Fringe opportunity no joke for comedians

Budding local comics are being offered the chance to be mentored by experienced working comedians to appear in a one-off Fringe show.

Fringe organisers said over the past few years that professional development opportunities have been limited for those wishing to pursue a career in comedy, and the establishment of the Fringe Comedy Academy seeks to address that.

A collaboration with The Stand Comedy Club and sponsored by Virgin Money, the academy would put 16 participants through a ten-week course managed by Stand comedian and News columnist Susan Morrison.

Participation is free and those interested must live in the Edinburgh area, be aged between 18 and 25 and should be funny. Applications close on May 6.

For details, visit www.edfringe.com/participants/fringe-comedy-academy