Comedy collective wants to redress 'London-centric bias'

A comedy co-operative from the North East of England is to take over an entire venue for the duration of the Edinburgh Fringe to showcase comedians from the venue.

Felt Nowt say they will be running The Garrett at The Alchemist on George Street to give local acts ‘the same opportunities as everyone else in an often London-centric industry’.

John Gibson, director of the non-profit group, said: ’In the same way that overseas embassies are technically part of that country, for the entire Edinburgh Festival one room will be technically part of the North East.

‘North East acts deserve the same opportunities as everyone else … fairness shouldn’t depend on your postcode.’

He said that free venues and endeavours such as the Best in Class initiative have ‘pushed the Fringe back towards the original spirit of openness and accessibility and being genuinely supportive of working-class and regional performers’ but that finding a venue is often difficult.

‘We’re not here to slag anyone off,’ he added. ‘We just want to make sure that brilliant acts from our region get a chance to show what they can do.’

The Felt Nowt Fringe programme includes the likes of Seymour Mace, Elaine Robertson, Raul Kohli, Nicola Mantalios  as Zoe. Jake Donaldson and Kelly Rickard  plus newcomers Nat Young, Susan Warlock and Michael Holford. 

Warlock, who is in her 60s and pictured above, said: ‘Felt Nowt is creating something really special – a space where older female comedians can be visible, valued, and heard. ‘It’s taken me 60-odd years to get this funny – it would’ve been a shame to keep it to myself. Felt Nowt is giving older women the stage we deserve.’

Felt Nowt has launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds to support its New Town venue.

Gibson added: ‘The Fringe is expensive — especially for grassroots performers. We’re looking for people who can contribute even the smallest amount to help cover costs like tech support and flyers and to help make our shows as accessible as possible, for example by providing a BSL interpreter.

‘We’re even hoping to offer artist bursaries for individual expenses. Every pound will go directly to supporting artists and making this project sustainable and for many, possible.’

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Published: 31 Mar 2026