Extra backing for Chortle's initiative

A Chortle reader has set up a crowdfunding campaign to help our drive to increase the diversity of comedy reviewers at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Last week we launched a drive to find a new critic from either a non-white or working class  background, offering a £500 commission to cover shows at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Now Olivia Phipps, who works in TV production on shows including Porridge and Detectorists, has set up the fundraiser to match that figure, so travel and accommodation will be covered too.

Anything more will be split between helping Chortle back other aspiring reviewers from such backgrounds, and Arts Emergency, the charity backed by comedian Josie Long that helps young people from diverse backgrounds into arts-based higher education.

To apply for the Chortle place, you must submit a 500-word review (with 50 words leeway) of either a live comedy gig or a stand-up special that has been professionally released, for example via DVD or the likes of Netflix. Entries must be received at feedback@chortle.co.uk by 5pm on March 23.

Our selected writer will receive mentoring from Chortle editor Steve Bennett in the run-up to the Fringe, and a place on a Becoming A Reviewer seminar, led by The Scotsman’s chief comedy reviewer, Kate Copstick, and run by Amused Moose Comedy.

More on the scheme is here – and click here to donate to the crowdfunder. Already more than £180 has been donated.

Published: 8 Mar 2018