The weekend when August turns into double digits is notoriously known as the ‘real beginning’ of the Fringe. As a newbie to the Edinburgh scene, I am finding it difficult not to stare every time someone off the telly walks past on their way to just casually headline their own show or breezes by with a kebab in their hand at 2am- Jarred Christmas, I’m looking at you.
It is all very surreal and I am often in two minds whether to be the person that tells them I have seen them off the telly and excitedly asks for a photo or instead adopt a mysterious persona of flippancy, sitting in a corner pretending not to care. So far I have chosen the latter; trying to repress the former with personal threats to myself of potential embarrassment should I switch and become the fan girl that I really am.
Yesterday saw the Funny Women Comedy Workshop take place at The Melting Pot. A fantastic turnout, the workshop saw special guests Suzy Bennett, star of The Comedy Reserve at The Pleasance, and the wonderful Director of First Impressions at Benefit Cosmetics Nina Ambrose led the introduction and warm up to the fantastic group that attended. Congas, Funny Women and Benefit Cosmetics, we can’t wait to host another one!
Today’s specially curated show will be hosted by the 2005 Funny Women Awards winner Debra-Jane Appleby, and will feature special appearances from 2011’s Funny Women Variety Award winners Ladies Live Longer. Also on today’s spectacular bill will be Julie Jepson and Susan Harrison, with the show headlined by the superb Ria Lina.
Funny Women is part of the Half Price Hut today – perhaps as a slightly tenuous way of celebrating the 'Glorious Twelfth' – so for a stellar line up of the finest female comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, get yourself down there and take advantage!!
Chloe Nicholson
Pictured top to bottom: Ria Lina and attendees of our fabulous comedy workshop!
