British Comedy Guide

2019 Edinburgh Fringe

40 years of NewsRevue - a photo gallery

NewsRevue 2007. Image shows from L to R: Will Kenning, Pippa Evans, Emily Murphy, Ben Watson

Multi award-winning satirical sketch show NewsRevue is celebrating its 40th anniversary at the Edinburgh Festival this year.

The show was born in Edinburgh on 18th August 1979, and since then - every year for four decades (a timespan which has seen it become a Guinness World Record breaker) - a cast of four (different each year) has been entertaining Fringe audiences with topical sketches.

Producer Emma Taylor comments: "I love the Kierkegaard quote: 'Life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forwards.' We had such joyous celebrations in London and Edinburgh on Sunday to celebrate this incredible institution with writers, creatives and performers who have spanned all four decades. By never resting on our laurels we remain fresh and current and continue to provide a platform for future comedy practitioners. If life begins at 40 I'm excited to see what the future holds. Maybe it's time for NewsRevue to hit our screens..."

To celebrate the anniversary, the team let us raid their photo archives to see some of the previous performers involved in the show.

The first ever NewsRevue flyer, from 1979.

NewsRevue's first flyer, from 1979

Sara Pascoe in 2005.

Sara Pascoe

Upstart Crow's Gemma Whelan also starred in 2015.

NewsRevue 2005. Gemma Whelan

Damian Kell and Marcus Garvey strike a pose back in 2003.

Image shows from L to R: Damian Kell, Marcus Garvey

Emma Taylor receives the show's Guinness World Record certificate from a Guinness official, 2004.

A Guinness World Records official and Emma Taylor

Luke Holden, Rebecca Harper and Jenny Bede (2012).

Image shows from L to R: Luke Holden, Rebecca Harper, Jenny Bede

Comedy legend Joan Rivers visited the team in 2008: Katie Cotterell, Helen Colby, Pete Smith, Will Allen and Nick Afkar.

Image shows from L to R: Katie Cotterell, Helen Colby, Pete Smith, Joan Rivers, Will Allen, Nick Afkar

In 2010 performers included Richard David-Caine, Annabelle King, Tom Connor and Amy Westgarth.

Image shows from L to R: Richard David-Caine, Annabelle King, Tom Connor, Amy Westgarth

Fresh faces of 2006 were Jess Ransom, Andy Spiers, Ben Wilson and Gemma Arrowsmith.

Image shows from L to R: Jessica Ransom, Andy Spiers, Ben Wilson, Gemma Arrowsmith

Pippa Evans and Cariad Lloyd on stage in 2005.

Image shows from L to R: Pippa Evans, Cariad Lloyd

Simon Amstell poses with Thomas Nelstrop and Pete Smith in 2005.

Image shows from L to R: Thomas Nelstrop, Pete Smith, Simon Amstell

Pippa Evans and Ben Watson back stage in 2007.

Image shows from L to R: Pippa Evans, Ben Watson


NewsRevue continues in London at the Canal Café Theatre every Thursday to Saturday at 9.30pm and Sundays at 9pm. newsrevue.com

Help us publish more great content by becoming a BCG Supporter. You'll be backing our mission to champion, celebrate and promote British comedy in all its forms: past, present and future.

We understand times are tough, but if you believe in the power of laughter we'd be honoured to have you join us. Advertising doesn't cover our costs, so every single donation matters and is put to good use. Thank you.

Love comedy? Find out more
Published: Thursday 22nd August 2019

Share this page