Artists and performers from around the industry have come together to raise funds for PBH's Free Fringe in a new volume of poetry called POEMS FOR PBH.
Legendary poets like John Hegley and Atilla The Stockbroker are featured alongside renowned comedians, actors and authors such as Mark Simmons, Alexis Dubus, Abigail Burdess, Dave Johns and Jim Tavaré. Also included are television personalities like Liz Barker (Blue Peter) and Emma Birchley (Sky News). Plus, there's submissions from members of some of the most acclaimed UK bands of the last 40 years. Musicians like Jack Hayter (of John Peel favourites Hefner), Gavin Dunbar (of Glasgow indie greats Camera Obscura) and Pete Saunders (Dexys Midnight Runners...!).
The book also finds room for the Free Fringe's most celebrated performers like Luke Meredith, Kate Smurthwaite, Elise Harris and Free Fringe founder PBH himself, Peter Buckley Hill and it features cover art designed by celebrated East London artist, Farah Ishaq (who also donates a poem)
The project was the idea of Free Fringe regular, author and comedian Steve McLean: "I was hosting a show called 'Adorable Comedians Performing Poetry and Telling Stories.' It was at 11am off the Royal Mile. It was a lovely gentle hour that eased the audience into their fringe day. It was fun and filled with variety, with all types of Spoken Word being showcased. The book reflects that show"
The Free Fringe is a charity that is committed to providing artists with free performing spaces at the Edinburgh Fringe. The only remit from the contributors was that they recognised PBH's Free Fringe for the work it does.
"I've been kicking around for a long time, so I just reached out to many acts that I've worked with or had the contact details for. I was pleasantly surprised as to who returned my messages. Although it's not just about the well known names in the book. There's work from first time fringe performers and writers from around the world. There really is something for everyone. A lot like the Free Fringe itself"
The book is out now and is available from Lulu Publishing priced at £8.99 with all profits going the Free Fringe.
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