The comedian Owen O’Neill has had an obsession with the rocker for as long as he can remember. Now, aged 50, his fixation is beginning to get on his wife’s nerves. Penned by O’Neill, who stars alongside Pauline Goldsmith, this light-hearted comedy takes an offbeat, often surreal look at one man’s fear of growing old and hero worship that’s gone a step too far.
Traverse, Cambridge Street, until Aug 28 (not 23), 9.45pm
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Jeffrey Archer’s Prison Diary — Hell
Will we never hear the end of Lord Archer? As if his novels weren’t enough, he went on to publish his very own prison diary after doing porridge in London’s Belmarsh jail. Edinburgh hosts the world premiere of a stage adaptation of Archer’s memoirs.
Smirnoff Underbelly, Cowgate, until Aug 29, 5.30pm
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The Tracey Ermin Bedshow
The artist Tracey Emin will go down in history as that woman who didn’t wash her pants or make her bed. Carola Stewart, the star of this show, is an oddball actress who is out of work and living in the bedsit squalor portrayed by the artist. Look out for Stewart’s performing dog, Binkie Beaumont.
C, Chambers Street, until Aug 30, 11.35pm
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And in the End: the Death and Life of John Lennon/Killing Paul McCartney
The world’s favourite peace-loving Scouser features in the world premiere of Alexander Marshall’s And in the End: the Death and Life of John Lennon. Over at Assembly, Macca gets a mention in Nick Grosso’s Killing Paul McCartney, about a wisecracking stand-up called Tommy Kay.
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And in the End: the Death and Life of John Lennon, C, Chambers Street, until Aug 30, 8pm; Killing Paul McCartney, Assembly Rooms, George Street, until Aug 30, 5.15pm
Cooking with Elvis
The writer who made us laugh and cry with Billy Elliot also wrote a script about the king of rock’n’roll. First aired in Edinburgh in 1999, the play returns to the fringe after a successful run in London’s West End. The show includes plenty of his hits as well as funny episodes involving an Elvis impersonator and his sex-mad wife.
Venue 13, Lochend Close, Canongate, until Aug 28 (not 23 or 24) 10pm
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I Didn’t Vote for George W
Brian Longwell dishes out anti-Bush jibes and airs his views on the current American political climate. Longwell is part stand-up comedian, part political commentator — with a generous helping of university-style lecturer courtesy of a series of overheads to illustrate his points.
C Central, Carlton Hotel, North Bridge, until Aug 30, 9.30pm
Chris Neill — the BBC, Andrew Gilligan and Me
Chris Neill, the writer and star of this stand-up show, was a childhood chum of the BBC reporter famous for accusing the government of “sexing up” dossiers on Iraqi weapons. The boys went their separate ways after school, though both ended up at the Beeb, Neill as a producer in light entertainment.
Pleasance Courtyard, The Pleasance, until Aug 30, 5.45pm
The Andy Warhol Syndrome
Jenny Eclair tries something different this year and, instead of her popular stand-up routine, brings a play to the fringe. Starring Eclair, who wrote the play with the help of co-writer Julie Balloo, this is the story of Carol Fletcher, a reality TV star who has trouble coping with the showbiz lifestyle after she is unexpectedly catapulted to fame.
Pod Deco 4, Clerk Street, until Aug 29, 7.10pm
Hunting Diana by Henry Naylor
Henry Naylor’s play examines the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Darby Burton is the fictional lead character in charge of the MI6 investigation and determined to solve the mystery, even if some of the blame lies with his colleagues.
Metro Gilded Balloon, Teviot, Bristo Square, until Aug 30, 4pm
Bill Hicks: Slight Return
He may have expired 10 years ago, but fans of the potty-mouthed comedy genius Bill Hicks will be delighted to learn he is still capable of making a comeback thanks to a play about his life. As one would expect, there are plenty of lewd references.
Pleasance Courtyard, 60 The Pleasance, until Aug 30, 2.45pm