We've all had some pondering to do about the fragility of life recently, but don't worry, skinny national treasure Mark Watson has it covered.
At 41, he's halfway through his days on earth, according to the life expectancy calculator app he paid £1.49 for. That life is in the best shape in living memory... but one problem remains, and it really is a huge one.
Spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy as the 'Taskmaster' survivor, multi-award-winner and 'No More Jockeys' cult leader attempts to cram a couple of years of pathological overthinking into an evening of stand-up. Maybe we'll even solve the huge problem. Doubt it, though.
★★★★★ Telegraph
★★★★ Times | Independent | Metro | Time Out | Chortle
'Quite unlike anything else I’ve seen in almost 20 years of covering the Fringe... witty, warm, perfectly judged' ★★★★★ Telegraph
'This is a stand-up operating at the very top of his game' ★★★★ Independent
'He always displays an innate understanding of what the audience wants... creating a bespoke experience for every gig, an added flourish to a strong hour of stand-up' ★★★★ Chortle
'A quick-fire hour of fun' ★★★★ Metro
A show about sexy things (awkward), private things (oh no) and a woman trying to sit on the face of time to keep it still (hot, right?).
You’ve seen Jess on Live at the Apollo, QI and on Harry Hill's Clubnite amongst other TV shows. She's a regular co-host of The Guilty Feminist Podcast, the host and creator of The Hoovering Podcast and you hear her regularly on BBC R4's News Quiz and Now Show.
Jess was nominated for the Dave Edinburgh Comedy Award – Best Show 2019 with her last show Hench, and she won Best Show and Best Breakthrough Act in the Chortle Awards 2020.
Supported by Helen Bauer.
Suitable for ages 16+ years.
Courtyard Theatre
£16
Promoter Credit: Little Wander
Photo Credit: Matt Stronge
If Jen Brister has learned anything in the past 18 months, it’s that she’s no good in a crisis (unless you count getting into the foetal position in under 30 seconds).
Has the pandemic changed her for the better or is she the same old pessimistic naysayer she’s always been? I think we all know the answer to that. Let’s just hope she can make it funny.
'Furiously funny' The Guardian
'Her energy is explosive. Her use of space and delivery, mesmerising' The Sunday Times
'A phenomenal display of sinewy stand up' Chortle
Age guidance 16+ years.
Presented by Little Wander Ltd.
Courtyard Theatre
£16
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Join Harry Hill as he test drives his latest idea of what a joke is.
Laugh with him as he succeeds, distance yourself from him as he fails, track him down in the bar and get a selfie, ask him if he’s bringing TV Burp back, phone your mum and get him to wish her a happy birthday. Let’s Mattress!
Age guidance 14+ years.
Courtyard Theatre
£20
Latecomers not admitted.
2019's Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer nominee and your favourite self-aware stand up.
Helen brings a show about self-confidence, self-esteem and self-care. It’s the year of 'the self' and Helen is trying to be the change she wants you to see.
As seen on BBC's Live at The Apollo and star of ITV2, BBC Three, ITV2, Comedy Central and Radio 4.
'A personality that will fill a stadium... This girl will not be performing in small venues for much longer' ★★★★★ Sunday Express
'Slick, sassy and super satisfying' ★★★★ Broadway Baby
★★★★ Chortle | ★★★★ The Skinny | ★★★★ The List
Presented by Berk's Nest in association with Blue Book Management.
Studio
£14
Star of Mock The Week, QI, Late Night Mash, her Amazon Prime comedy special and Edinburgh Best Newcomer nominee, Olga Koch brings you the roller coaster romcom you aren't tall enough to ride. Strap in.
Directed by Charlie Dinkin.
£1 from every ticket will go to Stonewall’s Ukraine Projects, in aid of the Ukrainian LGBTQ+ community.
'Uproarious, gleefully obscene comedy' The Guardian
'One of the most charismatic comedians on the circuit' ★★★★ The Telegraph
'A natural storyteller, she will keep you completely hooked' ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
★★★★ Funny Women | ★★★★ The List | ★★★★ The Skinny| ★★★★ Fest Mag
Age guidance 16+ years.
Studio
£15
One of the UK’s fastest rising comedy stars Robin Morgan brings a hilarious brand new show on tour for 2023
A lot has happened to Robin since the last tour. He’s moved back to Wales, happily married with two kids. So what happens next? A vasectomy of course.
Robin’s been all over your telly and radio, with appearances on Mock The Week (BBC Two), Richard Hammond’s Brain Reaction (Comedy Central), The Now Show (BBC Radio 4).
He created the topical panel show What Just Happened? (BBC One) and co-created Ellie Taylor’s Safe Space (BBC Radio 4), and also appeared in both, the greedy boy.
His writing credits include Have I Got News For You (BBC One), 8 Out of 10 Cats (C4), The Mash Report (BBC Two), The Great Pottery Throwdown (C4) and The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4), and is the studio warm-up artist for The Graham Norton Show (BBC One).
'Bloody funny. He must surely be on the verge of nationwide fame' Chortle
Studio
£13 | £10 conc
Michelle has been on the move since birth. She's moved country four times, been homeless three times, been a fashion model, a cleaner, a reporter, presenter, writer, cat sitter and actor. Married, divorced, on drugs, off drugs.
In this new show, Michelle breaks down the highs and lows of burning your life to the ground and starting again when forty is around the corner.
Star of the highly acclaimed Sky/HBO’s The Baby, Michelle is an actress, comedian and writer. She can currently be seen in Prime Video’s Backstage with Katherine Ryan. She also starred as a series regular in Katherine Ryan’s Netflix series The Duchess.
Born in South London, Michelle was spotted by a model scout at the age of 19 and moved to New York, where she became heavily involved in the comedy scene. Since moving back to London, she has been busy filming and writing her own semi-autobiographical comedy series with Various Artists Limited and has recently been the tour support on Katherine Ryan’s tour.
'All hail the new Queen of Comedy' Sunday Times Style
'Dry brilliance' iNews
Age guidance 16+ years.
Courtyard Theatre
£15
A brand new stand up show from the TV and radio favourite.
As heard on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz and The Now Show and seen on Would I Lie to You, QI and Live at the Apollo.
Wake-Up Call is a show about revelations, realisations and epiphanies - both large and small.
Subjects covered include: bin collection schedules, the novels of Jean Rhys, cats, school fair booze tombolas, the Scottish Enlightenment, pressure washers and Huel. It’s an exuberant, silly show with some wisdom sprinkled on top.
'Impeccably punch-lined anecdotes… genuinely delightful' The Telegraph
'A treat from start to finish' The Herald
Courtyard Theatre
£18
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