UK COMEDY
Making their mark at The Edinburgh Fringe sees the kick-off for many a comedy career. Here in this publication, we have talent-spotted so many new comedic faces and reviewed the more recent shows of Reginald D Hunter, Mark Steel, Frank Skinner and a host of others. This month Mark Ritchie lists a top ten of emerging stand-up stars who appeared this year’s Fringe.
Elf Lyons-The most illuminating and mind-blowing comedy star it has ever been my privilege to see live in Edinburgh. Bar none! This year’s Fringe Show -Woman on the Edge.
Larry Dean- A little unfair perhaps to name Larry amongst a group of emerging talents. Larry has already emerged, after starring in Saturday Night Live and nailing it on The Royal Variety Show. Mr Dean has a good strong management and the future looks set-fair. This year’s Fringe show- Hellbent.
Ayo Adenekan- Describing himself as Scottish/Nigerian, this young man is being noticed, both as a comedy writer and as a performer. His Fringe offering this year was, Homeland Insecurity.
Rory Marshall- Character comedy is on the rise and Rory has some intriguing characters to meet. His Fringe show is called, Thank you For the Opportunity
Ted Hills- Noticed due to an appearance on a TV talent show recently, but noticed before that, last year at The Fringe. His Fringe show was
Rory Cargill – One of the more outwardly mainstream meets alternative types, Rory has been raising the laughter levels in a venue called The Crate and starring in Rory Cargill on TV!
Dee Allum- Being a fan of Radio 4 The News Quiz, I was not a bit surprised to see Dee’s sharp satirical wit biting hard and scoring heavily at The Fringe. Her show was Raumdeuter which oddly enough is a German expression used in Football.
James Trickey was punched in the face during an Edinburgh appearance last time around. His 2026 show, Spilt was hopefully not attended by anyone with anger issues!
Kate Dolan- Absurdist comedy is an area audience after audience have bought into since seeing this breakout star in action. Here new show is the intriguingly named, Trout.
Ben Dali- A comedian, a performance poet, a hypnotist, a mind-reader and a self-proclaimed David Baddiel lookalike, Ben has been noticed at Rotunda Theatre with his lollygaggers and fuddy-duddies show.
We are on the lookout for comedians and comedy people who would like to become guest writers on this page. Just e-mail mark.ritchie@ukcabaret.com
