NEWS
EVENTS
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Other | Tuesday 17th July 2012 | Osh
You had better get ready for this August. This August, along with every August since 1947, Edinburgh is set to be packed. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is back once again, ready to shock you, amaze you, and make you giggle insanely. Running for 25 days this August (from the 3rd to the 27th) the Edinburgh Fringe is rich with history, legacy and culture.
One of the largest arts festivals in the world, it is perhaps best known for the comedy acts that perform there every year. The exclusion of 5 companies from the Edinburgh International Festival back in 1947 saw an impromptu showcase from the determined performers who had been left out, which went on to set a legacy of performers coming every August to show off their material. From the members of Monty Python performing within their student productions during the 60s, to Rowan Atkinson and Fry and Laurie, the festival has helped make the names of some of our most treasured comedy veterans. This tradition has continued into the modern day, with winners and nominees of the coveted Edinburgh Comedy Awards (previously known as the Perrier Awards) having helped make the names of some of the biggest names in comedy, both in the past and in the present day. Previous winners and nominees have included the likes of Eddie Izzard, Jack Dee, Chris Addison and Flight of the Conchords. Pretty impressive huh?
In 2012, as with every other year, there is a mix of both big and rising names. Big names this year include the likes of Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert, Rhys Darby and Shappi Khorsandi, while rising stars such as Adam Kay, Paul Chowdry and Katherine Ryan are also making an appearance. Set for plenty of laughs and plenty of fun, this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe is looking… er… well, plentiful.
But if the comedy pedigree that the Edinburgh Fringe produces has failed to impress you, then never fear. While the festival is best known for the comedy acts that perform there, it is also one of the only festivals that is unjuried, meaning that any act is allowed to take part. This has opened the door to many different performances and categories, ranging from traditional theatre, to cabaret, dance acts and even shows targeted for children.
Rich with talent, laughs and rising wonders, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe really is one of the hottest arts festivals around. If you have a spare buck, a little bit of time and an interest in live performances, this August Edinburgh is the place to be. Even if comedy isn’t your thing then don’t worry. There literally is something for everyone.
Vicki Haughton
