Latest news with #MargolyesandDickens:MoreBestBits
The National
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Miriam Margolyes donates £10k to Gaza and Fringe charities
The legendary actress split the money between Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the "Keep It Fringe" fund, which is part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. It comes as Margolyes has been performing at the Fringe with her show Margolyes and Dickens: More Best Bits. (Image: PA) In an interview with The National before beginning her run, Margolyes spoke about the despair she felt regarding Israel's brutal bombardment of Gaza, as she also condemned the Labour Government's complicity in the genocide. She also spoke of her love for the Fringe, but stressed that it was becoming harder for young people to afford. Margolyes said she was "extremely passionate" about the two charities she had chosen to donate to. READ MORE: Student Loans Company slammed over public contract with IDF-linked firm She said: "The Fringe has given me so much and this money would go towards helping artists with soaring costs to perform. "My head and heart are full of the situation in Gaza, where the need for everything is very great." Margolyes added: "I strongly urge anyone to add to my donation as these are two extremely worthy causes.' MAP has worked for more than 40 years to uphold the health and dignity of Palestinian communities, working towards a future where all Palestinians have access to an effective, sustainable and locally-led healthcare system. Since October 2023, MAP has launched its largest humanitarian response in its history, providing life-saving support while Gaza's health system remains on the brink of collapse. The charity reached nearly one million Palestinians in 2024 alone through partnerships with 16 local organisations, offering medical aid, clean water, food and dignity kits. MAP has also organised and deployed emergency medical teams to Gaza, bolstering a healthcare system which is under constant attack. Responding to Margolyes's donation, Annie Turnbull, acting director of fundraising and marketing at MAP, said: 'This generous donation from Miriam Margolyes means more than the financial support - it's a powerful statement of solidarity, of standing with Palestinians, and of standing up for the rights of Palestinians. "On behalf of MAP, my Palestinian colleagues in Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon, and the people they serve, I would like to thank Miriam for her kindness that will provide urgent care where it's needed most.' (Image: Simon Schluter/Fairfax Media via Getty Images) The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is the charity which underpins the festival. It was established in 1958 by a group of artists to provide central services for the festival and to ensure that it stays true to its founding purpose of "inclusion and welcome to all". The charity supports and encourages those who want to take part in the Fringe, as well as providing information and assistance to audiences and to promote the festival all over the world. READ MORE: Tommy Robinson's message is bigoted regardless of who supports him Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: "We are incredibly thankful to Miriam Margolyes for supporting the Keep it Fringe Fund, which gives vital, direct help to artists. "This kind of contribution has an immediate impact, removing barriers, creating opportunities and enabling more voices to be heard. "The more support the fund receives, the more artists we can reach, and we hope others will be inspired to follow Miriam's lead."
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Miriam Margolyes: Iconic Festival Fringe performer warns it is 'unlikely' she will perform in Edinburgh again
Miriam Margolyes has planned a Charles Dickens themed show for this summer at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Actress Miriam Margolyes has hinted that she may not be able to appear at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe as billed, warning she hasn't 'got long to live'. The 84-year-old, who is due to reprise her Charles Dickens-themed show at the Pleasance this August, said it was 'unlikely' she would perform at the Fringe again - despite her 2025 show being announced earlier this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said: 'I'm often in pain ... bodily conditions make life difficult, so it's unlikely I will do it again. But I love connecting with an audience, and I love sharing my knowledge and love of Dickens." Margolyes and Dickens: More Best Bits involves Ms Margolyes discussing classic Dickens characters and 'fascinating stories about the man behind the classics'. Miriam Margolyes The show is due to be performed at Pentland Theatre at Pleasance at the EICC from August 9 to 24. Ms Margolyes, 84, has been open about her health issues in recent years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She has suffered with spinal stenosis, arthritis and rheumatism. In 2023, the comedian underwent a procedure to replace an aortic valve, avoiding more invasive open-heart surgery. In a range of interviews this week, Ms Margolyes said: "When you know that you haven't got long to live – and I'm probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before - I'm loath to leave behind performing. It's such a joy. I yearn to play roles that don't confine me to wheelchairs, but I'm just not strong enough."
