...Jason Manford too, as Underbelly finalises its line-up

Alexei Sayle is to return to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in four years.

He is among the full line-up at the Underbelly, which goes on sale tomorrow, following an earlier batch announced last month.

Among the other comedians going on sale are Jason Manford, who performs seven work-in-progress shows in the upside-down purple cow, Ruby Wax’s new show Frazzled, which is there for three nights, and Al Porter, who plays the Cowbarn.

Sayle said: ‘I am truly delighted to be returning to Edinburgh for the first time since 2013, I lost my glasses down the back of a sofa in a pub and I'm planning to look for them. 

‘Like so many others, Edinburgh was where it all began for me and I'm coming back with a new hour that shows that I am still growing and changing as a performer. That is the challenge of Edinburgh, to be fresh and original even though I'm 85’. 

Other shows announced for Underbelly include Anne Edmonds and Tom Walker, who bring their Barry Award nominated shows to the Fringe, along with fellow Melbourne International Comedy Festival stars  Neal Portenza and Demi Lardner.

Sticking to the international theme, award-winning Italian comedian Francesco De Carlo returns with a new show about life outside your comfort zone. 

Theatre highlights include the return of Fleabag, the critically acclaimed play that sparked the BBC  comedy. But, as previously reported, creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge will not be starring herself.

Published: 10 May 2017