UK COMEDY
This time around on the comedy front we preview some of the stand-up comedy performers who are set to feature at next month’s world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Mark Ritchie name-checks some of the stars from the comedy firmament who will be visiting.
It is the biggest arts festival on the planet and throughout the month of August a galaxy of stand-up stars is primed and ready to hit the stages in Edinburgh. Whether it is the comedy newbies, who appear at the Free Fringe in the hope of attracting agents and bookers, or the big stars who turn up frequently to try out new material or realign themselves with fans and/or develop television or radio projects, the numbers run into their hundreds.
Over so many years of attending The Fringe I have seen stars such as Frank Skinner, Eddie Izzard, Stewart Lee, Larry Dean, Reginald D Hunter, Lucy Porter, Clive Anderson Mark Steel and so many others. On the other side of the coin, I have sat through an enjoyed or endured everything and anything comedy-wise, from a comedy nightclub bouncer to a comedy dominatrix.
The streets around Georges Square and the famous Royal Mile are thronged with show-goers, visiting everywhere from the hugely impressive Pleasance Theatre to the upstairs loft space in a tiny pub. One evening I even attended a late-night comedy show staged in a container crate. Honesty!
Looking at the 2024 Fringe big names, attendees will be trying hard to obtain gold dust tickets for the likes of Sarah Pascoe, Dara O’Briain, Paul Merton, David O’Doherty and Jason Byrne. There are always surprises and comedian Bobby Davro will be trying his hand at a first full run at the Fringe with a brand-new show, after making a surprise appearance last year. Even national treasure Miriam Margolyes will appear, with the seemingly indestructible 82-year-old performing some of her toe-curling and funny tales.
They say the Fringe helped kick-start the careers of so many comedy performers, from Miranda Hart to Steve Coogan and from John Bishop to Katherine Ryan. Who will emerge from the shadows and be spotted by the spotters who spot the talent for telly? Next month may uncover a fledgling comedy talent and the rest will be history.
Do you have any views on this article? As ever we would love to hear for you and we are happy to publish your views on our readers letters page. Just e-mail us at mark.ritchie@ukcabaret.com