Can a sketch duo survive with only one half?

Comedy partners Jon & Nath have faced some problems over the years, but this Edinburgh Fringe will be their greatest challenge yet - how to do a show with only half of them there.

Due to personal reasons, Jon Levene will miss the opening performances of Jon & Nath Like To Party. However, the show must go on and thus Nathan Lang will be attempting to perform their show with a 'Jon substitute'.

Jon is hopeful to make it sometime in the first week, but with no arrival date guaranteed, Nath will be replacing him with a new guest comedian each day until they are reunited.

Nath says the guest will "receive the script at show time. Anything could happen."

Mark Dean Quinn from comedy group Consignia will take to the stage alongside Nath for the first performance on the 2nd August, with further guests due to be announced soon.

Nath - who will also be performing his solo show The Stuntman at the festival - comments: "Jon and I have always joked about this situation coming about, but I have to say it's a dream come true. Finally, a chance to spread my wings and fly. And what could be more Spirit of the Fringe than leaving your partner in the shit by not even turning up? Jon & Nath Like To Party will most likely be better without Jon, but it would break his heart to hear that, so if any press come, I respectfully ask that they give us a really bad review."

Jon comments: "Sometimes life can be a total bastard and it is almost impossible to quantify the pain and sadness I feel not being able to make it for the opening of the Fringe. As an integral part of this show, I take comfort in Nath's assurances he will have no problem replacing me with literally anyone. Party on Edinburgh, and I'll see you soon, unless the show has already been optioned for film rights or transferred to Wembley."