Search: Comedy - Edinburgh Festival Guide

Last year she was a Fringe hit with Girl Going to Hell but this year New York comic Abigoliah Schamaun returns with a whole different set of dirty jokes, a new wardrobe of too-short skirts and a selection of freaky side-show stunts. See a comedian stick a needle through her own hand for your (but mostly her) entertainment! It's all about the thighs and dick jokes, so most everyone will laugh but at least one person will faint **** (Skinny), **** (ThreeWeeks).

The Fringe hit returns for a fourth year! Racing Minds present an improvised comic adventure based entirely on audience suggestions - unique every day. A doddery grandfather can't quite remember his ripping yarn, but with your help a mystery stuffed with hilarious characters, whip-smart wit and breathtaking twists will take hasty shape before your very eyes. Anything could happen, but excitement is guaranteed! 'Genuinely reach the heights of early Python' **** (ThreeWeeks). ***** (Festival Journal). **** (BroadwayBaby.com). WhatsOnStage.com No.1 Improv Pick of the Fringe 2011. Suitable for all ages.

Disney promised we'd be princesses, so why are we crying into our Haagen-Dazs? Forget kissing frogs and marrying trolls, let’s rewrite the rules and bring back princess power with help from our friends Kate Middleton (Royal princess), Jasmine (Disney princess) and Britney Spears (pop princess). Personal, interactive and inspirational how-to on dating for 21st century wannabe princesses. A show for anyone who has ever loved, been loved or longed for a diamond the size of their fist. ‘Positive, fun, feel good ... probably the best free Fringe show I've seen’ (Scotsgay).

After several years cutting a truly original path between rap music and comedy, Abandoman are stepping up their award-winning game. Now performing as a full band, they’ll innovate mixtape mashups and futuristic jams live on stage, using the history of hip-hop as their blueprint, and you as their inspiration. From Kanye to Jay Z, from country to funk, this show will contain musical, lyrical and comical scenes of a seriously awesome nature. Are you ready to take the trip? **** ‘Flight of the Conchords meets 8 Mile’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Truly innovative’ (Guardian).

Feast on five of the tastiest up-and-coming comedians on the circuit including your award-winning headliner Masai Graham. 'Flashes of proper genius' (Chortle.co.uk). Showcasing a different line-up every day.

Hottest Fringe comedy acts chat with daily blogger John Fleming - the Chortle comedy industry website called him ‘the Boswell of the alternative comedy scene’. And there's usually going to be regular guest Kate Copstick, the Scotsman’s most feared and influential critic. With laughs, rude language, scandalous anecdotes and (with luck) gross offensiveness and possibly even nudity. Who knows? Free to get in, pay what you want to leave. Or buy a ticket in advance. You can read John's daily blog at www.blog.thejohnfleming.com. Guests will be announced on www.thejohnfleming.com.

Two hour charity variety show. Presentation of three annual Malcolm Hardee Comedy Awards. Star names, spaghetti juggling, Russian Egg Roulette Championships, gross offensiveness, nudity. Performers announced nearer the date. Previous Malcolm Hardee tribute shows included Jo Brand, Jimmy Carr, Jools Holland, Stewart Lee, Johnny Vegas. ‘One of the top comedy events of the year’ (Metro). ‘Eclectic and bizarre’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘The true anarchic spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe’ (BBC News). ‘There are awards and then there’s Malcolm Hardee’ (STV). All money collected goes to Mama Biashara charity.

Total sell-out 2005-2012 returns with a brand new line-up. 'Comedy the way it should be: laugh-a-minute, leaving the audience wishing the show was a little bit longer' (Fest). Joe Davies: 'one naturally funny man, wonderfully daft and addictive to watch' (LaughOutLondon.co.uk). Luke Graves: Hackney Empire New Act finalist, 'a brilliant young comic bursting with promise' (Arthur Smith). Max Dickins: '...wonderfully deranged ideas...' (Scotsman), '...volumes of charm and a penchant for the unexpected...' (Fest). Book early! www.boundandgaggedcomedy.com

Total sell-out 2010-2012 returns with a brand new line-up. Laura Lexx: ‘probably the funniest solo comedian that we saw all week’ (edfringe.com 2012). ‘One of the most delightful performers you're ever likely to see’ (GQ Magazine). Nick Dixon: Finalist-‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ 2012. ‘Delightfully offbeat turn of phrase...elegantly constructed writing’ (Chortle.co.uk). Stuart Mitchell: Finalist- ‘Hackney Empire New Act of the Year’ 2012. ‘Rising star of the comedy circuit’ (Scotsman). Book Early!

Aussies, long bumpy bus journeys, Germans, hostels, Americans, Lonely Planet, backpacks, hippies, tours, gap year, Israelis, TripAdvisor. It’s all here and more in this acutely observed guide to backpacking by avid traveller Jody Kamali.