Fringe takeover puts North East comedy centre stage
Felt Nowt announces plans to serve up a month-long parade of regional talent to Edinburgh venue
Pioneering North East comedy collective, Felt Nowt is taking matters into its own hands when it comes to making the Edinburgh Festival Fringe a more realistic prospect for the region’s comedians.
The not-for-profit and artist-led co-operative is taking over a whole venue for the duration of the month-long festival and will run a programme exclusively featuring more than 30 North East acts.
The Garrett at The Alchemist on George Street will be the place to see a mix of established names and first-time performers who all count the North East as home while bringing their talents to one of the world’s biggest arts festivals.
Branded Felt Nowt at the Fringe, the initiative aims to challenge what organisers describe as a London-centric comedy industry and the growing financial pressures that make it increasingly difficult for many acts to take part.
Director John Gibson said: “In the same way that overseas embassies are technically part of that country, for the entire Edinburgh Festival one room will be technically part of the North East.
“We’re proud to launch a brand-new Fringe venue run by Felt Nowt, and we’re unapologetic that our reason for doing so is our simple belief that North East acts deserve the same opportunities as everyone else - and that fairness shouldn’t depend on your postcode.”
All of the shows will be free and un-ticketed - so all audiences have to do is turn up on the day.
Performers on the Felt Nowt stage will include Best Show nominee Seymour Mace, Panel Prize winner Elaine Robertson, ISH Best Show nominee Raul Kohli, Funny Women Stage Award winner Zoe, Jake Donaldson and Kelly Rickard.
Alongside these established acts, the programme also reflects Felt Nowt’s commitment to accessibility and representation, with performers spanning generations and backgrounds.
Among them are 20-year-old Nat Young and first-time Fringe performers Susan Warlock and Michael Holford, both in their sixties.
Susan Warlock said: “Felt Nowt is creating something really special - a space where older female comedians can be visible, valued, and heard. It’s not just about opportunity, it’s about showing that experience brings a whole new depth to comedy.”
She added: “It’s taken me 60-odd years to get this funny, it would’ve been a shame to keep it to myself. Felt Nowt is giving older women the stage we deserve, and audiences are finally realising we’re not background characters - we’re the main event.”
The Fringe project builds on Felt Nowt’s mission Felt Nowt was established to support comedians, grow audiences and make comedy more accessible, particularly for under-represented performers. n by addressing the practical and financial barriers that often prevent regional acts from participating.
John said: “Things like The Free Fringe, the Free Festival, Best In Class, the Working Class Fringe Brochure, and The Stand have all pushed the Fringe back towards the original spirit of openness and accessibility and being genuinely supportive of working-class and regional performers, but let’s be honest: getting venues is still hard work - and being able to afford accommodation and expenses for the entire month is becoming all-but-impossible.
“We’re not here to slag anyone off, we just want to make sure that brilliant acts from our region get a chance to show what they can do”.
To help make the project viable, Felt Nowt has launched a fundraising campaign to cover costs including technical support, promotional materials and accessibility measures such as British Sign Language interpretation.
“The Fringe is expensive - especially for grassroots performers,” said John. “We’re looking for people who can contribute even the smallest amount to help cover costs like tech support and flyers and to help make our shows as accessible as possible, for example by providing a BSL interpreter. We’re even hoping to offer Artist Bursaries for individual expenses.
“Every pound will go directly to supporting artists and making this project sustainable and for many, possible.”
To support the Go Fun Me campaign, visit the website.