International flavour to 28-act bill

The line-up for Chortle’s first ever Fast Fringe showcase in Edinburgh has been announced, with another 28 acts previewing their festival shows for the price of one.

Fred Macaulay will be hosting a truly international bill at C Plaza – aka the George Square Theatre – on the eve of the festival, August 4.

Americans are represented by Hollywood star Jennifer Coolidge,from the American Pie films and internet sensation Bo Burnham; while fellow musical comedians The Brothers Streep represent South Africa.

From Australia comes the winner of this year’s big Barry prize at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, Sammy J, alongside critics’ choice award-winner Asher Treleavan; while the bill also includes Canadian Pete Johansson and Irish-American TV star Des Bishop.

As in the London event, stand-up is mixed with music and variety turns including Barbershopera, Newsrevue, Ginger & Black, magicians Morgan & West, Delete The Banjax, Jay Foreman, Helen Arney and Mr B Gentleman Rhymer.

Mark Nelson, Stephen Carlin, Daniel Sloss carry the Scottish flag for the stand-up component which also includes Carl Donnelly , Tiernan Douieb, Paul Sinha, James Dowdeswell, Tom Craine, George Ryegold, Gareth Richards, Nat Luurtesema, Ava Vidal and Andrew Bird.

Tickets for the fast-paced show are available here, priced £12.50 (£10.50 concs).

Meanwhile, the original London incarnation of Fast Fringe takes place at the Leicester Square Theatre next Monday, hosted by Alex Zane and featuring such acts as Brendon Burns, Phil Nichol, Frisky & Mannish and Andi Osho. Click here for tickets to that show.

• Amnesty International has announced that its line-up for the Stand Up For Freedom benefit at the Edinburgh Fringe will include Tim Key, John Bishop, Mark Watson, Josie Long, Dan Antopolski and Danielle Ward. Tickets for that show, on August 19, are priced £14 and available here.

Published: 28 Jun 2010