A new comedy festival in Strathearn this summer will showcase international acts as well as the best of the UK comedy circuit.
Crieff Comedy Festival – Before The Fringe will bring more than 60 acts performing at four venues from July 26 to 28.
The international acts will include Tom Stade, Tanyalee Davis and Brendon Burns. Some of the top comedy stars from the UK such as Alan Bissett, Fern Brady, Mark Nelson and Raymond Mearns will also appear.
It will provide the Strathearn community with an opportunity to see these acts prior to the Edinburgh Fringe in August, with exclusive preview gigs from the likes of Gavin Webster, Lynn Ruth Miller, Mark Nelson, Chris Forbes, Bruce Fummey and Bethany Black.
In addition, there will be musical comedy from Ruth E Cockburn, freestyle comedy rap from MC Hammersmith and Alan Bissett will be bringing his one-woman theatre show, The Moira Monologues, to the festival.
Festival comperes Jim McCreadie and Viv Gee launched the event in Crieff’s James Square.
Mr McCreadie said: “Crieff Comedy Festival – Before The Fringe is a little bit different in that, as well as featuring many world-class acts, the audience will get the chance to see Fringe previews from many of our comedians as they present new material ahead of their Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows.
“It will be a unique opportunity to see these guys in an extremely relaxed and intimate environment prior to the Fringe getting underway.
“As well as exceptional performers, we will have great food and drink, children’s shows and a friendly vibe.”
The comedy festival is the brainchild of Crieff Succeeds BID (Business Improvement District), which launched a match-funded marketing campaign last autumn with support from VisitScotland’s growth fund to promote and develop the town as an attractive visitor destination.
Neil Combe, manager of Crieff Succeeds BID, commented: “This is a hugely exciting project and just one of the larger scale events Crieff BID has planned to raise awareness of our town and support and promote local business.
“I want the comedy festival to be more than a one-off. I want it to be regular event bringing the community together through comedy and giving people a weekend they’ll never forget.”
The Square Bar, The Tower, Crieff Golf Club and Morrison’s Academy will stage the acts.
Tickets are available by visiting www.beforethefringe.com
