Does comedy boom harm the Fringe?

In just two years, the number of shows listed in the comedy section of the programme has soared by 45 per cent, from 435 in 2005 to 630 in 2007.

But Nica Burns, who established the then-Perrier award in 1981, said the explosion in comedy was a great benefit for the Fringe, as the genre was once again taking its place at the heart of British culture

Speaking at the offician start of this year’s festival, she said ‘Is it taking away from the Fringe? Absolute bollocks.

‘Comedy has always been central to our culture. Although vaudeville died, in the Eighties comedy clubs started up again, where performers could hone their craft. And now we’re back where we once were, with comedy and light entertainment at the centre of cultural life

‘If comedy wasn’t wanted, audiences wouldn’t come. But they do come – and in droves.

‘Edinburgh is the showcase for comedians t come out of the clubs and into their hour shows, with no hen nights to deal with, no crowd control at the heart of their act and no club owners saying what they can and cannot talk about.

‘Here artistic expression and personal freedom rule. And if comedians choice to bankrupt themselves to fulfil that artistic desire, then we should fight that.’

Among this year’s judges is Joe Talbot, the director of programming for new digital channel Nuts TV, a spin-off from the downmarket weekly lads’ mag. He was previously commissioning editor of ITV's digital channels.

The panel is chaired by The Times’ chief comedy critic, Dominic Maxwell, and also includes BBC radio producer Colin Anderson, comedy critics Tim Arthur (Time Out), Julian Hall (The Independent) and Veronica Lee (Sunday Telegraph), Kathleen Hutchison from Paramount Comedy and comedy fans Rosie Morris, Laura Gray, James Parker, who all won competitions to be judges.

The shortlist will be announced on Wednesday August 22, and the awards are announced on Saturday August 25.

Published: 6 Aug 2007