2011 Edinburgh Fringe
External press features
Twitter users rate Cariad Lloyd's show best
The Welsh character comedienne's show generated the most buzz of all Fringe acts on the micro-blogging site.
Spoonfed, 2nd September 2011Edinburgh fringe 2011 - The year that was
Had a good Fringe this year, did you? Yeah, us too.
Spoonfed, 1st September 2011Interview: Josie Long, comedian
An interview with comedian Josie Long.
David Pollock, The Scotsman, 30th August 2011The winning joke of Waverley Care comedy competition
Charity announces best gag in #laffoffstigma contest.
Clare Carswell, STV, 30th August 2011Jo Caulfield: Express service through festival
I've just got back home to Edinburgh from a week of shows in London and I have to say, "Wow! What a train journey".
Jo Caulfield, Edinburgh Evening News, 29th August 2011Record ticket sales as Edinburgh fringe draws to close
Sales of tickets at this year's Edinburgh Fringe are up by 3% on last year.
BBC News, 29th August 2011Comedy review selection
Reviews of Benet Brandreth, Seann Walsh, Andrew Maxwell, The Rob Deering Experience and Andrew Lawrence.
Rob Epstein, The Independent, 28th August 2011Heard the one about the bloke who couldn't tell jokes?
Even Bob Monkhouse couldn't teach me the knack of delivering a punchline...
Nigel Farndale, The Telegraph, 28th August 2011The Fringe on the Green - Edinburgh Golf
As the Edinburgh Fringe Festival draws to a close I've been thinking about my highlights here. One of the best days involved comedy but also high drama as a team of comedians took on a team of Industry bods and critics in the second Comedians v Industry Golf Tournament.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 28th August 2011Edinburgh Comedy Awards to be announced
The winner of the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards will be announced later.
BBC News, 27th August 2011The Wrestling takes the panel prize
Max and Ivan have won the judges' panel prize for The Wrestling.
Such Small Portions, 27th August 2011Edinburgh Comedy Awards - Who's who?
The winner of this year's Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards will be announced on Saturday afternoon. The judges chose six acts from the 505 who qualified for the best comedy show category at the Fringe. We spoke to the six comedians on the short-list.
Steven Brocklehurst, BBC News, 27th August 2011An interview with Casual Violence
Casual Violence! are a comedy sketch group from Brighton/London, engineering precise sketches involving characters, songs, and words of some description.
The Humourdor, 27th August 2011An interview with Tom Deacon
Tom Deacon is a British comedian and general TV guy who has appeared on The Rob Brydon Show, Winging It, and a variety of other shows in addition to his stand-up.
The Humourdor, 27th August 2011An interview with Tom Goodliffe
Today we have an interview with Tom Goodliffe; a comedian who is slowly, but surely (surely?) making a name for himself on the comedy circuit, what with his clever witticisms, endearing storytelling and love for a good spreadsheet (all former accountants love spreadsheets, right?).
The Humourdor, 27th August 2011Heard the one about the bloke who couldn't tell jokes?
Even Bob Monkhouse couldn't teach me the knack of delivering a punchline.
Nigel Farndale, The Telegraph, 27th August 2011My Edinburgh: Andi Osho, comedian
This year my Edinburgh show is drastically overrunning, sometimes by as much as 60 minutes.
Andi Osho, The Independent, 26th August 2011A minute of your time: Nick Helm, comedian (Link expired)
An interview with comedian Nick Helm.
John Glen, Edinburgh Festivals, 26th August 2011Interview: Tim Key - It's hip to be funny (Link expired)
Tim Key's Masterslut is a cool hybrid of poetry, stand-up and character comedy, with a bit of stalls scaling thrown in, writes Bruce Dessau.
Bruce Dessau, Edinburgh Festivals, 26th August 2011Nica Burns: queen of Edinburgh comedy
For nearly 30 years Nica Burns has run the Edinburgh festival comedy awards. As an influential owner of London theatres, she is also a defender of the current state of the West End.
Andrew Dickson, The Guardian, 26th August 2011Through the Edinburgh keyhole
A snapshot of comics behind-the-scenes at the Edinburgh Fringe 2011.
Emma McAlpine, Spoonfed, 26th August 2011TV is making comedy better - and worse
The lure of a TV show may have improved standards among young comics, but is careerism killing off the crazy and exceptional?
Paul MacInnes, The Guardian, 26th August 2011Why is the joke voted best less funny than the worst?
The odd thing about the joke voted best at the Edinburgh Fringe is that it seems less funny than the joke voted worst.
The Telegraph, 25th August 2011Nick Helm: "The Human Car Crash of Light Entertaiment"
Nick Helm's award for best one-liner at Edinburgh comes four years after he began performing solo stand-up.
John-Paul Ford Rojas, The Telegraph, 25th August 2011My Edinburgh: Simon Munnery, comedian
Returning T' Edinburgh fer Ye Twenty-Fife Yer. It's good to be back "They say you play here twice in your career. Once on the way up. Once on the way down. Great to be back."
Simon Munnery, The Independent, 25th August 2011New faces take centre stage for comedy awards (Link expired)
A comic who takes on the Arab Spring and the rioting in English cities in a Fringe show driven by this year's hard-hitting headlines earned his second nomination yesterday in the festival's top comedy awards.
Tim Cornwell, Edinburgh Festivals, 25th August 2011My Edinburgh: Tom Rosenthal, comedian
Edinburgh can be a hard and wet place.
Tom Rosenthal, The Independent, 25th August 2011BBC Radio Scotland Comedy at the fringe
Coming soon to BBC Radio Scotland is Christopher Brookmyre's Comedy Bookcase.
Alan Braidwood, BBC Scotland, 25th August 2011Video: Piff the Magic Dragon plays his cards right
Piff the Magic Dragon has been making a nuisance of himself around The Hour office lately. Unsuspecting staff members have been dazzled by his magic, bemused by his outfit and pestered for money.
STV, 25th August 2011Nick Helm says 'funniest' Fringe joke was his dad's
Comedian Nick Helm said the joke which won him an award for the funniest gag at the Edinburgh Fringe was written by his dad.
BBC News, 25th August 2011Paul Sinha talks about 'the final stretch...'
Only four gigs to go now and would you believe it? It has been hugely enjoyable.
Paul Sinha, Giggle Beats, 25th August 2011My Edinburgh: Ruby Wax, comedian
Judith Owen and I have been performing in psychiatric hospitals for the past two years, which is not all that different from the Fringe.
Ruby Wax, The Independent, 24th August 2011An interview with Chris Ramsey
"You're not going to ask me how I got into comedy are you?" asks Chris Ramsey before we begin our interview at the BBC's Edinburgh Fringe base.
Andrew Dipper, Giggle Beats, 24th August 2011Best use of objects in Edinburgh 2011 fringe comedy
Including a levitating dog, a liver and a bag of urine.
The List, 24th August 2011Is the political joke on its way back to power?
Topical material is creeping back on the agenda. Even Tom Rosenthal is getting political - in a gentle sort of way.
Paul MacInnes, The Guardian, 24th August 2011My Edinburgh: Sara Pascoe, comedian
I really like it up here. If Britain was a house, then Scotland is this beautiful airy loft with hills in it.
Sara Pascoe, The Independent, 24th August 2011Video: Amnesty at the fringe: Stand Up for Freedom
Amnesty International has always had great support from comedians, who value the right to freedom of speech more than most. At last week's Stand Up for Freedom comedy night at the Edinburgh festival, a 1,200-strong audience watched the best of fringe comedy and also did their bit for human rights. Here's a sneak peek at the sold-out show, with Ed Byrne, Holly Walsh, David O'Doherty and Jenny Eclair.
The Guardian, 24th August 20112011 comedy awards: Who should have the last laugh?
The untrammelled silliness of Adam Riches gets my vote for this year's Edinburgh comedy award, with Hannibal Buress for best newcomer, but it's a shame sketch comedy is missing from the main nominations.
Brian Logan, The Guardian, 24th August 2011Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards: Who will win?
Telegraph critic Mark Monahan spent five hours on a panel of 10 judging who should be on the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards shortlist. It was exhausting but it's an exciting list.
Mark Monahan, The Telegraph, 24th August 2011Edinburgh comedy award 2011 shortlist: who's who?
From a comedian with experience of UK Uncut to an Australian Vic Reeves, here's the lowdown on this year's nominees.
Paul MacInnes, The Guardian, 24th August 2011Bruce Dessau on Edinburgh Comedy Award shortlist
Not a lot of surprises on this year's Foster's Comedy Award shortlist, but it is a very strong list in a year that is consistently great if not classic.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 24th August 2011My Edinburgh: David O'Doherty, comedian
There was a kerfuffle during my show one night at the Fringe last year. Two drunk men were having an argument.
David O'Doherty, The Independent, 23rd August 2011Stand up and be counted: The best of the fringe
On the eve of the release of the nominations for the coveted Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Awards, our critic Julian Hall chooses his favourites.
Julian Hall, The Independent, 23rd August 2011Edinburgh fringe festival: A giant comedy trade show?
One way of looking at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is as a giant comedy trade show. So how should I sell my product - an hour of jokes?
Colm O'Regan, BBC News, 23rd August 2011Edinburgh Festival in pictures - Behind the Fringe
Who wants to see backstage photos of comics all sweaty and grimey just after they've come offstage? You're in the right place. Back for a second year is Edinburgh is Funny's 'Behind the Fringe' series. More photos will be added each day this week (all photos by Nick Collett.)
London Is Funny, 23rd August 2011Video: Pete Firman shows us a bit of his Jiggery Pokery
Billed as the UK's top comedic conjuror, Pete Firman talked to STV at the Edinburgh Fringe about his new show Jiggery Pokery.
STV, 23rd August 2011Tim Key is beyond a joke
They say sequels are never as good as the originals but not in Tim Key's case.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 23rd August 2011Video: Piff the Magic Dragon brings balloon animals
The Hour offices may be a busy place, but not so busy that you wouldn't notice a dragon sauntering among the desks.
STV, 23rd August 2011Is an hour too long for a comedy set?
Can you stop yourself looking at your watch at a comedy gig - and can any of Edinburgh 2011's acts keep going long enough?
Paul MacInnes, The Guardian, 23rd August 2011Video: Ian D Montfort channels the spiritual world
Spirit comedium mixes telekinesis with humour.
STV, 23rd August 2011Why the Malcolm Hardee Award is the REAL Comedy Award
I hate to be bitchy, but those other Edinburgh Fringe comedy awards - the ones that used to be called the Perrier Awards, which seem to have had almost annual name changes since then and are now, it seems, forever to be called "the former Perrier Awards" - well, Perrier must be laughing all the way to the bar... they no longer have to fork out any money but they still get their name splattered all over the media every August, associated with youth-attractive comedy...
John Fleming, Giggle Beats, 22nd August 2011Wendy Wason Edinburgh blog: who's the real Kunt here?
Is it Kunt and the Gang for their cock-and-balls poster stunt? Is it promoters and venues getting precious about it? Or is it us comics for spending so much on posters in the first place, asks Wendy Wason?
Wendy Wason, London Is Funny, 22nd August 2011Comedian Mark Thomas up for human rights award
Comedian Mark Thomas has made the shortlist for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression awards.
BBC News, 22nd August 2011Future stars hoping to have the last laugh
Laugh? I nearly. A comment that the finalists of this year's So You Think You're Funny? competition will be hoping not to hear.
Liam Rudden, The Scotsman, 22nd August 2011Baby Wants Candy wins Bobby Award
Our second Bobby has been awarded to the ridiculously talented team behind Baby Wants Candy over at Assembly. Well done!
Broadway Baby, 22nd August 2011Interview: Neil Hamburger
America's funnyman Neil Hamburger, has been in the biz' for over twenty years playing to sellout crowds, and opening for bands like Faith No More, Tenacious D, and NOFX. Known as the comic people love to hate, Hamburger has garnered a major record deal and a large cult following, and is now taking his act to the Fringe for a limited run at Assembly George Square.
Chris Purnell, The Skinny, 22nd August 2011Edinburgh Fringe comedy cook-off
Comedy and food mix in different ways at the Edinburgh Fringe, most of the time they come into contact is when salt 'n' sauce is splattered on your quick bite to eat. But what happens when you take some of the cream of the performing arts and put them into Edinburgh's own version of Hell's Kitchen?
Such Small Portions, 22nd August 2011Tony Law wins Amused Moose Laughter Award 2011
Tony Law has scooped top prize at the inaugural Amused Moose Laughter Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Such Small Portions, 22nd August 2011What to see (or not to see)?
With thousands of shows at the fringe it's hard to know where to start. Should you follow the recommendations of performers, your pals or just go it alone?
Paul MacInnes, The Guardian, 22nd August 2011Video: Glenn Wool makes the fringe his home
Wool takes a break from his hectic touring schedule to stop briefly at the Edinburgh Festival.
STV, 22nd August 2011Stand's Sheppard beats Underbelly's Wood to board
Tommy Sheppard, director of the Stand Comedy Club, has retained his seat on the board of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, ousting fellow sitting member Charlie Wood of the Underbelly and beating PBH Free Fringe candidate Nicola Bolsover.
Thom Dibdin, The Stage, 22nd August 2011Fringe bosses warn of 2012 technician shortage
Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue bosses have warned that the technical demands of events surrounding next summer's London Olympics could drain available technical staff away from the Scottish capital.
Thom Dibdin, The Stage, 22nd August 2011Julian Hall - comedy at Edinburgh
As the Fringe draws to a close its buzz is reaching a feverish pitch and despite the climate, actual and economic, shows are selling well and the shortlisting activity for the Foster's Comedy Awards is adding an extra frisson to the fray.
Julian Hall, The Stage, 22nd August 2011Bruce Dessau: The Rest of the Best of the Fest
Reviews of John Osborne, Dregs, Josh Howie, Henry Paker, Tim Vine's Chat Show, Shlomo's Mouthtronica, Isy Suttie and more.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 22nd August 2011Shazia Mirza: Why You Should Come & See ... "Busybody"
Busybody is Shazia Mirza's observational comedy about growing up in Birmingham with Pakistani parents, and her life as a British Asian woman add to the mix for a unique and diverse kind of comedy. Here's why Mirza thinks you should come and see her show.
Shazia Mirza, What's On Stage, 21st August 2011Edinburgh fringe comedy round-up
From Andrew Maxwell and Sarah Millican to Russell Kane and Meryl O'Rourke, Stephanie Merritt reviews the best of this year's Edinburgh comedy.
Stephanie Merritt, The Observer, 21st August 2011Lederer - I've been called the supply teacher of comedy
Edinburgh-bound for the first time in eight years, comedy's nearly woman says she's just glad she still has a role to play. Andrew McCorkell meets Helen Lederer.
Andrew McCorkell, The Independent, 21st August 2011Heard the one about the posh comedian? You will
The new wave at the Fringe don't hide where their best lines came from.
Veronica Lee, The Independent, 21st August 2011A selection of fringe comedies
As the Comedy Award panel considers its Fringe comedy nominations, Sam Simmons will be messing with their minds...
Hugh Montgomery, The Independent, 21st August 2011Why are comedy groups white, middle class 20 somethings
First off, are most comedy groups white, middle class twenty/early thirty-somethings?
Steve Roe, What's On Stage, 21st August 2011Gaddafi comic Jeff Mirza attacked at Edinburgh fringe
A comedian was attacked with a glass bottle while dressed as Colonel Gaddafi to promote his Edinburgh Fringe act.
BBC News, 21st August 2011Interview: Jason Cook
Jason Cook is back in Edinburgh for a 7th straight year with The Search For Happiness. Andrew Dipper caught up with him to find out more about this year's Fringe show.
Andrew Dipper, Giggle Beats, 21st August 2011Ian Smith Edinburgh blog #3 - Phil from Japan
EiF blogger Ian Smith pays tribute to his favourite audience member of the Fringe.
Ian Smith, London Is Funny, 21st August 201110 Edinburgh questions - Claudia O'Doherty
Claudia O'Doherty is missing her cat and dog back home in Australia - but it's ok, to put things right she's got lasers and pudding in her show
London Is Funny, 21st August 2011My festival: Nicholas Parsons (Link expired)
It was the first ever one in 1947. I'd just started as an actor, having done five years as an engineer on Clydebank in order to please my family - Glasgow is my adopted city, for which I have great affection.
David Pollock, Edinburgh Festivals, 21st August 2011Interview: Glenn Wool, comedian (Link expired)
Bumper sticker philosophy states that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. Canadian comic Glenn Wool has his own take on the old saw: when life threatens you with a cavity search at an Indonesian customs post, turn it into a hit Fringe show.
Jonathan Trew, Edinburgh Festivals, 21st August 2011This week's new comedy: Edinburgh special
Simon Munnery, Hannibal Montanabal and Tom Rosenthal
James Kettle, The Guardian, 20th August 2011Comedy doesn't travel... you need to be in the room
The apocryphal story has a dying actor surrounded by his friends. "What is it like to die?" they ask. "It's hard," he replies, "but comedy's harder."
David Lister, The Independent, 20th August 2011Video: The Three Englishmen
Last week, during one of the brief dry spells to be had in Edinburgh this August, Fest met up with London-based sketch comedy troupe The Three Englishmen on a balcony at the Pleasance Dome so that they could serenade us (and a large number of mildly bemused observers on the street below) with a nautically-themed paean to old technology...
Claudine Quinn and Marcus Kernohan, Fest Mag, 20th August 2011