Edinburgh Fringe 2026: Our Scottish, Irish & Welsh comedy picks

We know choosing which acts to see at the Fringe can be overwhelming. There’s about a million things you already want to see and then you’re being bombarded with information, flyers and adverts. You feel scared, alone and helpless. Or, hey! Maybe I’m just speaking for myself! But fear not, because our trusty team of Comedy writers have got you covered, and we have fought to the death (metaphorically) to give you our favourite Scottish, Irish and Welsh ones-to-watch in this year's programme. It’s been bloody, and at times, I thought we wouldn’t make it through. After much debate, however, we give you, Battle of the Celts *insert medieval-sounding theme music with a big gong finish*.

Scottish comics to catch at the 2026 Fringe

First up, we have our NOMINEES! Beginning with Scotland, we had votes for rising Glaswegian star Eva Peroni, whose show Jungled tells the inspiring tale of how she went to Costa Rica a naïve heterosexual 17-year-old, and returned a "bald lesbian without shoes". Pretty relatable stuff. Then we have fellow Glaswegian comic Marc Jennings. His new show, If & When, sees him do what he does best: offer sharp insight into life’s many trials and tribulations.

Marjolein Robertson presents a new WIP entitled Clouds, which continues the comic’s pursuit to expertly blend stand-up and folklore, bridging the line between comedy and theatre. We continue with Eleanor Morton, a comedian who indulges us by detailing her wish to become a mermaid, ultimately taking the audience on a journey through beauty, nostalgia and, importantly, “justice for Nicola Roberts.” Then we have Connor Burns, who, amongst other achievements, has "packed Glasgow's King's Theatre five times!" He brings us a spitfire hour of quippy gags and jokes.

Irish comedians to seek out at the Fringe

Along to our nominees hailing from Ireland now. Dane Buckley debuts with a daft and affectionate show dedicated to Irish mammies, Indian grannies and his archenemy: the parish priest. What more could you want? Combining wit and observation with a wry take on the question of identity, Roger O’Sullivan returns with an hour of anecdotal material stemming from a strict rural upbringing where ‘ambition is a mortal sin.’ Lorna Ní Shúilleabháin brings to the Fringe her show Barefoot Before God. After sold-out runs in Barcelona and Dublin, the comic explores sexuality and cultural identity through the lens of Catholic guilt – before shedding it entirely.

Welsh comedians to watch 

Turning to our Welsh nominees now and we begin with Paul Hilleard, an act whose hopeful attempts at mastering the art of life have led him to some hilarious (and sometimes woeful) experiences. Ahead of his upcoming tour, Morgan Rees covers everything from falling in love to integrating into a proud Gujarati family, detailing the often perilous journey of self-discovery, and the highs and lows we encounter along the way.

Craig Manson, Marty Gleeson and Anna Thomas

On to our WINNERS now. In the Scottish category, all-rounder Craig Manson gets our vote! This year, they drop their astounding new show Bunny! Part character-comedy, part performance art, part ‘what the fuck,’ this nail-biting hour sees main character Bunny dream of becoming theatre’s next big thing, and she also just so happens to be a serial killer. A show about how some people will do whatever it takes to get to the top. 

Over to our Irish selection and Fringe debutant and rising star Marty Gleeson takes the trophy. In an abstract show about – we think – the fallibility of mankind and the anxieties (and perks) of today's world, Gleeson is a stand-out comic in a category completely of her own. Prepare to be thrust headfirst into a world unlike any other, and prepare to hear some thoughts about magpies.

Last up, we announce Anna Thomas as the winner of our Welsh category. Another debutant, another surreal tale of becoming. This time, the comic grapples with life’s many questions: how to handle loss, how to recount tales of hibernation, and fundamentally, How to Juggle a Ferret. This is a heartwarmingly funny show about grief and what to do when life gives you lemons (or ferrets).

And that’s it – our ‘Battle of the Celts’. Obviously, we can’t decide an ultimate winner between Scotland, Ireland and Wales; I’d be far too scared to begin to have that debate. Nominees and winners alike, all of these acts are deserving of a place on your Fringe calendar.

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→ Eva Peroni: Jungled, Gilded Balloon Teviot (Nook), 8-30 Aug (not 17)
→ Marc Jennings: If & When, Monkey Barrel Comedy (MB1), 7-30 Aug (not 17) 
→ Marjolein Robertson: Clouds (WIP), The Stand Comedy Club, 17-30 Aug
→ Eleanor Morton: The Mermaid, Monkey Barrel Comedy (CabVol 1), 7-30 Aug (not 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25)
→ Connor Burns: FLOW, Just The Tonic Nucleus (Just The Atomic Room), 6-30 Aug (not 18 or 22)
→ Dane Buckley: Darling, Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker One), 7-30 Aug (not 17)
→ Roger O’Sullivan: Divil May Cry, Monkey Barrel Comedy (MB2), 7-30 Aug (not 12, 18)
→ Lorna Ní Shúilleabháin: Barefoot Before God, Hoots @ Nicolson Square (Nic 4), 7-15 Aug
→ Paul Hilleard: Grogg, Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Studio), 7-30 Aug
→ Morgan Rees: What a Bummer, Monkey Barrel Comedy (MB2), 12-15 Aug
→ Craig Manson: Bunny!, Summerhall (Anatomy Theatre), 7-31 Aug (not 17 or 24)
→ Marty Gleeson: Dog Ear, Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker One), 7-30 (not 17) 
→ Anna Thomas: How to Juggle a Ferret, Monkey Barrel Comedy (CabVol 2), 7-30 Aug (not 18)