Want to review comedy at this year's Edinburgh Fringe?

Chortle backs new scheme for aspiring journalists

Fancy yourself as a comedy reviewer? Chortle is taking part in a new scheme to encourage aspiring arts journalists at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

One emerging writer will get a placement with this website, receiving mentorship ahead of a week’s paid work – including accommodation – writing reviews at this year’s festival.

Chortle is one of seven outlets taking part in the emerging critics’ programme being run by the Fringe Society.

A spokesperson for the festival co-ordinators said: ‘Reviews are a critical tool for Fringe artists, for both raising their profile and encouraging audiences to seek out their work.

‘Over the last few years, the level of arts coverage delivered by media titles across the UK has reduced dramatically. The Fringe Society’s new pilot project aims to promote arts journalism as an attractive and viable career choice for emerging talent.’

And Chortle editor Steve Bennett added: ‘We’re delighted to be part of this project to widen the pool of informed critics who can give comedy the considered analysis it deserves at the world's most extraordinary gathering of comic talent.’

The other titles taking part are Broadway Baby, the Herald, the List, Neurodiverse Review, the Scotsman and the Wee Review.

Click here to apply and for the flill terms and conditions. The closing date is June 28 and successful writers must be over 18 and free to attend the Fringe from Friday August 18 to Friday August 25.

Lyndsey Jackson, deputy chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘We’re excited to launch this new project, which is an important step in encouraging young writers to consider culture and the arts as a future career.

‘The importance and impact of reviews during August cannot be underestimated for the sector overall. We hope this year’s pilot creates a catalyst for future critics to come and develop their craft here at one of the greatest festivals on Earth.

‘We’d like to thank the media titles supporting us in delivering this project over the summer. Their passion and commitment to covering the Fringe every year is testament to the power that this amazing festival has, and I’m delighted to see them actively engaged in supporting the next generation of talent.’

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Published: 20 Jun 2023