North Lanarkshire mental health recovery charity Fool On is bringing its Comedy Crew to the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a show packed with original stand-up comedy and sketches written and performed by members of its comedy workshop class.
Performance Details
Fool On will perform from August 23-31 at Hoots @ Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, 34 Bread Street, Edinburgh, from 3.50pm to 4.45pm.
Comedy Crew is a showcase of the talent, confidence and creativity developed through Fool On’s free comedy workshops, where participants are supported to write their own material, create sketches and perform on stage. Every stand-up set and sketch in the show has been created by the workshop members themselves.
About the Charity
Fool On is a mental health recovery charity using the arts to support people through creativity, connection and confidence-building. Based in North Lanarkshire, the charity runs free workshops in comedy, music, creative writing and recording, helping people improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and feel part of a supportive community.
The comedy group is mentored by Scottish comedian and actor Raymond Mearns, who has supported the participants as they develop their material and prepare to perform at one of the world’s biggest arts festivals.
Previous Success
Fool On has already shown it can attract strong audiences. Last year’s Edinburgh Fringe show came within just 40 tickets of selling out, while the group previously sold out its Glasgow International Comedy Festival show.
A spokesperson for Fool On said: “Fool On began with a simple idea – that creativity can change lives. This show is a brilliant example of that. The Comedy Crew have written their own stand-up, created their own sketches and built the confidence to take their work to the Edinburgh Fringe. It is funny, original and completely theirs. More than that, it shows what can happen when people are given encouragement, support and a chance to be heard.”
Anniversary and Recognition
Fool On celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2025, marking a decade of supporting mental health and wellbeing through music, comedy and the performing arts. In the same year, Fool On founder and volunteer Stuart Doig was honoured with the Provost Volunteer of the Year Award, recognising his outstanding commitment to supporting others through music and creativity.
Ticket Information and Fundraising
All money raised from Fool On Comedy Crew at the Fringe will go back to the charity, helping Fool On continue to provide free creative workshops and opportunities for people across North Lanarkshire. Tickets for the show are priced Monday-to-Thursday £6/Friday-to-Sunday £8 and can be booked via the Edinburgh Fringe website. For further details on Fool On and its work and events, visit www.foolon.co.uk or follow @fooloncharity on social media.
