Seven sketch comedy shows to see at the 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Sketch comedy. Newcomer.

This smart sketch trio – made up of Jason Forbes, George Fouracres and stand-up Phil Wang – haven’t been around very long but they’re already causing a stir, having won the Best New Act award at London Sketchfest. Their skits are tightly-written and skilfully performed, and the threesome have a joyous chemistry.

3.15pm, Pleasance Courtyard.

Sketch comedy. Award nominee. Second show.

This dark, depraved sketch troupe (performers Kath Hughes, Edward Easton and James Meehan plus co-writer Kiri Pritchard-Mclean) bagged a Best Newcomer nomination at last year’s festival. Their skits are innovative, debauched, occasionally unsettling, and ridiculously funny. One of our favourite sketch troupes right now.

10.45pm, Pleasance Courtyard.

Sketch comedy. Character comedy.

Goose describe themselves as a ‘sweaty one-man cartoon’, and we can’t really beat that description. Despite being solo on stage, Goose are a two-man team, made-up of Adam Drake (who performs the high-energy, multi-character skits alone) and his co-writer Ben Rowse (unseen). It’s loose and fluid with a high gag rate – impressive stuff.

3.20pm, Assembly George Square Theatre.

Sketch comedy. Award nominee. Second show.

After bagging a Best Newcomer nomination in 2014, this understated sketch duo – made up of Celeste Dring and Freya Parker – return with more superb performances, silly characters and wigs Lots of wigs. Sketch comedy with heart.

8.10pm, Pleasance Dome.

Clowning. Sketch comedy. Free.

This madass double-act – made up of LAMDA graduates Letty Butler and Lucy Pearman (see what they did with their name, there?) – submerge themselves in this underwater adventure. Part ‘The Little Mermaid’, part ‘The Mighty Boosh’.

4pm, Just the Tonic at The Caves.

Sketch comedy. Second show.

Just like that street dance crew had to up their game to compete in that underground dance content in ‘Step Up 2: The Streets’ (remember?), we’re expecting this talented sketch trio to move up a gear after last year’s impressive debut. Massive Dad’s slick, traditional skits are chockablock with bold gags.

6.50pm, Pleasance Dome.

Sketch comedy. Award nominee.

Max and Ivan aren’t just any old sketch act – their feel-good storytelling shows are like live Hollywood movies, complete with explosions, love interests and unexpected twists. Max Olesker and Ivan Gonzalez play all the characters, and seamlessly switch between them. It’s impressive stuff, and earned them a Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination in 2013.

8.20pm, Pleasance Dome.