The best free shows at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe

In its 70th anniversary year, it's fantastic to see the Edinburgh Festival Fringe maintain the spirit of '˜47 by continuing to feature a plethora of shows that won't cost you a dime.
From clockwise: Egg; Christopher Bliss; Carmen LynchFrom clockwise: Egg; Christopher Bliss; Carmen Lynch
From clockwise: Egg; Christopher Bliss; Carmen Lynch

With so many to choose from, though, it’s incredibly difficult to know what to see and what to avoid. Luckily, we’ve delved into all the latest reviews to bring you six top-rated free shows at this year’s Fringe we think you’ll love.

Comedy: The Ruby Darlings: Lil’ Darling’s Lady Power ****

“It makes for a convivial and conversational show as well as a witty, revealing and surprising one. You are also guaranteed to come away with at least two colourful new euphemisms.”

Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68)

Until 16 August. Today 10:30pm.

Theatre: Egg ****

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“Creator Theodora van der Beek is a brilliantly understated comic writer and performer who draws on the work of Andy Warhol and Lady Gaga, as well as the punk spirit of Deborah Harry and the Sex Pistols to create a highly original stripped-back sci-fi comic-tragedy, delivered with the dry, self-knowing narration of a piece of pulp fiction.”

Bourbon Bar (Venue 333)

Until 27 August. Today 2:15pm.

Comedy: Stuart Goldsmith: Like I Mean It ***

“A smooth, charming comic who will warm up any wet Edinburgh afternoon.”

Liquid Room Annexe (Venue 276)

Until 27 August. Today 3:45pm.

Theatre: Awake ***

“It’s rare to see such a confident debut solo show from a young actor but, in this case, that confidence is merited.”

Laughing Horse @ The Cuckoo’s Nest (Venue 106)

Until 27 August. Today 6:45pm.

Comedy: Christopher Bliss: Writing Wrongs ***

“A significant departure from Carter’s accomplished but less distinctive musical comedy work, Bliss is rather more than the sum of his parts, capably endearing with his artless, oblivious silliness.”

Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68)

Until 27 August. Today 2:55pm.

Comedy: Carmen Lynch: Lynched ***

“The New York-based comic’s material tends towards the bleakly cynical, establishing her tone with a darkly funny morning-after-pill gag soon after her ­insincere gratitude for ­Donald Trump’s presidency.”

Laughing Horse @ The Counting House (Venue 170)

Until 27 August. Today 4pm.

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