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STV News
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Paul Merton and Suki Webster return to Fringe with hit improv show
'Have I Got News for You' host Paul Merton is relishing a return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer alongside his wife and fellow comedian Suki Webster. The couple, who have become a regular highlight at the festival, will once again be fronting their celebrated improv comedy show at The Pleasance. Speaking from London ahead of their August run, Merton reflected on his long-standing relationship with the Fringe, which dates back to the 1980s. 'When you first come to Edinburgh, you haven't got a great deal of money or support,' Merton told Scotland Tonight. 'But now we have a very loyal audience and we can really just relax and do the show. There's none of that early-career stress anymore.' Webster echoed that sentiment, highlighting the festival's sense of community. 'It's just great fun, you run into all your friends,' she said. 'You might not see each other in London for months, but in Edinburgh you bump into everyone. It's like a reunion every year.' Their improv show is entirely unscripted, fuelled by audience suggestions and spontaneous performances from a rotating cast of comedians. Merton describes it as 'expect the unexpected,' noting that no two shows are ever the same. 'We have different guests every day, play different games every day. That's the fun of it – it's always fresh.' Webster added that while improvisation might seem daunting, the support of trusted collaborators makes all the difference. 'You're never alone on stage. If one of us goes blank, someone else picks it up. It's just like having a conversation – there's always an answer.' Merton likened their stage work to playtime. He said: 'It's like we never grew up. We just play. And when audiences see you having fun, they join in with the joy of it. That's what makes it special.' The couple admit that not every improv show is successful, and they both acknowledge that bad improvisation can be hard to watch. But, as Merton puts it: 'The beauty of improv is you can always pivot. If something's not working, you change it immediately.' The couple's chemistry on stage is helped, of course, by their real-life relationship. 'Being married is a plus,' said Webster. 'You know each other so well. You can just play together and have fun.' 'We get on in shows because we get on in life,' added Merton. 'And what holds us together is a shared sense of humour – and a legally binding contract!' The show features a stellar lineup of guests including Mike McShane of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, musical improviser Kirsty Newton, and well-known comics such as Rachel Parris, Fred MacAulay, Julian Clary, and Marcus Brigstocke. 'We've built up a repertoire of brilliant performers over the years,' said Merton. 'Even if the audience doesn't know who's coming on that night, the reaction when they appear is always fantastic.' The couple have even welcomed guests with no previous improv experience, including Doctor Who star David Tennant earlier this year. 'He was terrified,' said Webster. 'But he was absolutely brilliant. We always do a little workshop beforehand to help people feel comfortable and play to their strengths.' Merton agreed: 'That anxiety often turns into an incredible high after the show. David Mitchell was the same. They didn't know quite what hit them, but they loved it.' The key to good improv, they say, isn't just being funny, it's being a team player. 'If someone's a good listener and works well with others, they'll probably take to improv really well,' said Merton. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Live
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
'Edinburgh Fringe venue is greedy - locals can't sleep and we've had enough'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh resident has said 'something has to give' after enduring sleepless nights during the Fringe. Andrea Meneghini, 56, says those living in Dumbiedykes are going through 'torture' when the festival is on. He says the quiet street is 'not used to noise', and clains the venue has 'tripled in size' since he has lived there and has grown 'unbearable'. The web designer, who lives on Viewcraig Gardens, has a property that looks out onto the back of The Pleasance venue at 60 Pleasance - which becomes a bustling hub during the month of August. Planning permission is currently set to grant the venue a license until 3am, which Andrea argues will bring back 'hell' for residents. Andrea has lived in Dumbiedykes for 27 years, and feels that the noise in recent years has reached new levels. He's pushing for councillors to pull back on opening hours, closing The Pleasance earlier during the week, and allowing residents to 'get a good nights sleep'. Edinburgh councillors held a meeting on June 11, where The Pleasance venue was debated for an annual basis on a minimum of three years. It was argued that the 'established' venue contributed to a 'vibrant' festival, and that there 'hadn't been complaints from those who lived closest'. An 11pm restriction was placed on the grand bar at the venue, due to its proximity to Viewcraig Gardens. Nicola Orr, senior planning officer, also highlighted the 'substantial tree barrier' between The Pleasance and Viewcraig Gardens. Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan argued: "I used to go to this area, and lived in this area, and my feeling is that this is a vibrant part of the city. "The proposal is to mitigate any potential noise by closing down the grand bar earlier, and I feel like this is acceptable. It's part of what makes the city, and this particular part of the city, vibrant." The meeting also highlighted the nine complaints to Environmental Protection that had been made about the venue since 2018. Andrea believes the number of complaints from residents to various organisations is far higher. Andrea feels the trees provide 'little to no' barrier with sound coming over to the homes. Speaking to Edinburgh Live, he added: "Councillors have painted this idea that it's a very noisy city centre location, like it's the Cowgate or Grassmarket and it isn't. They should respect that, because we're not used to noise here. "I think there's one AirBnB in the block, most of us are long-term residents. Some were born here and have had their own kids here, it's very much a community. "There's three weeks of performances, but they start setting up in June - they're taking it down until September 6, so that's three months. The setup can be up to 16 hours a day. "It seems like the Fringe, The Pleasance and the whole thing just get whatever they want because of power. The thing is, we don't have a problem with tourists. "It's just that this needs to be handled properly, and residents need to be heard. If it goes on until three in the morning, nobody can sleep, and that's a problem." A spokesperson for The Pleasance confirmed that 'meaningful changes' had been made to plans. They added: "We have always valued our relationship with our neighbours. "We have made meaningful changes to our operations that we hope will result in a noticeable improvement for local residents." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Andrea feels that if the venue changed the opening hours, residents would be able to cope throughout the festival. He continued: "In planning they keep saying that The Pleasance has been established for 50 years, and that's true. They have tripled in size since I've been here though. "It used to just be at the front, and now they've moved towards the back. It's just some trees between our building and the venue which has an 850 person capacity. "We're told the staff will ask people to be quiet, and it's just not going to happen. People are out at a festival having fun, and they should be enjoying themselves. "We don't have a problem with that, but if they finished at 12 or one in the morning it would be very different from 3am. "They should also spread it out a bit more, it would be a nicer experience for the tourists in my opinion. It's all very concentrated, and it's grown so much - so why not give people the opportunity to see more parts of the city. "Residents already have to deal with packed shops, packed buses, and packed streets. Something has to give. "We'd even be happy with earlier closing times through the week. Go till later on the weekend, at least we can sleep for work and school." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Residents 'interrupted' the meeting on June 11, with Councillor Hal Osler halting the meeting and stating the group were 'unable to speak'. When the floor was opened up to councillors for discussion on The Pleasance, one resident stood up to say: "Sorry folks, if you don't mind - just for two seconds." Before he is able to finish the councillor interjects. She states: "Excuse me, would you mind sitting down please. "You are unable to speak." Speaking over each other, the resident continues: "You haven't actually represented the people in regards to this. "Could you address the residents of Dumbiedykes as a committee." Andrea told us: "When it came to the meeting, we didn't want to interrupt or speak over people. We weren't left with a choice. "We wouldn't have done it if we didn't have to." Andrea feels, along with other residents, that their complaints have been 'ignored'. They would like to be considered stakeholders in future conversations surrounding The Pleasance. He added: "All the conversation has been between the university, the Pleasance, and the council - we've not been considered to be a part of it. In the application they say the community has been consulted - when? 'We look at the application and it starts saying there is no history of noise complaints at the pleasance, and I know that isn't true.' Jessica Fenn, a member of the Southside Community Council, spoke to Edinburgh Live after the meeting. She told us: "Residents aren't seeing that trickle down that's supposed to happen from these companies. "It's at the expense of the residents. They had constantly emailed and called councillors, and nothing has come of it. Complaints have been ignored or brushed aside. "We spoke to one resident who said his daughter gets so unwell in August. She can't sleep, missing school. It's absolute torture for them." Following action from residents, councillors have now agreed to grant The Pleasance a one year contract and have asked for a noise impact assessment. A spokesperson for The Pleasance said: "The Pleasance Theatre Trust, in partnership with the Edinburgh University Students' Association, is pleased to have received planning permission. However, we are deeply saddened by the complaints from those living near the Pleasance. "We have always valued our relationship with our neighbours and are committed to being a responsible and considerate festival venue. In response to their concerns, and following a series of consultations and face-to-face meetings, we have made meaningful changes to our operations that we hope will result in a noticeable improvement for local residents. "These changes include adjustments to late-night programming, installation of additional acoustic insulation in areas closest to nearby homes, and the strengthening of our noise management plans in collaboration with experts and the City of Edinburgh Council. "As one of the original venues of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with performances on this site since 1947, The Pleasance is considered by many as the heart of the festival. We have always valued our close relationship with the local community and hold great respect for those who live around us. For over 40 years, we have worked to make a positive contribution to life in Edinburgh. "We look forward to welcoming audiences from across the country to this year's festival and to furthering our collaboration with the local community in the years to come."
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Rory Marshall: Pathetic Little Characters
From the unconventional path of bassist to kebab salesman to comedian, Rory Marshall will be performing his debut solo multi-character sketch show, Pathetic Little Characters, at The Pleasance throughout this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... Through vivid snapshots of oddly familiar individuals—from overly-enthusiastic charity workers at your doorstep to youths loitering outside trendy pubs pestering you for a Rizla—Marshall spotlights the subtle absurdities hidden within everyday encounters. His keenly observed characters, both imagined and lifted straight from his own awkward experiences, explore the curious and uncomfortable ways people behave when desperate to impress, desperate to belong, or just desperately pathetic. Marshall's sharp comedic lens is turned specifically towards men at their most vulnerable, anxious, and absurd. Whether it's a confidence coach delivering a TED-style talk at Birmingham International Airport or a limelight-loving police officer who can't help but turn a press-conference into a stand-up set, the characters resonate precisely because audiences have met (or perhaps even been) them. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I'm fascinated by why people behave differently depending on their situation," says Rory. "Why do we feel the need to show off, to make others laugh, or to be liked? These characters emerged organically—maybe too organically—from my own observations and experiences. Or perhaps it's just because being sad, pathetic, and desperate comes very naturally to me." Rory Marshall A former member of the Brighton punk band Birdskulls, Marshall's first comedic inklings appeared on stage between moody grunge songs—much to his bandmates' chagrin. After being furloughed during the pandemic from his Kebab selling job, he pivoted fully into comedy. His understated yet razor-sharp sketches have drawn the admiration of some of Britain's top comedic talent, landing him roles on BBC's Ellie & Natasia (directed by Simon Bird) and Starstruck, opposite Rose Matafeo. He has also performed on BBC Radio 4 including in Nora Meadows' Week of Wellness, co-written and directed by Will Farrell (who is also directing Pathetic Little Characters), and has appeared on Lolly Adefope's acclaimed Audible podcast FANMAIL. Under Farrell's precise direction, Pathetic Little Characters balances sharp social satire with genuine empathy, ultimately asking the audience the eternal introspective question: "Just how pathetic IS Rory Marshall?' With a personal backstory as unique as his comedy—including navigating a Tourette's diagnosis and launching a viral comedy career from lockdown boredom—Marshall embodies resilience, self-deprecation, and an unfiltered authenticity that makes his performance simultaneously hilarious and touching. Pleasance Courtyard - Attic : 30th July - 24th August: 6pm.
