BCG Daily Sunday 6th August 2017

How Edinburgh changed British comedy

Comedy did not feature at all when the Edinburgh Fringe began but over the past three decades it has become the "spiritual home" of Britain's funny folk.

Lucy Pearman: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

Since branching out as a solo act, she's taken weirdness to new levels, performing as a giant egg in her 2016 effort. From an early preview, this year's show is just as mad.

Deliciously Stella on her secret breakdown

When the Edinburgh Festival begins this month, I will not be there. To some, that might seem strange considering that, for the last two years, I have performed to a packed audience and received a number of rave reviews. But, instead, I will be watching my fellow comedians from afar, secretly glad that I am not standing on that stage.

The Fringe hit list: comedy, music and theatre

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Fringe denies no-one entry.

Richard Sparks picks his perfect playlist

In 1978 Richard Sparks wrote the schoolmaster sketch which Rowan Atkinson performed in The Secret Policeman's Ball. Before that Richard had written four revues at the Edinburgh Fringe, including two Oxford Revues, which starred Mel Smith. Later he was a writer on TV shows including Not the Nine O'Clock News. Now he returns to the Fringe for the first time in 40 years, having written and directed Margarita Dreams at Underbelly Med Quad. Here's his Perfect Playlist.

The best of the week's live comedy

The week ahead in live comedy.

Describe the Edinburgh Fringe in five words

Comedians sum it all up.

Imaginary Radio: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

Drennon Davis takes a darker look at American pop culture in this satirical radio programme.

Jon Pointing: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

Jon came to our attention in the brilliant Pls Like, a BBC Three gem written by Liam Williams that spoofed the impenetrable world of YouTubers. He's taking those acting skills to the Fringe this year where he plays Cayden Hunter, an esteemed actor now teaching the artform in a workshop.

Tony Law: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

An Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee who takes on the role of maverick truth slinger of ridiculousness for the people.

The Edinburgh interviews 2017: Ross & Josh

Ross Brierley and Josh Sadler make up the comic duo Ross & Josh, who are bringing their cheeky, alternative spin on the late night chat show format, The Not So Late Show, to this year's Edinburgh festival. Ross & Josh will be performing at the Pleasance Dome throughout August.

+3 interview: The Stuntman

"I've performed at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Camden Fringe and Brighton Fringe and it is a dream to finally make it to Edinburgh."

+3 interview: Will Duggan: Perspicuator

"This is not my first rodeo."

+3 interview: Fish Finger Fridays: Fun Time Friends

"The prospect of spending summer doing anything other than flyering in the rain, sharing a room for a month and eating 90% of our meals at Piemaker was absolutely unthinkable."

+3 interview: Raton Laveur

"The company is really a one man band, but with outstanding artists who come in and assist on each project."

+3 interview: Robert White: InstruMENTAL

"A crazy totally true story about when I was 19 and my life went tits-up."

+3 interview: Rik Carranza: I'm a Fan

"I've performed stand up at some fantastic venues around the country, but yeah, the replica helmet is probably the best thing to have happened."

An interview with the Delightful Sausage

Delightful Sausage interview.

Fringe 2017 - Off the Top: Neuroscience With Attitude

Science rapper Baba Brinkman (Rap Guide to Evolution) teams up with neuroscientist Dr Heather Berlin (host of Science Goes to the Movies on PBS) to explore the brain basis of improvisation and comedy.

Three To See on 7 Aug

Three to see at the Edinburgh Festival on Monday 7 Aug...

Can we please start having more fun at the fringe?

Madcap theatre company Last Chance Saloon want to remind people that the fringe isn't all about worthy stage shows - it's a lot to do with having fun.

Tom Houghton at Chortle's Fast Fringe

The comedian who lives in the Tower of London.

EdFringe70 Interview: In The Quirks Theatre Company

The show tells the tale of a young girl named Rose who mysteriously goes missing in the tiny town of Grigglewood. That leaves her father and brother Peter on a wild goose chase to find her.

EdFringe70 interview: Temper-Mental Theatre, Man Up

Are the doors to the important things in your life always locked? Are all the awesome bits just out of reach?

EdFringe70 interview: Lesley Stone, Be Prepared!

Be Prepared!, written and performed by Scottish actress Lesley Stone, tells of her youthful valiant struggles and amusing attempts to acquire multiple Guiding badges.

Interview: Chris Aronsten, What Would Cathy Do?

Cathy's just been thrown out of the supermarket for stealing, but she's not a junkie, and she'll kill any cunt who says she is. Because she's an actress, OK? Rehearsing for a film role. Living the life of her character.

Interview with Astrid Rot

Astrid Rot takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.

Interview with Princes of Main

Princes of Main take some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.

Ashley Storrie shares her unforgettable five gigs

I'm not judged by the same standards as male comics.

Nica Burns: give comedy more credit to culture

Comedy deserves more recognition for the contribution it has made to culture. That was the plea made by Nica Burns, producer of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, at a lunch for industry 'movers and shakers' on the first official day of this year's Fringe.

Deadpan Theatre: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

Eliot Salt and Jude Mack return as Deadpan Theatre with a tightly-written, fast paced romantic comedy about grief, love and everything in between.

The Edinburgh interviews 2017: Paul Foot

Paul Foo''s comedy is an energetic whirlwind from the offset. Extravagant but softly-spoken, brutal yet always endearing, this comedian's latest show 'Tis a Pity She's a Piglet is one that you should make every effort not to miss. Foot will be performing at Underbelly Cowgate throughout August.

Carl Donnelly - interview

The Edinburgh Fringe has returned again, and so has our coverage! Kicking off a month full of interviews, reviews and features, we caught up with Carl Donnelly to discuss buses, podcasting and everything else inbetween.

Quick quiz: Michael Redmond

This August the Edinburgh Festival celebrates its 70th anniversary. To mark the occasion, we have asked a plethora of performers about their personal Fringe experiences. Today, comedian Michael Redmond.

Marcus Monroe: is the J-word taboo?

Marcus Monroe says everyone shies away from saying what he is: a juggler.

Katherine Ryan says men often think she's a dominatrix

Stand-up comic Katherine Ryan says men often think she's a dominatrix and reveals why she's not ashamed of her cosmetic surgery. She also chats working in Hooters, having kids and handling hecklers.

Terry Jones is supported by Michael Palin as they walk

He was diagnosed with dementia nearly two years ago but despite his health battle, Monty Python star Terry Jones, 75, looked in good shape as he enjoyed a walk with his longtime friend and co-star Michael Palin, 74 in London on Tuesday.

The comedy genius, who played the eccentric nude organist in Monty Python's Flying Circus, cut a dapper figure in a slate grey suit and straw trilby as he enjoyed an afternoon with his close pal.

Edinburgh Fringe day 5

How to win a Fringe comedy award - make 'em cry.

Martha McBrier told not to play the didgeridoo

Comedian Martha McBrier has come under attack for posing on her Edinburgh poster playing a didgeridoo. Apparently women are not supposed to play the traditional instrument.

An interview with Samantha Pressdee

Samantha Pressdee interview.

An interview with Martha McBrier

Martha McBrier interview.

Local creative flies flag for Essex with animation

A local creative is flying the flag for Essex with his new animation flick.