BCG Daily Tuesday 8th August 2017

Exploiting Fringe leafleters is no joke, comics told

A campaign has begun to ensure that bar workers and leafleters are properly paid at the Fringe after fears were raised that they were being exploited by employers.

Salmond fishing for a booking

Just last week there were harsh words for President Trump from an old foe in Scotland. "The Grand Canyon," Alex Salmond said, "is a minor crevice compared to the vast chasm of ignorance of that man."

Reviewer review: Eva Hibbs, Broadway Baby

We were beginning to think that the art of the reviewer brainfart was passed, so thank all that's holy for Eva Hibbs. Her small stack of reviews so far provide some of the most perplexing and intractable sentences yet committed to the canon.

Giants Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

This sketch duo won huge acclaim for their debut hour last year. They're back with musically-infused sketch comedy that charts the past, present and future of their lifelong friendship.

An interview with Dave Bibby

Dave Bibby interview.

Annie McGrath: Wolf-whistled by a five-year-old

Comedian Annie McGrath says she was wolf-whistled by a small child.

EdFringe70 interview: Taylor Doherty Fate of the Date

An interactive comedy where the audience uses simple remote controls to choose what happens next on Rob's blind date! You decide things like: which girl is best for him?

EdFringe70 interview: Kirsty Fraser God LTD.

This year STAG is returning to the Fringe to present the completely original play: God Ltd. Sunday. God's day of rest, when he leaves his three trusty angels in charge of answering prayers.

EdFringe70 interview: Martin Kent, Slipstick

A spectacular show featuring one of the best mime and impersonator artistes in Europe!

Andrew Doyle picks his perfect playlist

Why Friends is a brutal satire with a dark subtext.

Chris Coltrane: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

One of the best political comics of this, or indeed any generation, Chris is your go-to source for Tory bashing this Fringe. Expect powerful points intelligently made, great jokes and a tinge of the surreal.

A Fringe Q&Q with Sam and Tom

[Yesterday an unmarked package was dropped on our desks by a clearly misled carrier pigeon. Inside was a dictaphone, specked with blood and crisps. The following is a transcription of the contents; a self-taped interview between an apparent double-act. We have no idea what the wider context is, or who the intended recipients were.]

[Tape starts with ten seconds of fumbling, mild swearing. A dictaphone being dropped.]

Tom Allen: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

Tom Allen seems to have finally found the success his talent deserves, becoming a regular TV name and supporting Sarah Millican on tour. He's back at the Fringe with what will undoubtedly be an assured and suave hour of stand-up.

Video: please help struggling Edinburgh performers

Comedian Garrett Millerick makes an appeal in conjunction with Comic Relief on behalf of those having a hard time on the Fringe.

The Edinburgh interviews 2017: Annie McGrath

Annie McGrath, who performed at the Edinburgh Festival last year with Jack Barry as part of Twins, returns to the Fringe this year with her latest show Ambivert. She will be performing at Just the Tonic at The Mash House throughout August.

The Edinburgh interviews 2017: Maria Shehata

Maria Shehata's latest show, Wisdomless, is an honest look back on the turmoils of a relationship that resulted in her leaving LA, her home, in the name of love. Shehata will be performing at Just the Tonic at The Caves throughout August.

Spencer Jones on his return as alter ego, The Herbert

With a broad grin, Spencer Jones is scrolling through photos on his phone, showing me random objects and eccentric eBay purchases.

Alex Salmond interview

In a frank and fascinating interview, Scotland's former First Minister Alex Salmond revealed his regret at stepping down SNP leader in 2000, and reflects on Scotland's unforgettable referendum year and his Edinburgh Fringe debut.

What's the most you've put in the bucket of a free show

Comedians explain why they were so generous.

Sophie Willan on her life coaching Fringe show

A social worker once labelled six-year-old Sophie Willan "rebellious, disruptive and rude".

Your deepest desires revealed in song

The Singing Psychic is back at the Edinburgh Fringe - she always knew she would be.

EdFringe70 interview: Samson Hawkins, Swan Bake

'I'm really angry at my parents for letting me follow my dreams because now I can't get a job.' Bell wants to get back into the Royal Ballet School, but that's much easier when you aren't tripping balls. Second Sons brings you Brighton Fringe Award-nominated Swan Bake which splices edgy humour, alt-ballet, and punk puppets with awe-inspiring originality. Not suitable for the easily offended.

EdFringe70 interview: Caitlin Sherret

When a group of heartbroken patients are left alone in the waiting room of Armour and Smith's Clinic for the Lovesick, the course of true love takes a hairpin curve.

Interview with Hardeep Singh Kohli

Hardeep Singh Kohli takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.

Interview with Mike Bubbins

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

Interview with Micky P Kerr

Micky P Kerr takes some time to talk to Voice about the show, inspirations, and to give advice to young people.

Interview with Graham Dickson

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

Interview with Lizzy Skrzypiec

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

Body shaming banished in orgy of self-discovery

Despite many nations turning in on themselves, new work at this year's Edinburgh Fringe has opted to embrace greater understanding, tackling trans stories and life-changing health conditions, says Natasha Tripney.

John Hegley recalls his unforgettable five... in verse

Pure poetry.

Colin Hoult/Anna Mann: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

A stalwart of the Fringe, Colin Hoult has delighted thousands with his superb character shows. Once again he's taking on the role of trained actress Anna Mann and she's taking on the terrifying rise of fascism.

Jarlath Regan: Edinburgh Fringe 2017 interview

A tale of transplantation as Irish comedian Jarlath is forced to reassess everything when asked to carry out the ultimate act of generosity for his brother.

Fuss over Brass Eye's bad taste obscures its genius

As part of our 90s comedy week, we ask whether Chris Morris' celeb-baiting satire holds up, 20 years on.

Quick quiz: Richard Herring

Today King Of The Fringe Richard Herring.

Three To See on 9 Aug

Three to see at the Edinburgh Festival on Wednesday 9 Aug...

Reginald D. Hunter interview

Entertaining at his 11th Edinburgh Festival, comic Reginald D Hunter's latest show is more contemplative and soulful than audiences may be used to.

Video: Ed Byrne interview

Comedian Ed Byrne revealed he breaks up his run at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival with trips into the Scottish Highlands and Pentlands.

Fringe shows targeting Donald Trump

It is the story that just won't go away - the rise and potential fall of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.

Quacks: one of the most original new shows of the year

"I gave myself a medical historical education and puked it back out as comedy", says Rev creator James Wood of his new BBC2 comedy Quacks. Gerard Gilbert meets the writer and cast members Rory Kinnear and Mathew Baynton.

Meet my mentor

They say you should never meet your heroes. Well, we think they're wrong. Fest paired up three Fringe newcomers with the comics who've inspired them.

Edinburgh Fringe day 7

Today, I watched three performers talking out of their arses. Hardly a new thing at the Edinburgh Fringe, you might think.

James Bennison interview

Watching James Bennison's sparkly, multimedia "love letter" to the 90s, it's easy to forget that he's the same frenetic young man from uni; the guy I remember lies somewhere beneath the bright gold jacket and easy, game show host charm.

Mae Martin: 'I like to do shows that open a dialogue'

From sexuality to drug addiction, Mae Martin's stand-up sets thrive on being brutally honest, she tells Bruce Dessau.