10 Australian comedy artists set to shine at Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Australia’s funniest are heading to the Edinburgh Fringe, which kicked off last week in Scotland. From award winners and exciting newcomers to an actual practising doctor and a performer whose mantra is “what would someone with a huge ass do in this situation?”, here are 10 Australian acts delivering some of this year’s most exciting shows.

Celia Pacquola: Gift Horse

The 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Most Outstanding Show winner, Celia Pacquola returns to Edinburgh with a show that almost didn’t happen… until her boyfriend gifted her an inflatable kayak. Gift Horse is a brilliantly relatable reflection on love, relationships and crap presents.

Reuben Kaye: Hard to Swallow

Cabaret provocateur Reuben Kaye tackles - in stunning vibrato - the ‘isms’, including but not limited to: zionism, elitism and conservatism in his triumphant new show. As expected, it’s sharp, sexy and spectacular.

Zachary Ruane: COMEDY

Best known as a member of comedy group Aunty Donna, Zachary Ruane is finally gifting the world his solo Edinburgh debut: a brilliantly absurd send-up of comedy itself, hailed as “the most important and definitive comedic work of the 21st century” (theage.com.au*). 

*Quote taken out of context

Frankie McNair: Huge Ass Mindset

After a lifetime of making themselves small, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Most Outstanding Show nominee Frankie McNair is now facing all of life’s challenges by asking one simple question: “what would someone with a huge ass do in this situation?” The result is hilarious and moving, and will inspire you to become the ass you want to see in the world.

Scout Boxall: God’s Favourite

After winning the Pinder Prize at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Scout Boxall heads to Edinburgh with an exquisite and darkly funny journey through the worst night of their life… via the Middle Ages and a couple of strange crevices on the internet.

Noah Szto: Med School

Actual practising doctor Noah Szto’s debut Edinburgh show proves that four years of med school is one of the best - albeit uneconomical - ways to find material. From prostate exams to passing out in the OR, Med School is untold stories from the hospital, culminating in a live on-stage medical procedure (yes, really).

Lizzy Hoo: Says Hoo?

The Pinder Prize recipient at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Lizzy Hoo’s debut Edinburgh show feels like sharing four glasses of wine at a dinner party with your best oversharing friend. The goss comes out, and you may need to intervene with a “no, that’s messed up mate”.

Sashi Perera: Pear Tree

Comedian, writer and recovering lawyer Sashi Perera explores the connections between Sri Lanka and Australia with a witty take on geopolitics, love, homes, cats, and knives. Oh, and there’s singing too… obviously!

Harry Jun: Inside Jokes, Outside Voice

Rising comedian Harry Jun’s Edinburgh debut speaks specifically to fans of Korea (North and South), K-Pop (North and South), travelling, bed rotting, connection (non-WiFi related) and people with or without real jobs. If you can relate to at least one of these, this show is for you.

Josh Khoury (debuting at So You Think You’re Funny?)

As the 2026 RAW Comedy National Grand Final winner, Josh Khoury will represent Australia as part of Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s most prestigious emerging talent showcase So You Think You’re Funny? Khoury is well on his way to becoming a household name… and still manages to maintain a pretty good relationship with his grandmother (all things considered).

These artists are joined by a stack more Aussies presenting shows in Edinburgh and across the UK this festival season, including Felicity Ward, Jeromaia Detto, Ting Lim, Sammy J, Kate Dehnert, Claire Hooper, Conk, Dan Rath, Emma Holland, Tom Ballard, Geraldine Hickey and many more! Visit the Edinburgh Fringe website to view the full program.