From Tallinn with Laughs: Estonia’s Wit Brigade Takes On the EdFringe
Four members of the Estonian comedy elite bring their dark, dry, and bold humor to Edinburgh
Four trailblazing comedians with Estonian roots are heading to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, offering UK audiences a glimpse into the gritty yet intimate world of Baltic humor. Aleksandr Popov, Ana Falcon, Mari Volar, and Sandra Tiitson are ready to make a splash at the EdFringe, each with a unique style of pushing boundaries on stage.
Aleksandr Popov: Finding Comedy in the Darkest of Times
Blending dark humor and absurdist commentary, Aleksandr Popov debuts ‘Why I Stayed…? A Gothic Review of Life’. A twistedly funny story of survival told by someone who nearly didn’t make it, Popov’s sharp takes are ideal for Fringe-goers who like fearless and smart jokes.
“This show is about what made me stay,” says Popov “and what it means to choose life when it feels like everything’s already ended.”
Aleksandr Popov is not your average stand-up. He splits his time between lecturing on international law, writing columns for an Estonian newspaper, and being CEO of a private security firm. His willingness to discuss conflict and towering presence builds up the hilarious effect of his hot takes on mental collapse, housing precarity, and burnout.
Ana Falcon: Mexican Spice with a Baltic Twist
Ana Falcon, a Mexican comedian based in Tallinn, arrives at the Fringe with #1 Mexican in Estonia, her solo debut that sold out at the 2025 Finnish Finfringe and premiered to rave reviews at the 2024 Tallinn Fringe.
“While I was born 90 minutes from the US-Mexico border, I’ve lived in Estonia for the past eight years,” explains Falcon. “and it was here that I discovered comedy knows no borders.”
A researcher by day, Ana Falcon is a rising star in the Estonian comedy scene. She is the winner of Estonia’s first comedy roast battle and a founding member of Pussy Jam Comedy, a collective spotlighting FLINTA performers. Her late-night show is a lively and zestful discussion of ambition, identity, and how far people will go to be number one at something.
Mari Volar: A Triple Shot of Laughter
A mainstay on the European comedy circuit, Mari Volar brings three shows to EdFringe this year, proving her self-described reputation of being a “sturdy and wild Estonian woman,”. Known for her loud yet relatable emceeing skills, she has earned comedy fans from Cologne to Tallinn.
Mari Volar’s three shows, available from noon to later in the evening, are suited for Fringe punters who enjoy interactive performances. ‘50 Ways to Succeed at a Pointless Job’ uses the format of a corporate workshop to make the hopeful at heart laugh. ‘Common Ground’ is a crowdwork show about random connections, while ‘100% C*ntinental’ is a comedy mix bill all about the perks and pitfalls that come with living abroad.
Sandra Tiitson: Delivering Jokes in Short Form
Sandra Tiitson, another founding member of Pussy Jam Comedy, will make short guest appearances throughout the EdFringe. Her debut stand-up show ‘Average Cat Lady’ captivated Estonian audiences at the 2024 Tallinn Fringe with heartwarming and hilarious stories about growing up on a tiny Estonian island, living in a startup-driven city, and cat parenting.
This year, Tiitson is compiling her favorite jokes into short sets that she will present in her guest appearances with other EdFringe acts, including ‘Edinbra’ and ‘100% C*ntinental’.
“Everyone has a goal for Edinburgh,” she explains. “For me, this time it’s more of a vacation with a little comedy work on the side.”
Where to see them at EdFringe 2025?
Aleksandr Popov (@50shadesofbouncer)
‘Why I Stayed…? A Gothic Review of Life?’ | 31 – 24 Aug (except 12) | 22:25 | Just The Spare Room at Just the Tonic at The Caves
Ana Falcon (@anafalconshow)
‘#1 Mexican in Estonia’ | 31 July – 24 Aug | 23:45 | Laughing Horse @ City Cafe – Las Vegas
Mari Volar (@marivolar)
‘50 Ways to Succeed at a Pointless Job’ | 1 – 24 Aug (except 11 and 18) | 11:35 | Laughing Horse @ City Cafe – Hollywood
‘Common Ground – An Upbeat Crowd Work Show About Random Connections’ | 31 July – 24 Aug (except 11 and 18) | 20:00 | Basement at Laughing Horse @ Home Bar
‘100% C*ntinental’ | 1 – 24 Aug | 22:15 | Cellar at Laughing Horse @ The Raging Bull
Sandra Tiitson (@averagecatlady)
Times will vary, with performances announced on Tiitson´s Instagram.
Press Contact Information
Ana Falcon
E-mail: [email protected]
