65 new shows announced

Frank Skinner, Julian Clary and Mark Steel have joined this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

They are among 65 new shows today announced as part of Assembly Festival’s programme, which now runs to more than 200 shows.

A major batch of new shows will go on sale at the official Fringe box office on Wednesday, but some of the bigger venues release their additions early.

Skinner will perform a work-in-progress show in which he reflects on his successes and setbacks. Clary premieres Fully Dilated, a show in which he explores his traumas and secrets as a ’renowned homosexual’. And Steel transfers his podcast format to the stage in What the F*** Is Going On?, a stand-up show about the state of the world.

Also on the bill is Gail Porter, who debuts Portergeist in her home city of Edinburgh, drawing on her experiences of fame, homelessness and ghost-hunting.

Vittorio Angelone, a regular at the festival, revives You Can’t Say Nothing Anymore for three nights. Pierre Novellie, who has appeared regularly on BBC Radio 4, will perform a show drawing on the best of his Edinburgh stand-up work from the past ten years.

And Ben Pope hosts a new comedy book club featuring two guests yet to be named.

A number of Melbourne International Comedy Festival award-winners will also be playing Assembly: Celia Pacquola, who won most outstanding show this month; Lizzy Hoo, who the Pinder Prize; and doctor-turned stand-up Noah Szto, who won best newcomer last year.

Assembly’s artistic director, William Burdett-Coutts, said: ’As our 45th season at the world’s biggest arts festival, we’re delighted to be able to Shine a light on some outstanding new work, returning favourites and artists from around the world.’

Tickets go on sale at noon.

• Fast Fringe, Chortle’s showcase of a dozen top comedy and variety acts, returns to Pleasance Dome at 6.30pm daily during the Fringe. Tickets.

Published: 1 May 2026