Hackney comedians test new shows ahead of Edinburgh Fringe 2026
Work in Progress performances at London clubs let audiences see early versions of acts heading to the festival next month
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London comedy clubs are hosting Work in Progress shows this month, giving audiences a first look at acts heading to the Edinburgh Fringe. Five performers with Hackney links are among those testing new material before the festival begins on 1 August.
Freddie Meredith, a regular host at MOTH Club in Hackney, brings *Need a Light?* to Baby Grand at Pleasance Courtyard. The Standard described his style as combining "uncomfortable self-awareness" with skits that reference 2000s television, noting his appeal to younger east London audiences.
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Debut shows at Pleasance Courtyard
Ele McKenzie performs *Bringing It All Back Home* at Bunker Two, Pleasance Courtyard. The Standard reported that she describes herself as "a sort of horny teenage boy in the body of an adult woman," delivering "shame-free self-deprecation." McKenzie also appears in the BBC sitcom *Funboys*.
Harriet Richardson’s *Creep* runs at Below, Pleasance Courtyard. The Standard said her early Work in Progress performance at The Bill Murray in Angel left audiences "mouths agape," with a show that begins with her viral 100 virtual dates and shifts to a darker story about an encounter with a male comedian.
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SNL UK cast at Monkey Barrel
Ania Magliano’s *Peach Fuzz* sold out at Monkey Barrel 3. The Standard noted that the 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee explores themes of sexualised performance and floatation tanks. Magliano appears on *SNL UK*’s *Weekend Update* segment.
Paddy Young’s *Will Sir Be Laughing Alone?* continues at Monkey Barrel 1 until 3 August. The Standard said the show includes material about stag dos, flatmates and childhood crushes. Young also appears on *SNL UK*.
The Edinburgh Fringe opens on 1 August. The Standard reported that the best newcomer nominees will be announced on 26 August. Work in Progress shows typically run in smaller venues with audiences of fewer than 100 people.
What happens next
Tickets for Harriet Richardson’s *Creep* at Below, Pleasance Courtyard, remain available for performances in late July. Freddie Meredith and Ele McKenzie’s shows begin on 15 July. The Edinburgh Fringe runs from 1 to 25 August.
Questions this report answers
+Which Hackney comedians are performing Work in Progress shows in London?
Freddie Meredith, Ele McKenzie, Harriet Richardson, Ania Magliano and Paddy Young are testing new material at London clubs. All five have ties to Hackney, where Meredith hosts regular nights at MOTH Club.
+Where can I see Harriet Richardson’s *Creep* before the Fringe?
Harriet Richardson’s *Creep* runs at Below, Pleasance Courtyard, in late July. The Standard reported that her early performance at The Bill Murray in Angel drew strong reactions from audiences.
+When do the Edinburgh Fringe best newcomer nominees get announced?
The Edinburgh Comedy Awards best newcomer nominees will be announced on 26 August, as reported by The Standard. The Fringe itself runs from 1 to 25 August.
+Are tickets still available for Ania Magliano’s *Peach Fuzz*?
Ania Magliano’s *Peach Fuzz* sold out at Monkey Barrel 3, according to The Standard. The show explores themes of sexualised performance and floatation tanks.
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