Comedy Script Showcase Launched For Edinburgh Fringe
DLT ENTERTAINMENT and MONKEY BARREL COMEDY to showcase scripts from emerging writing talent, performed by leading comedians and directed by Ed Bye.
London: 28th May 2024: – DLT Entertainment, co-sponsors of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, and Monkey Barrel Comedy, host of ‘Best Comedy Show’ in 2022 and 2023, are thrilled to announce the launch of Table Reads: New Comedy Script Showcase.
Table Reads offers a unique platform for budding and established comedy writers to have their scripts read and performed by some of the leading comedians at the Fringe. This show is more than just a performance; it is a development project designed to foster new talent, workshop original writing, and build lasting relationships between emerging creatives.
Each day of the Fringe, one of four selected scripts will be brought to life by a cast of top comedians, after a brief warm-up by an MC, with 5-6 performers per show. This will provide creatives with a unique opportunity to gain real-time feedback on their work, as well as giving audiences a rare glimpse behind the TV development curtain, seeing some of the best new scriptwriting in UK comedy before channel commissioners do.
The show welcomes script submissions from anyone, a particular effort is being made to seek out performers and writers living and/or working in Scotland. Existing scripts can be submitted right now, with the submission process detailed on the Creative Scotland opportunities tool. This open submission process aims to discover and elevate new and diverse comedic voices, providing an unparalleled opportunity to showcase comedy writing in a leading venue at the world’s largest performing arts festival.
Directing the show will be Ed Bye, who is known for his work on some of the UK’s best loved comedy projects, including Red Dwarf and Absolutely Fabulous. Ed's expertise and vision will be instrumental in bringing these new scripts to life, creating a must-see event for comedy enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Additional support will be provided by DLT Entertainment’s highly experienced development team (Darren Smith, Jon Aird, Ben Walker).
Bonnie and Braw, an independent production company based in Edinburgh, will be heavily involved in delivery of the show, with producer and founder, John McEwen-Whyte, providing production support, further underlining the show’s commitment to utilising locally-based talent and expertise.
DLT Entertainment is committed to supporting this creative venture by absorbing all production costs. After covering third-party expenses, such as marketing, the remaining funds will be distributed among the cast and creatives. This initiative highlights DLT's dedication to nurturing talent and ensuring that creative contributions are adequately rewarded
Donald Taffner Jr., President of DLT Entertainment, said: “we have been thinking of doing table reads at The Fringe for a number of years, but needed the right partner, and Monkey Barrel Comedy is that partner. We look forward to working with the talented comedians and writers, and inviting audiences to experience a fundamental step in the television development process.”
"We are incredibly excited to partner with DLT Entertainment for 'Table Reads’. This show represents a significant opportunity for new and emerging writers to have their work seen and heard, and we’re delighted to bring such an exciting new project to the festival," said David Bleese of Monkey Barrel Comedy.
Table Reads: New Comedy Script Showcase is set to be one of the highlights of this year's Edinburgh Fringe. Be sure to catch the next generation of comedy talent as they bring fresh and hilarious new scripts to the stage at Monkey Barrel 4 (July 30-31, Aug 1-25, 11:20AM, 60 mins).
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Further information:
Nikki Murray, on behalf of DLT Entertainment: nikki.murray@premiercomms.com | +44 (0) 20 7292 5094
Ross Foley, Head of Marketing, Monkey Barrel Comedy: ross.foley@monkeybarrelcomedy.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Monkey Barrel Comedy:
Monkey Barrel Comedy is Edinburgh’s #1 rated comedy club, was home to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s ‘Best Comedy Show’ in 2022 and 2023, and won ‘Scotland’s Best Comedy Venue’ at the most recent Chortle Awards. It hosts comedy in three, permanent venues twelve months a year.
About DLT Entertainment:
With headquarters in London and New York, DLT Entertainment Ltd. is engaged in every aspect of television distribution and production around the world, as well as stage production in the US and in the UK where it owns London’s Shaftesbury Theatre and talent representation business, with ownership positions in MMB Creative, The Soho Agency, Blue Book Artist Management, The Galton Agency, Gag Reflex and Mark Watson’s Impatient Productions. Expanding its own production activities in the UK, DLT also acquired Vera Productions.
Founded in 1963 as a distribution company by Don Taffner Sr., the company added television production to its portfolio in 1977. It has enjoyed terrific success in its sixty one year history with legendary hits on both sides of the Atlantic including the multiple award-winning and BBC Trust praised sitcom My Family, As Time Goes By, Three’s Company, Too Close For Comfort and Meet My Folks. In addition, DLT has built a reputation as a leading distribution company with classics such as The Benny Hill Show, The World at War, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywood, The Russ Abbot Show, Michel LeGrand and Friends, and Dara O’Briain’s Go 8 Bit.
In 2018 DLT expanded its own production activities in the United Kingdom through the acquisition of Vera Productions whose past productions include Getting On, Million Pound Jewellers, Bremner, Bird, and Fortune, and numerous Dispatches such as President Trump’s Dirty Secrets and Politicians for Hire: Cashing in on Brexit. 2020 saw further expansion with an investment in Mark Watson’s Impatient Productions.
2020 saw the creation of a podcasting division with the release of When No One’s Watching featuring Richardson & Matt Willis and recently produced Very Modern Quests starring Alice Levine's for Audible.
DLT is also a significant player in the artist management business with key investments in The Soho Agency, Milburn Browning Associates, Blue Book Artist Management, and The Galton Agency.
The Shaftesbury Theatre in London, where Mrs. Doubtfire, The Musical continues its West End run, is owned by DLT.