When asked why he was recommending these shows, Guy Montgomery had this to say:
'Abby Howells - One of the most exciting and original voices to come out of New Zealand in years. Also one of the worst spellers I know. I am an enormous Abby Howells fan
Carlo Ritchie - Carlo directed my show last year and he has the most expansive, intelligent mind in comedy. Also this show has what will surely be in the running for the funniest joke of the festival (it's about stand up on the Titanic)
Dan Tiernan - Big fan of Dan in what I've seen live and also on the internet. Explosively funny and it almost feels like he is almost out of control, only he then says something so perfectly constructed that he must be in control.
Hannah Camilleri - She is unbelievably charismatic! I will watch her every year she makes a show
John Cruckshank & Ray Badran - My two favourite Australian stand ups unite for what will be one of the most relaxed shows of the festival, with some of the most brilliantly stupid jokes.
Luke McQueen - I am DEVASTATED to miss this show. The first time I saw Luke in Edinburgh was 2015 and I have been in awe of him ever since. This will be so twisty and turny and most of all funny.
Zainab Johnson - We clashed last year so I didn't get to see her full show but my favourite set of 2025 was watching her at Festival Club.'
