Article Source: W Edinburgh
Last Updated: 1 August 2025 13:00
The exclusive partnership between W Edinburgh and The Stand will bring live Fringe Festival performances directly to the stylish setting of W Edinburgh’s Studio Suites which will transform into an intimate Fringe stage hosting a 70-minute live comedy showcase every Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, from 1st to 23rd August.
Comedy-lovers are in for big laughs, unforgettable acts, and a powerhouse line-up of comedy talent, such as BBC Scotland’s Mark Nelson, The Guilty Feminist co-host Jessica Fostekew and The Chase’s Paul Sinha - all packed into a high-energy 70-minute showcase in the buzzing heart of St James Quarter.
For locals after a fresh Fringe fix, or festival-goers seeking comedy with flair, this is the ultimate backstage pass to laughs with a luxury twist. Featuring the city’s buzziest names, cult favourites and Fringe legends, the vibe comes alive as W Edinburgh delivers the funny in the signature W setting. It’s all part of W Edinburgh’s always-on programming, a bold calendar of curated happenings designed to electrify the city’s cultural pulse, day and night.
Tickets are available now for £20 via The Stand’s official Fringe site.
Full Line Up:
Friday 1 August
Host: Jay Lafferty, Featuring: Tom Stade, Ian Stone
Headliner: Mark Nelson
A multi-award-winning Scottish comic and master of darkly funny storytelling, Mark brings razor-sharp wit and fearless punchlines. A true cult favourite of the Fringe circuit with a growing international profile.
Saturday 2 August
Host: Susan Morrison, Featuring: Gareth Mutch, Ignacio Lopez
Headliner: Kai Humphries
As seen on Comedy Central and Netflix’s Daniel Sloss: Live Shows, Kai brings wide-eyed charm and high-octane energy to every set. His storytelling style is big-hearted, hilarious, and impossible not to love.
Friday 8 August
Host: Stu Murphy, Featuring: Andrew Maxwell, Amanda Dwyer
Headliner: Desiree Burch
A former Funny Women Award winner and Netflix’s Flinch host, Desiree is magnetic on stage – whip-smart, bold and boundary-pushing. Expect electric delivery and unfiltered truth bombs wrapped in big laughs.
Saturday 9 August
Host: Ria Lina, Featuring: Sergi Polo, Paul McDaniel
Headliner: Ian Smith
A Fringe regular with multiple five-star shows under his belt, Ian’s mix of surreal observations and self-deprecating charm make him one of the most consistently funny acts on the circuit.
Friday 15 August
Host: Amy Matthews, Featuring: Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, Ray O’Leary
Headliner: Jessica Fostekew
Star of Live at the Apollo and QI, Jess blends punchy political takes with brilliant physical comedy. She’s intelligent, unpredictable and unmissable – her Fringe shows regularly sell out for a reason.
Saturday 16 August
Host: Chris Forbe, Featuring: Jay Lafferty, Paul Black
Headliner: Paul Sinha
Best known as “The Sinnerman” on ITV’s The Chase, Paul Sinha is also an award-winning stand-up with pitch-perfect timing and a beautifully warm stage presence. Come for the trivia king, stay for the comedy gold.
Friday 22 August
Host: Sam Lake, Featuring: Ed Patrick, Karen Dunbar
Headliner: Tanyalee Davis
At just 3’6”, Tanyalee Davis delivers comedy that’s larger than life. A global touring act featured on The John Bishop Show and Live at the Apollo, she combines personal storytelling with powerhouse punchlines.
Saturday 23 August
Host: Daisy Earl, Featuring: Russell Hicks, Grace Mulvey
Headliner: Lucy Porter
A true stand-up stalwart and Fringe favourite, Lucy is known for her sparkling delivery and sharp, observational comedy. With TV credits from Mock the Week to Have I Got News For You, she brings class, charisma and laughs that land every time.
Make a night of it at W Edinburgh with pre-show dinner or post-show cocktails at W Edinburgh’s bold dining and bar destinations from the 360 degree rooftop W Deck to the skyline views of SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh and local favourite Joao’s Place speakeasy.
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