Once again Laugh Out London brings you a list of some of the best stand-up comedy shows you will see at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018.

As usual we’ve avoided some of the bigger names and focused on newer/less-established acts who should be among your favourites, if they aren’t already. The shows are listed in chronological order for your convenience.

New for this year is our ‘must-see’ show. In each of our Fringe recommendation categories we will pick one outstanding act that you simply must see (‘it all makes sense!’ – Ed). It’s the one that’s all highlighted below.

We’ll bring you more comedy recommendations for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018 over the coming weeks, including the best in character/clowning, sketch, musical/cabaret, free shows and international acts.

Eleanor Morton

Great Title, Glamorous Photo

Eleanor was one of the highlights of last year’s Fringe for a powerful show that explored her exploding anger as a young woman in world that can be a hostile place for anyone with ovaries. This year she’s looking to reinvent herself as the “sexy, confident comedian she has always secretly probably been”.

Eleanor Morton: Great Title, Glamorous Photo
The Stand
Aug 1-25, 12.05pm
£9

Lou Sanders

Shame Pig

Lou always produces a show packed with original ideas and an unstoppable sense of fun. This year her material takes a more serious approach, tackling shame, sobriety and unrequested sex.

Lou Sanders: Shame Pig
Monkey Barrel
Aug 2-26, 12.30pm
PWYW

Jessie Cave

Sunrise

Jessie’s last show in 2015 – a heartfelt, hilarious and honest take on being a young mother while still struggling to be an adult – ranks among my favourite Fringe shows ever. Her return is very welcome.

Jessie Cave: Sunrise
The Stand
Aug 3-26, 2.25pm
£10

Grainne Maguire

I Forgive You, Please Like Me

Grainne is in demand as a writer for all the top topical comedy shows, but she’s also a thoughtful and charming stand-up too, making the political accessible.

Grainne Maguire: I Forgive You; Please Like Me
Gilded Balloon Teviot
Aug 1-26, 3.15pm
£8.50-£9.50

Bilal Zafar

Lovebots

Bilal is an exciting young comic talent who was nominated for Best Newcomer in 2016 and won the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year Award.

Bilal Zafar: Lovebots
The Mash House
Aug 2-26, 3.45pm
PWYW

Catherine Bohart

Immaculate

Debut hour from this young Irish act who I first saw in an arcade bar in Peckham. She was great then is a safe bet for an assured first outing.

Catherine Bohart: Immaculate
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 4.15pm
£9.50-£10.50

Maisie Adam

Vague

Maisie – winner of So You Think You’re Funny 2017 – smashed it when she did Laugh Out London earlier this year. We can’t wait to see her first full show.

Maisie Adam: Vague
Gilded Balloon Teviot
Aug 1-27, 4.30pm
£9

Sindhu Vee

Sandhog

Former banker Sindhu is now firmly established on the comedy circuit. 2018 may be her breakthrough year at the Fringe.

Sindhu Vee: Sandhog
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 4.30pm
£8-£10

Luke McQueen

Monster

Luke will always be one of our favourite performers. He’s a man who’s not afraid to force himself and the audience out of their comfort zones and create something truly memorable.

Luke McQueen: Monster
The Hive
Aug 2-26, 5pm
PWYW

Sarah Keyworth

Dark Horse

Another act who’s shown her brilliance at regular LOL nights, Sarah is emerging as a brilliant young voice discussing gender and sexuality in accessible, meaningful and funny ways.

Sarah Keyworth: Dark Horse
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 5.30pm
£9-£11

Jamali Maddix

Vapelord

A refreshing voice in comedy who’s gained praised for his Viceland show Hate Thy Neighbour, which has seen him meet many wrong’uns. Expect stories on those travels and astute commentary on modern society.

Jamali Maddix: Vape Lord
Monkey Barrel
Aug 2-26, 6pm
PWYW

Stevie Martin

Vol 1

As one third of top sketch group Massive Dad, Stevie has already had success and acclaim on the Fringe. This year she’s going it alone.

Stevie Martin: Vol 1
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-27, 6pm
£8-£10

Rose Matafeo

Horndog

This UK-based New Zealand comic had one of the most acclaimed shows of last year’s festival. This year’s effort has already been nominate for the Barry Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Rose Matafeo: Horndog
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 6.20pm
£9-£11

Daniel Cook

Carpet

An act I’ve still yet to see, but multiple people excitedly recommended Dan’s debut free show to me last year. He promises to talk his new pet cat. I’m in.

Daniel Cook: Carpet
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 6.45pm
£7-£10

Lauren Pattison

Peachy

Another breakthrough star of last who managed to sell out her run super early after some top reviews and excitable word-of-mouth. With that momentum behind Lauren will be another favourite this year.

Lauren Pattison: Peachy
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 7pm
£10-£12

Andy Barr

Neustadt

Regular LOL MC Andy had a lovely little show last year that saw Daniel Kitson and Tim Key among its fans. He’s only got better since.

Andy Barr: Neustadt
Black Medicine
Aug 3-26, 7pm
PWYW

Heidi Regan

Heidi vs Sharks

A very hotly anticipated debut from a comedian who’s already won So You Think You’re Funny and the BBC New Comedy Award.

Heidi Regan vs Sharks
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 7.15pm
£8-£10

Mat Ewins (MUST SEE SHOW)

My Mistake! The Doors Are Not Open; The Show Has Been Cancelled. Do Not Have Your Tickets Ready!

Our stand-out show of last year, Mat combined technical brilliance and non-stop laughs to create an hour that was both astounding and hilarious. We’re pretty sure he will nail it this year as well.

Mat Ewins: What Sorry? My Mistake! The Doors Are Not Open; The Show Has Been Cancelled. Do Not Have Your Tickets Ready!
The Hive
Aug 2-26, 7.20pm
PWYW

Sean Morley

I Apologise For My Recent Behaviour

A new favourite at LOL, Sean is an absurd and imaginative new voice in comedy.

Sean Morley: I Apologise For My Recent Behaviour
Dragonfly
Aug 2-26, 7.20pm
PWYW

Jordan Brookes

Bleed

Jordan is many comedians’ favourite comedian and it was very exciting to see him make something of a breakthrough last year, picking up a very deserved nomination for Best Show from the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Awards.

Jordan Brookes: Bleed
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 8.30pm
£10-£13

Rosie Jones

15 Minutes

Another act who did a shortened set last year ahead of a debut full hour in 201, Rosie has already shown a knack for mischievous jokes and joyful dickheadery.

Rosie Jones: 15 Minutes
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 8.30pm
£7.50-£10

Matthew Highton

Insufficient Memory

A very welcome return for one of our favourite Weirdos. Matt tells tall stories that are equally absurd and engrossing. And funny. Very funny.

Matthew Highton: Insufficient Memory
Heroes @ Dragonfly
Aug 2-25, 8.40pm
PWYW

Darren Harriott

Visceral

A nominee for Best Newcomer last year, Darren has continued to develop as a comic, blending the political and the personal from an individual perspective.

Darren Harriott: Visceral
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 9.30pm
£8.50-£10

Micky Overman

Role Model

A nominee for Best Newcomer at the Chortle Awards, Micky has quickly won plaudits since starting out in stand-up. Her show this year focuses on her experiences as a nanny.

Micky Overman: Role Model
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 10.30pm
£7.50-£10

Michael Clarke

Felt

We saw a shorter embryonic version of this show last year and it got us very excited about what young Michael could end up doing. Interactive and anarchic.

Michael Clarke: Felt
Black Medicine
Aug 6-26, 10.45pm
PWYW