Edinburgh Fringe programme launched

The Edinburgh Fringe has officially launched its 2011 programme, with another record-breaking year.

This summer’s event features 41,689 performances of 2,542 shows in 258 venues – up about four per cent on the number of shows from last year.

Focus will be increasingly around Bristo Square to the south of the city this year, as Assembly moves from its normal George Street base to George Square, behind the Gilded Balloon, while a controversial refit of its usual venue takes place.

In another major change, a dedicated cabaret section has been added to the programme alongside comedy, theatre, dance and physical theatre, events, exhibitions, children’s shows, music, musicals and opera.

Comedy is again the biggest section – comprising 37 per cent of the programme (up 2 per cent on last year) – followed by theatre at 30 per cent.

Launching the programme, Fringe chief executive Kath Mainland said: ‘I know there will be people from all across Scotland, the UK and the world receiving their Fringe programmes and getting excited about coming to Edinburgh in August to see work of every type from all around the world.

‘Two weeks ago at the launch of the Edinburgh Festivals Impact Study we were thrilled, though not surprised, to see the effect the Fringe has on its host city: an astounding figure of over £141 million generated in 2010

‘Locals take great pride in the festivals and the value they bring to their city and we are proud to be at the centre of that festival landscape.’

The Scottish Parliament’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Fiona Hyslop, added: ‘Every year the Fringe gets bigger and better and this year’s programme promises to delight and excite audiences from home and abroad.’

Also new this year is a venue hosted by the BBC. The BBC@Potterow will be home to recordings of Just A Minute, MacAulay & Co, David Mitchell’s Unbelievable Truth and Off the Ball.  Ricky Gervais will be appearing in a Q&A with Warwick Davis to discuss their new TV show Life’s Too Short, while  Radio 1’s Scott Mills will be returning to the Fringe.

Chortle yesterday unveiled the bulk of the comedy programme, which you can browse here.

The Fringe box office opens at 8am tomorrow, and an iPhone app will be available on June 23.

Published: 9 Jun 2011