Pleasance at 30 Celebrating 30 years of the Pleasance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

1985 ------2014

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And More CONTENTS ance Theatre s , Plea Anthony Alderson Anthony Director ucy Munro ucy It might easily have gone the way of many a many of the way gone have easily It might youthful of artistic possibility, a spirit of It’s magazine, this special birthday from see As you’ll James West James or the Pleasance es Front cover: © Theo Davi Published by The List Ltd in association with The Pleasance HEAD OFFICE: 14 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TE Tel: 0131 550 3050, list.co.uk ©2014 The List Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without the written permission of the publishers. The List does not accept responsibility for unsolicited material. The List provides this content in good faith but no guarantee or representation is given that the content is accurate, complete or up-to-date. Use of magazine content is at your own risk. CONTRIBUTORS F Mark Fisher editor Publication L Designer manager Sheri Friers project List The ime already? t Is it that has Pleasance think the to is remarkable It really Only years. 30 for audiences been entertaining at the myself I found it seems, or so yesterday, the manning the Courtyard, 16 sweeping age of running between days my spending office, box were (there Two One and Pleasance Pleasance having and generally then) back venues only two that in this dynamic venture life my the time of old. years of a couple just was magic in the air was but there enterprise, Fringe worked. just about the Pleasance and something at the established the ethos say to proud I’m Christopher director founder beginning by very have as we even today, remains Richardson across operation a multi-venue into expanded sites. several good humour of age), your (whatever enterprise indeed, that – all the things, celebration and of thrilling the most Fringe the Edinburgh make in the world. festival been a tremendous have decades three the first the thousands the audience, you to Thanks joy. people of hundreds and the many performers of been an endlessly it’s us, for worked who’ve us join I do hope you’ll achievement. exciting Here’s season. anniversary in our 30th repeatedly decades! three the next to ve Fund ance s

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26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 36 38 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 Contents H o

Kings of the w i t all b e n ga ga n w i t all b e wild frontier H o Pleasance founder Christopher Richardson looks back to the days of hand-made tickets, feuding techies and Amstrad meltdowns

first visited the street called the In 1986, the present chairman, Jeremy Lucas Pleasance somewhere back in put £10,000 into the pot and we added the Quaker 1979 or 1980 to see my nephew House (our Pleasance Two). Into the courtyard, I in a university production of, I am we opened a small window which served drinks ashamed to say, I remember not. It to the outside and, inside, acted as a late-night took place in a dark dungeon of a place roughly performers’ bar. Now we had a computerised where today there are lines of terrifying muscle- box office based on an Amstrad computer. The making machines in the PE department which is program gave out after 17-and-a-half minutes. A the home of our Pleasance Beneath. Some time young man, now a rather distinguished doctor, later, I went to the Little Theatre, in a rather had to spend each day of the rest of the festival fine courtyard, to see a version of The Brothers with a biro and a John Bull printing set, producing Karamazov. That theatre is now Pleasance One. tickets to order. At least we had less to throw away When I next saw the Pleasance, as it had become afterwards. known, it was January 1985. It was cold and wet, Next year we were back to paper tickets and and we sat by the fireplace in the bar below the numerous pigeonholes to house them. There was theatre with large cups of tea dispensed by Betty confusion, books of tickets trampled under foot Brown and her assistant Joan, stalwart janitorial and some pretty angry promoters. team from EUSA, discussing the practicality of Then we had the Rotterdam computer. It was taking on a venue at the very edge of all things reasonably efficient and did, just about, cope with Fringe. My first love was theatre and my new- the 500 individual performances on offer. The found love was the Fringe but, as a director and thing almost no system could grasp in those days designer, I could see it was a rough place for was the selling of the last ticket to 20 hopefuls in 'I watched drama. It offered tremendous opportunities, but the same second. It would do its simple best to sell the practicalities needed sorting out. I believed each of them a ticket, throw up its little electronic that’s what the Pleasance could do. It would be a hands and say, ‘No!’ and the system would go pop! the Steels place where great theatre and comedy could thrive The Fringe was a wild frontier back then. It among the rest of the festival excitement. was characterised by the Patching Wars in which bend a In that first season, we made a profit of £188, companies in small venues would fight to re-plug not something we did for a further nine years! lights from an inadequate and often dangerous little And when we did, we turned it into a charity. That supply during the changeover from one show to first year, we had a crèche, roast beef off the joint, the next. Delays to the starting times naturally an art gallery with a floor covered in little clay followed. I remember sitting beneath a seating more animals by Charles Thackray, two performance ramp during a performance watching the steels spaces, 18 shows and a hand-driven box office. bend a little more at each round of applause. We at each The administration and graphic hub was housed in were glad it was not too well received. Then there a grey square lump of plastic, the huggable 128k was the difficulty in extracting any money from round of Macintosh which, with its printer and floppy disc, box offices for tickets sold, often creating actual cost more than a sixth of the entire budget. misery and hardship. The first set of paper tickets never arrived – Of course, there are still horror stories, but applause’ well a few did, when someone found most of the considering the huge scale of the Fringe, it is consignment spread out on a railway embankment remarkable how few. It is better than it used to be, between Reading and London. We had the whole if a tad less exciting. Yet I am surprised each year lot reprinted in a different colour to thwart the by how much I’m filled with the same excitement, ticket touts and the double booking in the rush to suppressed expectation and optimism I felt 30 be part of the audience in Edinburgh. Throwing years ago. The energy and creative explosion 80% of those tickets onto a council tip in early which spreads across one of the loveliest cities in September was a salutary learning experience. Europe is something to be cherished.

2 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 3 A recipe T he u n iqu e fa a nce s

for success ce o f the Pl e a The Pleasance is renowned for encouraging new ideas and risk taking, the result of a offering a Family experience Being innovative ce o f the Pl e a philosophy that embodies the spirit of the Fringe. Over the past three decades, it has ‘The Pleasance is like a family’ is a familiar phrase from You can’t stand still in business and the same is true for performers, staff and supporters alike. The informality of the the Pleasance. Over the years it has tried everything from supported over 5,000 productions involving some 40,000 people. No mean feat. organisation keeps everyone grounded and connected to its downloadable podcasts to mobile-based websites. Watch out Here are the ten top reasons it has achieved such levels of success core principles. for paperless ticketing soon. s a nce T he u n iqu e fa

Living and breathing Fringe all year welcoming An elephant on crutches Kick-starting careers laying on a PACKED Programme A team of ten people run the Pleasance 365 days a year. It’s There are few ideas the Pleasance won’t consider: from Thousands of people have had a chance to cut their teeth The Pleasance offers such a tantalising selection of no part-time affair. Programming starts a year in advance, Throats, which flooded the stage of Pleasance Two every in everything running a venue has to offer. After picking performances you’re both overwhelmed and giddy at the new venues are conceived, old venues revitalised and day, to Auto Auto, which required a car to be destroyed and up invaluable experience in August, many have gone onto same time. Your first encounter will turn you into a child in a ambitious additions created. turned into a musical instrument each night. careers in the arts and further afield. sweet shop. Dip in!

remembering its Small beginnings Investing in emerging talent creating a Buzz guaranteeing quality The Pleasance may have grown into one of the Fringe’s best Since 1995 the Pleasance has taken over 600 young people As many as 25,000 visitors come to the Courtyard on the With over 900 applications every year, the Pleasance has a loved venues, but the core value of creating a platform for to the Festival Fringe via the Young Pleasance and invested busiest day. With a 5am licence in the Dome, performers and collaborative and highly skilled approach to programming. great performances still underpins everything, whether it’s over £100,000 subsidising productions through the Charlie punters alike help create the biggest buzz on the Fringe. You Building a line-up of such diversity and reliability is a full-time tomorrow’s Michael McIntyre or today’s surprise hits. Hartill Special Reserve Fund, as well as informal mentoring. never know who you might end up sitting next to. job – and it’s one the programmers do with relish.

4 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 5 From McIntyre to Munnery, from Hunter to Hill, Scotsman comedy critic 'Let’s face it, Al Kate Copstick has enjoyed 30 years of belly laughs at the Pleasance Murray, Harry ll the best things are born of I remember when its guts put a young in the Courtyard and then watching him passion. And the Pleasance Michael McIntyre on in the Attic. And become Al Murray. Hill, Jack Dee and certainly was. The marvellous a nervous Russell Brand in the Cellar. I will never forget sitting in the dark, A thing about comedy at the Not just the now-famous, but the year on year, bathed in the glorious, S he w ho laug hs l Stewart Lee had all Pleasance has always been its breadth forever-iconic names that pepper the irresistible madness that was any of and depth. In its own quiet way, it has Pleasance schedule over the years speak Andrew Clover’s shows, starting with been the most open minded and brave to an understanding of and fondness for Man of Substance in a World of Filth, on g est already been there’ of comedy venues. In 1989, into a niche comedy that goes far beyond the bums- almost holding my breath through the in the brochure still warm from the wit on-seats imperative. beautiful, weird fragility of Julian Fox’s and spats of Earl Okin, the Pleasance I have memories of watching Norman Rebranding Mr God and Goodbye loosed Malcolm Hardee . . . and all that Lovett and Jim Tavare, John Dowie Seattle Coffee Company, getting a thrill that entails. Sold-out audiences for both and Simon Munnery. Good grief, the in 2012 in the King Dome realising Jerry Sadowitz and Gyles Brandreth place has nurtured Arthur Smith from Brendon Burns has a brain as well as a on g est have stood there, patiently, in the a lad who could warble Andy Williams gob. pouring rain. (and did) to the grizzled old bloke who Most of my magic moments are in the hs l S he w ho laug Check out the 2006 schedule and you growls Leonard Cohen. tiny spaces – the awesome firepower of will find Frankie Boyle back to back Even when comedy at the Fringe Adam Riches packed into the Cellar is with the 4 Poofs and there are not many became toxic with Big Management, something to be experienced. Although places where that could happen. The puffed-up PR and ‘them off the telly’, the frisson Reg Hunter sent round the Pleasance was the happiest of homes the Pleasance seemed rather to Keep Pleasance Queen Dome in White Woman to the Hamiltons in an Edinburgh I Calm and Carry On. left my follicles erect for months. remember as being very sniffy indeed Let’s face it, Al Murray, Graham And then there is Michael McIntyre. I – until they became the ‘must see/must Norton and Harry Hill, Jack Dee and feel genuinely sorry for anyone who did do’ show on the Fringe. Stewart Lee, Frank Skinner and Dave not get to see him in the Pleasance Attic. Comedy wrestling might not have got Gorman (to name but a few) had all Or even Pleasance Above by which time the go ahead from many venues, but it already been there, handed out their people deliberately came in late to his found a home at the Pleasance. As did flyers and complained about the show for the joy of the fun he had with the crazinesses of The Office Party and reviewers. them. The Donkey Show. As the Courtyard My personal magic moments at the But that is one of the loveliest things expanded, the programming maintained Pleasance are legion. Photocopying the about comedy and the Pleasance and that marvellously personal approach posters for my show in the press office its continuing passion for performance with which it began. ‘There’s just a in 1991, helping to pin Graham Norton – there is always the chance that, gut feeling . . . a spark,’ said Anthony into his Mother Teresa tea towels in some year, up in the Attic, there will Alderson. 1992, meeting Joan Rivers in Brooke’s be another Michael McIntyre, another I cannot think of a better way to Bar and watching her cry when Russell Brand in the Cellar. Of all the put together a programme. And the someone read her my review and doing venues at the Fringe, I can imagine the Pleasance has always had great guts. a TV interview with the Pub Landlord Pleasance going on forever.

What the Pleasance means to me

Steve Pemberton Miranda Hart The League of Gentlemen comedian ’My love of the As soon as we hit upon the What the Pleasance means Pleasance is idea of taking a show to to me is an instant emotional Edinburgh, we only had eyes for one venue. recall of excitement and fear, exhaustion because it’s just We worked hard to ensure Christopher and elation, hot dogs and hangovers. I Richardson attended one of our shows at will always see the Pleasance as a vibrant got a great vibe.’ the Canal Cafe Theatre and he agreed to and thriving place where acts gathered to Tim Minchin Home of give us a teatime slot. An audience of three offload festival angst (I have made many a comedian & composer attended our first preview (and I’m sure life-long friend in the Pleasance Courtyard), one of them fell asleep), but within a week and where you were always the most we’d made it onto the hallowed ‘sold out’ excited to go as an audience member – it blackboard. For all of us, the Pleasance is, in many ways, the central hubbub of the Courtyard was Edinburgh, and I was comedy community for a month every year. delighted to take my kids there last year More importantly, the Pleasance means and show them the (temporary) blue plaque looking out for comedy new kids on the celebrating The League of Gentlemen’s first block and I will always be grateful to them the brave appearance in 1996. The plaque was next for helping me put on shows there for three to the men’s toilet, which was bigger than years. The Jokerdome venue in 2002 holds our performance space – but then how else a special place in my heart. Possibly named could a bunch of unknowns ever hope to the Jokerdome because the ceiling was so sell out otherwise? low I could barely stand in it. Happy days.

6 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 7 Robert Thorogood 'I was 18 when I first In 2007, theatre-loving legend Emma Writer Bettridge gave me her trust (and, performed at the equally importantly, the Charlie Hartill I first heard about Charlie Fund’s money) to put on a play. It was Hartill long before I Pleasance, six months a big, sprawling, ambitious piece. Too met him. I was 13 and into becoming a ambitious. Didn’t sell many tickets. I everyone was talking at gained a lot of knowledge, and lost a

school about this brilliant comedian and they gave lot of money. C h a r li e Ha rt ill S pec ial R eser boy who’d just joined our year. The next year, Emma (big heart, short Apparently. I couldn’t verify any of me a break through the memory) let me put on another play, this; I wasn’t clever enough to be in Charlie Hartill Comedy Dad’s Money, which was neither big, v e F u n d any of his classes. However, we were nor sprawling. The tale of two brothers both put in the school play, and when Reserve. Without the trapped in a cellar in Somerset during I finally got to meet him, I realised all a flood, it was tight, comic, sold tickets of the hype was true. He was brilliant; Pleasance finding ways – and I could never have written it if like a diamond. I’d never met anyone I hadn’t over-reached the year before. like him before. And as I write this to bring new comic The Charlie Hartill Fund allowed me nearly 30 years later, I haven’t met talent to Edinburgh to make a mistake, and to learn. It’s anyone like him since. great to have a chance to learn. Even He was clever, witty and ferociously the Fringe wouldn’t be better to have that chance on other loyal; a fantastic writer, brilliant people’s money. performer and even more brilliant quite the same. Happy I’ve now spent six months of my stand-up. But what I think most birthday Pleasance!’ life in Edinburgh in August (most v e F u n d impresses me now, as I look back on recently with Dirty Great Love Story). my 20-year friendship with Charlie, Jack Whitehall Happy birthday, the Pleasance. I will was his attitude to life itself. His total Comedian always remember you for giving me a ial R eser ill S pec C h a r li e Ha rt disregard for authority. The sheer joy Charlie Hartill Special chance. For Stop Calling Me Vernon. he felt when trying to do something Reserve, 2007 Louis CK. Translunar Paradise. Not In impossible. His boundless optimism. Everything Is Significant. And for a And, of course, his voracious appetite friendly labrador. for fags, booze and Nina Simone. I’ve cleared time from appearing in And that’s why he and the Fringe So if you’re here for the festival and major feature films** for a glorious were always such a good fit. Because running up insurmountable debts; return to the Pleasance this summer. the Fringe – or at least my rose-tinted and if you’re drinking way too much, I’m starring with Jerome Wright memories of it back in the 1990s – was and way too often; and if you’re not (who performed in that 2007 Charlie a place of improbable hopes, intense rising until after it’s already dark and Hartill-funded learning experience) in passions, quixotic pointlessness and not going to bed until after it’s light; Wingman (14:10, Dome). Do pop in. constant, drunken laughter. and if you’re shoving your fliers into It’s a big, ambitious, tight, comic story. laughing And that’s Charlie. It’s no wonder the a bin in the Grassmarket instead of Fringe was where he functioned best. handing them out; and, above all else, * We can find no evidence of Richard’s It was the one time of the year when if you find yourself stumbling back presence in Hollywood. the whole population of Scotland’s to Waverley Station some time at the ** Also no evidence of appearing in greatest city agreed to spend 28 days beginning of September not knowing feature films (although he may have living like Charlie did for the rest of who you are, what happened or how watched some). the year: going too fast, doing too you’ll ever recover, you can console much, and laughing all the way to yourself with this thought. debtors prison. It’s what Charlie would have wanted. The 30th Birthday Charlie Because, of all of Charlie’s many Fund beneficiaries memory and varied triumphs, I hold one Robert Thorogood is the creator How the Charlie Hartill Fund has brought new generations achievement of his above all others. of BBC1’s Death in Paradise. He ◆ Lorraine & Alan of comedians and theatremakers to the fore And it’s not that he was the youngest is currently writing a Death in Pleasance Dome, Jack Dome, ever director of the Festival Fringe Paradise novel, A Meditation on 30 Jul–25 Aug, 13.30 (14.30) Society. Nor that he could speak Murder, which will be published in Who is Lorraine? Where does she come harlie Hartill was a wit, writer, performer, ex-president of the Cambridge Anglo Saxon at 13 – or managed to January 2015. from? And why does she take so long Footlights, eight years a director of the Festival Fringe and the Pleasance’s get McVitie’s to change its Hobnobs in the bath? A modern re-telling of the man of the computer. He first worked at the Pleasance at the age of 17. The design at 16 – or Barclays Bank to Selkie myth with live sound design and Special Reserve Fund was established in 2004 in memory of Charlie, who ‘repudiate all his debts’ at 22 (although Richard Marsh song from award-winning company C Bucket Club. died in January of that year. He was 32. it is very nearly the fact that he booked writer and performer The fund provides complete financial support to artists and companies of the himself a slot at the Pleasance one Winner of a Fringe First for ◆ The Comedy Reserve future who wish to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Since 2005, it has year to do a one-man show and forgot Dirty Great Love Story 2012 enabled one piece of theatre and four comedy acts to come to the Edinburgh Pleasance Dome, Jack Dome, 30 to write it). Jul–25 Aug, 21.30 (22.30) Festival Fringe every year, directly supporting nine theatre companies, including To my mind, Charlie’s greatest Anthony Alderson wrote Catch four of the hottest new acts on the PIT and Invertigo, and 40 comedians, including Jack Whitehall, BAFTA winner achievement was that he simply to me and asked, ‘Now comedy circuit in the tenth year of the Daniel Rigby, 2013 best newcomer John Kearns, Daniel Simonsen and Holly refused to learn any of life’s lessons. you’re all famous in Pleasance’s Comedy Reserve. This year’s Walsh – a total of over £100,000 worth of subsidy. Every day he seemed to get up without Hollywood*, have you group of outstanding newcomers are: any idea of what he was supposed got time to send a few Chris Betts, Phil Jerrod, Evelyn Mok and to be doing, but instead he’d ask the words for our birthday?’ Yes, Anthony. Brennan Reece. world: ‘Where’s the fun?’ I’ve still got time for the little people.

8 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 9 'This is no place for distinctions Ri n gi g the ch a es Just an illusion? about high Guardian theatre critic Mark Fisher looks back over 30 years of transformative moments art and low, newcomer Ri n gi g the ch a es t’s the Fringe of 2011 and I’m taking a break between So far so subversive, but what really made the night and celebrity’ shows in the Pleasance Courtyard. The picture is familiar: memorable was the audience. Not content with singer Paul people are chatting, drinking, handing out flyers, catching McDermott’s attempts to walk across the flames, someone I up on all the festival gossip. But to the trained eye, opened their wallet and threw their credit card onto the fire. something else is going on. Scattered around the place are Then someone else did the same. And another and another. It a number of individuals who are listening with unusual was one of those perfect festival moments when normal rules concentration to their headphones. It’d be easy to mistake no longer applied. them for particularly dedicated music fans with their iPods For similar moments, it’s easiest to focus on the small and on shuffle. In fact, although they are not together, they are quirky corners of the programme like the peepshow booth an audience. that appeared in 2012, offering a sex-themed play to anyone Look closer still and you see that the couple arguing by who dared look through the hole in the wall; like the half- the bar are wearing head-mics, as are the two in heated hour verbatim play about floods performed in a caravan in discussion by the queue for Pleasance One. Unbeknownst to 2008; and like the one about a road trip performed for an those around them, they are actors performing in Invisible audience of five in a campervan in 2010. Shows like this have Show II, a play by Jonathan Holloway (see below) in which the intimacy of a dream. real life is the backdrop to a drama of bitter-sweet romance. But equally dreamlike are the memories of much bigger The invisibility applies as much to the audience as it does transformations. Was it really in the same university sports the actors. hall that I saw not only the exuberant irony-fest of Eurobeat: It’s one of those festival moments where the dividing line Almost Eurovision in 2007 in which Mel Giedroyc played between fact and fiction seems to shift. Having watched so Boyka, the batty Bosnian contest host, but also last year’s much theatre, it’s as if you’ve drifted into a play yourself. The Trash Cuisine, in which the Free Theatre of Belarus made the very notion of the Pleasance, constructed and dismantled in a grim connection between gastronomy and torture? matter of days, adds to this illusion. Now you see it, now you It sounds unlikely but the answer is yes. The Pleasance don’t. Can you be certain it happened at all? is no place for distinctions about high art and low, about That’s certainly how I feel about one of my earliest newcomer and celebrity, about serious and frivolous. Pleasance memories, although I have since met people who Hosting the Pleasance Bytes series of podcasts in recent were there and have confirmed it to be true. It was in 1987 years, I have interviewed such luminaries as Paul Merton, and the scene was a bonfire somewhere round the back of the Miriam Margolyes and Nichola McAuliffe and found them main buildings where earlier in the evening there had been an invariably as energised about the festival as the young outdoor production of Beowulf. I didn’t get to see that show, hopefuls sitting in the audience hoping to pick up expert tips. but I was in the audience for the Doug Anthony Allstars, the The Fringe’s open-access philosophy, the idea that everyone brilliant Australian musical comedy trio who, at the end of from newcomer to old hand is in with the same chance, finds the show, decided to lead us en masse to gather around the its most democratic expression here. Anyone can dream and camp fire and join in some less-than-reverent Christian song. everyone dreams at the Pleasance.

What the Pleasance means to me

Jonathan first really high-profile show Pleasance from scratch community of hundreds of Holloway at Pleasance One in 1990 and his voice counted. The theatre-makers – thousands founder was a ‘dog’, Christopher Pleasance has always probably – who wouldn’t and artistic Richardson trusted it was had a beautifully simple, have careers if there hadn’t director, Red an aberration, and had us pragmatic and ultimately been a supportive, no- Shift Theatre Company back time and again. It liberating attitude towards nonsense promoter called A company doesn’t just was Christopher who first theatre-making, allowing Pleasance Theatres being need friends when it starts described Red Shift as ‘the you to do the work you there to encourage, support, out, it also needs their National Theatre of the care about while winning take risks and pour buckets Trash Cuisine sustained loyalty along the Fringe’ – a phrase that took audiences that count most. I of common sense over our in 2013 way. Despite the fact our root because he’d built the stand four-square within a heads.

10 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 11 photo © Jassy Earl

35 talented youngsters head north to Edinburgh to share a flat, their lives and an unforgettable theatrical experience. But it’s not for everyone. Anyone looking to be handed a complete script on day one of rehearsals will be found

wanting – so the Nortons have to seek Y out those with a desire, and skill, for o u n g Pl e a devising. a nce s ‘We look for young people who are up for exploring things, and don’t expect to be handed everything on s

a plate,’ says Tim. ‘So during the a nce auditions, we encourage them to o u n g Pl e a be fearless, inventive and playful. Y Because nearly everything we do is based on entirely new material, which Three is written or adapted and tailored for the company, so we need them to be to watch brave about coming up with ideas.’ ◆ #MyWay Over the past 19 years, Young Young Pleasance Pleasance has built up a loyal Fringe Dome, King Dome, 2–16 Aug, audience, who return each year 14:10 (15:10) knowing a level of quality is assured. @YoungPleasance Our Sinatra- The company has just ten days to put obsessed teenager plunges into the the show together, but as Tim says, twittersphere in pursuit of his digital ‘it’s extraordinary how much you can darling. A swirling multimedia love

achieve in that time, when people are story for now.

rk a Cl bby o N © o t o ph happy to work extremely hard.’ ‘We have a reputation for creating ◆ Government Inspector

shows with some of the highest Incognito Theatre

an sm Go d Davi © o t o ph production values on the Fringe,’ adds Courtyard, Pleasance Below, Kathryn, ‘and all this is achieved on a 2–25 Aug, 13.00 (14.00) shoestring. That resourcefulness and @incognitotheatre A slick visual Left to their own devising drive has become part of the Young feast of unashamed satire and For the thrill of the Fringe and the discipline of the profession, you can’t do Pleasance DNA.’ silliness in a reinvention of Gogol’s better than the Young Pleasance, Kathryn and Tim Norton tell Kelly Apter Along with the chance to forge classic. First solo outing from the lasting friendships, see a multitude of ex-Young Pleasance performers of shows, work with a great team and help Incognito Theatre. he Edinburgh Festival Fringe can ‘Young Pleasance has endured professional theatres with professional 'In 30 years time, shape their future (a high proportion of be a thrilling experience at any because it is constantly re-fuelled by crews, on productions that are former Young Pleasance participants ◆ Civil Rogues age – but when you’re 16, and the brilliance of all the young people designed to be as professional as they we’ll look back now work in the creative industries), A young Pleasance T visiting it for the first time, it can who get involved,’ says Kathryn. possibly can be in their execution,’ the young people also get a rare Production developed at turn your world upside down. ‘You feel ‘And Young Pleasance alumni are says Tim. ‘And for a lot of our young chance to hone their skill. ‘With school the RSC’s Other Place like you want to go back forever, and everywhere.’ performers and crew, it’s the first time on this moment productions, people are lucky if they Courtyard, Pleasance Two, 2–25 that it’s where you should have been For the 15–20 year olds involved, they’ve had that opportunity.’ get to do three or four performances,’ Aug, 17.00 (18.00) for the previous 16 years of your life,’ Young Pleasance doesn’t just provide Auditions for the Young Pleasance as the most says Tim. ‘But by the process of going @civilrogues England, 1649. The says Tim Norton, joint artistic director the huge creative buzz that comes Fringe show take place in February through it night after night, people King has lost his head, the Queen of Young Pleasance. He should know from immersing yourself in Scotland’s each year, during which the creative transform. You see such an enormous has fled, the Globe has been – he and his fellow-artistic director capital during August – but a chance team plan to select 25 of the 100 or so beautiful of development in confidence, and they demolished and all performances and sister, Kathryn Norton, have been to work on a production that’s young people who apply. Inevitably, really start to understand how to build are banned. Featuring the Young taking young people to the Fringe professional on every level. ‘They the ranks swell (‘because we just our lives’ their character, get that laugh or create Pleasance creative team. since 1995. enjoy the benefits of working in can’t say no to them’) and around Rites – Edinburgh 2013 a particular moment of magic.’

From oysters to ovations Kathryn Norton’s top 20 Young Pleasance experiences

• Seeing your poster as room (with full orchestra) • Coping with deflating • Spending the entire • Shows with double ages for the house to fill how many are in the • Remaining unfazed • Substituting a bagel for • Getting a five-star you step off the train at mattresses, and cooking day in costume, make- basses and saucepans, company ‘hiding’ in the when a mirror ball shatters a pork pie as you land in review and seeing the Waverley • Running through the for ten hungry teenagers up and preposterous spades and spitfires, • Effecting ridiculous haze in Pleasance Two inches from your face Dunkirk best show you’ve ever Old Town for midnight – every night facial hair suitcases and éclairs, multiple costume seen in your life • Leaving your luggage street theatre shipwrecks and changes in the dark with • Building a bus in four • Wondering why • Hearing the audience on the platform • Attending a company • Eating Loch Fyne suffragettes no space minutes while singing and Christopher Richardson begin a standing ovation • Feeling as if you never • Having your false ID meeting at the crack of oysters with Paul dancing with even time is onstage with a fire when there are still five want to be with anyone • Rehearsing the entire confiscated on your first dawn when you haven’t Merton in the Pleasance • A frantic get-in and the • Hearing the audience for a tea-break extinguisher dousing minutes of the show else, anywhere else in play in a New Town living night out been to bed Courtyard excitement of it taking gasp as they realise just pyrotechnics to go the world ever again

12 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 13 P hoto g r For theS past fivenap years, the Pleasance has happygiven a rising star of the photographic world an access-all-areas pass. Here are highlights from the annual Pleasance Picture Show exhibition a ph i c comm i ss i ons Idil Sukan i ons i ss y comm da B i rth

30th birthday commissions JaImie GRAMSTON How do you celebrate your 30th birthday, Pleasance style? With 6m of light-box collage, a courtyard animation, cartoon chaos, guest appearances and a 48-page book, of course! The team at the Pleasance has commissioned a number of special pieces to help bring everyone closer to the past 30 years. Here is what to expect

Animating ideas The List – 30 years Pleasance TV The Pleasance is a platform for ideas, at the Pleasance Watch out for guest interviews and a philosophy encapsulated by stop- You’re reading it now – the Pleasance spoof broadcasts as the Pleasance TV frame animation in this eye-catching has collaborated with The List to plot interviews the great, the good and ugly commission. Theo Davies, whose work this unique guide to 30 years at the faces of the Pleasance past. A true has been seen across Edinburgh, used Pleasance. If you want to share the comical broadcast of the past 30 years. a silhouette of the Courtyard as the memories, you can download a digital http://vimeo.com/pleasance backdrop. ‘My films can be categorised version at Ryan Taylor Head of Comedy by their focus on difficult and www.pleasance.co.uk/30years Ben Wilson Idiots of Ants uncomfortable subject matter: human emotion presented to the viewer with Jassy Earl great intensity,’ he says. Theo Davies Creator What does ’Pleasance’ mean? 1. a pleasure ground 2. Illuminated history Captured in cartoon a pleasant and secluded Previewed at the Pleasance’s birthday Paul Garner, the Pleasance’s resident part of a garden. 3. a party on 6 June 2014, two light-box cartoonist and sign maker, has plotted fundamental feeling that collages will feature hundreds of ‘30 years of evolution’ in a cartoon is hard to define but that Pleasance pictures. Find them in the for the 30th year. It takes you from Dome during the Fringe and marvel at Christopher Richardson as a caveman people desire to the mix of memories from the past 30 to the ordination of Anthony Alderson, experience years. with the ‘Cambridge Foot-Knights’ and Joey Toller Artist & Photographer invasions from flyering squads along Will Jackson Factory Settings Ltd the way. See a full interview with Paul Construction Garner on page 24. Paul Garner Cartoonist

14 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 15 Getting in the zone C h ild ren come fi rst The List’s kids editor Kelly Apter celebrates the joys of the Pleasance’s Kidzone and talks to co-ordinator Candida Alderson about what makes it special

t was a sunny day in August 2012 when I first realised a reviewer of children’s theatre for over 15 years, I’ve sat just how unique the Pleasance Courtyard is. Sitting in the through some truly awful Fringe productions. Some venues, Kidzone, with my then 10-year-old daughter, we ate lunch however, have a reputation to protect – and finding yourself ren come fi rst C h ild ren come I and discussed the funny, but poignant drama for older on the Pleasance bill isn’t a given. The programmers, quite children we had just seen in Pleasance Two. rightly, know that one bad apple can taint the whole cart – Suddenly, a small flame appeared in front of us, lit by standards have to be maintained, otherwise the entire venue Paul Nathan, the man behind the I Hate Children Children’s is compromised. Show. With a lightning-quick sleight of hand that baffled Over the years, I’ve laughed, cried, been appalled us for days afterwards, the burning light was replaced by a (in a good way – a lot of poo jokes make their way into chewy sweet, which was duly eaten. children’s shows), educated and thoroughly entertained A few feet away, in the main courtyard, the beer was already by the wide range of work for younger audiences on offer flowing. Adults waiting to see some daytime comedy or at the Pleasance. In this, its 30th year, the Pleasance kids drama, discussing what to watch later that evening. Yet here programme is as diverse as ever. Big-name shows such as in the Kidzone, a different kind of buzz was being generated. Dinosaur Zoo fresh from its West End success, Sid from Spotting a friend standing in the nearby tent, I wandered CBeebies going on a heroic quest, and Potted Sherlock from over to speak to him. There on the floor, his 10-month old the team that brought us Potted Potter will all attract the baby son was gurgling away happily, crawling alongside crowds. other tinies and toddlers. My friend’s 5-year-old daughter, But look out too for what the Pleasance does so well – bring it transpired, was seeing a show in Pleasance Above, in thought-provoking shows by quality theatre companies accompanied by grandma – and it was then that it struck me. such as Emily Brown and the Thing by Tall Stories and The Quite literally, the whole family was being catered for. Snow Dog by Full House. Or laugh as you learn during Since it first appeared in 2008, the Kidzone has given Decomposed!, a whirlwind and slightly bonkers tour of harried parents and carers that rare thing during the Fringe – classical music from pre-history to present day, and join in a space where they don’t feel like they’re getting in the way. the fun with New York singer and instrumentalist Amelia The welcoming signal the Kidzone sends out shows a clear Robinson, whose superb Mil’s Trills show sees myriad understanding that for families, it’s the entire experience, not musical guests drop by. just the show, that matters. Knowing what to buy tickets for can be a challenge, even It was while she was trying to contain the noisy exuberance with the guarantee of quality that comes with a Pleasance of her 4-year-old twin boys, and wheeling her young baby billing. Which is one of the other benefits of hanging around around, that Candida Alderson, Pleasance Kidzone co- the Kidzone – it’s the best place to pick up word-of-mouth ordinator, came up with the idea. ‘As a parent, you want to suggestions. ‘It’s such a big effort getting out there with take your kids to see shows at the Fringe,’ she says, ‘but then your kids, and it can be expensive, so you really want to see you get there and there’s nowhere to put your pram or get something that’s been recommended,’ says Alderson. ‘And something to eat, and it makes the whole thing very stressful.’ at the Kidzone, people see and hear other families coming Starting with a tepee with arts and crafts materials, a few toys out of shows and talking about what they’ve just seen – and and some giant beanbags, the Kidzone has grown to include parents talk to each other. What’s really lovely is that when an igloo for theatre shows and four pod tents. Responsibility I ask families why they visited the Pleasance, they say that doesn’t stop there. When you’re spending hard-earned cash they just knew if they came along, there would be something on theatre tickets, some indication of quality is a must. As good for all of them to see.’

What the Pleasance means to us

Tall Venues). For the last five performance to the support kids himself, and that the Stories years the Pleasance has from admin, marketing, front family work is supported physical been our home – and home of house and tech teams – so strongly by his wife theatre is an appropriate word. With everything feels right. It’s Candida. Here’s to many Tall Stories first the Pleasance we feel we’ve also great to be part of such more years of the Pleasance performed at the Edinburgh found a venue that matches an extensive programme – with Tall Stories along for Fringe in 1997 – and since our ethos of friendliness and of family-friendly work the ride. Happy birthday then we’ve been back every professionalism. From the each year – due in no small to the Pleasance from Tall year bar one (including bottle of wine given to every part to the fact that head Stories – the wine is on us many happy years at C company on their opening honcho Anthony has young this year!

16 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 17 Will Jackson three years ago, we bought our own Master carpenter, 1999–2006. Now workshop in Leyton, East London. director, Factory Settings Ltd Highlights have been building part of the set for the Olympic Closing I graduated in 1999 with a degree in Ceremony and most of the Paralympics sculpture, but what they didn’t teach me Opening, alongside work with the at university was how to make a living Royal Opera House, National Theatre

from it. A friend suggested I work in and the British Museum, to name a few. Ma k i n g lig ht w theatre, so I sent 200 letters, had 15 The Pleasance not only led to the rejections and only one yes. That was start of my career, it’s also where I from Christopher Richardson at the met my fiancée Claire Nightingale. Pleasance. He said, ‘We have an empty Another Pleasance success story, ork o f i t workshop, come and run it.’ I was Claire started on the Pleasance front given the job title of master carpenter of house, did two years there while she which, at 23 years old, felt a bit of a was at university, before moving on joke! To start with I did maintenance to programme comedy for two years. ork o f i t jobs around the Pleasance, which She’s now an agent to eight emerging quickly led to work on various bits comedians, and assists with comedy of set. During one of my years at the stars like Vic & Bob, Dame Edna, and Ma k i n g lig ht w Fringe I met and worked with Lucien Tim Minchin at PBJ Management. Mansell. It was a good fit, and we Without Christopher’s belief in young there were only three performing started working together. people and willingness to give so many spaces when I started: the main Inspired by Christopher’s people responsibility so early in their theatre, Pleasance One; Pleasance entrepreneurial approach, we set career, I would not be stood outside our Two across the Courtyard; and the up Factory Settings Ltd soon after. own workshop today. Not only that, but Cabaret Bar. By the time I left, I think It’s been an incredible journey and, Claire and I wouldn’t be welcoming there were a couple of attic rooms him as a guest to our wedding in added where I can recall seeing those September. I wish the Pleasance a comedians who would soon become great 30th birthday and look forward the power houses of comedy and to popping two bottles of bubbly this light entertainment. My own special year! memory is working with an unknown Graham Norton – with some tea towels on his head as he played Judith Dimant Mother Teresa of Calcutta – he was so Press Officer 1989–1991 and late joining the Pleasance line-up he programmer 1990–1991. Now wasn’t even in the Fringe Programme The talent factory producer, Complicite . . . ah well. The rest is history. The The experience of working for the Pleasance can set you up for life, Pleasance has always seemed like the The Pleasance was a place with real heart of the Edinburgh Fringe and I as three of its most illustrious alumni attest soul. I was lucky enough to work know many performers felt the same. there in the late 1980s/early 1990s – Happy 30th birthday!

very year the Pleasance assembles happen. You feel you’ve been given a a team of 240 people to run 27 job that you shouldn’t have got for a venues across two sites, meaning few years, so you work hard to cement E that an incredible number of their faith in you. PLEASANCE TEAM FESTIVAL FRINGE ROLES people get the chance to work in a It was a steep learning curve. My Front of House Crew leading Fringe organisation. Alongside job was reading thousands of scripts Front of House Manager this is a much smaller team who work and talking to companies about Anthony Alderson Andres Velasquez year round at the Pleasance, Islington. their next step in life, when I felt Director Technical Manager Front of House Assistant Manager As you’d expect, the Pleasance focuses like I was going, ‘What’s my next Hamish Morrow Yvonne Goddard Box Office Operator more on talent than track record and step?’ Because you’ve been given an General Manager Head of Finance Box Office Supervisor as a result has created hundreds of opportunity yourself by the Pleasance, successful careers in the industry and you push around that good energy and Ryan Taylor Chrissy Angus Runner & Exchequer Head of Comedy outside. tell the companies you will help them Box Office Manager/ Reception Programming Team however you can. It’s like finishing Matthew Dwyer Reception Manager Cass Mathers school for theatre admin. Theatre Programmer Sam Smith Head of theatre, 2009–2014. Now Now I’m at the Arts Council, I’m Press Officer Stuart Hurford Graphic Designer/ relationship manager, theatre, they said, ‘Well, we can’t let you putting my money where my mouth Press Office Coordinator Marketing Manager Deputy Box Office Manager Arts Council of England go, but we realise you need to earn is. I used to listen to the same ideas Street Team some money so we’ll try and find and think, ‘How can I give you humble Matt Britten Dan Smiles Street Team Manager I was studying for a masters in you some.’ I went through about four resources to make that happen?’ and Edinburgh Operations Manager Front of House Manager contemporary literature and decided different jobs before becoming the now I’m saying, ‘If you can just say it Pleasance Times Editor Dan O’Neill Lizzie Hawes to get some experience of reading theatre programmer a year and a half in this way, we can unlock the funding Brooke’s Club Host scripts. So I started as an intern at the later. It felt quite a jump! from the government.’ I do a very London Theatre Manager Publications Coordinator Technical Crew Pleasance in January 2008, working Everyone is given an opportunity similar job, but with money at the end Josephine Tremelling Jenny Halsey three days a week helping out with that is slightly out of their reach. of it rather than an Edinburgh ticket. I London Production Manager Admin & Finance Assistant Venue Manager the programming. After four months, You want it so badly that you make it owe a lot to the Pleasance!

18 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 19 What the Vo x pop x pop Vo Pleasance means to us A view from audiences, actors and administrators

Stuart Moncrieff, Joanne Rotherford and Gillian Hunt

'I’ve been going to the Pleasance in August every year when I see 'The Pleasance is a brilliant 'The Edinburgh Festival Fringe for over 20 years. Walking through those first bits of yellow appear. I one-stop shop for all your Fringe is a wonderful, ebullient and the entrance from an Edinburgh immediately text my oldest friend experiences – you can, literally, dynamic beast. A home for street into a courtyard full of Joanne (above) to let her know it’s spend all day, from excellent experimentation, for nurturing excited show-goers, performers started. By then, of course, we’ve children’s shows and activities in artists and for discovering new and enthusiastic staff still gives already got most of our tickets. I the morning through to a great talent. Over the last 30 years, me a buzz. It’s a place you can try to make the Pleasance my late-night line-up of comedy and the Pleasance has been a truly visit with friends or on your own first show and always like to make theatre. It’s the place to be and significant part of the Fringe and always have a fabulous time. it my last. It’s amazing whether be seen!’ landscape, and been at the I love talking to my neighbours in you’re seeing a show or just forefront of driving and extolling the (very well organised) audience soaking up the atmosphere. It’s John Stalker and family our founding principles. From queue or at the bar sharing always great for star-spotting Leith, Edinburgh pioneering the drive to the recommendations which often too: Joanne and I have an annual southside of the city, to giving leads to me going to a show I star-spot competition. Can’t wait us the first glimpse of talent that wouldn’t have picked myself. The for August!’ ’In the heart of the festival has would go on to be household excitement usually starts for me always been the Pleasance, names, the Pleasance has Miriam in late July with a text from my Gillian Hunt and specifically the Pleasance provided us all with many iconic Margolyes friend Gillian (below) telling me the Howdenhall, Edinburgh Courtyard. My month would not moments and memories. From familiar yellow signage is going up. be complete without visiting Christopher Richardson’s hats We go to lots of shows together there. As soon as I walk under the and dogs to Anthony Alderson’s and always meet at the iconic ‘Having visited the Pleasance arches, I immediately feel as if I philosophical musings on launch Pleasance totem pole. I’m often eight times over three years, we am part of the Pleasance family day, the Pleasance will always 'The Pleasance is not just a venue; it has a philosophy of asked for Fringe recommendations really enjoy the buzz there. The rather than a visiting customer. be something we can remember, passionate support for the artists it presents. There is and always say go to the Pleasance atmosphere really makes you The relaxed atmosphere with admire and love. Here’s to the – you don’t have to see a show to feel part of the Fringe. Having a the buzz of the Fringe makes next 30 years.’ an army of staff who take care of us, the technical and have a great Fringe experience programme with both well-known for the perfect place to discover marketing arm of the organisation are disciplined and there.’ and up-and-coming comedians, new shows, meet friendly and Kath Mainland endlessly helpful. I loved being part of the engine and there is something for everyone. strange people alike and find Chief Executive, was thrilled to see the variety and skills of my colleagues Joanne Rotherford Even if you set out with no show myself standing next to some of Edinburgh Festival Fringe Corstorphine, Edinburgh in mind, you can meet friends and my favourite comedians. It has led Society – many young, experimental groups of performers, solo have a drink in the Courtyard and to many of my most memorable acts of comedy and magic and fierce drama. I was born then decide which to see.’ moments in the Fringe.’ again at the Pleasance, can’t wait to return.’ 'It’s my absolute favourite Fringe venue. I ride past it to work daily Gillian and David Bower Stuart Moncrieff Miriam Margolyes on my scooter and get excited New Town, Edinburgh DREGHORN, Edinburgh Actor, Dickens’ Women, 2012

20 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 21 ‘I began with the Pleasance over 16 years ago as crew in a venue called the Cavern. After that I became a venue manager followed by head of lighting before my current position. I have continued to return to the Pleasance because of my respect for the company, what it achieves and strives to achieve. The festival is a fun project that at times can be C demanding but is always rewarding.’ ABL E T

AL K RoomMatt Britten, technical operations serv manager, gives an insight intoic what e it takes to bring the Pleasance Courtyard and Dome to life Matt Britten AL K ABL E T C

Tape it up Queues With cables, wires, set and seating, a The Pleasance front of house team technician’s best friend is tape (gaffer, knows a thing about getting people in electrical, Scotch). The Pleasance uses and out of a venue in time. This year the equivalent length of a half marathon there will be 5,625 queues to manage to keep everything taped down. over the festival.

Plug it in Creating stages To keep the Pleasance connected takes From the Queen Dome to the Cellar 25km of cable – that’s the equivalent Door, the Pleasance has created an of running between the Courtyard and impressive 27 venues. They range from Arthur’s Seat back and forth ten times. 50-odd seaters to the 750 seats of the Grand.

Sit down The build There are 3,298 seats to keep your Creating the temporary world that is bums cosy. This means on an average the Pleasance is no mean feat. It takes day, the Pleasance could host up 18 days in total to create this incredible to 69,258 guests. That’s nearly the theatrical experience and just 72 hours population of Inverness. to pack it all away.

Switch off! Computer says ‘No’ Staying green while keeping every . . . hopefully not venue illuminated is a challenge. Over the last decade, although the Pleasance The Pleasance installs a temporary has doubled in size, it has reduced network of over 70 computers during electricity consumption by 25%. the Fringe. And if you include venue technical equipment, lighting and sound desks, this increases to at least 110.

Making it happen No mean feat Pulling the strings and making sure Needless to say, this isn’t achieved every show runs smoothly are a team easily. It takes 12 months in planning and of 240 people, as many as half of three months to pack it up completely, whom are learning new skills. That’s not to mention running the Pleasance in not to mention the 200 staff that EUSA London for the rest of the year. employs to run the bars, the cafes and to keep the place tidy.

22 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 23 Ma p Ma p

Game for a laugh Cartoonist Paul Garner tells Mark Fisher about making light work of the Pleasance’s public image

t tells you something about the happened by accident,’ he says. ‘We got to Pleasance that it’s the only Fringe know the staff and were asked to do various venue with a resident cartoonist. If bits and bobs around the site.’ I you’ve spent any time there, you’ll The totem pole was a starting point for be familiar with his work. He’s the one much of what followed. ‘Back in the days responsible for the yellow totem pole in before there was a Pleasance Dome, when the Pleasance Courtyard that directs you the Courtyard was the centre of the universe, to the various venues; it’s his cartoon it seemed natural that there should be a focal that frames the 30th-birthday programme point in the middle,’ he says. ‘That kind of index in the brochure; and, until recently, wacky style was employed there and it just it was his celebrity caricatures that lined spread out, like tendrils, around the rest of the walls of the Pleasance Dome. the complex.’ His name is Paul Garner and, if the This year, he is branching out with a board- Pleasance was run by marketing geeks, game version of the 30th birthday cartoon they’d say he’d forged the company’s which will be installed on the table tops brand identity. In truth, he just likes a across the Pleasance venues. He’s designed laugh. ‘It’s a more fun image than any of it so beer glasses can be used as counters. the other venues,’ he says. ‘The Pleasance hasn’t ‘It’s a journey round the board, like Snakes been ashamed to be garish, colourful and circus-y.’ and Ladders, through the history of the Pleasance with little The relationship developed thanks to his double-life as a gags along the way. I’ve never been po-faced as an artist. I’ve performer. As one half of the Brighton-based theatre-and- always tried to keep it light.’ comedy collective Gawkagogo, he played at the venue in the late 90s and his posters caught the management’s eye. ‘It paulgarnerart.com.

24 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 25 in The Pleasance we Trust Charity begins in In 1995, the Pleasance Theatre Trust was established as a registered charity in England, Wales and Scotland with the aim of continuing to create a powerful platform for Fringe theatre. The change came in the same year that the Pleasance opened its London venue and Lon g- u st launched the Young Pleasance. Unlike many cultural charities across the UK, the Pleasance term p has never received regular public subsidy. All revenue generated from ticket sales is

T he r reinvested back into future festivals and the London development programme

the Courtyard a rtners Fundraising for good causes puts the Pleasance at the heart of Edinburgh life

The role of the Trust Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea Conrad Jones ounded with a practitioner focus, A note from the Chairman Principal & Vice-Chancellor Commercial Director the Pleasance Theatre Trust University of Edinburgh Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) identified areas where early but The Pleasance is unique. T o many Edinburgh Fringe-goers it is F modest assistance in cash or in the Fringe. For thousands of people now aged anything up to A lesser known fact about the Pleasance are the We have been working in partnership with the Pleasance kind could nurture the development of partnerships that make the experience happen year on from the very start, providing all of the food and beverage performing companies and individuals. 50, it is where they began their real immersion into theatre year. Without the longstanding cooperation from the outlets for the performance venues. The Pleasance’s With no set grant programmes and performance, stand-up, stage management, lighting, box University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh University programme has expanded over the decades and our simple criteria, our aim is to bring the Students’ Association (EUSA) the Pleasance Edinburgh operations have grown with them, meaning we are now public emerging talent and to support office, programming, being embarrassed by a Man in a Panama wouldn’t be able to happen. The Pleasance has also in the position to employ hundreds of student staff every second projects – the crucial period for supported Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading HIV and summer to run our festival services. It is a fantastic a new company or performer – and to Hat into picking up litter, etc, etc. Hepatitis C charity, through comedy fundraisers, events at opportunity for them to develop skills and work at the explore the interaction between live Whether or not they take up a professional career in the Downing Street and the Tartan Ribbon campaigns. heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. performance and digital platforms. These relationships are testament to the power of The income generated each August plays a significant The Trust deploys 30 years of business, the experience gained by being a part of such an charities working together to raise vital funds for various role in helping us to support and develop EUSA’s expertise and consolidated facilities, enormous team for up to a month or more is something that purposes – it’s unique that such deep relationships have charitable initiatives and activities. The partnership with allowing it to mix seed funding lasted for 30 years. Long may they continue. Pleasance has been an invaluable one. We have had 30 from the Charlie Hartill Fund, use is never lost - and, for the vast majority, something they From humble beginnings in the Pleasance Courtyard, fantastic years and are looking forward to 30 more! of facilities in our Islington base and to the hugely expanded and successful operation we now mentoring. would never wish to lose. I remember a few years ago when see every summer, the University of Edinburgh and the Our development activity grew from Christopher Richardson and I were having a drink together in Pleasance Theatre Trust have shared a wonderfully fruitful the formation in 1995 of the Young partnership over the last 30 years. Karen Docwra Pleasance for young people locally the Courtyard, a man, then I think in his 20s, came up to us The buzz and excitement surrounding Pleasance venues Fundraising Manager and nationally to present high-standard and said, ‘I just wanted to thank you both - you, Christopher, each summer bring new energy to the university and Waverley Care professional theatre in London, provide a fantastic showcase for the university buildings, Edinburgh and internationally – which for enabling me to put on my own show here this year and along with outstanding entertainment to tens of thousands The relationship between Waverley Care and the they have done to great acclaim. you, Jeremy, for bringing me in your cast of of visitors. In helping to run the Pleasance venues, many Pleasance is one to be celebrated – for its uniqueness and The development momentum is A Day at the of our students gain invaluable front and back of house its longevity. Through bucket shaking and the wonderful sustained within a year-round and, Sea-Side when I was 10 years old.’ It was a very special experience, as well as an important source of employment Tartan Ribbon Comedy Benefit, we have raised over to date, self-financing programme over the summer. £300,000 over the last 22 years and have worked with the of public performance in London, moment which highlighted everything which we believe the The inspirational work of this charity in giving young Pleasance to challenge the stigma associated with HIV and on tour and as the major producer of Pleasance to be about. people the opportunity to perform has produced some Hepatitis C. A big thank you to everyone at the Pleasance the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where great talent in the past and I know will continue to do so. for making us part of your family and for helping us to the Pleasance is a vibrant, inclusive The university truly values its alliance with the Pleasance make a profound and lasting difference to the lives of and often irreverent assemblage of 23 Theatre Trust, and looks forward to another 30 years of many people in our Festival city. Happy 30th birthday to a venues offering the public a programme Jeremy Lucas fantastic entertainment and collaboration. very special group of people! blending traditional practice, comedy, work for young children and new Pleasance Chairman trends in performance. John Faulkner Pleasance Secretary

Help CREATE A FUTURE OF MORE IDEAS by donating to the Pleasance Theatre Trust pleasance.co.uk/make-donation

26 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 27 The home of imagination Audiences love to see new shows and, say the theatremakers,

it’s the Pleasance that makes it possible Into the ne

Anthony Roberts support us from the very beginning. shows that I’ve brought their way – by Director, Escalator East to Our ongoing relationship has given which I mean there have been terrible Edinburgh us the excitement and enthusiasm ones as well as good ones. But they to continually return to the festival, embrace them all in that wonderful w Escalator East to Edinburgh gives building audiences together. Presenting ‘spirit of the Fringe’ way. artists from East Anglia the opportunity our work in Pleasance Two has led to present work at the Edinburgh to many defining moments in the Fringe. Simple really. Only it’s not. company’s history. I can’t overestimate David Mitchell Because the Edinburgh Festival Fringe the fantastic impact presenting shows Actor, comedian and writer is a jungle and simply letting young at the Pleasance has had on Hoipolloi. s not my dad i s not C hr i stopher companies loose into the bear pit is no Thank you Mr Pleasance! A lot of theatres talk about encouraging way to support them. We look to work new work and new talent but the with partners who understand risk, who James Seabright Pleasance really does it. It was the offer integrity, trust and understanding. Seabright Productions only place where Robert Webb and my In the Pleasance we have found a home ridiculous attempts to amuse people and partner for so many of our artists I still remember my first foray into the were welcomed. over the years. A partner who remains courtyard in 1999, when as a student constant, a friend we can trust, who putting on my first Pleasance show, I will respond to our challenges with approached Christopher Richardson David Seidler imagination and enthusiasm, who takes with the ill-advised greeting of ‘Are Writer of The King’s Speech the issue of access for deaf and disabled you Chris?’ It took a few years for him artists and audiences as seriously as to forgive me for this abbreviation and I had the first reading of my then little- we do and whose culture is wedded to to start programming my shows again. known play The King’s Speech at the The family way the simple notion of peace, love and By that time I was getting my teeth Pleasance. It was from this reading understanding. Here’s to the next 30 into putting on shows professionally. that the film was born. The Pleasance Pleasance director Anthony Alderson tells Mark Fisher about a popular years. Christopher, and Anthony Alderson provides a phenomenal opportunity for misconception and why he couldn’t resist moving home to Edinburgh after him, have always been huge all people, both on and off the stage. supporters of the full range of It needs to raise money to continue its Amit Lahav important work. Artistic Director, Gecko t’s an easy mistake to make. So let’s be clear: Christopher Richardson, the founder of Institute by Gecko Anthony Alderson got his first job the Pleasance, is not Anthony Alderson’s dad, although they Not many venues in Edinburgh could - coming in 2015 at the Pleasance in 1987 when he have known each other since the latter was a 13-year-old house a Gecko show. Not many would (hopefully!) I was 16, helping out wherever he pupil at Uppingham School and the former was a teacher. have the time and patience to put on was needed. He swept the courtyard, That’s why, living in Edinburgh, the teenage Alderson was something so big. But at the Pleasance, built the seats, worked on an awning in pole position to get involved in Richardson’s two-year-old there’s a real willingness to make it above the bar that somehow never venture. ‘Christopher has been a bit like a dad,’ he admits. happen. They want Gecko on in the got finished and took turns in the box ‘He’s one of those mentor figures who has a profound effect building. It seems to permeate through office. On one occasion, he found on the way you are. He was arty, nothing was impossible all of the staff. When you turn up, himself operating the lights on two and everything was done with a great humour. That’s hugely everyone’s excited about the art. They shows at the same time. He’d do a cue important to what we do.’ want to see it, they want to hang out in one, race across the courtyard, do a Another reason Alderson seems so at home at the Pleasance with you, they want to meet up, they cue in the other, then race back again. is that he’s naturally cut out for the festival way of life. His want to make it better. You can only do People forget there was his stage previous job working on a long-running West End show just that by meeting people who care. At management degree at the Guildhall School of Music and didn’t interest him. ‘I realised I’m one of those people who the Pleasance, it’s not a money thing, Drama and the eight years he went travelling and working for love the process of getting the show on, but I was hopeless it’s a cultural adventure. We’re talking touring theatre companies. They forget he made documentary once it was open. I wanted the next thing to do. The festival now about our next show going in 2015 films, did a stint with Cheek By Jowl, worked as an agent for environment is perfect because it only exists for a short and it feels absolutely right to keep that Ennio Marchetto and helped get Stomp into the West End. He amount of time, then you’ve got to move on.’ relationship. seems so firmly in with the bricks at the Pleasance, especially And, of course, the festival takes place in the city where he since becoming director in 2005, it’s natural to assume he’s was brought up. He moved back after 25 years of living in been there for ever. London when the quality of life it offered his children became Shon Dale-Jones So as we sit in his back garden in Portobello, where he has too great to resist. ‘I think people in Edinburgh don’t see how Artistic Director, Hoipolloi and lived since 2013 with his wife Candida, their three children lucky they are,’ he says. ‘This is one of the most remarkable Hugh Hughes and two dogs, he tells me he hears the same erroneous cities in the world. There are very few places like it. That question all the time. ‘There is this assumption that it’s a sense of belonging, the sense of having something that is your Hoipolloi has been making new work family business and I’ve just inherited it from my dad,’ he home is important to me and it’s important that my children for 20 years. We are very fond of the

laughs. ‘So I get constantly asked, “How’s your dad?”’ have that same sense.’ Pleasance because it took the risk to photo © Richard Haughton

28 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 29 T hro ug h the ag es

1985 1987 1992 1995 Pleasance Edinburgh A fresh-faced young man The first year a A major gear change for opened with two theatres named Anthony Alderson computerised box-office the Pleasance, becoming facing onto a deserted joined the Pleasance as system lasted a whole a charity, opening a year- es T hro ug h the ag courtyard-cum-car park part of the team. Who’d Festival and the start of round home in Islington, at an unfashionable have known he’d go on to many more revisions. London and launching the eastern end of become director in 2005? Young Pleasance. Edinburgh’s Old Town. 30 years

1999 2000 First Pleasance website Further expansion when launched. It’s had many the Dome on Bristo innovations since, now Square opened. With a of change offering audiences five circumference of 78.5m, Since opening its doors in the mid-80s with only ten shows, the Pleasance has become one clicks to buy a ticket. the Dome has become a much-loved venue day of the most famous festival venues in the world. It stands at the heart of the Edinburgh and night Festival Fringe and now spans 27 venues across two sites. Here are some of the milestones

2004 2008 2011 2014 In memory of Charlie Created by Candida Launch of Pleasance The 30th birthday is more Hartill, the Pleasance Alderson, the Kidszone Podcasts, offering a than a date in history created a fund to support is now a staple of the global audience a taste of – it’s a celebration for artists wishing to perform Pleasance, making it the the festival’s best shows, everyone from audience at the Fringe. The only venue in Edinburgh interviews and banter to crew, performer to first productions were with a dedicated from the cobblestone supporter. Let’s make it presented in 2005. children’s area. streets. one to remember.

30 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 31 'A lot of very good work gets T o b o ldl y g o to Edinburgh y g o o ldl and goes

o b Fringe T no further. That’s a real tragedy’ benefits Pleasance director Anthony Alderson explains his plan to export the ethos of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to small-scale theatres across the UK

hen the Pleasance became a charity in 1995, the result, a lot of very good work gets to Edinburgh and goes organisation embraced the artist-centred values of no further. That’s a real tragedy. the Edinburgh Fringe. Now the decisions we made What is missing – and what the Pleasance is trying to make W weren’t about money or trying to make a profit, but happen – is a network that would bring together pub theatres, about the companies we worked with. All our focus could studio spaces and church halls across the UK. These places be on their artistic development and the shows they wanted are already showcasing a lot of the most exciting work, but to put on. they are disconnected from each other. We want to join them Having opened the Pleasance in London with a 21-year up and we want to use the example of the Edinburgh Fringe lease on a 300-seat theatre, we adopted the model established to help us do it. on the Edinburgh Fringe, where multi-venue theatres create The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society was set up with a self-supporting eco-system. We turned our office into a 50- two core functions: to publish a brochure that listed every seat studio and some years later, when the recording studio show and to provide a central box office. Those are the two next door became available, we gave ourselves a proper principles of our trade: you advertise it, then you sell it. office and developed three rehearsal rooms. More recently, the Edinburgh Fringe has been transformed All this means there is a constant flow of creative people by digital ticketing and the ability to link as many as 30 through our London building. It is a place where anyone box offices together. It means you can buy a ticket from can walk in with an idea and be taken seriously. That’s what anywhere in the world for an event in this city. Even for a happened to Tim Minchin, who came in looking for a studio large company, that’s an amazing opportunity. For a small where he could write a musical. That musical turned out to company, it is unprecedented. be Matilda which has been playing to sold-out audiences Our plan is to do the same thing over a UK-wide network. for over three years with no sign of stopping any time soon. Applying the idea to smaller venues outside of Edinburgh Likewise, we gave space to David Seidler to work on the would bring them a new visibility. Collectively, their voice play that turned out to be The King’s Speech. Those things would be heard much louder. Unlike a commercial ticketing were helped along their way because we said, ‘Yes, of agency, which effectively removes money from the theatre course you can have a room.’ economy, this would be a not-for-profit system that kept the That’s why the next ambition for the Pleasance is not money in circulation so the artists would benefit. The Fringe only to provide a platform for artists, but also to support is an untapped reserve and such a network could transform the creation and sustainability of their work. In particular, the whole industry. we want them to have a properly supported journey into For theatre companies, it would mean the route in and and out of the Edinburgh Fringe. At the moment, the first out of Edinburgh became more apparent. Advances in stage of that journey is reasonably apparent. As long as they technology mean that even from a mobile phone, they could are organised and can raise the money, they can follow an start plotting a tour around this fringe network. There’s a established route to get their show as far as Edinburgh. For real need for this. Companies want to feel part of something some companies, that’s as much as they want, but there are bigger instead of being out there on their own. The effects many who see the Fringe as a launchpad for their careers. on the Edinburgh Fringe, meanwhile, would only be That can be confusing because, having had a successful run, beneficial. It would secure the festival’s place at the centre there’s nothing obvious about what they should do next. of a sustainable network while maintaining its pivotal role in If they’re lucky, they may be invited to play at a medium- bringing communities together in the world’s most amazing scale regional theatre, but there is no guarantee of that. As a celebration of the arts.

32 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 33 Fax & L ET’S G ET DIGI T alli n g

figures AL d on c Lon

The Pleasance is not just good at taking a risk on a new production, it has also introduced audiences to innovative technology London calling from day one. Here are the top ten ideas that paid off A real home from home, the Pleasance’s base in Islington Computer driven (1985) Christopher Richardson Courtyard wifi (2005) Before many of us had is the organisation’s second cultural crucible bought an original 128k Apple Mac in 1985 and produced wifi in our homes, the Pleasance was ahead of the game, the first programme on it and the Pleasance Times, a offering free access to everyone across the courtyard. quirky guide that still exists in print and online. The first hile Edinburgh is the original home of the Courtyard Pleasance logo was created because that was the only Online ticketing system (2003) Pleasance, its year-round base is in Islington which As you turn into the cobbled courtyard before walking up font available. A vital moment in the Pleasance’s history was the arrival of has rapidly become a vital part of the Fringe in to the Pleasance Islington, it feels like a slice of Edinburgh. online ticketing, allowing live sales across both venues and W central London. Housed in the former timberyard of Old machinery hangs overhead, as audiences bustle Fax machine (1991) A fax machine might not feel the Fringe Office. In 2007, the Pleasance was the first venue a Victorian factory, it has a cobbled front yard that recalls between the bar and the courtyard. like an innovation today, but back in 1991 it caused a to use Red 61’s VIA, adopted by the Fringe in 2008 and still the atmosphere of the Scottish capital. Pleasance revolution – the staff were amazed at being used to this day across most Fringe venues. Initially comprising two theatre spaces, it has expanded Main House able to send drawings from London to Edinburgh. into a development hub for writers, directors, producers One of the benefits of the permanent theatre space in Twitter (2009) The first tweet was: and performers, offering production offices, rehearsal Islington is that all 280 seats are comfy and cushioned. A Filemaker database (1992) A database ‘@ThePleasance is going to see a comedy show’ sent rooms and workshop space. Russell Brand and Simon larger flexible space, the Mainhouse, is capable of housing was developed to make sure staff could keep records at 7:51pm, 3 February 2009. It now has 18,200 followers Amstel shared a stage here for six months while writing a huge variety of shows, from interactive promenade and send letters by fax. It was eventually linked to the tweeting each other their favourite moments. their first stand-up show and, in 2009, Tim Minchin came theatre to cabaret. ticketing software so the organisation could issue here to write Matilda. multiple contracts and settlements quickly. The Pleasance Podcasts (2011) 300,000 downloads, 193,000 followers Stagespace still uses a version of this system today. on SoundCloud, 21 broadcasts and 67 hours of unique Here’s a walk around The 54-seat Stagespace was created for companies and content. The Pleasance podcasts peaked at number five the Pleasance Islington performers, both old and new, to showcase and test out Computerised ticketing (1992–2008) in the iTunes Comedy Chart in 2011. The success of the new work. A perfect space for smaller scale, more intimate Quick off the mark, the Pleasance was keen to explore podcasts led to Pleasance TV giving viewers an insider’s Box Office shows. computerised ticketing, although it was far from plain look at the Pleasance lineup. The face of the Pleasance is open year round, seven days a sailing. It took many attempts to get right. week. Thanks to box office manager Chrissy Angus, you get Boiler Room Mobile website (2014) This year the Pleasance has the same warm welcome in London as you do in Edinburgh. The Pleasance’s main rehearsal space is a perfectly Pleasance website (1999) Keen to make launched a mobile website offering audiences the chance designed environment for those who are in the process of sure audiences have the best access to everything they to browse every show and book a ticket within five clicks. Bar rehearsing or developing new work. want to know about the shows, the Pleasance has been Meanwhile, fibre optic broadband has been installed in the In Islington, the Pleasance runs its own bar with a long investing in web content for years. Courtyard. foyer offering a great place to hang out during the day or White Room before catching a show. The foyer exhibits a substantial A rehearsal space filled with natural light, the White Room collection of photos from the Pleasance-commissioned is regularly used by smaller companies and acts wishing to Edinburgh Picture Show. find that perfect place to develop their work. What is next? Contactless ticketing . . . watch this space

34 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 35 The Mighty Boosh, Dave Gorman & Cardinal Burns

Get with the Ma k i n g t h a ppen Ma k i n g t h a ppen programme Never mind the rest of the Fringe, the Pleasance lineup would make a sizeable festival on its own. So what do the programmers do to keep the quality so high?

Ryan Taylor Is there a secret science to knowing whether a Head of Comedy show will be a success? Yes but I’m not telling you, I want to keep this job. What I Could you describe your would say is my knowledge of the venues, the festival and career at the Pleasance? shows helps in programming. Also, always seeing stuff and After starting my life at the talking to people. A lot of the time you need to go and find Pleasance in 1999, I’m now the best shows, they don’t just turn up. embarking on my 16th Fringe at the Pleasance, tenth being in With so many venues and booking slots, how do you charge of the comedy. In my decide what to put on where? first year I worked in Above as Sounds silly but when you see the show you just kind crew. In that venue was Dave of know. When watching the shows I go through all the Gorman, Simon Munnery Pleasance venues and think ‘where would this work best?’ and the Mighty Boosh. They Some of our spaces are brilliant for stand-up and another opened my eyes to the Fringe and comedy. I knew that I can house a more theatrical show. Comedy nowadays is so would never spend a summer anywhere else again. much more than one microphone; people are now using set, props and all kinds of new technology. How would you describe the style of programming? I love taking risks, finding the next big thing and helping What is the most inspiring part of your role? it grow, and making sure there is something for everyone. Getting to work with acts from the start of their journey into I’m also partial to a bit of sketch comedy – not to mention comedy and seeing where they end up. Also that people since, pretty much in every capacity in some form or other, Is there a secret science to knowing whether a Cardinal Burns and Idiots of Ants. care what I think – it’s very humbling. so I’ve really learned about how it all works from the inside show will be a success? out. It’s a bit more of an alchemy than a science. Applications What are you looking for when assessing whether to come in at different stages – some people have been programme a show / performer? What are you looking for when assessing whether to touring the show for years or it’s just an idea that’s been 1) Funny. programme a show / performer? rattling round someone’s head. You look at the idea and 2) Original. Matthew Dwyer Something in the piece that makes it stand out as unique, who’s involved and try to hazard a guess as to how it will 3) Good teeth. Theatre Programmer interesting or bold – but it’s mostly about the quality of come out, but ultimately you can never know. That’s one 4) Is there going to be someone to watch them? the work and whether I think it represents the best of what of the great joys of the festival – you open the gates and 5) You just know when you see someone. Could you describe your someone working in that field can achieve. I try not to anything could happen. career at the Pleasance? prescribe what should and shouldn’t be at the festival. What are the biggest challenges of programming at I started off as an intern fresh What is the most inspiring part of your role? the Pleasance? out of university, initially just How do you measure the success of a show? Seeing a company succeed. You develop a really close Not having enough venues. I know people think we have a down in London and ended I think the best measure of the success of a show is the relationship with the companies and you share the highs lot, but I could fill another six 50-seater venues with more up working the festival in company itself. Some people are looking for a springboard and lows of the festival with them – you feel like you’re brilliant stuff. The early deadline is now a huge challenge. the production department for a tour, some to raise the profile of the company and some with them every step of the way. There’s a lot of emails, We start so early now making decisions that you can see and really fell in love with just simply want an opportunity to develop their craft. The spreadsheets and long nights of proofing copy to get something brilliant in April, but all the slots have gone the festival and the whole reasons for bringing a show to the festival are so varied and through, but when you see a show really take off and and you can’t have the show. Finally, the late nights, but I Pleasance family. I’ve been if they achieve what they’re looking for, and we’ve helped knowing there’s no other place where this could happen guess it comes with the territory. working at the Pleasance ever to make that happen for them, then I consider that a success. is really the best bit.

36 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 37 Kids @turlygod Harold Pinter’s bucolic Fringe 2014 Mildred and the Midnight City psycho-drama. Starring Thom Tuck, 11:45, Courtyard, Pleasance Below Catriona Knox and Simon Munnery. @HookHitch A family-friendly puppetry adventure that follows Mildred as she is Kids thrust into the heart of a musical Arctic The Tale of the Dastardly Listings adventure. Defrost Enjoy the Pleasance’s 30th birthday line-up 140 characters 12:45, Courtyard, The Green f r i n g e 2014 L i st i n g s Comedy @AsToldByTheatre Madame at a time. Keep up to date on Twitter @ThePleasance Shaun Keaveny: Live And Champers is losing her fizz, Colonel Stilton Languorous is becoming sweatier and Whippy is Kids Theatre 11:50, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar becoming distinctly whiffy. Musical Mornings with Mil’s Trills Pleasance Opening Gala You want stand-up satire and sassy 10:30 & 11:30, Courtyard, The Green 11:00, Courtyard, The Grand chat show moves from the nation’s most Comedy @milstrills Start your day with an @ThePleasance Join us for a very beloved radio presenter? (sic) Pop along Goodbye Gunther interactive musical adventure! Amelia special sneak peek at some of the exciting to Shaun Keaveny. 12:50, Dome, 10Dome

Robinson returns to the Kidzone, playing shows in our 2014 programme and help @FrankWurzinger Goodbye Gunther s i n g L i st F R I N G E 2014 songs for the whole family to enjoy. us kick start our 30th anniversary. Theatre faces death head-on in a delightfully merry christmas, Ms Meadows human mix of physical comedy, pathos, Theatre Kids 11:50, Dome, Queen Dome tragedy and joy. The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Decomposed! My Brother’s @BFreeTheatre Internationally Show Turning into a Zombie acclaimed Belarus Free Theatre present Theatre 10:30, Dome, Queen Dome 11:15, Courtyard, Pleasance Above a world premiere, challenging roles of Sochi 2014 @bitesizeplays Three menus of NEW @rolyandtim Can Will save his uncouth identity, gender and sexuality in the world 12:50, Courtyard, Bunker One + funny, charming, stimulating ten-minute game-playing brother Igor from turning today. @Sochi2014Edi Sochi 2014 explores international plays + coffee + croissant + into a zombie - armed only with a the homophobia surrounding this year’s strawberries! conductor’s baton? Theatre Olympics. Dubbed London’s first rapid- Early Doors response theatre production. Kids Kids 12:00, Pop-Up: The Pub, Jinglin’ Dinosaur Zoo Sid’s Show Geordie Theatre 11:00, Courtyard, The Grand 11:30, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond @NotTooTame An immersive theatrical Beowulf: The Blockbuster @DinoZooLive Experience prehistoric @sidsloane Join Sid from CBeebies experience in a real pub. Join the regulars 12:50, Courtyard, Beside creatures as you’ve never seen them live in a fantastic fun-filled interactive for love, loss, laughter and a pub quiz. A father’s final chance to connect with his before, up close and personal! From cute adventure that will knock your socks off. Take a seat and get a loada this. son. A cinematic journey brought to life in baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants. this one-man stage phenomenon. Theatre Theatre Comedy Pleasance Bytes The Curing Room Theatre Blofeld & Baxter: The Inaugural 11:30, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar 12:00, Dome, King Dome Theatre premiering with Radio 4 poets Matt Harvey Government Inspector Edinburgh Cricket Match @ThePleasance In a series of free @TheCuringRoomUK 1944. Soviet Dylan Thomas Return Journey - and Kate Fox, and then Julie Mullen. 13:00, Courtyard, Below 11:00, Pop-Up: The Meadows interviews, leading journalist Mark Fisher soldiers are abandoned in the cellar of Bob Kingdom, Original Direction @incognitotheatre A slick visual feast @blowersh @PBackersPeter Prepare gets inside the heads of the festival’s a monastery by their Nazi captors. To by Anthony Hopkins Theatre of unashamed satire and silliness in a for an epic showdown as the pick of the finest. survive the men resort to murder and 12:15, Courtyard, Beneath The Art of Falling Apart reinvention of Gogol’s classic. festival performers go head to head against cannibalism. A flagship performance for the Dylan 12:20, Courtyard, Pleasance Two industry professionals. Theatre Thomas 2014 centenary celebrations. The Callum realises modern life is rubbish, and Theatre Happy Comedy revisited legendary hit production returns to walks out to discover who knows what. Big Dr Longitude’s Marvellous Theatre 11:40, Dome, 10Dome The Hemline Index the Fringe. Wow back with a new ferociously paced Imaginary Menagerie ROOM @Noprophettheatre What makes us 12:00, Courtyard, The Cellar magical piece. 13:00, Courtyard, Beyond 11:00–15:30, Pop-Up: The Shed happy in 2014? How is it even possible? @PortmanteauLDN Two Theatre @Lesenfantsterr Are bumblewasps @welcometoroom A 20-minute No jobs, no cash, no hope. No Prophet twentysomething women in their defining The 3rd Sector Kids poisonous? What do Whistling-panks experience for one audience member; part Theatre look at our continual quest for decade. 1984: second-wave feminism, 12:15, Courtyard, Bunker Two I Hate Children Children’s Show eat? Answer these and more pointless radio play, part interactive storytelling. A humanity. miniskirts. 2014? Fourth-wave, under- @the3rdsectoruk A darkly comic satire 12:35, Courtyard, Pleasance Above questions in a puppet-packed, lyrical place where anything can happen. employment, the mid-length. that stares into the cold heart of corporate @IHATECHILDREN The meanest man extravaganza. Kids charity and the ethics of giving. Inspired by is back with more kinder-kicking fun. Your Kids Bits & Box Kids real life experiences. children are the stars as everyone over the Theatre The Snow Dog 11:45, Courtyard, Beside The Cat in the Hat age of 8 gets to help perform magic. Night Bus 11:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Two @AndOnTheatre Amidst playful 12:05 & 13:05, Courtyard, Pleasance Theatre 13:00, Courtyard, Upstairs @FullHouseTheaCo A playful and immaturity, laugh your way through an One Chaplin Theatre @cabaretwhore A club, an office, a uplifting exploration of love and loss for energetic glimpse of two guys with far too @CatintheHat_UK An engaging first 12:20, Courtyard, Forth . . . and This is My Friend Mr bedroom, a hell-hole, a sanctuary, a families which fuses music, dance, puppetry much spare time. theatre experience for children aged 3+. @playchaplin A touching story about the Laurel meeting place for strangers. A new dark and a real husky. The Cat turns a rainy afternoon into an man behind the famous little tramp, who 12:40, Courtyard, The Attic comedy. Comedy amazing adventure. put it all on the line for the sake of his belief @JeffHolland07 Jeffrey Holland stars Kids Aaaand Now For Something in love, art and freedom. in this one-man show about friendship, Theatre Big Red Bath Completely Improvised Theatre memories and two remarkable lives. A play A Little Nonsense 11:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Two 11:45, Courtyard, Upstairs The Hive Theatre about the life of comedian Stan Laurel. 13:00, Courtyard, Pleasance This @FullHouseTheaCo Children’s theatre @Racing_Minds The 2013 sell-out 12:10, Dome, Jack Dome The Word Café @JunctureTheatre A bare-knuckle look innovators Full House are on a barmy returns. An improvised comic adventure @humanzootheatre In a world reliant 12:20 & 14:05, Dome, Queen Dome and Theatre at the sharp edge of funny, this original bathtime adventure in a new and vibrant based on audience suggestions, unique on technology, is it possible to reconnect? Courtyard Bunker One A Slight Ache black comedy explores the clown inside adaptation of the popular children’s book. every day! Puppetry, poetry and powerful ensemble. @WordCafePoetry The Word Café 12:45, Courtyard, Pleasance That every man.

38 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 39 Theatre @SkylightThtr A searing confrontation Comedy Theatre @mickperrin Paul Merton joins Suki ‘Inventive, scrappy, proper Fringe fun’ (The Reduced Shakespeare Company between two men approaching middle age. Arthur Smith sings Leonard Wingman Webster in this superb new comedy play Times). in The Complete History of Cohen (Vol.2) 14:10, Dome, 10Dome about a stand-up meeting his number one Comedy (abridged) Theatre 14:00, Courtyard, Forth @RichardBMarsh Father-son comedy. fan. Thirty minutes of obsessive fun. Comedy 13:05, Courtyard, Pleasance One Live Forever Arthur Smith reprises this widely Dad left long ago. Annoyingly, he’s back. Life Tania Edwards: Always Rihgt @reduced Complete History of Comedy 13:50, Courtyard, The Attic acclaimed show premiered at last year’s split them apart, can death reunite them? Kids 15:20, Courtyard, Bunker One leaves no joke untold and finally answers September 1997: a wannabe Brit-pop Fringe, which enjoyed a sold-out London Potted Sherlock @taniaedwards Hilarious new show from

the ultimate question, ‘Why did the chicken hanger-on struggles writing a book. A one run and broadcast on Radio 4. Theatre 14:50, Courtyard, Pleasance One Tania Edwards; stand-up comedian and F R I N G E 2014 L i st i n g s cross the road?’ man tour de force that is affectionate and Normal/Madness @pottedsherlock All 60 Sherlock stories writer. A finalist in the Hackney Empire, very funny. Kids 14:15, Courtyard, The Cellar in 70 elementary minutes! New show from Amused Moose, and Latitude competitions. Comedy Emily Brown and the Thing @Normal_Madness Kirsty’s mother creators of Potted Potter, double Olivier Best of Edinburgh Showcase Theatre 14:05, Courtyard, Pleasance Two is schizophrenic. This frank, funny and nominees Dan and Jeff. Kids Show Blind @tallstoriesnews Something is keeping touching tale follows Kirsty as she tries to Little Prince in the Desert 13:10, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar 13:55, Courtyard, Pleasance Above Emily Brown awake! Join her night-time distinguish her mother from the madness. Theatre 15:25, Courtyard, The Green Stranded @EdCom_Edinburgh Great value @ThePaperBirds A beatboxing theatre adventures in this magical, musical show, Travesti in the desert, a pilot encounters a little lunchtime treat with a new lineup every day. show exploring what young people are based on Cressida Cowell’s loved book. Theatre 14:50, Dome, Jack Dome prince from a small planet. This wise and

Long-running favourite with comedians and hearing in the world from the school Talk About Something You Like @unbound_theatre Six male actors enchanting fable is for everyone. s i n g L i st f r i n g e 2014 festival comedy fans alike. playground to the music charts. Theatre 14:15, Courtyard, Beside perform women’s real experiences. From Wireless Theatre Presents: @IAmByronVincent The funny personal body hair to groping, these guys will make Comedy Comedy Theatre Couples Who Changed The truth about insanity. Introducing the latex you laugh and reflect. Dan Jones: New Kid The Big Bite-Size Plays Backstage in Biscuit Land World glove of science to the mitten of madness 15:30, Courtyard, Pleasance This Factory Goes Down the Toilet 13:55, Courtyard, Pleasance Above 14:10, Dome, King Dome to see if they’ll shake hands. Theatre @DanjoMouse Hilarious character com- 13:15, Courtyard, The Cellar @touretteshero Jess Thom has @wirelesstheatre Seven live radio Kingmaker oddity Dan Jones’ rabble of characters will @bitesizeplays Become a secret agent! Tourettes; a condition that makes her plays. Seven couples who changed the Comedy 15:00, Courtyard, Beneath make you laugh & cry, as they try and make Saving the world can be FUN! 2013 Latest neurologically incapable of staying on way we live today. Robin and Partridge: Robin Dies @Kingmakerplay A bumbling, sense of their desperate lives. Award Winners, 5 stars (EdFest). script, and that’s when the fun begins! At The End Of The Show charismatic Tory Mayor challenges his Theatre 14:15, Courtyard, Pleasance This enemies to become PM. But will his past Theatre Theatre Kids #MyWay @RobinandPartridge As seen on destroy him? Hot Cat Forgotten Voices Jungle Bungle 14:10, Dome, King Dome BBC3. ‘Robin and Partridge delivered a 15:30, Courtyard, Pleasance Two 13:30 & 22:30, Courtyard, The Grand 14:00, Courtyard, The Green @YoungPlesance Our Sinatra surreal, rambunctious act’ (The Telegraph) Comedy @TMBazaar Riffs on Tennessee Williams’ @ForgotVoices A series of vivid, deeply A celebration of life and friendship. Lost in obsessed teenager plunges into the ‘Charmingly original’ (ThreeWeeks). Lizzie Bates: Reprobates Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. ‘Comically surreal moving recited accounts from the veterans a jungle, without a map and only a crazy Twittersphere in pursuit of his digital 15:00, Courtyard, Bunker Two blend of text, dance and humour.’ (LA of World War One, about life in battle and compass to guide them, will they ever get darling. A swirling multimedia love story Theatre @Lizzie_Bates Riotous characters from Times). its terrible aftermath. home? for now. Flanders and Swann BAFTA Rocliffe winner and member of the 14:15, Courtyard, Upstairs Boom Jennies. This bold, ballsy, highly Theatre Theatre @flanders_swann Tim and Duncan anticipated debut is a must-see. The Greatest Liar in All the Lorraine & Alan return for one week only with all the World 13:30, Dome, Jack Dome favourites including The Gasman and some Theatre 15:30, Courtyard, Beside @wearebucketclub Who is Lorraine? hidden F&S gems in their award-winning Swimming @familiadelanoch FamiliaDeLaNoche Where does she come from? A modern show. 15:00, Dome, Queen Dome return with their five-star Pinocchio retelling of the Selkie myth with live sound @SwimmingFringe Three teenagers sequel. A rollercoaster ride filled with song, design and songs. Theatre trapped on the Isle of Wight, desperate to puppetry and clowning. Show Off make their mark. But is the pull of the past Comedy 14:15, Courtyard, Pleasance Below too strong? Comedy Austentatious: An Improvised @figsinwigs A variety show starring only Connected the Musical Jane Austen Novel us. In a self-obsessed effort to tick every Comedy 15:30, Courtyard, Upstairs 13:40, Dome, Queen Dome box, these jacks-of-all-trades are on a I Need a Doctor: The Whosical @CraigChristie9 The rock’n’roll fable of @austenimpro Austentatious is back! An journey of reinvention. 15:15, Courtyard, Pleasance Above four teenagers whose worlds spiral out of all-star cast improvise a ‘lost’ Austen novel @INeedADoctor_UK Doctor-loving their control when real life collides with their – hilarious and utterly unique. Theatre superfans Jamie and Jess put on a musical lives online. Keeping up with the Joans about their time-travelling hero. However Theatre 14:30, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond they must avoid getting shut down by the Theatre Mock Tudor Rival theatricals rediscovering the unlikely BBC. The Sleeping Trees Treelogy 13:45, Courtyard, Beneath ‘Welcome past that ruined their friendship. A 15:30, Courtyard, Pleasance Below to Hampton Court, 1533 & 2014.’ A play bittersweet comedy by Philip Meeks. Comedy @WeSleepingTrees Three men. Three about kirtles, potatoes, love and escape. Catriona Knox Thinks She’s Stories. Three Shows. Sleeping Trees Comedy Hard Enough lovingly disembowel The Magic Faraway Theatre Matt Forde: 24 Hour Political 15:15, Courtyard, The Attic Tree, Treasure Island and Homer’s KATE Party People @catrionaknox Good afternoon. I do Odyssey. 13:45, Courtyard, Bunker Two 14:30, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar character comedy. Why not come and @lostwatchtc Iceland. 1940. The British @mattforde Matt comes back to see for yourself? ‘The next Joyce Grenfell’ Comedy are coming. A lively reflection on the shared celebrate the great and the good (and Ed (Spectator). Max Dickins: My Groupon history between Iceland and England with Miliband). See his brand new show as the Adventure live music. countdown to Election 2015 starts here. Comedy 15:30, Courtyard, The Cellar Surname & Surname: BANG! @maxdickins This is the story of how Theatre Theatre 15:15, Courtyard, Pleasance That Groupon changed my life. I took on the Years to the Day My Obsession @DittoComedy Paul Foxcroft and Briony challenge of doing something different off 13:50, Courtyard, Pleasance That 14:30, Courtyard, Upstairs Redman do a brand new sketch show. Groupon every week for a year.

40 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 41 David Elms Theatre Comedy @TheatreAdInf Ad Infinitum presents a group and stars of their own BBC Radio 4 Scaramouche Jones Rhys James: Begins dystopian future. Intense darkness and a series invite you to The Dreams Factory. 15:30, Courtyard, Forth 16:45, Courtyard, Pleasance Below stunning soundscape tell a story of love, @GuyMasterson 11pm Millennium Eve. @rhysjamesy This pointy debutant will betrayal and technological power. Comedy Centenarian clown, Scaramouche, gives tell some brilliant jokes, do some incredible TOBY: Fuzzbuzz his final performance, charting a bewitching poems and then leave. He won’t check Comedy 17:45, Courtyard, The Attic odyssey through crumbling empires. Twitter for an hour. Hardeep Singh Kohli: Hardeep @wearetoby Feuding sisters have never

Is Your Love been closer, mainly because Lizzie has F R I N G E 2014 L i st i n g s Theatre Theatre 17:20, Dome, Ace Dome bumped her head and is suffering from When it Rains Inheritance Blues @misterhsk Following his hit nationwide memory loss. Five stars (Fest). 15:35, Dome, King Dome 16:45, Courtyard, Pleasance Above tour, the festival’s favourite funnyman A live-action graphic novel. Equal parts @DugOutTheatre A comedy about returns reflecting on romance in middle Comedy blackly funny social satire, heartrending familial debt, heavy drinking, sibling age. Lucy Beaumont: We Can Twerk meta-drama and astonishing theatrical rivalry and a blues cover band. A night of It Out illusion. storytelling, laughter and live music. Theatre 17:45, Courtyard, Pleasance That PAXO @lucybeaumont The BBC New Comedy

Comedy Comedy 17:20, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar Winner and Chortle Best Newcomer, Lucy s i n g L i st F R I N G E 2014 Deborah Frances-White: Half A Casual Violence: The Great Fire @PaxoPleasance The broadcaster, Beaumont, presents her hugely anticipated Can Of Worms of Nostril author and Spitting Image puppet probes debut show. 15:45, Dome, 10Dome 16:45, Courtyard, Upstairs pogonophobia, underpants and the human @DeborahFW Deborah was adopted @casualviolence Award-winning condition. Comedy at birth. In 2012 she stumbled across sketch villains, a sinister tale of heartbreak, Phil Wang: Mellow Yellow information about her birth-mother. This is conjoined siblings and probable arson. Comedy 17:50, Courtyard, Bunker One the true story of what happened next. ‘Superlative sketch comedy’ (The List). Joseph Morpurgo: Odessa @PhilNWang Confident nerd Phil Wang 17:20, Dome, 10Dome returns with his wry outlook and laid-back Comedy Comedy @TheInvisibleDot It’s 1983 and the style to talk about love, race, and yum- Neil Henry’s IMPOSSIBLE David Elms: Nurture Boy buildings are burning. A petrol-sodden yums at one point. 15:50, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar 16:45, Courtyard, The Cellar fantasia from Joseph Morpurgo. ‘Hugely @magicneil Watch the impossible happen @davehasmates Thoughtful romantic innovative’ (Time Out). Comedy in front of your eyes. In Neil’s funny and David Elms whispers it from the rooftops in Massive Dad unforgettable show, everything is possible, his charming and inventive debut show. Comedy 18:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Below and nothing is as it seems. Theatre 16:30, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond Knightmare Live – Level 2 @MassiveDad Good sketch comedy Jamaica Farewell Take the ride with Gonzo and Hunter S Kids 17:30, Courtyard, Forth group Massive Dad present their debut Theatre 16:15, Courtyard, Beneath Thompson. A wild journey to the heart of Jay Foreman’s Disgusting @KinghtmareLive Following a sold- show during which they perform the best of Reduced Shakespeare Company @DebraEhrhardt1 A dream, revolution, the American Dream. ‘Gloriously whacked Songs for Revolting Children out national tour, the critically acclaimed their material for an hour. in The Complete Works of desperation, seduction, US customs, out’ (Time Out). 16:45, Courtyard, The Green Knightmare Live returns with more William Shakespeare (abridged) million dollars, prostitutes, bullets. Run for @jayforeman Charmingly sickable songs, adventure, magic and monsters for Level 2. Comedy [revised] your life. Based on a true story. Comedy stories, poems and lots more. For the Ian Smith – Flappable 16:00, Courtyard, The Grand Rachel Parris: Live In Vegas whole family from small children to massive Comedy 18:00, Courtyard, Beside @reduced The madcap men in tights Comedy 16:30, Courtyard, The Attic children (grown-ups). Dan Nightingale Is Trying His @iansmithcomedy After a successful work their way through all Shakespeare’s Tom Neenan: The Haunting at @iamrachelparris Musical comedian Best Not to Be a Dick debut, award-winning comedian Ian Smith comedies, histories and tragedies that will Lopham House Parris presents her take on the glamorous Comedy 17:30, Dome, Jack Dome returns with his new show. It’s about leave you helpless with laughter. 16:15, Courtyard, Bunker Two Las Vegas show, featuring brand new BEASTS: Solo @theDNightingale Dan Nightingale uncertainty... or is it? (It is). @TNeenan Spines will be tingled and characters and comedy anthems. 16:45, Courtyard, Beside returns to the Fringe for another festival Comedy gooses bumped when Leopold Clarke @BEASTScomedy After 2013’s sell-out frolic. He might be a bit of a dick, but christ Comedy Cambridge Footlights investigates Lopham House. A hilariously Comedy success, BEASTS are going solo. Three he’s funny with it. The Pin International Tour Show 2014: chilling ghost story. The Twins Macabre – Small shows. One room. Too many egos. Too 18:00, Courtyard, Upstairs Real Feelings Mediums at Large little time. Comedy @thepincomedy The Pin return to 16:00, Dome, Ace Dome Theatre 16:30, Courtyard, Pleasance That Dane Baptiste: Citizen Dane the Fringe following two sold-out runs in @footlightstour This is the chance to Blofeld & Baxter: Memories of @thetwinsmacabre Last seen on Theatre 17:30, Courtyard, Bunker Two 2012/13 and having won the award for see Cambridge’s most talented writers and Test Match Special BBC3, the Twins are on the run. Witness Civil Rogues @DaneBaptweets The highly anticipated Best Show at the 2013 London Sketchfest. performers as they bring sharp, hilarious 16:20, Dome, Queen Dome them conjure the souls of the damned in 17:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Two debut hour from this original and sketches to the Fringe once again. @blowersh @PBackersPeter Back this deliciously dark sideshow. @civilrogues England, 1649: the King provocative rising star. Expect razor sharp Comedy by popular demand! More hilarious TMS has lost his head; the Queen has fled; rants and slick musings. Angela Barnes: You Can’t Take Comedy stories! Exclusive behind-the-scenes Comedy the Globe has been demolished and all It With You Paul Merton’s Impro Chums adventures about the characters that make Danny Ward – Infra Dig performances are banned. Comedy 18:00, Courtyard, The Cellar 16:00, Courtyard, The Grand TMS so special. 16:35, Courtyard, Bunker One Jason Cook: Broken @AngelaBarnes Hotly anticipated debut @mickperrin Impro Chums are wonders @danwardcomic Ward is on a quest to Comedy 17:40, Dome, Queen Dome hour from BBC New Comedy Award of nature, taking audience suggestions and Theatre solve an epic identity crisis while battling Nicholas Parsons’ Happy Hour @jasonmarkcook Award-winning winner and star of C4’s Stand Up For The creating cascades of laughter. Ernest and the Pale Moon to escape the bottom rung. 17:10, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar comedian, writer and star of BBC2’s Week. 16:30, Courtyard, Pleasance One Celebrating 14 years on the Pleasance Hebburn returns with a show about, well, Theatre @Lesenfantsterr Ernest is thrown into Comedy stage, West End, screen and radio star being broken. Theatre Broke a jealous rage and murder, as he sees Thünderbards: Seconds Nicholas Parsons invites you to join him for Peter Straker Black Magic 16:10, Dome, Jack Dome Gwendoline with another man. A noir horror 16:45, Courtyard, Pleasance This his most magnificent show yet! Comedy 18:00, Courtyard, Pleasance One @ThePaperBirds Visually stunning told with physical storytelling. @Thunderbards Watch them time- Clever Peter: The Dreams @PeterStraker1 Fresh from London’s verbatim piece exploring the debt of a travel through the decades to observe Theatre Factory West End, this award-winning, green-eyed nation. Real-life stories from ‘feeling the Theatre their ancestors, and royally screw Light 17:45, Courtyard, Beneath Jamaican dark mischief has to be heard to pinch’ to finding yourself penniless. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas everything up. 17:15, Dome, King Dome @CleverPeter Critically acclaimed sketch be believed.

42 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 43 Theatre @ChrisPJTurner Archaeologist digs hip Good News (BBC Three). As heard: 20:00, Courtyard, Bunker Two Lambada, favela funk, spectacular Comedy Voca People hop. ‘Beautifully crafted one-liners, witty Jigsaw (BBC Radio 4). Cosmopolitan’s @MrLukeMcQueen A brilliant show theatrical phenomenon. Eight-piece live Ivo Graham: Bow Ties & 18:00, Courtyard, The Grand wordplay’ (BBC). Sex & the Single Guy columnist. from star of BBC’s Live at the Electric. Samba band. Johnnies An international hit featuring more than 80 ‘A weird collection of dazzlingly original 20:15, Courtyard, Pleasance That all-time favourite songs performed in an Comedy Comedy pieces’ (Chortle). Comedy @IvoGraham Hold onto your hats. The incredible comical a cappella and beat- Lloyd Langford: Old Fashioned Nish Kumar: Ruminations on Pete Firman: Trickster boy’s moved out of his gran’s and he’s box style. 18:50, Dome, Jack Dome the Nature of Subjectivity Comedy 20:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond back on the prowl. A stonking new hour of

@mickperrin A brand new stand-up 19:15, Courtyard, Beside Des Bishop: Made In China @petefirman ‘The UK’s leading comedy humble boasts from Ivo Graham. F R I N G E 2014 L i st i n g s Comedy show about feeling bamboozled by the @MrNishKumar A really cool guy. 20:00, Dome, Ace Dome magician’ (Time Out) returns to Edinburgh The Only Way is Downton modern world. Will contain jokes about As seen on The Alternative Comedy @Desbishop Des went to China to try with an astonishing new show. Star of Comedy 18:20, Courtyard, Pleasance Above CGI, plugs and gang bangs. Experience and Live at the Comedy Store and learn enough Chinese to do stand-up BBC1’s The Magicians. Romesh Ranganathan: Rom @DowntonTour Luke Kempner’s hit and heard on BBC Radio 4 & XFM. in Mandarin. Now he wants to make the Wasn’t Built in a Day impressions comedy. Updated version Comedy world laugh about his experiences. Comedy 20:15, Courtyard, Beneath featuring over 30 voices from Downton Red Bastard Comedy Mat Ricardo: Showman @RomeshRanga Romesh is an Abbey and other TV favourites. 19:00, Courtyard, Forth AAA Stand-Up Comedy 20:10, Dome, Jack Dome inadequate human being. He’s trying @RedBastardShow Something 19:15, Courtyard, The Cellar James Acaster: @MatRicardo The Gentleman Juggler to improve himself and started reading

Theatre interesting must happen every ten @BandGComedy Total sell-out Recognise returns to Edinburgh by popular demand. self-help books. Come see the results for s i n g L i st F R I N G E 2014 He Had Hairy Hands seconds . . . and it will. This dangerous, 2005–2013 returns with a brand new 20:00, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar Packed full of big laughs and breathtaking yourself. 18:30, Courtyard, Pleasance Two comedy-monster unleashes his interactive lineup. Larry Dean: Scottish Comedian of @JamesAcaster James Acaster has spectacles. @Kill_Beast The year is 1974, the town master-class. the Year 2013. something he’s been meaning to tell Comedy is Hemlock-Under-Lye and when werewolf you. Expect whimsical rabbiting on and Comedy Dan Clark: Me, My Selfie & I attacks threaten teatime, there’s only one Comedy Comedy awkward physicality throughout. Alex Horne: Monsieur Butterfly 20:20, Dome, Queen Dome person you can call . . . Lazy Susan: Extreme Humans Iain Stirling: Everything 20:10, Courtyard, Pleasance Two @DanClarkEsq From the star & creator 19:00, Courtyard, Pleasance That 19:15, Courtyard, Upstairs Comedy @AlexHorne Stupidly ambitious and of BBC3’s hit sitcom How Not To Live Your Comedy @comedysusan Humans on the edge. @IanDoesJokes Edinburgh’s very own Nathan Caton: Teenage Mutant potentially disastrous, Alex will finally be Life comes an upbeat show about love (and NewsRevue 2014 Humans on the run. Humans in double- BAFTA-nominated Iain Stirling is back with Nathan Caton Monsieur Butterfly. One flap of his wings crushing loneliness). 18:30, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond denim. A dark, daft debut hour from this a show about heartbreak, immigration and 20:00, Dome, 10Dome and mayhem prevails. @NewsRevue Guinness World Record- anarchic (but friendly) sketch duo. meeting Jedward. @NathonCaton The award-winning Comedy breaking Fringe favourites return to poke comedian delivers heartwarming family Comedy Carl Hutchinson: Here’s Me fun at all things topical. An all-singing, Comedy Comedy tales and hilarious personal anecdotes in a Cariad & Paul: A Two-Player Show all-dancing, satirising show. Mr Swallow – The Musical Lloyd Griffith: Voice of an show not to be missed! Adventure 20:20, Courtyard, Bunker One 19:00, Dome, Queen Dome Angel, Body of a Trucker 20:10, Dome, Jack Dome @CPHutchinson Uniquely stubborn, Theatre @TheInvisibleDot All-new character 19:15, Courtyard, Pleasance This Comedy @DittoComedy A completely outright impractical and undeniably Mental comedy from Nick Mohammed’s critically @LloydGriffith Lloyd Griffith performs Tartan Ribbon Comedy spontaneous adventure, Cariad Lloyd hilarious. Geordie comic Carl Hutchinson 18:30, Pop-Up: The Bedroom acclaimed alter ego maniac monster. Star his sexy debut show. Really brilliant jokes Benefit and Paul Foxcroft take one word from the returns to Edinburgh. @vaccuumcleaner ‘Highly Disturbed’ of radio and E4’s Drifters. and incredible singing from this choirboy/ 20:00, Courtyard, The Grand audience and explode it into absurdity & NHS. He prefers Mental. Autobiographical comedian/deluded heartthrob. @ThePleasance A top night of comedy delight. Comedy performance about notorious artist activist Comedy with proceeds going to Waverley Care. Carl Donnelly: Now That’s What the vacuum cleaner. Stuart Goldsmith: Extra Life Comedy Previous lineups: Michael McIntyre, David Comedy I Carl Donnelly Vol. 6 19:00, Courtyard, The Attic Lee Griffiths: Post Traumatic O’Doherty and Ivan Brackenbury. Alex Edelman: Millennial 20:30, Courtyard, Upstairs Comedy @StuGoldsmith Celebrating his Sketch Disorder 20:15, Courtyard, The Attic @CarlDonnelly 2013 Edinburgh Comedy Fast Fringe lone-wolf lifestyle, despite the looming 19:15, Courtyard, Pleasance Below Theatre @Alex_Edelman A New York-based Award nominee Carl Donnelly presents 18:40, Dome, Ace Dome possibility of fatherhood. ‘Wonderfully @studlygriff Lee Griffiths’ family is more This is Brasil – The Show comedian from Boston. He is 24, a recent another ‘ludicrously funny hour’ (The @Chortle Twelve comedy and variety funny’ (Time Out). messed up than yours. His nonsense-filled 20:00, Courtyard, The Grand Freestyle college graduate, with ‘natural comic Skinny) of stories from his life. acts perform ridiculously short sets in one head needs clearing out. It’s gonna be football, dance, percussion. Zouk timing’ according to the Boston Globe. speedy showcase from leading comedy Comedy messy and might even be funny. Comedy website, Chortle. Morgan & West: Parlour Tricks Lights! Camera! 19:00, Dome, King Dome Comedy Improvise! – The Comedy @MorganMagic @WestMagic Time- Tim Vine: Timtiminee Improvised Movie Tim FitzHigham: Hellfire travelling magic duo Morgan & West Timtiminee Tim Tim To You 20:30, Courtyard, Forth 18:40, Dome, 10Dome present a brand new show chock full 19:30, Courtyard, Pleasance One @mischiefcomedy @timfitzhigham Spirit of the Fringe, of jaw-dropping, brain-bursting, gasp- @RealTimVine Returning to Edinburgh You suggest the genre, multi-award winning comedian is back, eliciting feats of magic. and daft as a brush. Mind you, a brush location and title. We and taking on secret societies. ‘Gut isn’t that daft. Think of him more as a improvise a breathtaking bustingly funny’ (Scotsman). Comedy hoover shaped like a plastic goose. movie. Winner – Spirit of The Beta Males: Happenstance the Fringe Award 2013. Comedy 19:00, Courtyard, Beneath Comedy Tom Binns Has Not Been @betamalescomedy Stars of Radio WitTank: Old School Secrets Comedy Himself 4’s Sketchorama, the critically acclaimed 19:40 & 23:40, Courtyard, Pleasance Chris Martin: 18:40, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar sketch storytellers present Happenstance: Above Responsibilliness @tombinns Tom loves telling jokes, a show where things happen. @WitTank Sketch maestros WitTank 20:30, Courtyard, whatever the cost. Millions in fines and present the splendidly twisted world of Beside court costs, the man has a problem. He Comedy The School; where mystery and misrule @ChrisMcomedy Chris needs to make you laugh. Tom Craine: Thoughts On Love abound. Martin (Guardian’s Top 10 (By A Man With None of the Comedy Podcasts) brings Comedy Answers) Comedy unique logic to big topics Chris Turner: Pretty Fly 19:05, Courtyard, Bunker One Luke McQueen: Now That’s such as hair, kissing and 18:45, Courtyard, Bunker Two @tomcraine As seen: Russell Howard’s What I Luke McQueen He Had fishing. Hairy Hands

44 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 45 Tim Key Comedy Comedy @JessieRobinson Join Jess for a Comedy Shappi Khorsandi: Because I’m Seann Walsh: Seann 28 sublime hour of hilarity and show-stopping The Comedy Zone Shappi . . . 21:20, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar vocals, mimicking the biggest music stars 22:45, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar 20:30, Dome, King Dome @seannwalsh 2013 Foster’s Edinburgh ever. @livecomedy The showcase that @ShappiKhorsandi After being knocked Comedy Award nominee and comedy’s brought you Al Murray returns with up like a 1950s teenager, Shappi’s fastest rising star, Seann Walsh returns to Comedy another top lineup starring; Steve Bugeja, back. Reflecting on the good things, she the Fringe with an all-new hour. Jonny & The Baptists: The Jack Barry, Alex Smith and Adam Hess.

celebrates her zigzag towards her dreams. Satiric Verses F R I N G E 2014 L i st i n g s Comedy 21:40, Dome, 10Dome Comedy Comedy Tom Price: Not As Nice As He @Jonny_Baptists A fire-raising rock’n’roll Gein’s Family Giftshop: Vol 1 Simon Feilder: All The Things Looks comedy epic about floods, foreigners and 22:45, Courtyard, The Attic I’m Not 21:30, Courtyard, The Attic facing the future without Tony Benn. @GeinsFamilyGift An hour of dark, 20:30, Courtyard, Pleasance This @pricetom The hilarious posh Welsh absurd and fast-paced sketches. You @simonfeilder What is a Simon stand-up returns with a brand new show Comedy lucky f*ckers. ‘Made me absolutely Feilder? Award-winning comedian? Sure. and one question: can you hide an evil soul John Hastings – Adventure howl’ (A Younger Theatre). Kisswizard? Fightsmith? LET’S FIND OUT. from your son? 21:45, Courtyard, The Cellar

His debut show features jokes and fun. @thejohnhastings Chasing excitement, Comedy s i n g L i st F R I N G E 2014 Comedy John came to the UK from his native Mat Ewins: The Six Million Comedy The Comedy Reserve Canada. After minimal sex, death and theft, Dollar Ewins Igor Meerson: Hou I lernt 21:30, Dome, Jack Dome he got enlightenment instead . . . 22:45, Courtyard, Pleasance That inglish @ThePleasance Catch four of the hottest @MatEwins Six months ago, secret 20:30, Courtyard, Below new acts on the comedy circuit in the tenth Comedy agent Mat Ewins died and was killed. Now @mickperrin Edinburgh’s first Russian year of the Pleasance’s Comedy Reserve. Adam of the Riches he’s back. Intrigue and nonsense about a stand-up ever. Igor ruins all stereotypes 21:45, Dome, Queen Dome spy revived to complete his mission. about Russia and discovers all the Comedy @TigcoRiches 2011 Foster’s Edinburgh stereotypes about Britain and the West. Sarah Kendall: Touchdown Comedy Award winner Adam Riches Comedy 21:30, Courtyard, Pleasance Two returns with a brand new hour of Julian McCullough: Dream Comedy @mickperrin In 1992, Sarah was phenomenal bullshit! Girls Rhys Mathewson – Hombre forced to play women’s touch rugby and 22:45, Courtyard, Beneath Lobo accidentally made history as one-tenth Comedy @julezmac Julian recounts his romantic 20:30, Courtyard, The Cellar of the greatest under-14s team ever Ed Gamble: Gambletron 5000 Comedy Award winning and BAFTA-nominated duo discovery of what some would say is an @Rhyspect Fresh from New Zealand, assembled. 21:45, Courtyard, Pleasance This Sarah Bennetto’s Funeral Cardinal Burns return to Edinburgh. obvious truth about fantasy and reality: Rhys Mathewson presents a new show @EdGambleComedy Gamble wops 22:00, Courtyard, The Green they’re totally different! about transformation, possibly. That might Comedy out his debut solo effort. A great guy (Ed), @sarahbennetto Stop all the clocks. Comedy change . . . Pete Johansson: Several Jokes delivering funny humour through a pretty Tonight we remember the comedian, bon Come Heckle Christ Comedy 21:30, Courtyard, Beneath sweet microphone/speaker set up. viveur, Australian. She’s dead. DEAD, 22:20, Courtyard, Pleasance Above Andrew O’Neill’s History of Comedy @escarius Pete Johansson returns with DEAD, DEAD. @hecklechrist Ever wanted to Heavy Metal Mark Watson: Flaws Several Jokes. A nuanced and provocative, Comedy heckle Jesus Christ? Award-winning 22:45, Dome, Jack Dome 21:00, Courtyard, Pleasance One all-in-one spectacular examination of his John Robins: This Tornado Comedy Josh Ladgrove brings his improvised @destructo9000 The guys from @watsoncomedian Winner of five major various fears and faults. Loves You Sarah Bennetto’s Storytellers’ performance where the audience get to Obituary run a cat sanctuary. Very funny comedy awards. 24-hour-show luminary. 21:45, Courtyard, Beside Club heckle Christ. show about metal. Suitable for non Novelist. This is his darkest, most personal Comedy @nomadicrevery Following his critically 22:00, Courtyard, The Green metalheads. show yet. Luckily, also his funniest. Yacine Belhousse: Made in acclaimed sell-out show in 2013, he’s back! @sarahbennetto @StoryCLB Spend Comedy France A show about love and happiness. your Fringe weekends with your favourite Chris Ramsey: The Most Comedy Comedy 21:30, Courtyard, Pleasance That comedy stars telling hilarious true stories in Dangerous Man On Saturday Francesco De Carlo: Italians Eddie Pepitone: RIP America, @YacineBelhousse From Batman Comedy a darkened corner of Pleasance Courtyard. Morning Television Do It Later It’s Been Fun to cheeseburgers and dragons, Yacine David Trent: Live at the 22:30, Courtyard, Pleasance One 22:50, Courtyard, Bunker One 21:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Above touches on all the typical French subjects. Pleasance Courtyard Comedy @IAmChrisRamsey Following a sell-out @mickperrin Francesco guides you @eddiepepitone Pepitone’s hilarious, 21:45, Courtyard, Upstairs Marcel Lucont Is tour, Celebrity Juice regular and star of on a hysterical journey through politics, rant-filled return examines an American Comedy @mistertrent Back with a high-octane 22:00, Dome, King Dome BBC2’s Hebburn comes to Edinburgh for love, sex, food, laziness and other Italian empire (and comedian) gone mad. Henry Paker: Unpacked audio-visual onslaught that promises to be @marcellucont A modern man’s nine nights only! specialties. 21:35, Courtyard, Bunker One the ultimate in Trentertainment. majestic musings on mortality, morality, Comedy @henrypaker A stand-up show from a masculinity and moreover, Marcel Lucont, Comedy Comedy Pierre Novellie Is Mighty Peter master craftsman. ‘There’s not a spare Comedy multi-award-deserving maverick. Al Lubel In . . . I’m Still Al The Noise Next Door’s Comedy 21:15, Courtyard, Bunker Two syllable or hesitation in the whole hour’ Beth Vyse: Get Up With Hands! Lubel Lock-In @pierrenovellie His Edinburgh debut lifts (Chortle). 21:45, Courtyard, Pleasance Below Comedy 22:30, Courtyard, Bunker Two 22:50, Courtyard, Pleasance Two the lid on mythical giants, medieval Welsh @BethVyse Olive Hands presents her Sketch Transfer Deadline Day @Red24Management Al didn’t create @NoiseNextDoor A totally unique law and yoghurt. Chortle Award Nominee Comedy number two in the morning, daytime 22:00, Courtyard, Forth I’m Still Al Lubel for the public, he made it experience every night with the quickest 2014. ‘One to watch’ (Time Out). Tim Key: Single White Slut television show. Surreal, sublime and @dittoComedy What happens when for himself. He hopes he likes it. wits in comedy and their astonishing 21:40, Courtyard, The Grand completely ridiculous. you make the best sketch groups trade a special guests. Finely tuned anarchy! Theatre @timkeyperson Key (37 now) wades member for one show? Profits to Cancer Comedy Dracula back to Edinburgh, climbs into his poetry Comedy Research UK. Ennio Marchetto: The Living Comedy 21:20, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond clothes and leans against his mic stand for Simon Amstell – Tour Previews Paper Cartoon The Jest @Dracula_Tweets Steampunk another hour. 22:00, Courtyard, Forth Comedy 22:30, Courtyard, Pleasance One 23:00, Courtyard, Pleasance This adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel. @SimonAmstell ‘The real deal. Where Cardinal Burns @EnnioMarchetto A whirlwind of @TheJestComedy Recommended by With a cast of powerhouse actor-musicians Comedy philosophy collides with anxiety: where 22:00, Courtyard, Forth popular icons brought to life by ingenious The List, comedy quintet the Jest present this show will leave you begging to be Jess Robinson: Mighty Voice Heidegger meets Woody Allen.’ (The @CardinalBurns Following their second quick-change paper magic. Gaga, Bono, an hour of dark and subversive sketches. bitten. 21:40, Dome, Ace Dome Guardian). series on Channel 4, British Comedy Beyonce . . . no celebrity is safe! And Maggie Smith.

46 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk The Pleasance at 3o 47 Comedy Comedy conceivable sound with a manic wit, as AAA Stand-Up Late Night Gimp Fight: The a whole album is created based on your Late Worst of Late Night Gimp suggestions. 23:00, Courtyard, The Cellar Fight @BandGComedy Total sell-out 23:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond Comedy 2010–2013 returns with a brand new @gimpfight The country’s most exciting Tom Rosenthal: Meme, lineup. Danny Deegan: ‘Charming, witty sketch comedy group bring the best of Myself & I and most importantly funny’ (Metro). their depraved minds to Edinburgh for 23:20, Dome, King Dome s three nights only. @rosentweets About the internet, this Comedy show differs enough from others to make Mark Watson’s Comedywealth Comedy it legally viable but not enough to make Games Foul Play. The F*cking Nasty you uncomfortable. 23:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond Show @watsoncomedian Top international 23:00, Dome, Ace Dome Comedy comedians compete in non-Olympian @foulplaylive The World’s top comics McNeil & Pamphilon events, including fruit throwing and admin perform their most acidic and downright Go 8-Bit! pentathlon. Ten shows only. dirty sets. Pure filth, near-the-knuckle 23:20, Dome, King Dome i n g L i st F R I N G E 2014 jokes NOT for the faint hearted. @mcneilpamphilon 2013 total sell- Comedy out! Interactive video-gaming comedy! Nick Helm’s Two Night Stand Comedy Battles! Like GamesMaster, but drunk. in the Grand Another F*cking 23:00, Courtyard, The Grand Variety Show Comedy @thenickhelm Mega-Monolith Nick 23:00, Dome, Queen Dome John Conway Tonight Helm is too busy for a full run this year, @gag_reflex A late-night treat with Lili 00:00, Dome, Jack Dome but he’s generously agreed to return for la Scala and her cavalcade of Cabarati. @conwaynow Comedy starring John two nights only. Previous guests include Jason Manford Conway (could be a chat show not sure and The Boy With Tape On His Face. yet). Featuring Ben Russell. Comedy It Might Get Ugly Comedy Comedy 23:00, Courtyard, Upstairs Excited!!! Tom Rosenthal: Work-in- @itmightgetugly Karl Schultz hosts a 23:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Below Progress different lineup every night, inviting a mix @SunsofFred After sold-out shows 00:05, Courtyard, Beneath of the Fringe’s most exciting talent to around Australia, Excited!!! is coming @rosentweets British Comedy Award perform a set unlike any other. to Edinburgh for the first time!!! ‘Next nominee Tom Rosenthal throws shit at a gigantic thing!’ (Tim Ferguson, DAAS). wall figuratively and possibly literally. Comedy Chortle Student Comedy Comedy Comedy Award Final Alfie Brown: Divorced from Late Show 23:00, Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond Reality (and My Wife) 00:20, Courtyard, Cabaret Bar @studentcomedy Hundreds entered, 23:00, Courtyard, Beside @CZlateshow 13th year of Edinburgh’s eight survive, now one will be crowned @ABrownComic Alfie Brown’s fourth late-night comedy institution! Flight of Britain’s funniest student. Hosted by Mark show is a screaming, pretentious, the Concords, Sarah Millican and Rhod Watson. crusading monstrosity. It’s about divorce Gilbert have performed here. (his), bipolar disorder (his) and reality (?). Comedy Comedy McQueen: McQueen Comedy Friday I’m In Love 23:00, Dome, 10Dome Beardyman: 00:30, Dome, Ace Dome @jesseaadams All of the people in One Album Per Hour @FiiL_Club The supersonic rock’n’roll McQueen Adams’ head want to be heard. 23:15, Courtyard, The Grand singalong. A room full of punters singing With spot-on impressions and the help of @beardyman Multi-award winning together backed by a live band. That’s a fox they won’t be silenced anymore. musician and comedian emits any the deal at this feel good night.

Booking Info By Phone In Person 0131 556 6550 Pleasance Courtyard Pleasance Dome Self Service Box Office Call the Pleasance Box 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ 1 Bristo Square, EH8 9AL Open from 30 July to Office from 10 May to 29 Visit Pleasance’s main This Box Office will be 25 August 10am to July 10am to 6pm daily. Box Office from 28 to 29 open from 30 July to 25 midnight. From 31 July 9am to July 10am to 6pm then August 9am to 00:30am. 10pm daily. 30 July to 25 August 9am Fast Track Ticket to 00:30am. Booth Online Open from 30 July to 25 pleasance.co.uk August 10am to 10pm.

48 The Pleasance at 3o 5 clicks away from a ticket | pleasance.co.uk