Line-up announced for Edinburgh gig

Russell Howard is to headline Underbelly’s third annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit at the EdinburghFringe.

The gig takes place in the festival’s biggest venue, McEwan Hall, on August 12.

Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam established the benefit in 2017 after his son Alfie, then just four, was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called ependymoma.

In the two years since, the venue has raised nearly £100,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Also confirmed for this year’s show are Jason Byrne, Nina Conti, Danny Bhoy and Flo & Joan, plus host John Hastings,

Bartlam, said: ‘This year’s line up is stupendously strong! I’m incredibly grateful to all of the comedians taking part for supporting such an important cause. 

‘I’ve seen the devastating effects of brain tumours in children first-hand and it’s vital that we raise both awareness of the disease and money to help find cures. 

‘Our brain tumour benefit show is a wonderful way to do just that whilst also watching one of the strongest comedy line-ups you’ll find anywhere on the Fringe. My son Alfie just asks you to "buy a ticket, please".’

Geraldine Pipping, The Brain Tumour Charity’s director of fundraising, added: ‘We receive no government funding and rely 100 per cent on voluntary donations and gifts in wills, so it’s only through the support of the team at Underbelly, that we can work towards our twin goals of doubling survival and halving the harm caused by brain tumours.’

Published: 27 Jun 2019