Fringe is less than two weeks away!

From August 13-23, hundreds of shows will descend on dozens of venues in Old Strathcona. It can be overwhelming even for the most dedicated theatregoers.

I am an expert-level fringer. Once again this year, I'll be sharing reviews of shows at the Edmonton Fringe. They've got stars, short reviews, and no fluff.

Most importantly, they are correct.

The point is to get you to a show you want to see.

And so, here's six pre-fest recommendations so you can hit the (festival) grounds running.

Edmontask: two performers in suits hold a wax-sealed envelope under the show's logo. Five stars, quoted "Edmontask gets better every year."

Edmontask (2026) 5 out of 5 stars Returning · 2025

Edmontask has quickly become one of my favourite things at Fringe each year.

The ambition is off the charts. The crew does a full year of filming in advance of the Fringe – and every show is different. You can go to all nine, have completely fresh content every time, and not have a worse experience. In fact, I would argue that the experience gets better if you do go to all nine.

It's also quintessentially local. These are all Edmontonians making fools of themselves.

Not sure if you'll like it? No need to guess, you can watch all of last year's shows, in full, on YouTube.

The Review by Martin Dockery: two suited men with oversized heads look upward against a red and yellow glow. Labelled a show to watch, quoted "Martin Dockery is a Fringe staple."

The Review by Martin Dockery (2026)

Previously: The Stakeout 5 out of 5 stars (2025)

Martin Dockery is a fringe staple.

He's got a long list of hits at previous fringes. Last year, I saw The Stakeout 5 out of 5 stars (2025), and loved it a lot. It was a play with an exceptionally dumb premise that ended up being quite meaningful with a lot of heart.

I wouldn't have expected a show about two guys on a stakeout of two guys on a stakeout of them to be an emotionally impactful show, and yet he did it.

Dockery's past work earns him a spot on the must-watch list.

Field Zoology 301: Myths & Monsters: Dr Brad Gooseberry shades his eyes in front of a looming sasquatch shadow. Five stars, quoted "Every few seconds there's a new joke or riff, and they're clever enough to stay fresh the whole way through."

Field Zoology 301 (2026) 5 out of 5 stars Returning · 2024

This show originally staged at the 2024 Fringe and I loved it. It's a no-frills show, just a man (absolutely dedicated to staying in character), an overhead projector, and phenomenal joke writing.

The jokes are so dense you'll miss a couple while you're still laughing at the previous ones.

Truly impressive work.

Sketchy Broads presents: Resting Bitumen Face: five performers smeared with black bitumen pose around a boardroom table. Labelled a show to watch, quoted "Sketchy Broads have made themselves a must-see each year."

Sketchy Broads presents: Resting Bitumen Face (2026)

Previously: Sketchy Broads: Choosing the Bear 5 out of 5 stars (2024), Sketchy Broads: Easy Bake Coven 4 out of 5 stars (2025)

After two years of shows, Sketchy Broads is back for a third.

This all-femme troupe is clever, consistent (and surprisingly blue in their humour). Sketch is so often hit-and-miss, but Sketchy Broads hits way more often than they miss.

110% Wizard: Keith Brown fans a deck of playing cards, tinted red. Five stars, quoted "This show has been updated with an additional 10% wizard."

110% Wizard (2026) 5 out of 5 stars Returning · 2025

Previously: 100% Wizard 5 out of 5 stars (2025)

I saw this show in 2025 (with 10% less wizard), and it was phenomenal. My least favourite part about magician acts is the gaudy, skeevy showmanship. Keith has none of that.

He knows he can do impressive things, so he just gets up on stage and does them. He lets his performance speak for itself. All the while, he's a talented and funny orator. It reminded me a lot of Justin Willman, of whom I'm also a fan.

Bring your kids to this one. It's fully family-friendly, and all performances this year are "relaxed". If you have sensory issues or can get overstimulated, this show will make you feel welcome, and the Granite Curling Club has space to spread out and go somewhere quiet.

Pork & Beans: Attorneys at Law: an illustration of two cartoon lawyers, one with a monocle, arm in arm. Labelled a show to watch, quoted "I have been floored by the level of talent of each individual in this team. I'm ready for the musical theatre avengers to assemble."

PORK & BEANS: Attorneys At Law (2026)

Previously: Sam's Clam and Oyster Bar 4.5 out of 5 stars (2025), Soup and Hogan's 16th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest 2 out of 5 stars (2024)

I cannot express how excited I am for this one. My ideal fringe show exists in the precise intersection of "completely dumb", "full of heart" and "wow, they're actually so talented".

Top Bunk Theatre nails all three.

I loved the idea and a lot of their 2024 show, Soup and Hogan's 16th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest 2 out of 5 stars (2024), but thought it just needed a few more rounds in the cooker. And next year, with Sam's Clam and Oyster Bar 4.5 out of 5 stars (2025), they cooked.

Of all my picks here this one is the most "risky". You have to be okay with a show and cast knowing they're doing a ridiculous thing and leaning all the way in.

And I'll be leaning in from my seat.

That's six! I hope something caught your eye, but if nothing did, I can't emphasize enough, just pick a show and go.

For me, the most fun at Fringe comes from going to a show on a lark, and because completely surprised (good or bad) at the result.

You can follow along on Instagram, for more reviews, text and video, as the festival unfolds.

Tickets go on sale August 5th.