#Review By Lou of The Last Laugh – 5 stars – @djwilliamsact @Bobsickle @simplysimon321 @ATGTICKETS #PaulHendy #TheLastLaugh #Theatre #TouringTheatre #Comedy #TommyCooper #EricMorecambe #BobMonkhouse

The Last Laugh
By Paul Hendy

Review by Louise Cannon (Lou)

Meet Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Morecambe in a dressing room. Sounds a bit surreal, right? But this is where a sparkling kind of magic occurs. They’re not just funny, but they’re funny, funny, see the show to get the reference.
The Last Laugh is performed by:

Damien Williams plays Tommy Cooper
Simon Cartwright plays Bob Monkhouse
Bob Golding plays Eric Morecambe

I saw The Last Laugh at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow which is what this review is based on. I first saw it and reviewed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is on a grand tour, more details later in this piece. I don’t often go to see a show more than once. This is that good and finely honed. I have written a new review to give you something different to read. Just shows, there’s a lot to glean from this show, but no spoilers… I also have a whole extra bit to reveal…
I thought The Last Laugh deserved a second viewing in a bigger theatre to see how it faired. I am so pleased to say, it still has the same magic, if not more and is on tour now. See details about how you can get your hands on tickets too after the synopsis and my full review below…

Synopsis

The Last Laugh sees three legendary comedians – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – sitting in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny. Written and directed by the award-winning Paul Hendy and starring Edinburgh Fringe-legend Bob Golding as Morecambe, Damian Williams as Cooper and Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse, The Last Laugh is warm, funny, nostalgic and poignant.

Review

3 actors walk into a dressing room… They’re not just funny, but they’re funny, funny (see the show for that reference).

From the moment Damien Williams walked on stage as Tommy Cooper, (check out the feet) with the famous chuckle that builds and builds, it got off to a strong start. This strength never dipped throughout the show. By the time Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse and Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe enter the theatre dressing room, the atmosphere is palpable and the compelling nature of this play gets even stronger.

There are some lovely, heartwarming touches, not only between the comedians who are being played, but also with a montage of pictures and chat about other comedians who have also dearly departed the earthly stage.

The repartee as they try out their acts and just chat feels so realistic, as do the mannerisms, personalities, costume and make-up.
There are parts that the audience are subtly made aware of about the state of the comedians health, and perhaps not so subtly in Tommy Cooper’s at times, but at times, it is nuanced, with an expression, a certain positioning of the body. Damien Williams carefully lets you see beyond the laughter and at the same time, Simon Cartwright and Bob Monkhouse are also doing something noticeably funny at the other end of the stage. There’s something sophisticated and clever about how this all works.
There are fantastic references to each of the shows Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse, Eric Morecambe were in.

The talent doesn’t stop there. There’s music from a ukulele and songs to be heard, all done live by the actors.

The poignancy, the sacrifices the partnerships they have or in Monkhouse’s case, had is not only fascinating, but draws you closer to each of them as the actors allow you a glimpse into their inner thoughts and emotions. There are moments when it gets quite deep and then suddenly switches to another joke.

The actors always look like they’re having a ball on stage and the audience were all enjoying themselves too. The energy and passion they bring leaps off the stage and is palpable in the auditorium of the theatre.

I feel like I could write more, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers.

There is a newly added interval and the second half brings a Q&A session, which they all handled magnificently. They are passionate about who they’re playing and it just oozes from stage to audience.

The way it ends is cleverly done and follows from the poignancy that appears throughout the show. There is a bit of a bittersweetness to it all because of course none of the comedians are alive, but if they were, I think they’d approve. I like to think so anyway because the actors have done them and the audience justice. They’ve also given dead comedians a new lease of life in a considered, thoughtful manner. I feel this show will go from strength to strength and I think the actors could play more of these “old-timers”.

We were informed about the tour going on this year and the following year. I was in awe by it last year. I am still in awe this year and how this has grown from the Fringe to the West-end to New York and back to touring in the UK is deserved.
can’t praise the concept, the writing nor the actors highly enough!

This is a show you can easily watch again and still be highly entertained.

Discover further information about how you can also see The Last Laugh here: Tour Dates and Booking

Here’s my original Edinburgh Fringe Review

EdFringe News – Robert Daws stars in the witty, charming, dark play, Wodehouse In Wonderland #WhatsOnEdinburgh #WodehouseInWonderland #Wodehouse #Play #Theatre @RobertDaws @ARedinburgh

Robert Daws stars in
William Humble’s witty, charming and dark play
Wodehouse in Wonderland
at Assembly George Square Studios, Edinburgh Festival Fringe,
from 30 July until 24 August 2025 at 6.10pm

Robert Daws (Jeeves and Wooster, Poldark), will bring to life the humour and heart of one of Britain’s greatest comic writers, when he stars in William Humble’s play Wodehouse in Wonderland, at Assembly George Square Studios, at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, from Wednesday 30 July until Sunday 24 August 2025
(excl. 11, 18 Aug) at 6.10pm (70 mins). This one-man play, which coincides with the commemorations marking 50 years since P.G. Wodehouse’s death, is directed by Robin Herford (The Woman in Black).

Based on the life and writings of P.G. Wodehouse, Wodehouse in Wonderland takes place in P.G. Wodehouse’s New York State home in the 1950’s. Plum, as he is known to family and friends, is working away at the latest adventures of Bertie Wooster but is interrupted by a young would-be biographer, his adored wife, daughter Snorkles, and his two Pekingese. He shares stories about how Jeeves entered his life, how he became addicted to American soap operas and why he wrote books that were ‘like musical comedies without music’. He sings songs composed by Broadway legends such as Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Ivor Novello with lyrics written by himself, and entertains the audience with characters including Bertie Wooster, Jeeves, Lord Emsworth, Gussie Fink-Nottle and the squashily romantic Madeline Bassett…but there’s also a darker story ahead for Wodehouse beneath the fun.

Robert Daws said: “Seven years ago, I called my friend of several decades, the BAFTA-winning screenwriter and playwright William Humble, and asked him if he fancied working on a theatre project about the life of Pelham Grenville Wodehouse. To my pleasure and happy surprise, Bill instantly replied, “That would be spiffing”.

“Having already researched the world of Wodehouse for a film script he had been commissioned to write, Bill presented the first draft of Wodehouse In Wonderland within weeks. Workshops, readings, and first performances at Literary Festivals at Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Gibraltar followed, and Bill was in his element.
His love of Wodehouse and the theatre spurred him forward, helping, as he often told me, to fight against the ill health he was increasingly battling to keep at bay. Sadly, Bill lost this battle at the end of 2024, leaving his beloved family and friends to mourn the passing of a loving, passionate and hugely creative man.

“From the beginning of Wodehouse In Wonderland, Bill had expressed the wish that his play might be performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the 50th Anniversary of Plum’s death. It is bittersweet that Wodehouse In Wonderland will make it to Scotland this year but without its author.
Neither Bill nor his literary hero Plum was much given to sentimentality. Still, I hope they would both forgive me the indulgence of imagining the two of them looking down on our Festival run and enjoying a spiffing time together.”

Wodehouse in Wonderland is produced by Cahoots Theatre Company Ltd. The full creative and production team is to be announced.
The play is performed by arrangement with the Wodehouse Estate.
To book tickets, visit: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/1034-wodehouse-in-wonderland
The production will have previews at the Tabard Theatre in West London from 20 until 22 July.

Booking is now open:
https://tabard.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660050).
LISTINGS INFORMATION FOR EDINBURGH:

Venue: Assembly George Square Studios,
40 George Square, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9JX

Dates & times: Wednesday 30 July – Sunday 24 August 2025 (excl. 11, 18 Aug), 6:10pm

Duration: 70 minutes

Ticket price: from £11

Booking link: assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/1034-wodehouse-in-wonderland

Age suitability: 14+

Access information: http://assemblyfestival.com/access

#Interview by Lou – What does Comedian, Robyn Perkins and Psychologist, Dr. Keenan have in common? Free #EdFringe show – Shrink Wrapped A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage. @CountingHouseEd @lhcomedy #WhatsOnEdinburgh #ShrinkWrapped #Comedy #Psychology #RobynPerkins #DrCarolyneKeenan #ComedyForTheCurious #LifeHacks

Interview hosted by Louise Cannon with Comedian, Robyn Perkins
and Psychologist, Dr. Carolyne Keenan
Shrink Wrapped: A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage

Comedy For The Curious – Shrink Wrapped
The Lounge at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
31 Jul – 24 Aug 20:45
1 hour

Welcome, Robyn Perkins and Dr. Carolyne Keenan to Bookmarks and Stages.
Thank you for your time in answering all my questions in an in-depth, fascinating manner.

Robyn Perkins is a multi-award winning comedian with hit shows such as Comedy for the Curious. She is said to like investigating life. She tackles big emotionally charged subjects and brings it back to the audience with relatable humour and anecdotes.

Dr. Carolyne Keenan is a fully-qualified, licenced, registered psychologist who is founder and clinical director @ Lotus Psychology Ltd. She has also featured on BBC Radio 1 in programmes such as the popular, Life Hacks, The Independent, Psychology Today and more…

The idea of bringing comedians on-stage together in a group therapy type of scenario, with a psychologist really analysing them, sounds a fascinating and original show. It’s a pleasure to interview you both about this, covering what you hope audiences will get from this, what psychologists really think of clients and so much more… The answers truly are fascinating and insightful.
Firstly, we will check out the synopsis and then on to the Q&A before details on where you can catch Shrink Wrapped in Edinburgh.

Ever been deep in a therapy session and gone: I want to know what the hell she’s thinking? Well now’s your chance… with comedians in the hot seat. Join award-winning comedian Robyn Perkins and real-life psychologists (Dr Ruchi Sinha, Dr Carolyne Keenan or Dr Edel McGlanaghy) for the most entertaining therapy session you’ll ever witness. Guest comedians perform their best material, before submitting themselves to gentle psychological probing in front of a live audience. Don’t worry, we’ve got more safe words than a BDSM convention.

Without further ado, let’s begin with the questions I have for you:

Robyn, What gave you the idea to have a comedy show around the topic of therapy and then add in real psychologists into the mix?

It actually started in Adelaide when I had one of our psychologists on Comedy for the Curious (my science comedy panel show, also in Edinburgh). During the show, the psychologist (Dr. Ruchi Sinha) just read all of the comedian guests, from a psychological point of view. After the show, we chatted about how that would make an incredible show on its own, and the raw idea was born. From there, I have developed the idea into a full-blown panel show, developing the structure into what it is today.

Dr. Keenan, how did you become involved in this show and how is it being in the mix of a comedy show and at the same time giving your psychological opinion in front of a live audience?

I was invited to be part of Shrink Wrapped because I had already been a guest expert on Robyn’s show Comedy for the Curious. We had been working together for a while when Robyn came up with the concept for Shrink Wrapped. I’ve always believed psychology shouldn’t just stay in clinic rooms or textbooks, it should be part of everyday life. When Robyn described the show and the concept of combining comedy with psychological insights, I thought it was brilliant.

Being part of a comedy show is exciting and I love meeting all the comedians. It’s different from my therapy work but it uses the same skills- listening deeply, noticing patterns, and reflecting back what I hear. The difference is that on stage, we’re exploring these insights with humour, warmth, and openness in front of a live audience. I love that it makes psychology accessible and fun, while also highlighting the very real human truths that comedy often touches on.

Dr. Keenan, can you give an example of what do psychologists think of their clients, since that is a little of what’s billed in the show that makes it sound so interesting?

People often wonder what psychologists really think about their clients. The reality is, we’re human and often I’m thinking very similar things to what you might be:

“I wish they could see how great they are.”
“They really need to get rid of this idiot, they’d be so much happier.”
“I wish they would focus less on how much their favourite influencer has helped them and give the sessions we have been having some credit!”

In Shrink Wrapped, the audience gets a playful glimpse into how psychologists analyse behaviour and language. For example, a comedian might make a joke about not feeling good enough growing up and I might explore whether that contributed to their attraction to a job where they are constantly seeking immediate and positive approval from an audience. It’s done with kindness and humour though, not judgement, which is what makes it so engaging.

Robyn, Shrink Wrapped has done hugely well at the Adelaide Fringe having sell-out shows. What can people in Edinburgh expect and what do you hope they take away with them at the end of the show?

The concept of Shrink Wrapped seems to intrigue most people, but I think it is the structure behind it that gives the show it’s depth. I have worked with a few psychologists to refine a list of topics we explore across the shows (eg. Conflict, Trust, Romantic Relationships, etc.). Each show tackles a few of the topics in a group therapy session between 3 comedians and a psychologist.

Because the discussion is based in real therapy concepts, the show inherently flips between serious and funny, emotional and light hearted. Equally, I have chosen comedians who are, by nature, quite vulnerable on stage so the chat will occasionally reach emotional moments. However, with 3 comedians on stage at one time, this also means we are desperate to crack a joke if it gets too intense. It is the ebb and the flow of these moments that really makes the show special.

Additionally, since we are talking about real events and real people, we have found that audiences relate to at least one of the comedians on stage, in an ‘I do that’ or ‘that’s me’ kind of way. We are hoping that this can also spark conversations about mental health in a positive and fun way. I know using humour to explore mental health is not a new concept, but watching 3 comedians talk about their mental health in the form of a live therapy session is new territory we are excited to be exploring.

This year in Edinburgh, we are doing the Free Fringe (free entry with donations after the show), and while you cannot book ahead, based on feedback we have had about the show, we are expecting to be just as busy as Adelaide.

Dr. Keenan, what do you hope the audience will have learnt and take away with them by the end of the show?

I hope the audience leaves with:

A sense of relief – realising we all have quirks and struggles, and humour can be a brilliant way to explore them.
A new curiosity about themselves and others – understanding that behaviour always makes sense when you look deeper.
A feeling of connection – seeing comedians open up about their lives helps us feel less alone in our own messy human experiences.

Ultimately, I want people to feel entertained, uplifted, and inspired to reflect on their own lives with more compassion and humour.

For both Dr. Keenan and Robyn, how did you convince 8 comedians to be on stage doing some form of group therapy with 3 psychologists present. Was this an easy or hard task to do?

Dr. KEENAN: I think comedians are naturally curious and brave, they’re used to being vulnerable on stage and they quite like talking about themselves! When they realised this show wasn’t about picking them apart but about exploring their material and personalities in a fun, supportive way, they were on board.

Also, Robyn’s energy and the framing of the show as “science comedy” rather than “group therapy” helped. It wasn’t about fixing them – it was about exploring some of their material through a psychological lens. That made it feel safe and exciting rather than threatening.

ROBYN PERKINS: Similar to what Dr. Keenan has said – as a comedian we love talking about ourselves! But more than that, comedians are curious by nature. I have been overwhelmed by the number of comedians who have asked to be on the show. It’s been fantastic! No convincing necessary!

For both Robyn and Dr. Keenan, what did you both learn from doing this type of show that you would take forward into your careers moving forward and would you do something similar again in the future?

Dr. KEENAN: For me, it reinforced how powerful humour is in making psychological concepts accessible. People learn best when they’re engaged and laughing. I also learnt that psychology belongs everywhere – not just therapy rooms but in arts, media, and entertainment. I regularly take part in BBC Radio One’s Sunday evening show Life Hacks where we take topics that impact the listeners and explore the psychology behind them. We often have call in questions so I’m comfortable thinking on my feet and making these insights accessible and actionable but doing it in front of a live audience on stage has helped me practice those skills and feel even more comfortable with it.

I’d absolutely love to do something similar again. Bringing psychology to audiences in creative ways is something I’m deeply passionate about, and Shrink Wrapped has been a perfect example of how that can work- long may the show continue!

ROBYN PERKINS: I have learned I probably need to do more therapy! I have actually learned a lot about myself, both from comments about me and my set, but I’ve also learned things from watching others. I am hoping this show continues far into the future.

What made you choose Edinburgh Fringe for Shrink Wrapped and what are your plans for where this show can go next?

I go to the Fringe every year, and do the global festival circuit, so it was a no brainer to bring it to EdFringe! Through at least December, we are performing monthly at Top Secret Comedy Club in London at the moment. We will bring the show back to Australia next year. But also, we are looking to potentially start touring the show around theatres and the rest of the UK. The possibilities are endless!

Where can people follow you on social media?

Dr. CAROLYNE KEENAN

You can find me on Instagram @drcarolynekeenan

Linked In (2) Dr Carolyne Keenan | LinkedIn

My website is www.carolynekeenan.co.uk

ROBYN PERKINS

www.robynperkins.com

Instagram @robynHperkins

Further Details about Shrink Wrapped:

Shrink Wrapped – A Psychologist Analysis of Comedians Live On Stage

#Review by Lou of The Start of Something Wonderful by Jane Lambert @JaneLambert22 @HQstories #Theatrical #Bookish #ContemporaryFiction #TheStartOfSomethingWonderful

The Start of Something Wonderful
By Jane Lambert

Imagine hitting pretty much rock bottom in your 40’s. The things that worked before are no longer doing so and then re-building your life, still having hardships to come through to find what you truly want out of the rest of your life. The Start of Something Wonderful is all that in spades. At a time when I too am bit by bit changing a lot in my life, this book is just the one to read.

Blurb

It’s never too late to follow your dreams…

Emily Forsyth is on cloud nine…

She has a high-flying job (literally), a hunky boyfriend (soon to be fiancé?) and a life of luxury. But then, out of the blue, her boyfriend dumps her for a younger woman, and Emily comes crashing down to earth.

Suddenly, she’s single and homeless, and the prospect of staying in the same job as her cheating ex is unbearable. So, at forty years not-so-young, she quits steady employment and decides to chase her lifelong dream of becoming an actress.

But with eccentric acting teachers, unreliable agents, and some decidedly unglamorous roles on offer, has she made a huge mistake? Or is this the start of something wonderful?

Previously published as Learning to Fly.

Review

There’s something quite refreshing and real to read about a forty something year old’s life not going to plan and the fact that they’ve not got it all and even when they try to catch their dreams, it doesn’t all go swimmingly well from the beginning.

Emily Forsyth is an interesting, multi-faceted character to read about. She did have it all, as typically lots of people do have a lot in their lives when in their 40s, but for her, things come crashing down. The boyfriend leaves and to top it off, she is made homeless. It’s this total rock bottom and having to start again in a way that feels fairly realistic, that makes this a compelling read from a plot point of view. From a writing point of view, the words just flow off the page and easily draws you into her life.

The book feels pretty inspirational, that even when nothing is going right anymore, there’s still hope to grasp onto and a lot of living still to be done. The plotting, however, stays fairly grounded in the way that, even when Emily is chasing her dream of becoming an actress, she comes across tough times and challenging people and roles, there’s a realistic feel.

There’s humour, theatrics and romance in this book that’s full of engaging drama that’s inspirational and entertaining.

Thanks to Jane Lambert for sending me the book and I look forward to reading more.

#BloodyScotland News – reminder of Longlist for McIlvanney Prize #CrimeBookFestival #BookFestival

BLOODY SCOTLAND REVEALS THE LONGLIST FOR THE 2025 McILVANNEY PRIZE
sponsored by The Glencairn Glass

Winner to be presented on Friday 12 September 2025 on the opening night of the festival

Bloody Scotland reveals the longlist for the 2025 McIlvanney Prize. The winner will be announced in the ballroom of The Golden Lion Hotel on the opening night of the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival and lead a ‘Day of the Deid’ procession to the Albert Halls. This year the prize will be judged by BBC Radio Scotland presenter, Nicola Meighan; Journalist, Arusa Qureshi and Crime Blogger, Gordon McGhie.

The 2025 longlist – selected by an Academy composed of booksellers, librarians, bloggers and broadcasters – is today revealed to be:

WHISPERS OF THE DEAD by Lin Anderson (Macmillan)
THE MIDNIGHT KING by Tariq Ashkanani (Viper)
THE DYING LIGHT by Daniel Aubrey (HarperNorth)
CARNIVAL OF LIES by D V Bishop (Macmillan)
UNSOUND by Heather Critchlow (Canelo)
THE MOON’S MORE FEEBLE FIRE by Allan Gaw (Polygon)
THE GOOD FATHER by Liam McIlvanney (Bonnier)
PAPERBOY by Callum McSorley (Pushkin Press)
THE GOOD LIAR by Denise Mina (Vintage)
GUNNER by Alan Parks (John Murray)
DEATH OF SHAME by Ambrose Parry (Canongate)
MIDNIGHT AND BLUE by Ian Rankin (Orion)
A THIEF’S BLOOD by Douglas Skelton (Canelo)

The list features five authors who got their first big break when they were shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize. Callum McSorley was shortlisted for the Debut in 2023 when he went on to win the main McIlvanney Prize. Tariq Ashkanani and Allan Gaw have both won the Debut Prize – in 2022 and 2024 respectively. Heather Critchlow and Daniel Aubrey have also both come through the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize pathway, Heather was shortlisted for the Debut Prize in 2023 and Daniel in 2024.

D V Bishop, who originally won Pitch Perfect at Bloody Scotland in 2018, is one of only two authors who appears on the long list for the second year in a row. Douglas Skelton – who has now been longlisted for the prize six times – also appeared on the longlist last year.

Festival Director Bob McDevitt said:

“Supporting new writers is at the heart of Bloody Scotland and it is great to see so many authors graduating from the debut shortlist to the main prize and slugging it out with more established names. I’m glad I don’t have to pick a winner from this excellent crop of crime novels!“

Last year’s winner, Chris Brookmyre, has a presence as 50% of Ambrose Parry with his wife, former consultant anaesthetist Marisa Haetzman and Guest Programmer, Sir Ian Rankin, is on the list with his latest Sunday Times bestseller, Midnight and Blue.

The McIlvanney longlist and the Bloody Scotland shortlist will be promoted in bookshops throughout Scotland in the period between the announcement and the presentation at 6pm on Friday 12 September. The winners will both be interviewed on stage in the ballroom of The Golden Lion by BBC presenter, Bryan Burnett.

Kirsty Nicholson, Glencairn Crystal’s Design and Marketing Manager, said:

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the McIlvanney Prize with the Glencairn Glass – the official glass for whisky. It’s fantastic to see so many wonderful authors on this year’s long list. We’d like to raise a glass and say a big congratulations and good luck to all the talented authors who have made it through.”

#EdFringe News – Shedinburgh Fringe Festival Launches Live Season in New Edinburgh Venue, Summer 2025 #WhatOnEdinburgh #SHEDINBURGH

SHEDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES INAUGURAL LIVE SEASON IN

NEW EDINBURGH VENUE THIS SUMMER

Olivier Award-winning producers behind Fleabag and Baby Reindeer launch a game-changing new venue at the heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.

· Shedinburgh flips the traditional fringe model, committing to paying artists and covering their travel and accommodation.

· Jayde Adams (Serious Black Jumper), Mark Watson (Have I Got News for You), Deborah Frances- White (The Guilty Feminist), Ivo Graham (Taskmaster), Sh!t Theatre (Or What’s Left Of Us), Marlow & Moss (Six), and Maimuna Memon (Manic Street Creature) announced as first artists in season of one-night-only performances. Tickets and the full programme will be released later this month.

· Shedload of Future fund will open for applications, awarding three £5,000 grants.

· The venue features local Edinburgh food and beverage partners Newbarns Brewery, Williams & Johnson and Wanderers Kneaded.

Francesca Moody Productions, the Olivier Award-winning producers behind Fleabag and Baby Reindeer today announce a brand-new venue at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe. Following the success of its digital festivals in 2020 and 2021, Shedinburgh will return live and in-person. Shedinburgh was originally launched in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the resulting cancellation of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, digitally platforming artists no longer able to perform in August and highlighting the Fringe’s vital role in global culture.

Continuing its commitment to keep the Fringe sustainable and accessible to artists and audiences, Shedinburgh reimagines the traditional fringe model – paying financial guarantees to all artists and creatives and covering their travel and accommodation, with ‘Pay What You Can’ tickets available to audiences for every show.

The season will feature a curated programme of one-night-only performances in its intimate 100-seat venue. An incredible mix of fringe favourites, household names and rising stars will appear in a diverse line-up of theatre, comedy, performance art, live music, and talks.

One-off shows by Jayde Adams (Serious Black Jumper, Alma’s Not Normal), Mark Watson (Have I Got News For You, Live at the Apollo), Deborah Frances- White (The Guilty Feminist, Never Have I Ever), Ivo Graham (Taskmaster, Mock the Week), Sh!t Theatre (Or What’s Left of Us, Drink Rum with Expats), Marlow & Moss (Six, Why Am I So Single?), and Maimuna Memon (Olivier Award Winner 2025, Manic Street Creature) are announced today with the full line-up to be revealed later in the month.

The festival is comprised of Shed Shows (‘unplugged’ shed versions of Edfringe smash-hits), Shed Originals (unseen scripts with development supported by Shedinburgh from up-and-coming writers), ShedX Talks (free panels & Q&As), and late-night live music events.

Alongside the programme of world-class evening entertainment, Shedinburgh will open its doors during the day as a café and bar for artists to meet, collaborate and create. Visitors will have a fantastic choice of food and drink on site served by local Edinburgh partners, including beer from Newbarns Brewery, coffee from Williams & Johnson, and authentic award-winning Wood-Fired Pizzas from Wanderers Kneaded. Venue Management is supported by Edinburgh Festival Fringe stalwart’s Gilded Balloon.

Shedinburgh will also work with Venue Management Partners Gilded Balloon.

Shedinburgh will be opening applications in the coming weeks for its Shedload of Future Fund, which distributes money raised during the 2020 and 2021 digital seasons. The fund will award three £5,000 grants to artists making their Fringe debut in 2025. The bursaries can be put towards any costs associated with bringing a show to the Fringe, including travel, marketing, accommodation, set, and artists’ time.

A £2 levy on all tickets sold to Shedinburgh’s season will go directly towards the Shedload of Future Fund for future years.

Producer Francesca Moody said:

“As a company FMP owes so much of its success to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and likewise, the festival has been the launchpad for some of the world’s most celebrated artists too. From Phoebe Waller-Bridge to Eddie Izzard, Trevor Noah to Richard Gadd – we wouldn’t have Fleabag, The Mighty Boosh, Six, The Play that Goes Wrong, or Baby Reindeer without the Edinburgh Fringe. But in recent years it has become more challenging than ever to bring a show to the festival and for artists and audiences it feels increasingly inaccessible. Shedinburgh is our attempt to level the playing field; it’s our love letter to the Fringe, and something that we hope sits in conversation with the many other brilliant initiatives working to ensure the festival remains a launchpad for the next generation of game-changing artists.”

Comedian and Writer Mark Watson said:

“I’m very excited to be a part of Shedinburgh. The Fringe has been a huge part of my career – I’ve not missed one since 2000. But it’s getting harder and harder for emerging artists to survive out there, or even take the risk of going in the first place. There needs to be a fresh approach to the way the festival works for performers, and that’s what Shedinburgh is offering.”

Comedian and actress Jayde Adams said:

“I’ve been coming to the Fringe since 2011, and my big break came in 2016 with a Best Newcomer nomination. After years of stand-up, I’m stepping into something new, more theatrical, more personal, and unlike anything I’ve done before. Shedinburgh feels like the perfect space for it: intimate, raw, and open to risk. I’ve wanted to tell this story for a long time, and I think it’s going to be something really special”

In its dedication towards supporting artists, creatives are invited to register for a Shedinburgh Artist Pass, giving them priority booking for shows, a discount on food and beverages, along with access to an exclusive Artist Newsletter.

As a not-for-profit organisation that receives no public subsidy, Shedinburgh relies on donations to continue supporting artists and reimagining a more sustainable way of making work at the Fringe. Through its Shed Friends and Shed Supporters schemes, donors can directly contribute to the festival’s work and enjoy benefits such as priority booking two days before general release, as well as exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes access. Shedinburgh is generously supported by its Founding Supporter, Jessica Foung.

Tickets and the full programme will be released later this month. For more information and to sign up: www.shedinburgh.com

Facebook: Shedinburgh-Fringe-Festival

Instagram: @Shedinburgh_Fest

Twitter/X: @ShedinburghFest

TikTok: @ShedinburghFest

#shedinburgh

Francesca Moody Productions (FMP) current theatre productions include the 20th anniversary of An Oak Tree by Tim Crouch running at the Young Vic until 24 May; How to Win Against History the Edinburgh smash-hit musical, which expands for a run at Bristol Old Vic from 19 June before heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, plus three further shows completing the Edinburgh Festival Fringe season comprising of Garry Starr: Classic Penguins, Ohio created and performed by The Bengsons and Crybabies: The Scaring all running from 30 July. FMP also recently signed a two year first-look deal with Wells Street Films, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s production company.

Shedinburgh Assets and Artists Images