Fringe ticket sales break records

The Edinburgh Fringe has sold a record-breaking 56,368 tickets in its first week.

And comedy shows were the fastest-selling, according to organisers.

Bill Bailey and Dylan Moran, who both have very limited runs, topped the box-office figures, along with The Goodies stage show. Russell Brand, Paul Merton, Rich Hall and Jason Byrne were also selling well.

Ticket sales are up 8.3 per cent on 2004, the previous highest first week.

The figures were released as the ‘big four’ venues of Assembly Rooms, Gilded Balloon, Pleasance and Underbelly combined to officially launch their programmes.

For the first time, each box office will sell tickets for shows at the rival venues.

Bosses of the venues, which represent 70 per cent of Fringe ticket sales, hope that by collaborating they can encourage audiences - and sponsors.

William Burdett-Coutts from Assembly said: ‘When you are at the centre of the festival, it is easy to be complacent and think that what we are doing is the centre of the world. In fact, many people outside the city remain unaware of the scale and wonder of the event. We survive on attracting the public and we have a major job to do to  excite new audiences and sponsors to keep the event vital.’

And Anthony Alderson, who takes over the Pleasance from Christopher Richardson this year, added: ‘We share a responsibility for the festival’s future. By bringing the influence of our brands together, we can maximise the promotional impact for everyone.’

Published: 22 Jun 2006