Comedians to cast their net

THE first of a series of comedy podcasts from the Edinburgh Festival featuring interviews with stars has been launched by Amnesty International.

Russell Brand, John Cleese, Michael Palin and Fred MacAulay, as well as comics Rob Rouse and Danielle Ward, feature on the first of eight comedy podcasts.

MacAulay will be joined by Adam Hills to compere Amnesty International's Stand Up For Freedom comedy show at the festival, which features John Bishop and Mark Watson. The show will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on August 19.