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As a reviewer at the Edinburgh Fringe for Metro this year, I can confidently say there are some seriously exciting talents which have just landed on the London scene.
When a Fringe show is announced for an autumn Soho Theatre run, it’s because they have proved themselves as having one of the buzziest shows of the festival. Especially when you consider there are over 3,000 shows to choose from, this is an undeniably impressive feat.
The iconic Soho haunt – often heralded as London’s most vibrant comedy and theatre breeding ground – has now launched its second venue in Walthamstow, and has a number of incredible five star Fringe shows lined up for September and beyond.
Whether you’re into surprising and silly character comedy; a rollercoaster two-person theatre show; or a bit of good old fashion stand up comedy from a powerful new voice, here are our expert recommendations.
Ada & Bron: The Origin of Love
This show is a frantic, ridiculously clever two-person sketch comedy, telling the story of romantic love in its many messy, illogical and hilarious forms.
While Ada Player and Bron Waugh made a splash at the Edinburgh Fringe this year – and deservedly so, their show was off-the-rails genius and expertly crafted – they have already been nominated for a BAFTA for their Channel 4 comedy Peaked.
These two are not to be missed for an uproarious, deliciously unhinged hour of pure play and giggles.
Ada & Bron: The Origin of Love is showing at Soho Theatre (Soho) from September 13 to October 18. Tickets from £16 here.
Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer
Sam Nicoresti was this year’s winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award’s (ECA) best comedy show – the biggest honour in UK comedy. She is also the first trans comedian to win the gong in the history of the festival.
Reviewed as one of the Fringe’s smartest voices, Baby Doomer follows Sam’s journey home as she asks the question: is there ever the perfect skin suit?
Sam is officially the most exciting comedian on the scene in 2025 according to the ECA judges, so run to see her before it sells out.
Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer is showing at Soho Theatre (Soho) from Wednesday September 3 to Saturday September 27 with breaks. Tickets from £19 here.
Ayoade Bamgboye: Swings and Roundabouts
Ayoade Bamgboye won the second hottest award in comedy, the ECA’s best newcomer award, at this year’s Fringe.
Her hour uses storytelling, observational comedy and even song to delve into her reality of being a Nigerian Londoner, with all its contradictions and tales.
To be in with a chance of seeing one of the fastest rising breakout stars of 2025, don’t miss Ayoade.
Ayoade Bamgboye: Swings and Roundabouts is showing at Soho Theatre (Soho) from Monday October 6 to Saturday October 11. Tickets from £18 here.
Lorna Rose Treen: 24 Hour Diner People
24 Hour Diner people is a glimpse into character comic Lorna Rose Treen’s magnificent imagination.
The comedian takes the audience through an American diner, playing all the characters she imagines meeting – from a long-armed trucker to a femme fatale plotting a murder.
It’s pure bonkers fun with a brilliant structural arch, and you’ll leave feeling light, refreshed and full of admiration for this exciting talent. 24 Hour Diner people was also nominated for the Comedian’s Choice Awards 2025.
Lorna Rose Treen: 24 Hour Diner People is showing at Soho Theatre (Soho) from Monday September 8 to September 13. Tickets from £19 here.
Liam Withnail: Big Strong Boy
Liam Withnail laces his storytelling with knee-smacking laughs and movingmoments, making for stand-up comedy perfection.
His previous show was all about his journey in and out of hospital with ulcerative colitis.
This year he’s back and telling the story of how he ran away from home at 18 (which he wryly reflects was, in actual fact, just moving out). His show was met at the Fringe with a buzz of four and five star reviews, so don’t miss out.
Liam Withnail: Big Strong Boy is coming to Soho Theatre (Soho) on just three nights – November 6, 7, and 8. Tickets from £19 here.
Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time)
Joe Kent-Walters put alternative comedy officially back on the map with his first Fringe extravaganza as the outrageous Frankie Monroe in 2024, winning the ECA best newcomer gong.
This year he’s back with a second innings as the Rotherham working men’s club MC Frankie, to delighted reviews and a deserved Soho Theatre run.
Not one to miss if you’re a fan of captivating character comedy, hellish cackles and riotous fun.
Joe Kent-Walters is Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time) is showing at Soho Theatre (Soho) from November 17 to 29. Tickets from £19 here.
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