Ben Pope on the best and worst of the Edinburgh Fringe

Comedian Ben Pope – who is running a ‘book club’ gig at the Edinburgh Fringe next week – talks about what he can't get enough of at the festival; recalls his most embarrassing Edinburgh experience and complains about the worst thing about the Fringe (apart from the cost of accommodation, obviously).

Edinburgh Binge

The shows are great. But it’s the food for me! While the festival is on it feels like there’s a city-wide embargo on having to eat well. A quick bacon burger between two shows? Of course! A hog roast bap with your evening pint? Naturally! A full haggis breakfast with your morning coffee? You’re participating in a rich and storied culture! I believe this year the Fringe Society has actually managed to get gout as one of their sponsors.

But seriously, Edinburgh is a great food city - there’s a sandwich spot called Alby’s that I can’t wait to return to. There’s a pop-up called Tia Chelas opening in the cafe Margot on the Meadows doing Mexican food that I’m excited for. And there’s so much good coffee - I hang out a lot at Cult where they do a mean cup and the vibes are excellent.

Edinburgh Cringe

Plenty to choose from. I did a lot of Fringe shows in my 20s when embarrassment was part of the house-style.

Perhaps this: I remember very vividly being 25 and going for a night out at the now-defunct central C Venues hub. I was going through a break-up and I got so drunk that on the way home through the Meadows I vomited against a tree and the angle was so miraculous that it ricocheted perfectly against the bark and, in its entirety, back onto my own shirt. 

This was in full view of a gaggle of cool teenagers who immediately started cackling with laughter. Suffice to say, my self-esteem reached exciting new depths below sea level.

Edinburgh  Whinge

Jealousy. It’s a febrile place for the old ego. One day you’re a worm. The next you’re king of the castle*. It can do horrible things to your brain. 

I’ve gazed at shows by acts I know and love and seethed with envy for their bums on seats, their buzz, their reviews. You have to find a way to deal with it - practise Buddhism, or yoga, or some kind of pillow-based tantric screaming - anything to get out of the ‘crabs in a bucket’ mentality. 

Because what a lovely, gorgeous bucket Edinburgh is. And what a happy bunch of crabs you all are! Trying to climb out of a wet, slippery PVC bucket is what you do best! Do it with grace and elan!

*figuratively speaking - Edinburgh of course has an actual castle, the king of which is, I believe, the King.

• Ben’s Book Club runs at 16:40 Assembly George Square Studios on August 17, 18 and 19.  

Published: 14 Aug 2026