The Fool On Comedy Crew, a group from a North Lanarkshire mental health recovery charity, will perform at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe from August 23 to 31. Their show features original stand-up comedy and sketches written and performed by members of the charity's comedy workshop class.
From workshops to the world's biggest arts festival
The group is not made up of professional comedians. They are ordinary people who joined free comedy workshops run by the charity, often seeking connection, confidence and something positive to be part of. The group is mentored by Scottish comedian and actor Raymond Mearns.
The members have written the stand-up and created the sketches themselves. Their Glasgow International Comedy Festival shows sold out, and last year's Edinburgh Fringe run finished only around 40 tickets short of selling out completely. They will now return to Edinburgh for nine performances at Hoots @ Hilton.
Proceeds support free creative workshops
Every penny raised from the shows goes back into Fool On, helping the charity continue providing free comedy, music, creative writing and recording workshops for people experiencing mental health difficulties and isolation.
Raymond said: “The principal aim of Fool On is to “Empower Recovery Through Creativity” and time and again this has been a real-life outcome for members of the “Fool On Comedy Crew” but don’t just take my word for it, the members themselves have said:
- “Helps you to cheer up”
- “Helped with my social anxiety”
- “Brought me out of my shell and made me more confident”
- “Stopped me slipping into depression”
“These are just some of the comments from some of the participants of the Comedy Workshop which is run every Tuesday by Fool On and which is mentored by myself.
“And we have gone further than simply running workshops, we have taken what we have learned and worked on in the class and taken it onto a live stage.
“In 2025, and again in 2026, the Fool On Comedy Crew did sold out shows, each year at The Glasgow International Comedy Festival and they were described as: “Great Storytellers” by InstaFestReview.com.
“And in 2025 they did an amazing one week run at The Fringe where they were 40 tickets short of a total sell-out!
“I have been a professional stand-up comedian and actor for nearly 30 years and in my opinion the commitment, talent and bravery shown by the members of the Fool On Comedy Crew is remarkable and an inspiration to everyone.”
