Pleasance: Fringe Giant Comes to Life

The last of the big four Edinburgh venues to launch their programme was the Pleasance, who did so to a packed audience in their largest space, The Pleasance Grand. The Grand is home to what has been claimed as the biggest budget show on the Fringe, Reel to Real, who presented excerpts from their musical blending live performers with movie musical clips.

The launch event, compered by Stephen K.Amos, featured Soho Storeys, Reginald D. Hunter, Bo Burnham and Nina Conti. Other big names appearing in the Pleasance comedy programme include Dave Hill, Phil Kay, Arthur Smith, Kevin Bridges and Tim Vine.

Theatre highlights include the eagely awaited Frantic Assembly/National Theatre of Scotland’s, Beautiful Burnout, Emma Thompson presents: Fair Trade and The Cage, a new thriller by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart. RSAMD bring three shows: Spring Awakening and two new musicals, In Touch and Closest To The Moon.

The celebrations continued later with the launch of their new cabaret venue, Ghillie Dhu, Fringe home to lauch event performers, Frances Ruffelle and Peter Straker.

This year the Pleasance, a registered charity, has invested heavily in facilities for children with entertainment, large play areas and creche facilities.