On the Mic: Five a Day will kick off proper on August 1st. Every day Martin Walker will be reviewing and recommending five Edinburgh Fringe comedy shows.

In this pilot, we scoot round Edinburgh, checking out spaces that will become some of the Fringe's main venues. Martin chats to Dani Rae, Managing Director of the Assembly Festival. And we end with a song, from Steve’s Big Dumb Show! 

We are very grateful to Sorcha Judge, and everyone at the Fringe office. Thanks also to Amanda Emery, Bex Colwell, David Burns, Flick Morris, Gaby Jerrard, Jane Walker, Julian Hall, Madelaine Bennett, Marissa Burgess, Mel Brown and Paul Sullivan.

Thanks to the On the Mic Team, Sophie Mitchell, Bret Hart and Tom Brown.

PBH Weekender 27th-29th June 2025, in London https://linktr.ee/pbhweekender

The twenty three shows mentioned in this episode:

Abby Wambaugh: The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/abby-wambaugh-the-first-3-minutes-of-17-shows

Alan Davies: Think Ahead https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/alan-davies-think-ahead

Cabbage the Clown: Cinemadrome https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/cabbage-the-clown-cinemadrome

Elf Lyons: The Bird Trilogy https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/elf-lyons-the-bird-trilogy

Frisky's Reshuffle https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/frisky-s-reshuffle

Jason Byrne: Head in the Clouds https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jason-byrne-head-in-the-clouds

Jay Lafferty: Ooft! https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jay-lafferty-ooft

Jo Caulfield – Bad Mood Rising https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jo-caulfield-bad-mood-rising

Jordan Gray: Is That a C*ck in Your Pocket, or Are You Just Here to Kill Me? https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jordan-gray-is-that-a-c-ck-in-your-pocket-or-are-you-just-here-to-kill-me

Kate Dolan: The Critic https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/kate-dolan-the-critic

Luke Wright: Pub Grub https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/luke-wright-pub-grub

Mark Thomas WD40 https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/mark-thomas-wd40

Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway? https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/nina-conti-whose-face-is-it-anyway

Paul Sinha: 2 Sinha Lifetime https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/paul-sinha-2-sinha-lifetime

Police Cops: The Original https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/police-cops-the-original

Richard Herring: RHLSTP https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/richard-herring-rhlstp

Robin Ince: Ice Cream for a Broken Tooth https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/robin-ince-ice-cream-for-a-broken-tooth

Steve's Big Dumb Show! https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/steve-s-big-dumb-show

Susan Harrison: Should I Still Be Doing This? https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/susan-harrison-should-i-still-be-doing-this

Susie McCabe: Best Behaviour https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/susie-mccabe-best-behaviour

Takashi Wakasugi: Comedy Samurai https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/takashi-wakasugi-comedy-samurai

Tom Stade: Naughty by Nature https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/tom-stade-naughty-by-nature

2025 Last Chance Saloon with Vladimir McTavish https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/2025-last-chance-saloon-with-vladimir-mctavish

Laura Corcoran and Matthew Floyd Jones are the multi award winning musical comedy double act, Frisky and Mannish. In this classic interview, Laura chats about their origins and discusses three of our favourite F&M tracks.

Featuring songs, LGBTQIA, Do You Want to Build a Landlord? and We Are the Stars.

Frisky and Mannish's Profile HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Narin Oz (née Narin Özenci) is an actor, comedian, writer and prankster based in London, England.

She co-starred on the television hidden camera show, Girls Go Trolling (Ch4) with Stephanie O’Keeffe, Annie McGrath and Verona Rose. She acted in the TV comedy drama Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three) and in feature movies Hooligan Legacy (dir. Nicholas Winter, 2016), Finding Fatimah (dir. Oz Arshad, 2017) and several other roles.

This is her origin story.

Narin's Profile: HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Performer, writer, director and comedy polymath Stuart Laws brings his most personal show yet to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Fringe.

This is his origin story.

He also chats about his show, 'Stuart Laws Has To Be Joking?'.

Image by Ed Moore. Presented by Martin Walker.

Stuart’s Profile and Social Media HERE

Alfie co-created Gun and Wand: The Official Companion Podcast, a podcast about a TV show that doesn’t exist. We love it. 2024 sees him take his debut hour to the Edinburgh Fringe.

This is his origin story.

We also hear about that debut hour, called Alfie Packham: My Gift to You.

Image by Rebecca Need-Menear. Presented by Martin Walker

View Alfie’s Profile and Social Media HERE

Milo Edwards is not posh. But everybody thinks he is, including members of his own Essex family. So what happened?

This is his origin story.

Milo also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, intriguingly titled,  How Revolting! Sorry To Offend.

Image by Joshua Peroti. Presented by Martin Walker.

Milo’s Profile and Social Media HERE

Ollie is 32 years old this year (aka the business end of his late-20s), and he’s starting to wonder whether the reason he hasn’t yet found a wife is because he isn’t toxic enough. So he is performing in Edinburgh in a Toxic Yurt.

This is his origin story.

He also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, Comedy for Toxic People (and their friends).

Image by Gabrielle Boudville. Presented by Martin Walker.

Ollie’s Profile and Social Media HERE

Michael Kunze is an award-winning actor, writer, director and improviser. His two-hander musical comedy Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches, received multiple five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022. It was really rather good. 

This is his origin story.

We also hear from Michael about his 2024 Edinburgh show, Michael Kunze: Infinity Mirror.

Presented by Martin Walker.

Michael’s Profile and Social Media HERE

In 2012 Gearóid made his solo debut at the Edinburgh Festival with his show, Turbulence winning a five-star review in the process. Not a bad start.

This is his origin story.

We also talk about his 2024 Edinburgh show, Gearóid Farrelly: Gearóid Rage

Presented by Martin Walker

Gearóid’s Profile and Social Media HERE

You've probably seen actor/comedian Anna Akana in Marvel's Ant-Man, Comedy Central's Corporate, Netflix's Jupiter's Legacy or the Emmy-nominated series that she executive produced and starred in, Youth and Consequences. Or maybe you are one of her 2.9 million subscribers on YouTube.

This is her origin story.

This episode of On the Mic contains potentially triggering themes, strong language and references to suicide.

If you are in the UK and need someone to talk to, contact The Samaritans HERE or phone 116 1123.

On the Mic is presented by Martin Walker.

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

Alex has funny bones. He grew out of a thriving Bristol comedy scene, and in 2023 was nominated for the Best of Brighton Fringe Comedy Award for his debut show.

This is his origin story.

We also talk about his Edinburgh Fringe show, Alex Kitson: Must I Paint You a Picture?

Presented by Martin Walker

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

Mustafa Algiyadi is a comedian whose career spans stand up comedy, improvisation and, after pursuing a PhD in mathematics, Artificial Intelligence. Alongside English, he performs in Arabic, Italian, and German.

This is his origin story

We also talk about his show, Mustafa Algiyada: Almost Legal Alien.

Presented by Martin Walker.

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

Comedian, author and anaesthetist, Ed Patrick, balances the stress of being a stand up with the even greater stress of being a junior doctor.

This is his origin story.

We also talk about his Edinburgh Fringe doings, including a reprise of his popular show, 'Catch Your Breath' and a short series of live recordings of his popular podcast, 'Comedians' Surgery'.

Image by Chris Cox. Presented by Martin Walker.

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

Kate Smurthwaite is a left wing, feminist, atheist, polyamorous stand up comedian, writer and activist. She is also the host and star of the News at Kate video series. She's currently performing as a drag king with the satirical character Milo Standards.

This is Kate's origin story.

Image by Guy Smallman. Presented by Martin Walker

Kate’s Profile HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Will Owen is a stand up comedian with an obsession. He’s a reality TV cognoscenti; a professional watcher and he can name every single winner of Strictly, The X Factor, The Masked Singer and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.  

This is his origin story.

We also talk about his Edinburgh Fringe show, Will Owen: Like, Nobody’s Watching.

Presented by Martin Walker

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

The Olivier Award-winning West End hit ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ is back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for a 15th year.

Cast members Pippa Evans and Dylan Emery share their origin stories.

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

Olaf Falafel is an author, illustrator and a stand up comedian. His stupidly named comedy shows are hugely popular with critics and audiences alike.

This is his origin story.

We also talk about his Edinburgh Fringe show for adults, 'Olaf Falafel: Has Anyone Ever Actually Woven A Sigourney?' and his kid's show, 'Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show So Far'.

Presented by Martin Walker.

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

How did a young women who hated stand up become a stand up comedian? And, why does ass mean so much in today’s society? Introducing Chelsea Birkby.

This is her Origin Story.

We also talk about her Edinburgh Fringe show, Chelsea Birkby: This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky

Image by Esme Buxton. Presented by Martin Walker.

https://www.onthemic.co.uk

Nerine Skinner does the very best Liz Truss impression that we’ve seen.  As part of The Dots she had huge success on Britain’s Got Talent (ITV), reaching the Semi-Finals in 2022. Most recently Nerine came runner up in the prestigious Funny Women Content Creator Award 2023. One, as they say, to watch.

This is her Origin Story.

We also talk about her Edinburgh Fringe show, Nerine Skinner: The Exorcism of Liz Truss.

Image by Steve Ullathorne. Presented by Martin Walker.

https://www.onthemic.co.uk

Alex is a stand-up comedian who mixes smart political material with self-deprecation and observations. 

This is his Origin Story.

We also talk about his Edinburgh Fringe show, Alex Kealy: The Fear.

Image by Edward Moore. Presented by Martin Walker

https://www.onthemic.co.uk

John Dowie is a stand up comedian, writer, composer and author. His act is considered by many to be the precursor to the alternative comedy movement. Indeed, when John first started performing solo stand up, there was no live comedy circuit at all.

He has written four books, and his latest Before I Go has just been published. 

John talks to Martin Walker about the book, about his influence on comedy, and about his origin story.

Image by Steve Ullathorne.

John Dowie's Profile HERE (to buy the book, click on the Merchandise link).

www.onthemic.co.uk

Recorded live from the Assembly Club Bar in Edinburgh, Martin Walker talks to Rosie Nicholls and Sullivan Brown - the sketch comics Grubby Little Mitts. Sometimes when it feels like everything is going wrong, its because it is. Recorded on an iPhone, because rather fittingly, the mic wasn't working.

The Grubbs Linktree HERE

onthemic.co.uk

Darrell Martin runs Just the Tonic - celebrating 30 years... Darrell gives us an open an honest account of its origins, and what he really thinks of the first act he booked under the JTT banner in Edinburgh, comedian Jim Jefferies.

Presented by Martin Walker.

https://edinburgh.justthetonic.com/

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

Alex Petty runs the Edinburgh Free Festival - celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. He is promoting well over three hundred Edinburgh shows this year, but how did it all get started? When the pandemic hit, how did the Laughing Horse survive?

Presented by Martin Walker.

https://freefestival.co.uk/

https://www.onthemic.co.uk/

It's episode 100! We wanted to do something special for our century and here it is. An extended interview with the brilliant Shetland-born comedian, Marjolein Robertson.

This is her origin story.

Marjolein (for English people - its pronounced Marry-Laine) also talks about her exciting 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Marjolein Robertson: O'.

Image by John Carolan. Presented by Martin Walker.

Marjolein's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Mark is one of the greatest left wing satirists working today. Also known as a political activist, he says that comedy and politics are inevitably entwined.

This is Mark's origin story.

He also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Mark Thomas: Gaffa Tapes'.

Image art by Tracey Moberly. Presented by Martin Walker.

Mark's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Elf is an award-winning comedian, theatre maker, director, comedy writer and voice artist. She has gained a cult reputation as one of the most innovative performers on the UK comedy and theatre scene. 

This is Elf's origin story.

She also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Elf Lyons: Horses'.

Image by Karla Gowlett. Presented by Martin Walker

Elf's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

James is a multi-award-winning comedian, radio TV presenter, (and gay icon, obvs). He’s delighted audiences with his own brand of outrageous and upbeat comedy on-air, on stage and online .

This is his origin story.

He also talks about his Edinburgh show, 'James Barr: Sorry I Hurt Your Son'.

Presented by Martin Walker.

James' Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

To celebrate the release of (Mitch Benn is) All Over the Place: The English Album, we listen again to Mitch Benn chatting about Donald Trump, musical satire, Blade Runner, the Tarra Trilogy and much more.

Originally recorded during Trump's first reign, Benn's words are perhaps more relevant now than ever.

Featuring classic songs, 'Trump and Macron', 'Happy Birthday War', 'Blade Runner' and 'Everything Sounds Like Coldplay Now'.

Mitch Benn's Bandcamp site

Mitch Benn on Patreon 

Mitch's On the Mic Profile: HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Bex uses character acting to bring surreal, and yet relatable, characters to life – all struggling to find love while navigating through the barriers that come with being neurodivergent. 

This is Bex's origin story.

Bex also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Bex Turner: Bexual Healing'.

Image by Alexander Voodoo. Presented by Martin Walker.

Bex's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Rachel is a Middle Eastern American from New York City. She began performing at a young age — at age 5, she was on 'The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien', and she started doing stand-up at the Gotham Comedy Club when she was only 9. 

This is her origin story.

Rachel also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Rachel Kaly: Hospital Hour'.

Image by Samantha Rae Brooks. Presented by Martin Walker.

Rachel's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Heralded as an 'incredible joke writer' by Mae Martin, Jewish Canadian comedian Zoe Brownstone is one of London's fastest rising circuit comics.

This is her origin story.

Zoe also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Zoe Brownstone: A Bite of Yours'.

Presented by Martin Walker.

Zoe's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Known to live comedy fans as half of deadpan double-act 'Crizards', comedian Eddy Hare is bringing his debut solo show to the audiences this year. 

This is his origin story.

Eddy also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Eddy Hare: This One’s On Me'.

Image by Rebecca Need-Menear. Presented by Martin Walker.

Eddy's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Comedians Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore are 'Two Hearts', a comedy pop music duo who have gained huge success in New Zealand for their wildly funny stage shows and on-screen appearances. 

This is Joseph's origin story.

He also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Two Hearts: Till Death Do Us Hearts'.

Presented by Martin Walker

Two Hearts Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

After years away from stand-up (due to the global pandemic and a lack of interest in being out late), Alice Snedden, co-writer and co-director of BBC and HBO’s Starstruck returns to stand up with a brand new show. 

This is her origin story.

Alice also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Alice Snedden: Highly Credible'.

Presented by Martin Walker.

Alice's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Colin is a celebrated comedian, actor and writer in television, radio and theatre. He is best known to live audiences  for appearing as larger than life characters like Anna Mann. He has numerous TV and radio credits to his name 

This is his origin story.

He also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Colin Hoult: Colin'.

Image by Ed Moore. Presented by Martin Walker.

Colin's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Comedian Derek Mitchell, who has appeared on Apple TV’s Ted Lasso and whose online sketches have generated over 250 million views, speaks Double Dutch.

This is his origin story.

And he chats about his 2024 Edinburgh debut show called, 'Derek Mitchell: Double Dutch'.

Presented by Martin Walker.

Derek's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Chris Grace is, without exaggeration, one of the world's leading live comedy improvisers. He's also a stand up comedian and actor - and he's involved with multiple shows at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe.

This is his origin story.

He also talks about the Edinburgh shows that he's part of this year, including, 'Sardines (A Comedy About Death)'

Image by Eric Michaud. Presented by Martin Walker.

Chris's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Jon is a comedian, host, writer, actor, gamer and theatre director based in the UK. He is a member of YouTube channel, 'No Roles Barred' and created the party boardgame, 'You Know It'.

This is his origin story.

He also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh Fringe offerings, 'Werewolf: Live', 'Blood on the Clocktower: Live' and 'Grace and Gracey'

Jon's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Boothby Graffoe is one of the UK's leading musical comedians. In a classic interview from the On the Mic archive, we discuss his music - and the origins of his long time collaboration with actor and comedian, Omid Djalili. 

Featuring tracks, 'Spelling Sheep', 'Zombies' and the signature song, 'Hartlepool'.

Boothby's profile HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Chris is a storytelling singer-songwriter with an acerbic wit. Before making his Edinburgh debut in 2024, he cut his teeth at festivals like the Great Escape, Latitude, and Glastonbury.

This is his origin story.

He also chats about his 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Chris Tavener is Faking Cool'

Image by Brendan Clayton Photography. Presented by Martin Walker.

Chris's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

With a 2023 sold-out run at Soho Theatre, and a major role in the first-ever Jewish panto at JW3 in London, Australian, Josh Glanc, has been making waves across the UK. 

This is his origin story.

He also talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Josh Glanc: Family Man'.

Image by by Marcelle Bradbeer. Presented by Martin Walker.

Josh's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Caitlin is a stand up comedian and musician who became obsessed with bathroom graffiti while she was studying art history and getting frustrated at the pretentious exclusivity of the art world. 

This is her origin story.

Caitlin also talks about the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe version of her show, 'Caitlin Cook: The Writing on the Stall'.

Image by Arin Sang-urai. Presented by Martin Walker.

Caitlin's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

John Tothill is a comedian from Southend-on-Sea, Essex. He is a former teacher. He deliberately contracted malaria in a clinical trial, to help fund his 2023 Edinburgh Fringe debut.

This is his origin story.

John also chats about his 2024 Edinburgh Fringe show, ‘John Tothill: Thank God This Lasts Forever’.

Presented by Martin Walker.

John's Profile and Social Media: HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

The Magic of Terry Pratchett is a book, and a live show, written and presented by stand up comedian Marc Burrows.  In 2020, Marc penned the first-ever biography of Sir Terry. The book received critical acclaim, won a Locus Award and was embraced by fans. 

This is Marc's Origin Story.

He also talks about the 2024 Edinburgh version of his show, 'The Magic of Terry Pratchett'.

Photo by Kim Burrow with illustration by Andrea C White. Presented by Martin Walker.

Marc's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Michelle is an actor, singer, comedian and screenwriter, best known for her many TV appearances with the comedy group 'Aunty Donna'.

This is her origin story.

She also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Michelle Brasier: Legacy'.

Image by Simon Schluter. Presented by Martin Walker.

Michelle's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Hailing from Australia, Trigger Happy productions presents, 'Swamplesque'. 2024 Edinburgh cast members are Trigger Happy (pictured), Tash York, Henny Spaghetti, Tugboat Tiffy, Bebe Gunn, Chris Nims, Rainbow and Rebel Lyons.

This is their origin story.

Image by Caitlin Boland © KTB MEDIA 2022. Used with permission.

Presented by Martin Walker.

Trigger Happy's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

Anna is an improvisor from the US. She chats about her first improv moment on stage at around nine years old, trying to make her scene partners laugh and why audiences love it when things go wrong.

This is her origin story.

She also talks about her shows, 'Baby Wants Candy' and 'Shamilton'.

Presented by Martin Walker.

Baby Wants Candy's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

A masterful storyteller with one of the most amiable and easy-going stage presences on the comedy circuit today, Harry Stachini looks at honesty in his latest Edinburgh offering.

This is his origin story.

And he talks about his 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Harry Stachini: Grenade'.

Image by Lewis Coleman. Presented by Martin Walker.

Harry's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk

After coming out in her late 30s, the off-kilter Funny Woman finalist and BBC New Act nominee is returning to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

This is her origin story.

She also talks about her 2024 Edinburgh show, 'Amy Mason: Free Mason'.

Image by Lucy Ridges. Presented by Martin Walker.

Amy's Profile and Social Media HERE

www.onthemic.co.uk