Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014: 5 hotly-tipped sketch comedy debuts

• Brian Donaldson
• 25 July 2014

This article is from 2014.

Aunty Donna / Photo: James Penlidis

Featuring Aunty Donna, Gein's Family Giftshop, Massive Dad and zazU

Aunty Donna

Not, in fact, a polite family lady, but a trio of quite-rude, variably hairy Aussie chaps called Broden, Zachary and Mark. That nation’s Herald Sun said they produced ‘uproarious, high-octane comedy’.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, 1–25 Aug (not 11), 10pm, £10. Previews 30 & 31 Jul, £5.

Gein’s Family Giftshop

Earlier this year, Manc threesome Gein’s Family Giftshop won Sketchfest, an award scooped in 2013 by The Pin. That seems to be enough of a recommendation right there.
Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 2–24 Aug (not 11), 10.45pm, £7–£9 (£6–£8). Previews 30 Jul–1 Aug, £6.

Harvey, Garvey and The Kane

Harvey (who used to be one half of Toulson and Harvey) worked with Kane in sketch group Men of War. Garvey rhymes with Harvey and was a half-wolf dad in CBBC drama Wolfblood. He also shares his full name with an early 20th-century Jamaican political leader. Confused? Don’t be: it’s just a sketch show.
Underbelly, Bristo Square, 0844 545 8252, 2–24 Aug (not 11), 4.55pm, £11–£12 (£9–£10). Previews 30 Jul–1 Aug, £6.

Massive Dad

Not, in fact, a huge family gentleman, but a trio of funny young women. A horse features in a number of their publicity pictures to date. We’re not too sure how significant that is.
Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 2–25 Aug (not 13), 6pm, £7.50–£9.50 (£6.50–£8.50). Previews 30 Jul–1 Aug, £6.

zazU

A foursome (with a silent fifth partner) who appear to have emerged from the bowels of NewsRevue. Josie Lawrence and Matt Berry like them.
Underbelly, Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, 2–24 Aug (not 13), 3.40pm, £9–£10 (£8–£9). Previews 31 Jul & 1 Aug, £6.