New promoters take over Apex's Grassmarket spaces

A newly reopened Edinburgh Fringe venue is on the lookout for comedy shows to fill its programme.

The Apex Conference Centre on Grassmarket was a festival venue before the Covid lockdown, and will this year be back under the new stewardship of comedy promoters Hootenannies.

Created by Monkey Barrel Comedy founder John Millar and comedian Rick Molland, co-producer of the Scottish Comedy Festival, the hub will feature six rooms hosting more than 50 shows through  August.

Millar said: ‘We are delighted to be helping bring comedy back into the heart of the Fringe. We know it’s late in the day, but when we heard that The Apex could end up empty again in 2023 we just couldn’t let that happen."

‘Now we need artists! Whether you are an established act looking for 140-seat space or someone looking for a small 30 seater for your first Fringe, please get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you.’

Hootenannies have a five-year deal to run the venue, and say they are offering deals favourable to comedians.

Millar said: ‘We want artists to come to the Fringe and make money, it’s that simple. For too long acts have worked tirelessly, put on amazing shows, had busy rooms and walked away with nothing.’

‘As founders of other projects, we’ve been fighting this for years. Hootenannies @ The Apex is another opportunity for us to show that fairness at The Fringe can exist.’

For more information, visit hootenannies.co.uk or email fringe@hootenannies.co.uk

•  The Newcastle Fringe Festival is also looking for shows to present over five city centre venues from July 18 to 29, all working on a 70/30 spit in favour of the productions. Apply at https://www.newcastlefringe.co.uk/callouts by May 23.

Published: 4 May 2023