FESTIVAL COMEDY | Hitlist
COMEDY HITLIST
Brian Donaldson picks some of the best comedy as the Fringe kicks off
BILL BURR You might not agree with everything that comes out of this American’s mouth, but you’ll surely concur that Burr is one of the top comedians of his generation. Almost goes without saying but catch him while you can. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 8 & 9 Aug, 3.45pm, 11.40pm, £25.
SOFIE HAGEN Last year’s Best Newcomer (curiously the second Scandinavian to scoop that gong in recent times after Daniel Simonsen’s 2012 win) is back with a show about lonely people. See interview, page 46. Liquid Room Annexe, 226 0000, 6–28 Aug, 7.50pm, free.
JAMES ACASTER After four consecutive nominations for the main Edinburgh Comedy Award, will Reset be the one to push the Kettering comic over the line? See interview, page 12. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 6–28 Aug, 7.30pm, £11–£14 (£10–£13). Previews 3–5 Aug, £8.
SPENCER JONES He may look a little scary, but Mr Jones has one of the warmest hearted shows on the Fringe. His Herbert character delivers a new slice of fun with Eggy Bagel at the Hive. See interview, page 50. Heroes at the Hive, 226 0000, 4–28 Aug (not 15), 8.50pm, £6 in advance or Pay What You Want.
LOUIS CK Arguably the biggest comedian on the planet, Mr CK drops by to show everyone else in town how to do this stand-up game. See profile, page 35. Playhouse, 0844 871 3014, 11 Aug, 7pm, £40.
DOUG ANTHONY ALL STARS It’s been a long while coming, but the Aussie musical-comedy threesome return to the Fringe with more lewd, rude and (no doubt) very good songs and dangerous chat. See interview online at list.co.uk/festival Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 4–14 Aug (not 8 & 9), 10pm, £15 (£14). Preview 3 Aug, £10.
SARAH KENDALL Another popular Australian act in town, Kendall gained her second
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Bill Burr
Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination last summer proving that the move into longer storytelling has worked a treat. See interview, page 55. Assembly George Square Studios, 623 3030, 6–28 Aug, 6.45pm, £10.50–£12.50 (£9.50–£11.50). Previews 3–5 Aug, £7.
DAPHNE A trio who helped reinvigorate the sketch form in 2015 are back in Edinburgh trying to beat off that awkward second-show syndrome. See q&a, page 53. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 6–28 Aug (not 15), 5.45pm, £9.50–£12 (£8–£11). Previews 3–5 Aug, £6.
DOUGLAS WALKER One of last Fringe’s under-the-radar hits, the Scottish member of the Racing Minds improv gang seeks to find that tricky spot between dark and daft. See interview, page 56. Just the Tonic at the Caves, 0330 220 1212, 4–28 Aug (not 15), 5pm, £5–£7 in advance or Pay What You Want.
KATY BRAND The TV star and character comic brings us a debut stand-up hour, all about her years as a committed Christian. See feature, page 37. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 6–29 Aug (not 15), 4.45pm, £10–£13.50 (£9–£12.50). Previews 3–5 Aug, £7.
36 THE LIST FESTIVAL 4–11 Aug 2016