Tom Ballard: Be Funny Challenge (Impossible)

Tom Ballard: Be Funny Challenge (Impossible)

IAMProfessional company

Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee. Two-time Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award nominee. As seen on Fisk and Deadloch. As heard on BBC Radio 4 and The Bugle. Last year, Tom told a joke that made people upset. Please allow him to explain. 'Absolutely packed with elite gags' **** (Scotsman). 'Relentless whirl of opinion, silliness and increasingly bad-taste jokes against those who most deserve it' ****½ (Chortle.co.uk). 'One of the slickest hours of stand-up I’ve ever seen, and packing a proper comedy punch' (Adam Hills). 'To call Ballard a comedian is being kind' (Daily Mail commenter).

About IAM

Tom Ballard brings Be Funny Challenge (Impossible) to O'Neill's (The Tron) at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. An Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and two-time Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award nominee, Ballard's show addresses a joke he told last year that made people upset — and sets out to explain it. The show runs for 60 minutes, tickets start from £9, and the age guidance is 18 and over. It contains strong language and swearing.

Why see this show?

A stand-up hour built around a comedian who told a joke that upset people and is now here to explain himself. That premise, handled by an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, suggests a show with something on its mind as well as laughs. Tickets from £9.

Event Details

Monday 3 - Sunday 30 August 2026

All performances at 16:25

27 performances

60 minutes

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£9

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the show run?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets start from £9.

What is the age guidance?

The show is for audiences aged 18 and over.

Where is the show performed?

The show takes place at O'Neill's (The Tron).

Are there any content warnings?

The show contains strong language and swearing.

What is the show about?

Last year Tom Ballard told a joke that made people upset. This show is his attempt to explain it.

About This Comedy Show

Tom Ballard: Be Funny Challenge (Impossible) is a comedy performance at O'Neill's (The Tron) 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: O'Neill's (The Tron)

O'Neill's (The Tron) 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: £9 - £15

Age Guidance: 18+

Content Warnings: Strong language/swearing

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.Tom Ballard: Be Funny Challenge (Impossible) 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