2023 Edinburgh Fringe
Graham Linehan to make Fringe debut
- Graham Linehan is to make his Edinburgh Fringe debut this week
- The comedy writer will perform a stand-up set as part of a mixed bill on Thursday
- Hosted by Comedy Unleashed, the show takes place in Leith with MC Bruce Devlin
Graham Linehan free speech show cancelled by Leith Arches
Leith, in the north of Edinburgh, will see Graham Linehan make his stand-up debut at the Fringe this Thursday night.
British Comedy Guide has learned that Linehan is the "surprise famous cancelled comedian" currently being billed by promoter Comedy Unleashed for its showcase at the Leith Arches.
The Father Ted co-creator will appear in the mixed bill show - much like a normal club night - that starts at 7:30pm.
Host Bruce Devlin is also due to welcome Mary Bourke, Dominic Frisby and Alistair Williams to the line-up, remaining tickets for which are on sale now.
Based at East London's Backyard Comedy Club, Comedy Unleashed, which bills itself as "the home of free-thinking comedy", is hosting the Fringe showcase to "bring more of its refreshing brand of stand-up comedy" to the Scottish capital.
Linehan made his stand-up debut with the club in February, saying "I've no real plans beyond seeing how it goes". He has appeared on a number of its bills in the months since.
Co-founder Andrew Doyle says: "Andy Shaw and I set up Comedy Unleashed because we felt that the time was right for a new alternative comedy movement. We book comics from all political backgrounds, or those who have no interest in politics at all. Our key criteria is that they are talented and funny."
Linehan has become a controversial figure in recent years, amidst changing attitudes and campaigns around transgender issues and women's rights, particularly on social media. He has been vocal about a new stage musical version of his and Arthur Mathews's hit ecclesiastical sitcom, which they have developed, written and is "ready to go", but that producers are refusing to progress with his continued involvement.