Laugh Out London brings you a list of some of the best special comedy shows you will see at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018.

These are the shows that don’t fit well into any of our categories and include some mixed-bill nights, multimedia adventures and contrived conceits.

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.

See our other Edinburgh Fringe recommendations for 2018, including the including the best stand-up shows, the best sketch shows, the best character/clown shows, the best free comedy shows, the best musical/cabaret shows, the best theatre shows, the best special shows and the best international shows.

Foxdog Studios

Robot Chef

We first caught IT consultants/musical comedians Foxdog Studios a couple of years on the free festival for a late night show that encouraged audience members to control characters on a screen with the phones in a show that combined songs, tech wizardry and immersive fun. They’re deservedly at a bigger venue at a more appropriate time for a show that will amaze newcomers to their world of multimedia interactivity.

Foxdog Studios: Robot Chef
Boteco
Aug 2-26, 1.20pm
PWYW

A Comedy Show On Top Of Arthur’s Seat

A Comedy Show On Top Of Arthur’s Seat

A show that does exactly what its title says. Meet at the top of the volcano for a mixed bill of very tired comedians. Previous guests include Josie Long and Rich Fulcher.

A Comedy Show On Top Of Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat
Aug 18, 2pm
FREE

Cat Pictures to Music for an Hour

Cat Pictures to Music for an Hour

A show I know nothing about except for the title. I assume it’s self-explanatory.

Cat Pictures to Music for an Hour
The Hive
Aug 2-26, 3.20pm
PWYW

Limmy

Limmy’s Vines

The greatest comedic mind Scotland has produced in a long time puts on a compilation of his twisted, brilliant Vines – a seven-second video clip artform that Limmy managed to perfect.

Limmy’s Vines
The Stand’s New Town Theatre
Aug 3-12, 7.10pm
£16

Brain Rinse

Brain Rinse

Another show where I know little about except for a very intriguing blurb that has definitely piqued my interest. “a bizarre, madcap, interactive sketch show starring you, the audience”

Brain Rinse
Surgeon’s Hall
Aug 3-25, 7.10pm
£10-£12

Accessibility Gala

Accessibility Gala

A mixed-bill fundraiser that brings attention to one of the most disappointing aspects of the Fringe – the lack of accessible venues. It’s ridiculous the lack of effort and investment that has gone into ensuring that anyone who wants to see a show can actually get into the venue where it is being performed. Hopefully this can even can help spur some change for the better.

Accessibility Gala
Pleasance Dome
Aug 13, 8.20pm
£9

Joz Norris

Joz Norris Has No Show This Year, but Mr Fruit Salad Does

LOL favourite Joz Norris hasn’t got a solo this year sadly. But he is inviting his good friend Mr Fruit Salad to perform for a couple of nights in a tent. We are excited to see this bright newcomer.

Joz Norris Has No Show This Year, but Mr Fruit Salad Does
SpiegelYurt
Aug 18-19, 9pm
PWYW

Max and Ivan’s Prom Night (must-see show!)

Max and Ivan’s Prom Night

The sketch due behind Fringe hits such as The Wrestling are back with another amazing sounding spectacle that will undoubtedly sell out. The guys are bringing together some of their comedy mates to put on a whole night in the style of a 50s American prom. Period dress is encouraged.

Max and Ivan’s Prom Night
Assembly High
Aug 24, 9pm
£16

Colin Hoult

Anna Mann’s Late Night Cheese and Sex Party

Brill character comic Colin takes on the role of over-the-top actress/singer/nightmare Anna Mann to host a few late-night mixed bill cabaret shows. And anything that includes cheese will always get a recommendation from us.

Anna Mann’s Late Night Cheese and Sex Party
Pleasance Courtyard
Aug 21-25, 11pm
£14

John Luke Roberts

Terrible Wonderful Adaptations

The clown prince of alternative comedy brings together his comedy friends and idiots to present three more adaptations of unadaptable texts following the catastrophic success of last year’s performance of Francis Fukuyama’s discredited political treatise, The End of History.

John-Luke Roberts: Terrible Wonderful Adaptations
Pleasance Dome
Aug 10,17, 24, 11.20pm
£10

Stamptown

Stampton Comedy Night

Top clowns Zach and Viggo but an absurdist cabaret featuring some of the Fringe’s top acts.

Stamptown Comedy Night
Underbelly, Cowgate
Aug 9, 16, 23
Midnight
£8

John Kearns and Pat Cahill

110% John Kearns and Pat Cahill

The dream team of Edinburgh Comedy Award winner John Kearns and surreal songsmith Pat Cahill put on two late night shows on a bus. We’re hoping for a triumphant return of The Country Boys.

110% John Kearns and Pat Cahill
Blundabus
Aug 7, 9, 12.10am
PWYW

Carl Donnelly

Carl Donnelly Speaks To Dead People

Top comedy sort Carl Donnelly gets the ouija board out to try and connect with some departed souls.

Carl Donnelly Speaks To Dead People
Blundabus
Aug 18-22, 12.10am
PWYW

• 15 free comedy recommendations for the Edinburgh Fringe 2018
• 20 character/clown comedy recommendations for the Edinburgh Fringe 2018
• 10 sketch comedy recommendations for the Edinburgh Fringe 2018
• 25 stand-up comedy recommendations for the Edinburgh Fringe 2018
• 10 musical/cabaret recommendations for the Edinburgh Fringe 2018
• 11 theatre recommendations for the Edinburgh Fringe 2018
• 13 special recommendations for the Edinburgh Fringe 2018