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Here’s a comedy-focused roundup of what was noteworthy on the opening day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Friday 1 August 2025:

Highlights from 1 August 2025 — Comedy at the Fringe

1. Fringe Kicks Off with Star-Studded Comedy Line-Up

On the very first day, the 2025 Fringe launched with a vibrant slate of comedy shows spanning stand-up, character comedy, musical satire, and more. Standouts teased in advance included:

  • Desiree Burch returning with The Golden Wrath, tackling the midlife crisis and menopause.
  • Joe Kent-Walters reviving the quirky Frankie Monroe in DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time).
  • Lorna Rose Treen offering her eccentric character-driven 24 Hour Diner People.
  • Urooj Ashfaq presenting How to Be a Baddie, a playful riff on self-reinvention.
  • On the musical theatre side:
    • Hot Mess, blending pop and climate change.
    • A Jaffa Cake Musical, debating whether the beloved snack is a biscuit or a cake with catchy songs.

(The Times, The Week)

2. Chortle Previews Comedy Acts

While pre–1 August coverage didn’t provide reviews from that day specifically, Chortle published preview lists—including names likely performing from opening day onwards—such as:

  • Ayoade Bamgboye: Swings and Roundabouts
  • Dan Rath: Tropical Depression
  • Joz Norris: You Wait. Time Passes.
  • Dan Tiernan: All In
  • Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer

(Chortle)

These acts represent a mix of emerging voices and smart, observational stand-up that shaped the Fringe’s comedy identity from Day 1.

3. Scotsman Highlights Four- and Five-Star Comedy Shows

A Scotsman roundup published on 1 August acknowledged the explosion of shows that immediately stood out. Although the full list wasn’t accessible, it confirmed that critics had already awarded four- and five-star reviews to several comedy acts right at the festival’s opening.

(The Scotsman)

Summary Table — Comedy Opening Day Snapshot

Type of Coverage Highlights
News Preview (The Week) Shows with big names and inventive concepts, from menopause comedy to snack musicals
Chortle Previews Acts like Tropical Depression and All In hint at stand-up variety and talent
Critical Reviews (The Scotsman) Several comedy shows instantly earning high praise and strong reviews on Day 1

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