Comedy Central International has launched “Comedy Central at the Edinburgh Fringe,” a ten-part digital special in association with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, airing across Comedy Central International’s Facebook, YouTube and Instagram channels on weeknights starting on August 17th.
The episodes will feature stand-up routines from ten rising comedians and a host to be announced at a later date. Highlights from the digital Fringe series will air in a 22-minute linear special on Comedy Central International beginning August 28th in the UK.
Produced by Comedy Central International and Electric Robin, “Comedy Central at the Edinburgh Fringe” will be pre-taped to a live virtual audience of individuals and households hand-picked from the Fringe community and beyond. The comedians will perform to real-time laughs, as the special offers an inside look into audiences’ homes and reactions.
“The Fringe is an incredible platform for creative freedom, and emerging comedic talent is the heart of Comedy Central International, making this a perfect partnership,” said Kerry Taylor, EVP of ViacomCBS Networks International Youth & Entertainment Brands. “This series gives rising comedians a chance to perform as part of the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe, despite the circumstances this year, and a massive international platform to spotlight their talent and reach new fans around the globe.”
Shona McCarthy, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Chief Executive, said: “The Fringe has always been an important platform for emerging comedians. It is a place for talent to grow an audience and connect with the industry, and we’re so pleased that initiatives like this are there to ensure that doesn’t get lost in 2020. Now more than ever, we need to make sure our artists aren’t falling through the cracks, and are still getting as much support as we can offer.”
“Comedy Central at the Edinburgh Fringe” is a first of its kind and reflects the network’s ongoing dedication to discovering, supporting and growing new and rising talent. Comedy Central International and the Fringe Society are also activating a donate feature across its digital episodes with all proceeds going to support artists impacted by the global pandemic.
The special is created by Executive Producers Rebecca Hewett and Craig Orr and Development Producer Emerald Paston for Comedy Central International and Executive Producer Chris Jones and Producer Leah Draws for Electric Robin. “Comedy Central at the Edinburgh Fringe” is directed by James Clamplin and Kevin Batchelor of Electric Robin.
Interested in being a part of the virtual “Comedy Central at the Edinburgh Fringe” audience? Email the casting team at [email protected]. Performances will take place at various times from July 14-17, 2020 and all audience members must be over 18 to take part.
More news about Virtual Edinburgh 2020 here.
