PBH's Free Fringe is to dedicate a whole venue to first time Edinburgh Fringe performers. A new space in Pizza Geeks on Easter Road will host performers who have never appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe before.

 

With rising costs, the Fringe is becoming increasingly hard for new acts to break into. And while financial obligations have long been the enemy of would-be performers, the length and size of the Fringe also puts many first timers off attending. With this in mind, the Free Fringe Firsts show-runs are just a week long with a couple of exceptions. 

 

20 shows will be taking place over the course of the three weeks. Steve McLean will mentor the new acts and will be on hand should they need anything. McLean is a Free Fringe veteran who has not only performed at every festival since 2014 but organises the successful West End New Act Of The Year competition.

 

Steve says "I'm very proud to be part of this venture. I remember what it's like being a first timer. When I did my first run, I was the only new act in my venue and I felt a little intimidated by everything. So I hope all the new acts will form a bond. It'll be lovely to see everyone get behind each other. I think it's going to be great" 

 

The project is also intended to spread Fringe shows out into new areas of Edinburgh, expanding from the Old Town. The thinking behind this was inspired by feedback from Edinburgh locals who said they often felt left out when the Festival came around. It's hoped that the shorter runs of shows will appeal to the local audience and encourage them to come back to venues more than once. With new shows starting every week, they'll be spoiled for choice. 

 

Steve adds "As far as we know, this project is the first of its kind. We would actively encourage other fringe providers to follow our lead in future and we hope it helps to break a glass ceiling or two."

 

For a list of all of the shows at Pizza Geeks Easter Road, visit here: