12 Edinburgh Fringe comics to be showcased to broadacsters

Handful of acts to get a break at city's TV festival

Delegates at the Edinburgh TV Festival can save themselves the hassle of seeking out new comedy talent at the Fringe – as a new showcase will serve up a tiny handful of the hundreds of comedians performing for the executives’ pleasure.

The Festival Fringe Society will help pluck six stand-ups and six writer-performers of other scripted shows to be presented to in the international broadcast industry at two showcase events on August 21 and 22.

Its chief executive, Shona McCarthy, called it ‘an exciting project' and a 'fantastic career development opportunity.’

And Campbell Glennie, CEO, of the Edinburgh TV Festival said: ‘So much of the TV Festival’s buzz comes from the very special feeling the Fringe brings to the city every year. We’re turning our mutual appreciation society into something lifechanging for new acts, and voices who otherwise would not get this opportunity.’

Entries for slots are open now here and close on June 7. Hopefuls are asked questions such as ‘what do you want TV professionals to know about you and your work?’ and ‘Do you feel your point of view is underrepresented and if so why?’

Those chosen will get five to seven minutes to impress the executives at the showcases.

Universal Studio Group is the third partner in the scheme. Its chairman Pearlena Igbokwe said: ‘We have been attending both the Edinburgh TV Festival and Fringe Festival for many years and have always felt the incredible energy and creative spirit that defines them.

‘These festivals are pivotal for our industry, fostering the exchange of ideas and showcasing the best undiscovered talent. Continuing our commitment to find and amplify new voices, USG is honoured to partner with these formidable institutions to provide a ground-breaking and first-of-its-kind platform to foster the next generation of visionary storytellers.

Thanks for reading. If you find Chortle’s coverage of the comedy scene useful or interesting, please consider supporting us with a monthly or one-off ko-fi donation.

Any money you contribute will directly fund more reviews, interviews and features – the sort of in-depth coverage that is increasingly difficult to fund from ever-squeezed advertising income, but which we think the UK’s vibrant comedy scene deserves.

Subscribe or donate here

Published: 22 May 2024