2 h. ago ‘Liam Gallagher is funnier than most standups!’: Is comedy the new rock’n’roll – or vice versa?

Oasis’s tour gobbled up Edinburgh audiences while fringe comics put on shows about Britpop and Arctic Monkeys. The music industry and the funny business could be more entwined than ever‘Comedy is the new rock’n’roll!” This line, variously attributed to a defunct listings mag, a member of the Comedy Store Players and Janet Street-Porter, became common currency in the 1990s, when comedy gatecrashed arenas with Newman and Baddiel’s maiden Wembley gig in 1993. Had the art of making people laugh eclipsed – in size, public enthusiasm, cultural cachet – the art of making people groove?It feels like a quaint conversation in light of the arrival of Oasis’s mega-tour in Edinburgh this month, which triggered panic among standups at the gazumping of their fringe audience. But has comedy returned to playing second fiddle to its sexier, better-loved big brother? Or are such distinctions meaningless in a cultural landscape unrecognisable from the 1990s? Continue reading...

Politics

12 h. ago John Swinney criticises Edinburgh Fringe venue over Kate Forbes cancel culture row

The First Minister said Summerhall’s actions were not appropriate

Culture

14 h. ago North London couple make history by marrying on stage at Edinburgh Fringe

North London couple make history by marrying on stage at Edinburgh Fringe  HamHigh

Politics

15 h. ago Edinburgh Fringe comedian fulfils dream after devastating cancer diagnosis

Karen Bucknall has battled cancer, and has been left with recurring health issues.

Science

21 h. ago Fringe icon Camille O'Sullivan lends voice to play based on legend of Leith Faerie Boy

Edinburgh Fringe icon, Irish singer and actor Camille O’Sullivan, has lent her voice to Fallen Angel, a new play inspired by an supernatural Leith folk story, written by award-winning writer and direct tor Liam Rudden, running at the Grand Lodge on George Street from 19 to 23 August.

Politics

25 h. ago Edinburgh Festival Fringe artist fund challenged for 'violation of open access principles'

Keep It Fringe has distributed £1 million in grants since 2023.

Politics

32 h. ago Theatre of war: making an Edinburgh Fringe show about Iran while your country is being bombed

As Israel bombed Iran in June, Sara Amini was preparing to bring a play about her childhood in Tehran to the Edinburgh Fringe. Here the writer and performer explores the impact of war - then and now - on her creative work

Events

39 h. ago Specsavers puts Hannah Morton in the frame for her first solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe

With the Edinburgh Fringe Festival now in full swing, Specsavers welcomed up-and-coming comedian Hannah Morton into its Nicolson Street store to help get her stage-ready for her debut run of stand-up shows.

Politics

40 h. ago Edinburgh Comedy Award 2025 Predictions: Here are 16 acts we're tipping to make the shortlists

It’ll soon be time to crown the king or queen of comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events

45 h. ago Labour needs to ‘pick things up’ after a ‘tough’ first year, says Sadiq Khan – UK politics live

London mayor says he has ‘confidence we will turn it round’ as he addresses audience at Edinburgh fringeThe former home secretary Jack Straw has urged Labour not to panic about the threat of Reform, who are riding high in the polls as Nigel Farage capitalises on the “small boats” and asylum backlog issue. Here is an extract from the write up of the interview he gave to the Guardian’s deputy political editor, Jessica Elgot:In an interview with the Guardian, he praised Starmer’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state after an ultimatum to Israel – but defended the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, saying he would also have proscribed the direct action group Palestine Action.The British political veteran said he believed Starmer and his cabinet were “head and shoulders” above opposition politicians and would reap the rewards of a gradual improvement in the economy and public services, which would not come immediately. Continue reading...

Politics

59 h. ago Mayor Khan says Sturgeon ‘knew her stuff’ but says SNP have ‘hoarded power’

Sir Sadiq Khan spoke about his dealings with Nicola Sturgeon as he appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on Sunday.

Politics

3 d. ago Couple left with 'bruised jaw and bloodied nose' after 'feral youths attack'

A couple’s night out at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ended in chaos after they were allegedly attacked by a “feral” girl gang at a busy city centre bus stop.

Events

4 d. ago 'I'm terrified but I've always wanted to do the Edinburgh Fringe'

The EastEnders actor has made a career out of stepping out of her comfort zone

Events

4 d. ago Fringe in full colour: Let your favourite colour guide your festival picks

With nearly 4,000 shows to choose from at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, deciding where to begin can be overwhelming. Do you search online? Trust the flyerer on the Mile? Or maybe you let your favourite colour make the call.

Politics

4 d. ago Four Star Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025: 17 acclaimed shows you can still get tickets to see this weekend

Looking for some comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Sport

4 d. ago Edinburgh’s couple acts: the fringe duos starring together – and even getting married on stage

Love is in the air on the fringe as romantic partners put their private lives in the spotlight through daft sketches, acrobatics, folk songs – and a real weddingSome people blow their wedding budget in Las Vegas or on Venice’s Grand Canal. But the actors and writers Linus Karp and Joseph Martin will be tying the knot at the Edinburgh fringe, walking down the aisle of the Pleasance Grand on Saturday. Tickets to attend are £12 a pop – and they hope to avoid getting star ratings. Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Fringe Firsts: six more winners of the Scotsman's prestigious theatre awards

Our prizes for new writing premiered at the Fringe are announced each Friday during August - today we’re delighted to reveal our second week of winners.

Events

5 d. ago Edinburgh Festivals Diary: Spot the famous spouse as new shows come to town

Spot the celebrity at new shows starting at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Culture

5 d. ago Edinburgh Fringe cabaret and variety reviews: Apocalypse Cabaret: Songs for the End of the World | Dangerous Goods | Arthur Hull’s Flop: The Best Songs From The Worst Musicals Ever Written

If it’s the end of the world as we know it then go out feeling fine with Scout Durwood’s first-rate one-woman karaoke-confessional Apocalypse Cabaret

Culture

6 d. ago My Festival – Laura Benanti: 'Expect many, many deeply embarrassing personal stories'

Comedian Laura Benanti catches The Scotsman up on her Fringe so far, as well as a healthy dose of recommended shows that have caught her eye.

Politics