LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Gilded Balloon unveil brand new acts for Fringe 2024

The Fringe’s original home of comedy, Gilded Balloon have revealed their full line-up for 2024’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including Jack Docherty, Andy Gray tribute & Paul Black.

Gilded Balloon unveil brand new acts for Fringe 2024

Article Source: Gilded Balloon
Last Updated: 7 May 2024 8:51

7th May 2024: The Fringe’s original home of comedy, Gilded Balloon have revealed their full line-up for 2024’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, adding huge names including Jack Docherty taking on Scot Squad’s The Chief, sketches and stand-up from Paul Black, brand new comedy play Chemo Savvy in tribute to the late Andy Gray, live comedy podcast The Guilty Feminist, Kim Blythe’s Fringe debut, a trip down Scottish musical history in Broadside Ballads and more.

Gilded Balloon shows take place from 31st July - 26th August with tickets on sale from 12pm Tuesday 7th May - tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk

Jack Docherty said, “I’m delighted to be performing once again as The Chief. It’s been a while since he brought his wit and wisdom to a live audience and I can’t wait to unleash him at the festival. He is, was and will always be, unapologetically, The People’s Chief - Leader of Men.”

Paul Black said, “I’m buzzing to be bringing a brand new show to the Fringe this year and even more excited that we’re doing a sketch show. It’ll be a lot of daft sketches and characters, some that people may have seen before if they follow me online and some brand new stuff.”

Grant Stott, Chemo Savvy said, “This new play ‘Chemo Savvy’ was Andy’s idea and finally getting to stage it at the Gilded Balloon, our Fringe ‘home’ for so many years, is perfect. I’ve always felt we had unfinished business - as our Fringe adventures ended so abruptly - so this will be a wonderful way to bring this very special chapter to a close. I have no doubt that staging this play in memory of our Big China will be an emotional rollercoaster for every single one of us involved. It’s a difficult subject to tackle, but as Andy gloriously showed through his own experience - you had to have laughs along the way.”

Hosting over 130 shows across two venues at Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland, Gilded Balloon returns to the Fringe for its 39th year with an expertly-curated programme of comedy, theatre, children’s shows, magic, improv and more. Fringe fans can expect; the return of Jack Docherty as Scotland’s favourite cop ‘The Chief’, a brand new hour from Paul Black, comedy play Chemo Savvy inspired by the late great comedian Andy Gray, TikTok star Kim Blythe’s Fringe debut, award-winning podcast The Guilty Feminist, a trip down Scots music history with members of Del Amitri, Orange Juice and The Bluebells in Broadside Ballads, the UK’s leading political podcast The Political Party with Matt Forde plus comedy combined with the city’s best street food at Edinburgh Comedy Social.

BAFTA award winning star of Scot Squad, actor, comedian and writer Jack Docherty returns to Gilded Balloon following rave reviews and a sell-out run in 2023. Jack’s brand new show The Chief - No Apologies will welcome BCB Scotland’s Scot Squad Chief himself to Edinburgh Fringe, as he looks back on a long career righting wrongs, crushing crime, battling bams and never ever apologising. Following three consecutive sold out Fringe runs, one of the UK’s brightest comedic talents, Paul Black brings his brand new show All Sorts to Gilded Balloon’s Patter House. Blending sketches and stand-up with characters old and new, All Sorts is a must for fans of Paul’s viral online comedy, which has reached over half a billion views worldwide.

Brand new comedy play Chemo Savvy will make its Fringe debut with a story inspired by the late great comedian Andy Gray and his battle with leukaemia, starring Grant Stott, Jordan Young and Gail Watson. A rollercoaster of tears and laughter, the show follows the protagonist's journey, inspired by Andy Gray’s own experiences, as a family is broken and ultimately reunited by the experience, with plenty of gallows humour throughout.

A must for any music fans - take a trip down Scottish music history in Broadside Ballads as members of iconic bands Del Amitri, Orange Juice, Simple Minds and The Bluebells join forces to take audiences on an immersive journey through Scotland’s rich musical heritage, through a captivating blend of music and projection. Or, journey back to Glasgow in the 1950s as one of Scotland’s most beloved plays takes up residence at Gilded Balloon - The Steamie. Revisit Tony Roper’s loveable characters as four Glaswegian women look ahead to the New Year and all the challenges it may bring.

Comedian Deborah Frances-White will host live shows of her podcast phenomenon The Guilty Feminist at the National Museum of Scotland, welcoming special guests as they discuss topics that face all 21st century feminists following over 150 million downloads of the podcast. Meanwhile, the UK’s top political podcast returns for two live shows as The Political Party with Matt Forde is set to once again welcome the country’s top political minds, with previous live show guests including Nicola Sturgeon, Tony Blair and Alastair Campbell.

In this sizzling summer of stand-up, Gilded Balloon will welcome some of Scotland’s top TikTok stars including Kim Blythe, otherwise known as Kimbo, who will make her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut. Following two sold out shows at Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Kim ventures into the world of stand-up comedy in Might As Well, offering a glimpse behind the camera as she navigates the pitfalls of adulthood. Plus, Glaswegian comic Mark Black will perform a new stand-up and musical hour with The Drink. The Drugs. The Scratchcairds. Following rave reviews in Glasgow, fans can follow the comedian’s journey from drug addict to men’s mental health advocate, from gaffs to ice baths, featuring songs, wild characters and Mark’s trademark dark humour.

Back for 2024, Gilded Balloon will host Comedy Night at the Museum, a late night unrehearsed and unrestrained show where comedians from around the world will blur the line between arteFACT and arteFICTION in a completely improvised set prompted by genuine artefacts from the National Museum of Scotland. Prepare for some historically inaccurate but absolutely hilarious facts and fiction!

Following the success of sell out show Leith Social, Gilded Balloon have joined forces with the city’s favourite foodie hangout, Edinburgh Street Food, to curate a new monthly comedy night kicking off in May, which will expand to weekly shows in August. Fringe fans can take in the ultimate dinner and a show at Edinburgh Comedy Social with the capital’s funniest night out, and only dog friendly comedy night, serving up the very best street food and small plates - August line-ups to be announced imminently.

It’s a family affair at Gilded Balloon with the captivating Wood Owl and the Box of Wonders, the story of a lonely little owl with an enormous heart featuring beautiful handmade puppets, original music and a fantasy world with an age-old message, guaranteed to delight all the family.

Pop Off, Michelangelo is the world premiere of a musical comedy about two best friends Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo who decide to become the greatest artists of all time so God will forgive them for being gay - expect historical inaccuracies but pure hilarity. Ravers can relive their youth at Rave New World, with tales of revolution, acid house and mischief marking the 35th anniversary of the 1989 Summer of Love in a show where you may even learn the real words to your favourite 90s dance anthems. Plus, American Horror Story actress Naomi Grossman pens a love letter to AHS fans in American Whore Story, a behind the scenes look at Naomi’s history of hustling, whilst Jamie Denbo, writer/producer on hit show Grey’s Anatomy presents her alter-ego in Beverly Live! exploring everything from her golden years in California to how to avoid being cancelled.

TikTok star Siomha Hennessy ventures out from cornering strangers in the smoking area to tell them her life story to doing it in a theatre instead with comedy cabaret show 30 Under 30; 2023 sell out sensations 1 Hour of Insane Magic return; award winning duo The Awkward Silence journey through your wildest dreams in hallucinatory sketch comedy feast Mind Milk; and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Andrew Clover faces reality after sailing the Atlantic and making a life changing discovery.

With over 130 shows to choose from, Gilded Balloon’s Fringe 2024 programme is a veritable feast of huge names, new comedic talent, exhilarating magic shows, thrilling theatre and classic shows like Late’n’Live and So You Think You’re Funny?

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said, “We’re thrilled to unveil Gilded Balloon’s full programme for 2024 with a fantastic blend of rising stars, big names and weird and wonderful shows set to entertain audiences in Edinburgh this summer. Welcoming back the likes of Jack Docherty and Paul Black with new shows following sell-out runs last year is so exciting and we’re particularly proud to be working with the wonderful team on Chemo Savvy, which is a beautiful, heartwarming and hilarious tribute to our friend Andy Gray.

“It’s set to be another stellar year for Gilded Balloon across our two venues, especially with the introduction of new shows like Edinburgh Comedy Social and the return of Comedy Night at the Museum. We can’t wait to open the doors at Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland and enjoy another incredible month of comedy, theatre, magic, kids shows and more.”


Gilded Balloon’s ‘Pals in Pink’ will welcome audiences from around the world as staff transform Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland into fabulously pink hubs of creativity with acts from every genre descending during the month of August.

Prepare for a pink takeover this August as Gilded Balloon presents the very best rising stars, renowned comedians, spellbinding magic shows, thrilling theatre and wild and wonderful kids shows this Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Book online from 12pm on Tuesday 7th May at tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk
or call Tel: 0131 622 6552

Image: Chemo Savvy
Image Credit: Tom Duffin

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

New Play about masculinity, mental health and Mens Sheds announced

New Play about masculinity, mental health and Mens Sheds announced

New play 'Men Don’t Talk' by Clare Prenton explores masculinity, mental health and Men’s Sheds, as part of Scottish tour this Autumn.

READ MORE
KAYAK Reveals UK Travel Spikes Ahead of Taylor Swift Eras Tour

KAYAK Reveals UK Travel Spikes Ahead of Taylor Swift Eras Tour

The Edinburgh Eras: Flight and Hotel prices on the rise, as Global Pop Icon Taylor Swift descends on Scottish capital for June tour.

READ MORE
Local rugby clubs wins dream prize to train with Scotland internationalists

Local rugby clubs wins dream prize to train with Scotland internationalists

Local rugby club, The Boroughmuir Banshees, had a once in a lifetime opportunity to train with Scottish internationalist Pierre Schoeman.

READ MORE
Norton House Spa shortlisted in Good Spa Guide Awards

Norton House Spa shortlisted in Good Spa Guide Awards

Norton House Hotel & Spa from the award-winning luxury family-owned Hand Picked Hotels has been nominated for the UK wide Good Spa Guide Awards 2024 in the ‘Best Day Spa of the Year’ category.

READ MORE
A trendy new rooftop bar opens in Edinburgh City Centre

A trendy new rooftop bar opens in Edinburgh City Centre

Edinburgh’s bar scene has a sleek new addition with the launch of LOCHRIN on the top floor of the Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge in Freer Gait, close to the city centre.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo to host summer BRICKLIVE animal sculpture trail

Edinburgh Zoo to host summer BRICKLIVE animal sculpture trail

A Bengal tiger, an octopus and a 212kg orangutan are among the animals made from toy bricks that will be on display at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo this summer.

READ MORE
Score your own Innis & Gunn bar for the Euros 2024

Score your own Innis & Gunn bar for the Euros 2024

Innis & Gunn are hitting the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow with a pop-up bar where you can pour your own pints!

READ MORE
Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Opens World Tour at Edinburgh Playhouse

Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Opens World Tour at Edinburgh Playhouse

Multi-award-winning global hit stage show Moulin Rouge! The Musical, will launch its first ever World Tour at the Edinburgh Playhouse with performances from 25th April to 14th June 2025.

READ MORE
Wonder Fools are delighted to announce their brand new season of ambitious socially engaged theatre

Wonder Fools are delighted to announce their brand new season of ambitious socially engaged theatre

This season is their biggest and most ambitious to date and includes an incredible mix of productions in venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
London Student Launches First Play At Edinburgh Fringe

London Student Launches First Play At Edinburgh Fringe

Winston’s Wish Youth Ambassador Teigan Banks is launching her first play at the Edinburgh Fringe. '7 Steps to Feel Completely Happy Again' draws on her own experience of childhood bereavement.

READ MORE
The 75th Ideal Home Show Scotland returns with celebs, home inspo and more

The 75th Ideal Home Show Scotland returns with celebs, home inspo and more

The UK's biggest and oldest home and garden exhibition is back in Scotland for the 75th time and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!

READ MORE
Safestay Hostels & Hotels appoints General Manager of new Edinburgh Cowgate location

Safestay Hostels & Hotels appoints General Manager of new Edinburgh Cowgate location

Safestay Hostels & Hotels have announced the appointment of David McLachlan as General Manager of Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate — opening on 6th June 2024.

READ MORE
Dewars launches a series of captivating conversations across Edinburgh throughout May

Dewars launches a series of captivating conversations across Edinburgh throughout May

Enjoy an evening of discovery with the premium Dewar's Blended Scotch Whisky as they launch its Blended Conversation Series in leading bars across the city.

READ MORE
Household Cavalry Portraits Gifted to King Charles III During His Coronation Open Floors Castle Season of Events

Household Cavalry Portraits Gifted to King Charles III During His Coronation Open Floors Castle Season of Events

Floors Castle is hosting a special exhibition by British photographic artist Ripley, including twelve large-scale portraits of a truly British institution, the Household Cavalry.

READ MORE
Postponed Springfest is back on 18th and 19th May

Postponed Springfest is back on 18th and 19th May

Having been postponed in April due to high winds, Loch Lomond Shores are delighted to welcome the delayed festival back on the 18th and 19th May!

READ MORE
St James Quarter offers FREE therapy sessions to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

St James Quarter offers FREE therapy sessions to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, St James Quarter is hosting a programme of wellbeing activities in partnership with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid to support the community.

READ MORE
Dobbies announces community winners for national campaign

Dobbies announces community winners for national campaign

Dobbies has revealed the community and charity groups across the UK that will receive support to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces this year.

READ MORE
Jason Donovan To Star In Rocky Horror Show At Edinburgh Playhouse

Jason Donovan To Star In Rocky Horror Show At Edinburgh Playhouse

Jason Donovan is set to thrill theatre audiences, as he joins the cast of Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical the Rocky Horror Show, to star as Frank ‘n’ Furter!

READ MORE
Edinburgh based Pub Company raises money for leading Loneliness Awareness Charity

Edinburgh based Pub Company raises money for leading Loneliness Awareness Charity

Heineken-owned Star Pubs' – headquartered in Edinburgh – is giving a £50,000 boost to leading loneliness charity Marmalade Trust2 through a series of 10 sponsored walks.

READ MORE
Here & Now announces programme for Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Here & Now announces programme for Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Here & Now announces their Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 programme with a curated showcase of four exciting performances and three exceptional industry events taking place across the city.

READ MORE
Black Sheep Coffee Launches in Haymarket Square

Black Sheep Coffee Launches in Haymarket Square

Black Sheep Coffee is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square, Edinburgh on 14th May and is offering £1 coffees throughout the first day.

READ MORE
The Spanish Butcher officially opens today in Edinburgh

The Spanish Butcher officially opens today in Edinburgh

RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today (Friday 10th May) officially opens The Spanish Butcher at 58A North Castle Street.

READ MORE
Taylor Swift themed brunch comes to Scotland

Taylor Swift themed brunch comes to Scotland

Get ready to shake it off and dive into an unforgettable brunch experience at Gaucho!

READ MORE
Optimistic Scotland fans become the heroes of new campaign from IRN BRU

Optimistic Scotland fans become the heroes of new campaign from IRN BRU

IRN-BRU is helping to build hype for the national side ahead of the Euros by turning some of Scotland's most hopeful fans into stars.

READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh teams up with Chef Barry Bryson for an exciting collaboration

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh teams up with Chef Barry Bryson for an exciting collaboration

Edinburgh's culinary scene is about to get even more exciting as Duck & Waffle's Corporate Chef Maxwell Terheggen teams up with one of the city's top chefs for an exciting collaboration.

READ MORE
New outdoor cocktail bar experience sweeps into Edinburgh

New outdoor cocktail bar experience sweeps into Edinburgh

Scotland’s world champion curling team has swept into action to launch two new outdoor cocktail bar experiences in the heart of Edinburgh for spring and summer.

READ MORE
Underbelly announce their 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Programme

Underbelly announce their 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Programme

Underbelly is thrilled to announce the latest lineup of shows completing its Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 programme.

READ MORE
NQ64 Edinburgh levels up with new summer drinks menu

NQ64 Edinburgh levels up with new summer drinks menu

Retro arcade game & classic console venue NQ64, is levelling up this summer with a brand new cocktail menu that will have you pressing "start" round after round.

READ MORE
The Health Lottery launches the Paying It Forward Podcast

The Health Lottery launches the Paying It Forward Podcast

The Health Lottery is excited to announce the launch of its newest venture, the 'Paying it Forward' podcast, hosted by renowned radio and TV presenter, Danni Menzies.

READ MORE
Rodney Wages moves his restaurant Avery from San Francisco to Edinburgh

Rodney Wages moves his restaurant Avery from San Francisco to Edinburgh

Acclaimed American chef Rodney Wages has confirmed the opening of his first UK restaurant, Avery, in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge on 21st May.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Edinburgh Castle Gun Salutes
Edinburgh Castle hold a number of gun salutes throughout the year to mark various special occasions!
Taylor Swift Parties At Malones
Ready to party like it's 1989?! Our Taylor Swift pre & after parties at Malones Edinburgh will be beyond your Wildest Dreams.
Castle Street Market
Held in brightly coloured gazebos in the heart of central Edinburgh, Castle Street Market is filled with top quality products and has something to satisfy every taste!
Sci-Fire: A Creative Writing Workshop
Join us on 15th June at the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage for this writing workshop where you’ll think creatively and playfully to imagine new tales about the future of firefighting!
Skinny Living
Three piece indie soul group Skinny Living will headline La Belle Angele on Thursday 17th October!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall