refugees, found shelter, and an education, in the Edinburgh Medical School during WWII. Now Andrew’s found shelter there too – from Trump. Is history repeating? In 1985, women visited the Women’s Health Shop on the Royal Mile. Dr Karissa Patton (The University of Edinburgh) explores the history of women’s health information: from tales of snake oils, clinical trials and local activism. Where do you get your health information? Part of the Edinburgh Medical School’s 300th Anniversary. None Age category: 14+

The Stand Comedy Club Greg Hemphill cemented his place in the hall of Scottish Comedy Legends in the iconic sketch show Chewin’ The Fat and then of course with Ford Kiernan in Still Game but his comedy CV stretches far further with recent appearances in sitcom Dinosaur and his Hollywood debut in Wolverine & Deadpool. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions Amanda Dwyer has a deadpan delivery alongside a wicked sense of humour. Amanda regularly performs at comedy clubs all over Scotland and is the creator of the Material, Girl comedy show in Glasgow. Amanda also provides tour support for Tom Stade, Susie McCabe and Rachel Fairburn. Amanda won the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award 2026. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

The Stand Comedy Club The Perthshire fermer returns to the big smoke with some homegrown fresh pickings ready for sampling. As always, suitable for both country bumpkins and city slickers. Strong language/swearing Age category: 16+

The Provocateurs Kellie Hodge (The University of Edinburgh) reveals how mass spectrometry uncovers the hidden molecular stories across research, art and space – from ground-breaking discoveries to priceless masterpieces and distant planets. Discover the invisible chemistry shaping our health, culture and understanding of the universe. Physicist Dr Tyler Shendruk (The University of Edinburgh) applies physics to biology. But lately he's started wondering... Is he an unwitting soldier in physics' imperial conquest of science? Is he the bad guy? A comedic reckoning with scientific imperialism. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Actively building your brain health or leaving it to chance? With growing evidence of the lifestyles and environments that are important, Professor Alan Gow (Heriot-Watt University) explores stacking the odds in favour of being brain healthy as we age. Is the final frontier space or your garden? Rebecca Wilks (The University of Edinburgh) explores the line between privacy and knowledge for high-res satellites. We can now see elephants from space, but who will be the next target? None Age category: 14+

Carnation Productions In Conversation with Bobby Bluebell traces his path from Govan and studies in Glasgow to founding a post-punk fanzine and forming The Bluebells, inspired by Altered Images and Postcard Records. The band rose quickly, appearing on The Old Grey Whistle Test and working with Elvis Costello. Bobby later DJed across Glasgow, scouted for Pete Tong and wrote with Texas. His career spans collaborations with Sinéad O’Connor and Brian Wilson. The Bluebells have recently released acclaimed new albums, and have been interviewed by broadcaster, writer and comedian Terry Christian. None Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions Jeremy Corbyn returns to the Fringe! The elected MP for Islington North, former Labour leader, and Peace and Justice project founder continues his work to bring people together for social and economic justice, and to fight for peace and human rights, both in the UK and across the world. A lifelong advocate for peace and socialism. After stepping down as Labour Party leader and now an Independent MP, he continues to use his experience and connections to support campaigns for social justice and progressive change. None Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions In Conversation with Ian Rankin explores the career of the multi-million copy bestselling author behind John Rebus. His novels, translated into 36 languages, have been adapted for radio, stage and screen, and earned major honours including multiple Crime Writers' Association Dagger Awards, the Edgar Award, and the Deutscher Krimipreis. Rankin is a Fellow of both The Royal Society of Edinburgh and The Royal Society of Literature, and received an OBE for services to literature. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

The Stand Comedy Club Arabella Weir is an actress and writer with deep comedy roots from appearing in cult comedy sketch show The Fast Show to being the long suffering Beth in Two Doors Down. With several books to her name including Does My Bum Look Big In This? This is a unique chance to catch her in conversation before Two Doors Down big live shows at begin at the Hydro in September. None Age category: 12+

The Provocateurs Marianne Chiu-Lezeau (The University of Edinburgh) explores vaccines and how to talk to people about diseases that sound like they might not exist. How do we fight disinformation and help people access healthcare? Dr Cameron Wyatt (The University of Edinburgh), declares that zebrafish are the superior organism. But don’t worry, humans have an 86% genetic overlap with zebrafish so you're not as far from perfection as appearances might lead you to believe. Part of the Edinburgh Medical School’s 300th Anniversary. None Age category: 14+

Carnation Productions Still petty and ill-informed after all these years... as Stuart Cosgrove and Tam Cowan celebrate 32 years on BBC Radio Scotland, this is your chance to join the Off The Ball hosts for an intimate In Conversion With. Strong language/swearing Age category: 12+

Carnation Productions A trophy-laden career at the highest level as both player and manager, including for Dundee, Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United, Coventry City, Southampton, Middleborough, Celtic and Scotland. He played 635 league games, scoring a total of 138 goals, playing 21 of 25 career seasons in either the English or Scottish top-flight. Capped 50 times for his country, he played in two World Cups, and retired from playing in 1997 at age 40, setting a Premier League record for an outfield player. Gordon Strachan is a Hall of Fame inductee and occasionally colourful, outspoken pundit. None Age category: 12+

The Provocateurs Trained by an Edinburgh man-midwife (1786), Highland midwife Mrs. Cowper recorded 4000 births and no maternal deaths. Nicola Ring and Ness McHugh (Edinburgh Napier University) ask why the 100s of women Edinburgh’s world-leading men-midwives trained are historically invisible and dismissed as incompetent crones. A cut. A cough. A routine infection. What happens when the medicine stops working? Superbugs are on the rise and they’re closer than you think. If you’re not scared yet, Professor Clare Taylor (Edinburgh Napier University) will terrify you. None Age category: 14+

The Provocateurs Historically, people tried all sorts of crazy stuff to slow ageing. Dr Rebekah White (The University of Edinburgh) examines these old ideas in the light of modern science and asks if any of them actually worked. Dr Tomas Deingruber (The University of Edinburgh) searches for the perfect molecular match in the process of drug discovery, navigating through thousands of hopeful molecules to find the perfect candidate for chronic lung conditions, and speeding its journey to patients. Part of the Edinburgh Medical School’s 300th Anniversary. None Age category: 14+