2013 Edinburgh Fringe
External press features
Why feminism has never been so funny
At the Edinburgh fringe, new comedy icons Bridget Christie and Adrienne Truscott took on the F-word. I can't wait to see what they and their patriarchy-smashing pals do next.
Mathilda Gregory, The Guardian, 3rd September 2013Opinion: Edinburgh Comedy Awards: the aftermath
As the posters are ripped down and the bills are paid up comedians everywhere will be asking themselves whether it was worth going to the Edinburgh Fringe this year.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 30th August 2013Amnesty Secret Comedy Podcast episode 15
In the last of Amnesty's Secret Comedy Podcasts, recorded live at this year's Edinburgh festival, Lee Mack chats about riding Red Rum and Tim FitzHigham tells Mark Dolan about sailing across the English Channel in a bathtub. Meanwhile, there's standup from Tanyalee Davis, Paul Foot and David Morgan.
The Guardian, 30th August 2013Edinburgh Fringe picks 2013: Debut hours
It's dead competent stand-up delivered with gusto, looking at how Aisling has got here from life in rural Ireland.
Andrew Mickel, Such Small Portions, 29th August 2013Is it time to extinguish the stars?
Chortle editor Steve Bennett on the review rating system.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 29th August 2013Katy Brand: A woman has made feminism funny
Bridget Christie has won the top comedy prize at the Edinburgh Festival with a show about feminism. Fellow comedian, Katy Brand, gives an insight into the world of 'Ladycomics'.
Katy Brand, The Telegraph, 29th August 2013Amnesty Secret Comedy Podcast episode 14
Adam Hills takes the reins for the penultimate instalment of the Amnesty Edinburgh podcast series, and confides that he was quietly warned off making gay jokes about Putin by MI6. Guest John Lloyd speaks about the sequel to The Meaning of Liff: a book about words that ought to exist but don't. Meanwhile, comedian Ben Van der Velde returns to talk about his favourite Edinburgh one-liners, and there's standup from Terry Alderton, Caroline Rhea, Felicity Ward and Abandoman.
The Guardian, 29th August 2013A woman has made feminism funny. Now over to the men...
Bridget Christie has won the top comedy prize at the Edinburgh Festival with a show about feminism. Fellow comedian, Katy Brand, gives an insight into the world of 'Ladycomics'.
Katy Brand, The Telegraph, 29th August 2013The best (and worst) comedy posters
The great and the not-so-great of 2013 festival poster art.
Ben Williams, Time Out, 29th August 2013Opinion: Bridget Christie's tabloid past
One place I haven't seen her richly-deserved success get much coverage, however, is in the Daily Mail.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 28th August 2013Festival stories: James Acaster and David Trent (Link expired)
Comedians James Acaster and David Trent look back on their time at the Fringe and find it mostly involves shops and star ratings.
Hamish Gibson, WOW247, 28th August 2013Bridget Christie: 'I've a long way to go'
The winner of this year's Edinburgh Comedy award is one of our sharpest and most political standups - but reckons she still has a lot to learn. She talks about success, her unorthodox campaign against lads' mags, and why all female comics know that online abuse is nothing new.
Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian, 28th August 2013Amnesty Secret Comedy Podcast episode 13
Veteran broadcaster Johnny Walker chats to host Mark Dolan about free speech, Tumi Morake talks about the state of freedom of expression in South Africa ... and Barry from Watford talks about taking things into his own hands. Plus stand up from Ronnie Chieng on some of the lesser known things China has invented and breakout star Richard Gadd, who has had a tough two weeks.
The Guardian, 28th August 2013The best (and worst) of the Edinburgh fringe festival
From dancing polythene to radical reinventions and feminist rage ... as the dust settles on the Edinburgh festival, our critics name the highlights - and lowlights - of this year's fringe.
Brian Logan and Lyn Gardner, The Guardian, 28th August 2013What was the hottest show at the Fringe?
Too many of them, says Christian Talbot.
Christian Talbot, Chortle, 28th August 2013Eight other shows we saw at the Fringe
Short takes on some of the festival's most interesting shows...
Andrew Mickel, Such Small Portions, 28th August 2013Review: Edinburgh golf day
Last Thursday comedy agent Richard Bucknall organised the annual VisitScotland Mackenzie Taylor Industry v Comedians golf tournament at Duddingston Golf Club.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 27th August 2013Festival stories: Christian O'Connell (Link expired)
Radio DJ and stand-up Christian O'Connell talks about his youthful ambitions at his first ever Edinburgh Festival and his subsequent return 18 years later.
Hamish Gibson, WOW247, 27th August 2013Festival stories: John Robins (Link expired)
John Robins talks about a prank he played on fellow comedian and previous flatmate Chris Martin.
Hamish Gibson, WOW247, 27th August 2013Amnesty Secret Comedy Podcast episode 12
Janeane Garofalo tells host Mark Dolan about seeing the light and Tig Notaro reveals what kept her laughing through cancer. Plus sketch comedy from Foil, Arms and Hogg on the joys of Ryanair, stand-up from Matt Okine on how to make good toast and Shaun Keaveny on being addicted to Breaking Bad, a show about addiction.
The Guardian, 27th August 2013Would Malcolm Hardee have HATED the awards show?
On Facebook, just a few hours after the show finished, Bob Walsh posted: 'The Awards Show was a rally for the middle classes
The Malcolm Hardee Awards Show was a middle class rally?'
Lee Ridley cancels shows due to hospital stay
Voiceless comic cancels shows after contracting pneumonia.
Chortle, 27th August 2013Mark Thomas leads LGBT protest
With 100 acts of dissent to commit in a year, Mark Thomas is certainly adept at multi-tasking.
Kirsten Waller, TV Bomb, 27th August 2013Steve Coogan bemoans commercialisation of Fringe
Comedian Steve Coogan has bemoaned the commercialisation of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since he shot to fame there two decades ago - saying it has become "swamped" by marketing people and promoters.
Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 26th August 2013Edinburgh Fringe: Several venues report record year
Several Fringe venues have reported a record year, with good weather helping to pull in huge festival crowds.
Gareth Rose and Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 26th August 2013The women who put feminism centre-stage
It's the morning after she picked up the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award and Bridget Christie is still remorselessly on message in her final set at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Mike Wade, The Times, 26th August 2013Funny peculiar
Wit and comic potential are not now, and never have been, the preserve of men.
The Times, 26th August 2013The cost of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe
It is the world's biggest arts festival and the ultimate launch pad for new talent. But in recent years debate has raged over whether the Edinburgh Fringe's bubble is about to burst.
Ian Youngs, BBC News, 26th August 2013The Art of the Heckle: How tough are Fringe crowds?
No matter how wild or wacky the act, there's one thing every show needs: an audience. Learning to deal with a rough crowd is a rite of passage for any aspiring comedian.
Emma Ailes, BBC News, 26th August 2013Fringe concludes with record number of tickets issued
And so the Edinburgh Fringe draws to its official close for another year with confirmation that this was the biggest one yet, with more performances of more shows and more tickets issued.
Chris Cooke, ThreeWeeks, 26th August 2013Interview: Robert Softley on disability and his show (Link expired)
An interview with Robert Softley about his show If These Spasms Could Speak.
WOW247, 26th August 2013Festival stories: Ben Van Der Velde (Link expired)
Ben Van Der Velde tells the story of how Guns 'n' Roses revived his absinthe-ridden friend.
Hamish Gibson, WOW247, 26th August 2013Steve Coogan bemoans commercialisation of Fringe
Steve Coogan has bemoaned the commercialisation of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since he shot to fame there two decades ago - saying it has become "swamped" by marketing people and promoters.
Brian Ferguson, The Scotsman, 26th August 2013Edinburgh: Let's hear it from the girls
Funny, sexy, shocking, clever: female comics are doing it for Stephen Armstrong.
Stephen Armstrong, The Sunday Times, 25th August 2013Secret Edinburgh book - my view
During this Year's Edinburgh Fringe, Tim Clark and Andrew Mickel of the website Such Small Portions published a book called Secret Edinburgh which was sub-titled A Comedians' Guide To The City. It had contributions from over 160 comedians.
John Fleming, John Fleming's Blog, 25th August 2013Fringe stories: Adam Strauss (Link expired)
Comedian Adam Strauss explains the awkwardness of finding good accommodation during the Fringe and the unique experiences that can throw up.
Hamish Gibson, WOW247, 25th August 2013Bridget Christie interview
"I was standing in a bookshop when I realised that this was a show I just had to do".
Veronica Lee, The Independent, 25th August 2013If women can rock the Fringe, why not the shortlists?
There is just one woman on the shortlist for each of the main and newcomer awards, Bridget Christie and Aisling Bea, but if one of them does not emerge with a trophy, once again questions will be asked.
The Herald, 24th August 2013It's a funny job but someone's got to spot new talent
If you believe the hype, a golden future opens up today for the comedian who receives the Edinburgh Comedy Award from Steve Coogan. However, according to one of the most important men in British comedy, it might not count for much.
Mike Wade, The Times, 24th August 2013This week's best Edinburgh comedy
Reviews of Rich Hall, Bobby Mair and Mike Wozniak.
James Kettle, The Guardian, 24th August 2013Amnesty Secret Comedy Podcast, episode 11
Julian Clary is in the hot seat once more, having an explicitly adult talk with Reginald D Hunter (all in the name of comedy). Alexei Sayle reminisces about both having starred in Carry on Columbus. And there's a sketch from i][Jigsaw[/i] and a song from Brian Kennedy to top it all off
The Guardian, 24th August 2013Comedy 2013: gender's on the agenda again
Bridget Christie's win at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards means gender politics are back in the comedy spotlight, writes Dominic Cavendish.
Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph, 24th August 2013Edinburgh Comedy Awards Results - right or wrong?
So after all the huffing and puffing and heated discussion Bridget Christie won the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award this afternoon. There had been rumours that she might not accept the award but, apart from calling special guest Steve Coogan a "prick" for dumping his girlfriend, she was on her best behaviour.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 24th August 2013Fringe stories: Tom Wrigglesworth (Link expired)
Tom Wrigglesworth talks about his efforts to hide himself from his Edinburgh Festival landlord.
Hamish Dougal, WOW247, 24th August 2013Fringe stories: Michael Che (Link expired)
Michael Che recounts two of the most interesting acts, which involve stripping and protests, a comedian can follow.
Hamish Gibson, WOW247, 24th August 2013Amnesty Secret Comedy Podcast, episode 10
Host Julian Clary talks to Al Murray about how he came up with the infamous 'pub landlord' sketch in Edinburgh many moons ago. There's stand-up from Carl Donnelly, Stephen Carlin and Al Lubel, then Julian wraps it up with a foot-tapping musical number on why it's not yet cool to be gay.
The Guardian, 23rd August 2013Edinburgh comedy award: who should win this year?
Comedians under starter's orders for the Foster's awards, as the 2013 So You Think You're Funny gongs are handed out. Plus: John Lloyd brings a Rotary Club vibe to the fringe
Brian Logan, The Guardian, 23rd August 2013Jo Caulfield's Fringe diary: 23 August (Link expired)
Comedian Jo Caulfield offers her take on the last week of the Fringe, and proposes her own alternatives to the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
Jo Caulfield, WOW247, 23rd August 2013Fringe stories: Dan Nightingale (Link expired)
Dan Nightingale talks about his first and only rap battle, and how it went better than expected.
Hamish Gibson, WOW247, 23rd August 2013Fringe stories: Mary Bourke (Link expired)
Mary Bourke exposes a group of students paying for Free Fringe shows in a unique currency.
Hamish Gibson, WOW247, 23rd August 2013Pattie Brewster reviews her own show
Brewster shows that this reviewing lark is a cinch - and doesn't shirk from some pretty strong criticism.
London Is Funny, 23rd August 2013Phil Burgers' workshops are a hit with fellow comedians
His award-winning show Befrdfgth grew organically out of these lessons, specifically an exercise where "you have nothing", the Californian explains. "I just thought, 'Well, if I'm making these people do it, I should probably see if it works for me.'"
Jay Richardson, The Independent, 23rd August 2013Why Pete Cain wants to kick Everybody Out
This August thought-provoking comic Pete Cain is in Edinburgh, advocating kicking Everybody Out of the country so they can be counted back in.
STV, 23rd August 2013My tips on the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards
The list is the longest for 20 years, but is it a sign of a bumper year? I think it's a sign of prevalent competency as much as a vintage crop, but this is not to say that the shortlist does not have merit.
Julian Hall, The Stage, 23rd August 2013On the brink of making it big
A few months ago Max Olesker and Ivan Gonzalez, both 27, were sitting in a dank East London flat poring over lines and comedic pauses. Now they're in the running to win one of Britain's most prestigious comedy awards.
Stephen Eisenhammer, Reuters, 23rd August 2013Who are... Max & Ivan
A comedy duo with a reputation for trying new and innovative ideas Max & Ivan are best known for their daring show The Wrestling.
Tim Clark, Such Small Portions, 22nd August 2013Fringe stories: The Boy With Tape On His Face (Link expired)
Fringe favourite Sam Wills, better known as The Boy With Tape On His Face, recounts one of those times when his show didn't go quite to plan.
Sam Wills, WOW247, 22nd August 2013Amnesty Secret Comedy Podcast episode 9
Host Alan Davies chats to Tim Vine about being middle children and Keith Farnan talks about the death penalty. Plus Chris Martin plays jokes on animals, Jess Fostekew on the nation's finest B&Bs and Mike Wozniak talks science-based cat facts.
The Guardian, 22nd August 2013Chris and Carl's Edinburgh Hangout: Episode 3 - video
Using Google Hangou, comedians Chris Martin and Carl Donnelly link up with other performers all over Edinburgh for an insiders' view of the festival fringe. In this final episode, Reginald D Hunter and Felicity Ward discuss groupies, audiences not laughing and that gig for the Professional Footballers' Association. Plus Streetcam goes backstage, and there's live music from Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer.
Chris Martin and Carl Donnelly, The Guardian, 22nd August 2013Is Edinburgh comedy too left-wing?
Chicago Sun-Times shocked at 'deep-dyed socialism' and anti-American nature of the fringe; Humza Arshad makes his Edinburgh debut; and were last year's comedy award-winners not funny enough?
Brian Logan, The Guardian, 22nd August 2013Tig Notaro on combining humour and personal tragedy (Link expired)
Claire Black meets the American comedian who turned her personal tragedy into a show that left its audience in a state of awe and was downloaded more than 100,000 times.
Claire Black, Edinburgh Festivals, 22nd August 2013Why I staged the critical mass tomato toss (Link expired)
American writer and performer Peter Michael Marino describes how he turned a flop West End musical into the well received solo comedy, [u]Desperately Seeking the Exit[/i], and how he also instigated a mass tomato toss where the critics got their comeuppance.
Peter Michael Marino, Edinburgh Festivals, 22nd August 2013Fringe stories: The Pin (Link expired)
Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen from comedy double act The Pin recall a dramatic episode while flyering for their Edinburgh Festival show.
Ben Ashenden and Alex Owen, WOW247, 22nd August 2013David Sedaris entertains at the Fringe
The author's events follow the publication of his essay collection, "Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls".
Nicola Balkind, The List, 22nd August 2013Five things about...The Beta Males in ... Superopolis
Super-powered sketch comedy from the Betas...
Andrew Mickel, Such Small Portions, 22nd August 2013My Edinburgh: Doc Brown
I feel something of a sham writing a piece on "My Edinburgh" this year. I am "doing" Edinburgh, a bit like Prince Harry "did" Glastonbury.
Doc Brown, The Independent, 22nd August 2013A character actor can work forever
Scrubs star Sam Lloyd on how he's made a career out of being a wimpy nerd - and is entirely responsible for the success of Glee.
Steven MacKenzie, The Big Issue, 22nd August 2013Judging a comedy award is no laughing matter
Jokes about racism, porn, cystitis... you get all sorts on the Fringe. But how do you spot the next big thing in stand-up? Alice Jones, a judge on this year's Edinburgh Comedy Awards panel, explains.
Alice Jones, The Independent, 21st August 2013Nicholas Parsons on how comedy and TV has changed
The remarkable 89-year-old was horrified at recent claims he said dolly birds in short skirts in TV shows still play an important role.
Boudicca Fox-Leonard, The Mirror, 21st August 2013Yianni Agisilaou thinks big for Fringe finale
It seems pretty clear now - in case there had ever been any doubt - that the free-show strands at Edinburgh's Fringe boast shows of all kinds.
Chris Cooke, ThreeWeeks, 21st August 2013Video: Blofeld & Baxter - Test Match Special
Henry Blofeld and Peter Baxter, the veteran voices behind Radio 4's much-loved Test Match Special, talk to the Telegraph about their Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut.
The Telegraph, 21st August 2013The Foster's Comedy Award shortlist: From O2 to Fringe?
Interesting Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards shortlist just announced. Bridget Christie, Carl Donnelly, James Acaster, Max & Ivan, Mike Wozniak, Nick Helm and Seann Walsh are all in the running for the £10,000 prize to be handed out by Steve Coogan on Saturday. I love the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards and this year's panel decision looks like being an intriguing one.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 21st August 2013Fringe free speech
When I heard the Scottish Defence League had been granted permission to march right past my venue just before my afternoon chat show on the busiest Saturday of the fringe my first thought was financial.
Kate Smurthwaite, ScotsGay, 21st August 2013HBO threatens to sue Fringe comic
American broadcaster HBO has threatened to sue comedian Darius Davies for trademark infringement, after he called his Edinburgh Fringe show his HBÖ Special.
Chortle, 21st August 2013Fringe stories: Mark Dolan (Link expired)
Comedian and TV presenter Mark Dolan recounts a traumatic Edinburgh Festival story that had a remarkably happy ending.
Mark Dolan, WOW247, 21st August 2013Edinburgh comedy award 2013 showcases best of British
Shortlist for biggest prize in UK comedy throws spotlight on homegrown talent, ranging from feminist standup to a show about the dangers of school reunions.
Matt Trueman, The Guardian, 21st August 2013Gallery: Edinburgh comedy award 2013, a critic's guide
Flummoxed by the 2013 Foster's award? Confused by this year's crop of up-and-coming comedians? Never fear: Guardian reviewer Brian Logan is here to talk you through the shortlist of the biggest prize in UK comedy, act by act.
Brian Logan, The Guardian, 21st August 2013Comedy is not easy to enjoy with an eye on the clock
Tig Notaro's games hold up crowd anxious not to miss next show; Gareth Ellis gives himself a black eye and wins award.
Brian Logan, The Guardian, 21st August 2013Amnesty Secret Comedy Podcast episode 8
Mark Dolan chats to host John Moloney about being brought up by drunken strangers, and Alfie Moore talks about being a real life secret policeman. Plus there's standup from Lee Camp, Diane Spencer on being a victim of racism and lyrical shaman Beardyman plays us out
The Guardian, 21st August 2013Edinburgh Comedy Award winners: where are they now?
With the nominees announced for this year's Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Judith Welikala takes a look at some of the most successful winners - and those who have faded into obscurity.
Judith Welikala, The Telegraph, 21st August 2013