Scottish Comedy Highlights: July 2026

Hello, your new Comedy Editor Phoebe here! Nice to meet you! As excited as we all are to be on the countdown to this year's Edinburgh Fringe, let’s not forget our dear friend July and all it has lined up for WIP season (yay!) Chosen as one of ‘The Stand 5’ to be sponsored for this year’s Fringe, local treasure Matthew Gallagher prepares for his first-ever Fringe run by trying out some quippy one-liners and ideas for size (The Stand, Glasgow, 18 Jul).

Susan Calman revisits the stage after almost a decade out of the spotlight, testing the waters with new jokes and fresh perspectives. We’re very excited to see her back on the stand-up scene (The Stand, Glasgow, 25 Jul).

The Stand presents Stand Up for Palestine, a fundraiser supported by an incredible bill of renowned comics. There’s also a raffle with prizes from local Palestinian businesses – what’s not to love! Head on over to show solidarity through laughter (The Stand, Glasgow, 6 Jul).

Trailblazing cabaret night Queer Theory impresses with a raucous lineup for its Pride month special. Combining comics, drag artists and circus acts alongside musicians and DJs, clearly this is not one to be missed! (Mono, Glasgow, 18 Jul).

Over in Edinburgh, there’s much to look forward to. At the Monkey Barrel, Marc Jennings (Monkey Barrel, Edinburghm 2 Jul), Eva Peroni (Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh, 17 Jul) and Kate Hammer (Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh, 18 Jul) all gear up for the Fringe with WIPs detailing a range of personal journeys – from self-discovery trips to Costa Rica through to questionable interactions on Vinted. Shelf present their new kids' show (Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh, 11 Jul), no doubt a big ol’ delight for the entire family.