Doug Anthony All Stars return to Edinburgh | As does Russell Howard

Doug Anthony All Stars return to Edinburgh

As does Russell Howard

The Doug Anthony Allstars are to return to Edinburgh after an absence of more than 20 years.

Australia's musical comedy mavericks disbanded in 1994, but reunited three years ago to launch a DVD.

Since then original stars Paul McDermott and Tim Ferguson have been joined by Paul 'Flacco' Livingston for a live tour down under.

Now they are heading to the Pleasance for ten nights, starting on August 3, in a show being presented by Pub Landlord Al Murray, a fan of their work since being 'blown away' by seeing their show in the late 1980s.

The former buskers, named after a former right-wing Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, hit the big time after storming the Edinburgh Fringe in 1987. They racked up a string of TV appearances and were nominated for a Perrier award the following year, but broke up in 1994 with a farewell tour of Australia.

In 2012, Ferguson revealed the reason for the split was that he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis – a condition that now requires him to use a wheelchair. He had previously kept his condition private as he did not want to solicit any pity.

Original guitarist Richard Fidler is now a radio presenter down under.

Here is Chortle's review of one of the Australian comeback shows last year.

Their Fringe show is being presented by Avalon, whose Edinburgh roster also includes a new impressions show from Alistair McGowan and stand-up from Carl Donnelly, Ian Stirling and Al Murray. Tickets for these went on sale yesterday.

Russell Howard is also returning for a work in progress show, sharing an hour with Good News writer Steve Williams – although this is not yet on sale.

Meanwhile, Rory Bremner will also be at the Fringe with a chat show at a new Gilded Balloon venue within the National Museum Of Scotland, running from August 13 to 19.

Here is a list of all the Edinburgh Fringe comedy shows announced so far, including new shows from Seann Walsh, Mark Watson, Stewart Lee, Jason Byrne, Bridget Christie, Tony Law, Susan Calman, Katy Brand and Josie Long.

Published: 22 Apr 2016

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