Comics take over National Portrait Gallery

Stand-ups Des Clarke and Scott Agnew are to take over the prestigious Scottish National Portrait Gallery this Fringe.

The Edinburgh landmark is being converted into a comedy club during the festival to mark its exhibition of comedy greats, Tickling Jock.

On the first of the two shows, on August 7, Clarke and Agnew will perform a tribute to 50s and 60s variety hall performers Francie and Josie

And Agnew will return alone on August 21 to honour Chic Murray, a tribute act he has frequently performed before.

The two-hour Tickling Jock: By Night events will also include a Q&A with a top comedian discussing the influence of Scottish comedy greats and a tour of the exhibition from comedian Susan Morrison.

She will not be the only stand-up guiding visitors around the gallery, as Australia’s Hannah Gadsby will be conducting a tour of nudes during the Fringe.

Imogen Gibbon, deputy director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery said: ‘We’re looking forward to filling the Gallery with current comedians and performers, hearing their memories of the nation’s comedy greats and most of all, sharing the distinctive characteristics of Scottish humour.’

Tickling Jock, which features portraits of Scotland’s comedy legends from Sir Harry Lauder to Billy Connolly, is on until May 25, 2014. Admission is free, but the Fringe shows will cost £12.

Published: 29 May 2013