The Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s biggest theatre festival, has come to an end. This year’s festival was a bumper year, with artists from 72 countries descending on the Royal Mile to show off their unique shows.

The festival had 3,535 shows registered, with a total of 52,000 performances. 439 shows were completely free and 614 used a “pay what you want” model.

London-based comedian Lorna Rose Treen won the coveted Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Fringe award with her gag: “I started dating a zookeeper, but it turned out he was a cheetah.”

The nominees for the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Awards have also been announced. In the running for Best Comedy Show are Ahir Shah, Ania Magliano, Emmanuel Sonubi, Ian Smith, Janine Harouni, Julia Masli, Kieran Hodgson, and Phil Ellis. The winner will be announced this Saturday. Here are the top picks for the year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

5. Frigid

Rosa Bowden delivers a sharply witty performance centered on the awkward experiences of youth in Dublin. The play is set in 2007 and features Bowden as Niamh, a 14-year-old outsider who’s too smart and doesn’t fit in. She’s never kissed anyone. Fearing the label of “Frigid,” Niamh faces the challenge of finding a suitable partner for the upcoming dance.

Bowden plays different roles to create a relatable portrayal of mean girls in Dublin with the help of DJ Ciarán Gallagher. Bowden’s performance takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, from awkward laughter to nostalgic tears and back again.

4. Party Ghost

Double Take is a thrilling circus performance that twists traditional circus skills. Herault begins the show with a trapeze stunt, then rushes offstage asking “Where is the will to live?”. He and Hubbard then take turns simulating head bashing. There’s a reminiscent touch of shows like ‘The Young Ones’ and ‘Bottom’ in the comically brutal way they inflict harm upon each other. Interspersed are hilariously eerie segments where the ensemble dons ghostly white sheets, creating a hauntingly funny atmosphere. Anticipate a blend of dark humor, remarkably agile choreography, and a music video concept that even Adele might envy.

3. Anything We Wanted To Be

Surrounded by vintage CRT televisions, vibrant neon lights, and repetitive musical beats, Adam Lenson unveils a memoir encapsulating his entire existence and the myriad alternate lives he could have experienced. Employing the concept of the multiverse as a narrative instrument, he recounts the non-linear tale of his cancer diagnosis. Lenson is fixated on how our choices reverberate through various timelines, each shadowed by the nagging question of whether a different decision could have spared him from cancer. He is a skilled storyteller who keeps the audience engaged with his wit and charm. Complemented by musical performances, the production seamlessly weaves together various media elements to create a masterful theatrical experience. Ultimately, the message resonates that it’s not the individual that shapes choices, but rather the choices that shape the individual.

2. Rob Auton: The Rob Auton Show

A Fringe mainstay, Rob Auton introduced his solo act, “The Yellow Show,” a decade ago, followed by equally unique shows like “Hair,” “Sky,” “Sleep,” and “Faces.” After engaging the audience with “The Crowd Show” last year, Auton now turns his sharp poetic wit inward, commemorating ten years of Fringe participation. “The Rob Auton Show” is his most personal yet, blending positivity, astute observations, hilarious childhood stories, and heartfelt insights. Prepare for laughter, from tales of circumcision to quirky tooth fairy encounters. Yet, as the final poetic monologue arrives, emotions shift to a touching note. The recipient of Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Fringe 2013 award, Auton reaches new heights in this extraordinary performance. Delve deeper into his creative process through his insightful interview on crafting this remarkable show.

1. The Last Show Before We Die

Ell Potter and Mary Higgins deliver a captivating performance, embodying a range of emotions from affection to arguments, all within this year’s Fringe highlight. Building on their previous works like ‘Hotter’ and ‘Fitter,’ where they explored gender’s impact on lives, they now ponder our struggles with conclusions. Through interviews with palliative caregivers and personal memories, they trace their own journey of closure. Renowned for autobiographical theater, they navigate their artistic partnership’s end with remarkable vulnerability. Amid clever scenes and insightful deconstructions, their banter and comedic writing shine. Experience a unique show where endings become euphoric. Discover more about how they turned their friendship breakup into exceptional theater in their interview.