Preview: The Phoenix Fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe 2013, the world's largest arts festival, is clicking into gear. Over 1000 different comedy shows are being performed in the city this month, with many of the comedians involved in it putting their life savings into making the trip up to the festival and marketing their show in the hope of being heralded as 'the next big thing'.

However, the ever spiraling costs (four figure losses are the norm nowadays) is resulting in more and more established performers to start questioning whether that trip up to Scotland is actually worth it (more on this topic on Saturday - watch this space).

A group of London-based comedians, lead by Tiffany Stevenson, have decided that they're not going to Scotland this time and instead are going to stay in the capital and put on their own mini 'fringe'. The Phoenix Fringe Festival, based at the venue in Cavendish Square loved by comedians and audiences alike, is the result of this.

Running from the 3rd to 11th August, the idea actually popped out of "the ashes of a Tiffany Stevenson's hangover". With the help of her fellow comics and the team that runs the renowned new material night Old Rope, this new DIY festival-come-showcase has been born with the intention of creating another place to showcase "new, inventive and alternative comedy."

A rather good line-up it is too, particularly considering this is the first year. The nine days will feature performances from the likes of Alan Davies, Paul Sinha, Shappi Khorsandi, Mark Watson, Elis James, Robin Ince and Isy Suttie, to name but a few.

Pappy's are also dropping in to record an episode of Pappy's Flatshare Slamdown and Russell Howard is doing a couple of try-out nights too.

What's perhaps most notable is that the tickets are less than Edinburgh's main venue rates. You can see any show for just £8 (or £10 on the door), and there's some limited day tickets (which get you into all the shows for a day) for just £20 too. Bargain.

The organising team say: "Without additional pressures or limitations, acts at The Phoenix Fringe will be able to push boundaries in the fundamental spirit of fringe performance, prompting comedic flight and creating an exciting alternative for comedy fans who find themselves in London over the usually laugh-barren month of August."

An idea worth supporting!

The Phoenix Fringe runs from the 3rd to 11th August. For more details and the full line up visit the festival's website: www.phoenixfringe.co.uk