In our latest selection of comedy recommendations for the Edinburgh Festival 2013, we take a look at those acts who combine musical talent and laughs.
Here’s nine top musical comedy acts to have a dance too, while sitting comfortably.
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Abandoman: Moonrock Boombox
These Irish hip hop comedy improvisers tore it up at a Laugh Out London preview this summer, with Rob Broderick and his team creating a thrilling hour detailing the lives of several audience members in a series of phenomenal rap songs inspired by conversation and observation. A truly unique event on the Fringe.
July 31 – Aug 26, 8.45pm
Underbelly, Bristo Square
£12.50 – £14.50
We Are Goose: Will You Hold My Hand?
One of our favourite acts, Musical Comedy Awards nominees We Are Goose are Tim and Richard, and they like to wear waistcoats and create catchy acoustic pop to back engrossing stories on such themes as loving oneself and Belgian mimes. This year’s effort is about the Scottish surgeon John Hunter, who took a more macabre approach to researching the human body. Expect edufunmusicaltainmentgore.
Aug 1 – 25, 9pm
Underbelly, Cowgate
£8.50 – £10.50
The Hill and Weedon Fan Club
Winners of the Musical Comedy Awards 2013, Theo Weedon and Robin Hill are gaining a reputation for guitar-led tunes of fun and whimsy, mixed with a playful back and forth on stage that endears them to any crowd.
Aug 1 – 14, 1.30pm
Laughing Horse at the Three Sisters
FREE
Horne Section: Live In A Cow
Also doing a solo show, Alex Horne is back at the Fringe this year with his musical mates to create a classy evening for comedy lovers who enjoy a musical interlude. As always, top comics will guest every night to chat to Alex and inspire the evening’s musical numbers.
July 31 – Aug 25, 10.30pm
Underbelly, Bristo Square
£11 – £14
Jay Foreman: No More Colours
One of the very first acts we ever saw perform at the Fringe, Jay has only gone from strength to strength, packing in the crowds for a set of brilliantly funny and brilliantly played numbers and supporting Dave Gorman on a recent tour.
July 31 – Aug 26, 8.45pm
Pleasance Courtyard
£7.50 – £11
Kunt and the Gang
Possibly one of our favourite shows last year, the aptly named Kunt and the Gang are as puerile, juvenile and fluid-focused as they come, with songs about all aspects of bodily function and the more horrible aspects of society. Just go in expecting to be disgusted and you will be amazed.
Aug 2 – 25, 10pm
Laughing Horse at the Three Sisters
FREE
Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle
He’s spent recent years satirising everything incompetent, incongruous and and incomprehensible about modern society on Radio 4’s The Now Show, but this solo effort explores the world’s biggest ever pop group and Mitch’s own connection to them. You may need to get a Ticket to Ride. Or something. Sorry.
Aug 1 – 25, 3pm
The Stand Comedy Club III & IV
£8 – £10
Rachel Parris: The Commission
Part of the superb Austentatious team, Rachel is just as good a piano player as she is period improviser, and this hour will show off her amazing skills and well-thought satire on music, culture, celebrity and mundanity. And all for no money at all. Wow!
Aug 1 – 25, 4pm
The Counting House
FREE
Carly Smallman: The Appalling Carly Smallman
As enthralling as she is appalling, Carly has been on the circuit with an acoustic for some time, gaining attention for this lovely odd to her brother as well as appearance on Rob Brydon’s chat show and her experience as an improviser (including previously playing with Abandoman).
July 31 – Aug 25, 7.30pm
Gilded Balloon Teviot
£6 – £10
Other Edinburgh Festival Fringe recommendations
- Best stand-up comedy shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Best sketch and character comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Best North American comedians at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Best free comedy shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
- Best musical comedy acts at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013
