Venue chief admits doubts

The boss of one of the ‘big four’ venues in the controversial Edinburgh Comedy Festival consortium has broken ranks, saying she doesn’t agree with the idea.

Gilded Balloon founder Karen Koren made her comments as the ‘breakaway’ festival has again failed to attract a title sponsor, let alone the £1million target announced at its 2008 launch.

The idea has attracted controversy as it includes only shows prepared to pay an additional fee to appear in its programme, dividing the Fringe. In its first year, it included only events at the Assembly Rooms, Pleasance, Gilded Balloon and Underbelly.

Koren told the Glasgow Herald today: ‘I am personally not in agreement with the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and the other three know that.

‘We have not managed to get that big sponsorship so, in a way, it has defeated its own purpose. And, whether we like it or not, we are in competition. When it comes to the acts it’s each for its own.’

She said the Gilded Balloon, by far the smallest member of the consortium, was in it for the exposure it provided, helping the venue punch above its weight.

Published: 10 Aug 2010