The best 'in conversation with' shows coming up at the…

The best 'in conversation with' shows coming up at the Edinburgh Fringe

The internationally renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2022 is now underway, and one of the most popular show formats this year is proving to be the 'in conversation with' shows. These shows see huge names from the worlds of politics, music, sport, business and more interviewed on stage in front of a live audience.

Dubbed the "single greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet", the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. More than 3000 shows will be performed in venues across the city.

Comedy, theatre, and music have always been incredibly popular with Fringe goers, and this year, huge names like Stewart Lee, Ian McKellen, and Omid Djalili are due to appear in shows. However, 'in conversation with' shows often see audiences getting to know famous faces in a unique way.

Here are some of the most interesting 'in conversation with' shows coming up at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Andy Burnham

The Mayor of Greater Manchester achieved new levels of national prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic. Still, he ran on a local platform, building a London-style integrated transport system, tackling rough sleeping, and making the city as environmentally friendly as possible. As an MP, he represented Leigh until 2017 and has been widely tipped as a future Labour Party leader.

Andy Burnham will be interviewed at The Stand's New Town Theatre - Grand Hall at 12:00 on Aug 23 for one hour.

Tom Seals presents…

In a change to the usual 'in conversation with' format, Tom Seals takes his popular Sky TV series out on the road, performing songs and talking music with guests like Paul Sinha, Noddy Holder, Robert Bathurst, and Janey Godley. Expect stories, laughter, songs, and fascinating conversations.

Tom Seals presents… is taking place at the Assembly Rooms - Ballroom on 5 and 6 August at 19:40 for one hour.

Ian Blackford

The SNP's Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, will be interviewed on stage about all things politics, as well as talking about his life and times. A local man, he was born and bred in Edinburgh and worked in banking before entering politics in 2015 and dedicating himself to the cause of Scottish independence.

Ian Blackford will be interviewed at The Stand's New Town Theatre - Grand Hall on Aug 25 at 12:00 for one hour.

Deborah Meaden

Recognisable to many as one of the business dragons on the hit BBC investment show Dragon's Den, Deborah Meaden is a business leader, investor, TV personality and writer.

Beginning with a glass and ceramics export company that she started straight out of college, Deborah has gone on to build a business empire that spans many sectors and is involved in many charitable causes.

Deborah Meaden will be interviewed at The Stand's New Town Theatre - Grand Hall on Aug 17 at 12:00 for one hour.

Ian Rankin

An internationally renowned author, Ian Rankin, has an incredible body of work. With over 25 novels to date, he is the most widely read crime novelist in the UK.

Rankin is a graduate of The University of Edinburgh and received an OBE for services to literature. During his interview, Graham Spiers will ask Rankin about his characters, writing, music, and more.

Ian Rankin is being interviewed at The Stand's New Town Theatre - Grand Hall on Aug 27 at 12:00 for one hour.

A complete list of every act performing is available on the Edinburgh Fringe website, including the performance dates.