The 2016 Fringe Central Welcome Address will be delivered by award-winning comedian Sam Wills, also known as The Boy With Tape On His Face, on Friday 5 August at 1pm at Fringe Central.
The annual Address is the official welcome to Fringe participants, introducing them to Fringe Central’s services and the extensive range of professional development events on offer to them throughout August. The event was created to inspire participants to make the best use of the Fringe by getting them to think about the wider perspective and how their experience at the Fringe will impact on them and their work in the future. Last year's address was given by Bryony Kimmings.
The Boy With Tape On His Face made his Fringe debut in 2010 and was an instant hit, delighting audiences with his blend of mime, quirky props and audience participation. In 2012 he won the Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize. Since his first appearance he has continued performing around the world appearing on The Royal Variety Performance (2011) and most recently on America’s Got Talent (2016).
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “I am really looking forward to hearing Sam Wills deliver this year’s Fringe Central Welcome Address. The Boy With Tape On His Face has become an international success story and Sam has delighted audiences around the world, and of course here in Edinburgh, with his shows. I am sure that he will be an inspiration to participants, sharing experiences from throughout his career and his previous visits to the Fringe.”
“The Fringe Central Welcome Address has been created to encourage all Fringe participants to feel at home at Fringe Central and to introduce them to the Fringe Central Events Programme which takes place throughout the festival and is absolutely free to all Fringe participants. It really is their home-away-from-home and this year we have 106 free events taking place which will develop their performance skills, tackle topical issues, expand their networks and advance their careers. We really want participants to take advantage of all Fringe Central has to offer and make the very most of their time at the Fringe.”
Sam Wills said: “I was honoured to receive the invitation to deliver the Fringe Central Welcome Address this year. I have been a participant of the Fringe for many years and in many guises and it is a festival that is close to my heart. The Fringe gives participants a unique opportunity to hone their craft and try new things, to meet other performers from all over the world and to share their experiences. I am looking forward to sharing some of my own stories with performers participating in this year’s Fringe.”
