Fringe 2002 launched

And already there's controversy

The programme for this year's Edinburgh Fringe has been launched - and has already caused its first controversy.

Rory Bremner, pictured, Tony Benn and US satirist Michael Moore are among the 20,342 performers taking part this year.

But a poster for comedy drag act Tina C is already making waves. The picture shows her standing where the World Trade Center once stood, an aircraft heading for her legs (below)

But Chris Green, the comic behind the character denied he was trying to cash in on the tragedy,

"I can understand that people might feel uncomfortable about it," he told BBC News Online.

"But if you know any of the context of the show, it really does have an integrity.

"It certainly wasn't done as a cynical attempt to capitalise on a horrible event."

Others at the festival, which opens on August 4, include American comic Doug Stanhope, who recently hit headlines after receiving a racist email from a Texas comedy club, and Peter Kay.

Tickets go on sale on June 17, and the full programme should be available on the official website soon.

Published: 6 Jun 2002

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