Hot Seat

Hot Seat

Sarah IsonSemi-professional company

60 minutesBasement Bar
Lighting impossible things on fire. Locking eyes with Donald Trump and feeling compelled to describe her mood to the President. Bombing her stand-up routine in front of 500 pharmacists. Sarah Ison has found herself in the hot seat time and time again in her life as a journalist and federal political reporter in Australia and there’s very rarely a “reasonable” explanation. Sarah's latest hour, Hot Seat, comes after other solo shows like You Laugh, Therefore I Am, which toured across Australia and landed rave reviews of her riotously funny, witty and expressive style.

About Sarah Ison

Hot Seat is Sarah Ison's latest solo stand-up hour, drawing on her experiences as a journalist and federal political reporter in Australia. The show covers moments including locking eyes with Donald Trump, feeling compelled to describe her mood to the President, and bombing her stand-up routine in front of 500 pharmacists. There is very rarely a reasonable explanation for any of it. Running 60 minutes at the Basement Bar, the show is suitable for audiences aged 18 and over and includes audience participation.

Why see this show?

Sarah Ison brings a journalist's eye for the absurd to her own life, and the results are genuinely funny. A political stand-up hour grounded in real, specific situations — the kind of comedy that feels fresh rather than familiar.

Event Details

Monday 10 - Thursday 13 August 2026

All performances at 16:30

4 performances

60 minutes

Basement Bar

104 Hanover Street

View on map

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£2.50

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hot Seat about?

A stand-up hour drawing on Sarah Ison's life as a journalist and federal political reporter in Australia — including encounters with Donald Trump and bombing in front of 500 pharmacists.

How long does the show run?

60 minutes.

What is the age guidance?

18+.

Where is it performed?

Basement Bar, Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

How much do tickets cost?

£2.50.

Is there audience participation?

Yes, audience participation is listed.

About This Comedy Show

Hot Seat is a comedy performance at Basement Bar during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Expect an evening of laughter with professional comedians delivering their best material. Most comedy shows at Edinburgh run for 50-60 minutes, perfect for fitting multiple shows into your day.

Venue: Basement Bar

Basement Bar is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the best seats
  • Front row seats may involve audience interaction
  • Check content warnings for adult material
  • Many venues have a bar for pre-show drinks

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £2.5

Age Guidance: 18+

Content Warnings: Audience participation

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.Hot Seat represents the comedy excellence that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more comedy shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API