Funny Ha Ha: Top Comedians from The Edinburgh Fringe 2008

August is upon us! The month where just a handful of festivals are left to attend before the cool winds of autumn blow us all back into welly-less hibernation. But for those seeking a festival with a difference this summer, the Edinburgh Fringe is where it's at. For those who've never been, here is the Whisper Mag guide to the top comedians to catch. Get your laughing gear around this lot.

Ahir Shar and Alex Maple

This quirky odd couple has developed a devoted fanbase in recent years and the 2008 Fringe is shaping up to be no exception. Both hilarious people in their own right, when combined the pair are a force to be reckoned with, delivering eye-opening sketches on everything from politics and race to the world of media and religion.

www.ahirandalex.com

David O' Doherty
An Irish warbler who offers comical lyrical observations to his quality ditties, O'Doherty adds a touch of irony to his act at this year's Fringe. Creating a world where legendary clever people end up in bed together and dolphins are the catch of the day, Mr O'D does a good line in surreal which is worryingly real.

David Benson

For those seeking something more cultural, why not try singing comic David Benson?

This acclaimed comedian is using his high-class wit on a different medium: the songs of Noel Coward. Bizzarely brilliant or just plain bonkers? You decide.

Ed Byrne
You know this one. He's on telly lots and is the long-haired, foul-mouthed,
fast-talking Irishman who reflects on life at a whimsical gallop. Heckle this man if
you dare - you'll never get a word in and if you do you'll be laughed at for long
time after. Genuinely funny and bizarrely attractive. Go see Ed if there are any
tickets left.

Lucy Porter

Finally, a female comedian! Where are they all? Ladies, we know how funny we are, and make no mistake, Lucy Porter knows it too. The leading light in female stand up, Lucy has been doing the rounds at the Fringe for the last six years or so and this year's show is set to be bigger and better than last year's, with naked truths, toe-curling confessions and quips on life's happenings. Miss her, miss out.

Carol Leifer
For those among us who still find Victoria Wood hilarious even though she's the same age as our mum, meet Carol Leifer. She's 40-something, she's talking marriage, divorce, babies - and she's bloody funny! Kind of like the anti-Loose Woman. Irreverent, amusing and a good one if you're with mum, Aunty Barb, your cousin Susan etc.

Neil Delamere
A Fringe veteran, Neil has been doing the circuit for almost ten years and this year's show is worth seeing if only for the terrible pun. Creme Delamere is another set that should meet with the approval of fans who have helped him gain cult like status in recent years. Subtle, dry wit is the order of the day here. Not necessarily laugh-out-loud funny. Delamere is too cool for that nonsense.

New Art Club

A comedy dance duo that use their contemporary choreography to make people laugh. Sounds a bit weird, right? Well not for dancing duo Pete Shenton and Tom Roden. These two took the two-step and threw in some gags to give the Fringe an act like no other. They're a bit kooky, but then that's what the Fringe is all about.

Wendy Wason
The 30-something Scottish comedienne who started out in telly (Taggart, Coupling to name a couple) has blossomed as one of the Fringe's favourite acts, having debuted in 2001 in a play and moving on to stand up in 2005. Funny lady,great act.

Miles Jupp

Eeeek! It's that weird bloke from the kids show Balamory! Actually, this guy is much more than a pink jumper-wearing, cartoon-like Scottish dude. He's also rather amusing. In fact, he's award-winning. Take your fella for the cricket references,
take yourself just because he's funny. Embrace the weird and you'll be surprised by what you find.