Laugh Out London brings you a list of some of the best sketch 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’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, musical/cabaret, free shows and international acts.

We’ve already published our 25 stand-up comedy recommendations for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018.

The Delightful Sausage

Regeneration Game

A delightful name for a delightful meat-themed double act who took their last Fringe show to Soho Theatre after a Fringe run that earned them many plaudits for their surreal take on the genre.

The Delightful Sausage: Regeneration Game
Monkey Barrel
Aug 2-26, noon
PWYW

Roisin and Chiara

Back to Back

I sadly missed these guys last year in Edinburgh, but I was lucky enough to catch a London performance in the autumn and was treated to an hour of chaotic and energetic joy that harked back to the better bits of the Boosh.

Roisin and Chiara: Back to Back
Heroes @ Boteco
Aug 3-26, 2.40pm
PWYW

Beard (must-see show!)

Baby Come Back

Beard had my favourite show of the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe (and also one of my favourite Fringe shows I’ve seen). It was strange, dark and completely atmospheric that chilled and delighted. Two women with beautifully odd imaginations who might be the most exciting thing in comedy.

Beard: Baby Come Back
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-26, 3.30pm
£9-£12

Lola and Jo

Focus Groupies

One of many fantastic female duos heading up to the Fringe this August. This year they take on the roles of Leslie and Jackie from almost award-winning market research company Focus On.

Lola and Jo: Focus Groupies
Underbelly, Cowgate
Aug 2-26, 4pm
£9-£10

Lazy Susan

Forgive Me, Mother!

An annual joy, Lazy Susan are masters of the self-referential sketch show that blends classic characters and situations with a metatextual break-down of the genre and their relationship. Solid sketch fun.

Lazy Susan: Forgive Me, Mother!
Assembly George Sq
Aug 1-27, 4.20pm
£9.50-£10.50

Short N Curly

Young At Start

Few things have made be laugh more than Curly (Paul F Taylor) attempting to slide glasses of whisky down a long board strapped to his chest in an attempt to recreate that cowboy cliche. Here’s hoping for more silly nonsense this year.

Short N Curly: Young at Start
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 1-27, 4.30pm
£7-£10

The Kagools

Kula

Winners of the Amused Moose Edinburgh 2017, this pair of clowns have gained a reputation for buffoonish, physical comedy.

The Kagools: Kula
The Caves
Aug 2-26, 4.30pm
PWYW

Northern Power Blouse

Up Your Promenade

This trio of northern women showcased some great acting and singing talents last year. They keep the flag flying for the north in 2018.

Northern Power Blouse: Up Your Promenade
Waverley Bar
Aug 4-18, 6.15pm
FREE

Sheeps

Live and Loud Selfie Sex Harry Potter

One of the better show titles of the Fringe this year, and definitely one of the better sketch groups. Barbed and satirical and ridiculous.

Sheeps: Live and Loud Selfie Sex Harry Potter
Pleasance Dome
Aug 1-27, 7pm
£10-£14

Sam and Tom

Interview

This highly imaginative double-act didn’t get the attention they deserved for their 2017 show, which pushed sketch comedy to its limits. This follow-up should hopefully address that.

Sam and Tom: Interview
Black Medicine
Aug 2-13, 8.15pm
PWYW

• 25 stand-up comedy recommendations for the Edinburgh Fringe 2018