28 acts in one frantic night...

Chortle today announces the line-up for this year’s Fast Fringe showcase in London.

As always, the event features 28 Edinburgh-bound comedy and variety acts in one manic night – and this year will be hosted by festival legend Arthur Smith.

At the show – at London’s Leicester Square Theatre on July 11 – each of the stand-up, character, sketch, musical and speciality acts performs an extract from their show lasting just three minutes

Among this year’s line-up is panel-show favourite Rory McGrath, presenting his musical double act with Philiip Pope; top stand-ups such as Andrew Maxwell and Carey Marx; YouTube sensations Cassette Boy and Piff The Magic Dragon; and Absolute Radio’s Christian O'Connell.

There is improvised music from Showstoppers, memories of Morecambe and Wise from Eric & Little Ern and cabaret from the likes of Le Gateau Chocolat and Tricity Vogue.

The rest of the line-up comprises: Will Franken, Bridget Christie, East End Cabaret, Mike Wozniak, Christian Reilly, Mat Ricardo, Benny Boot,  Liam WIlliams,  Bob Slayer, Ian Smith, Phil Ellis, Amy Hoggart as Pattie Brewster, Yianni Agisilaou, Sean McLoughlin, Rhys Mathewson, Benny Davis and Ben Hart.

Tickets priced £15 (£12 concs) are available here.

Chortle will also be hosting an hour-long version of Fast Fringe daily in Edinburgh, from July 31 to August 24 – with each show featuring 12 acts and a compere such as Susan Calman or Ray Peacock. Click here for tickets to that.

Published: 12 Jun 2013