The leading female comedy brand presents a showcase of the best female acts and shows at the Fringe in association with NIVEA. Three preview shows followed by a glittering Awards ceremony with special guests. The Funny Women Fringe Award will be presented to the act or show, that best represents female talent at the Fringe.

Imagine if everyone in Southend-on-Sea spoke in Shakespearean English. Acclaimed comedian Russell Kane presents his debut Edinburgh play. In full ‘Fakespeare’ style (as seen on Paramount Comedy Channel) this four-hander piece is a base blank verse tale of love, Bacardi Breezers, and tragedie set in Southend.

Meet Verloc. Jazz enthusiast. Professional pornographer. And Britain's most incompetent terrorist. The very funny, very shocking, very true story of the man who tried (and failed) to blow up the London Eye. Inspired by real-life stories, urban myths, conspiracy theories and the writings of Joseph Conrad, Secret Agents is a fusion of truth, fiction and everything in between.

Paramount Comedy, sponsored by Magners, presents award winning comedy from Glen Wool, Dan Atkinson, Isy Suttie and Joe Wilkinson. See them all for one night only as they kick off the must-see tour of the year.Four Acts. One Roof. Loads of Laughs.

After seven sell-out years, BBC Stand Up has changed its name to BBC Comedy Presents.

BBC comedy presents a spectacular month of late night
comedy. Delivering the very best of the comedy circuit and showcasing
the stars of tomorrow, different line-up every night.
Special shows at Pleasance Courtyard on 22nd & 23rd
August, see press for details - bbc.co.uk/comedypresents
Sponsored by 2Entertain.

Britain's comedy website Chortle has scoured the country to find the best student comedians. Now, at this prestigious final, compered by a top MC, watch these future stars battle for the coveted title – and a £1,000 prize. Sell-out 2007. Previous winners include Nathan Caton (Paramount Comedy) and Lloyd Langford (Comedy Zone). Watch the heats at www.chortle.co.uk.

"The best late night show on the Fringe - brilliant!" Jason Byrne. The legendary. Afterhours is back for a 6th fantastic year with the biggest and best names in comedy! Lots more laughs and happy hour drinking, Previous line-ups have included Dara O Briain, Adam Hills, Ross Noble, Demetri Martin, Daniel Kitson, Nina Conti, Jimmy Carr and many many others.

FRI 1st
ED BYRNE, REG HUNTER, DES CLARKE, LLOYD LANGFORD, ANDREW BIRD(MC)

SAT 2nd
STEPHEN K AMOS, PAUL TONKINSON, IVAN BRACKENBURY, TOM DEACON, MARKUS BIRDMAN(MC)

THUR 7th

Sunday 10th
Comedy From Nick Doody, Danielle Ward, ED Aczel

Mind Reading from Chris Cox

Music From Team Turnip

And lots of FUN festival games.

A Glastonbury style festival in a bar! Comedians, bands, circus performers, DJs, free massages in the Healing Field and even some mud! No.1 Critic's Choice (The Times). The Fringe's most original late night show transfers after sell-out London run.