Just the 1,695 shows this year!

The full programme for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has been unveiled.

As always, the figures are astounding, with 25,326 performances of 1,695 shows involving an estimated 15,600 performers – all increases on last year. It would take five years and 53 days to see everything, back-to-back.

Among the comedy stars appearing at the festival are Jenny Eclair, Paul Merton, Mark Thomas, Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson) and the yet-to-be announced headliner of Guy Masterson’s production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Outside the comedy programme, Massive Attack, Morrissey, Dido and The Streets are also performing.

Shows likely to hit the headlines include Chris Neill’s story of The BBC, Andrew Gilligan and Me, and Perrier nominee Reginald D Hunter’s provocatively titled A Mystery Wrapped in a Nigga.

Although the profile of the festival is, as always, dominated by comedy, the genre accounts for only 23 per cent of the programme -  less than theatre’s 35 per cent. But that still means more than 350 different shows.

The 2004 Fringe, which officially runs from August 8 to 30, also boasts the highest number of comedy shows from non-English speaking countries in its 58-year history.

The bill includes: Carl-Einar Häckner from Sweden; comedy double act Gamarjobat from Japan; Egyptian-American comic Ahmed Ahmed; Carsten Bang, Thomas Hartmann and Omar Marzouk in a stand-up triple bill from Denmark and Taking the Peace, from Bahrain.

Tickets go on sale on Monday June 21.

>> Chortle listings
>> Official fringe home page

Published: 10 May 2004