Marc among highlights as Fringe programme unveiled

SOFT Cell singer Marc Almond is set to appear on stage at this year's Fringe.

The singer will be starring in Mark Ravenhill's new play, Ten Plagues, at the Traverse Theatre, one of 2542 events at this year's Fringe.

The 2011 programme, announced today includes a host of big-name stars such as John Malkovich, who will be directing Julian Sands in a Celebration of Harold Pinter, at the Pleasance.

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Ricky Gervais will be appearing in a Q&A with Warwick Davis to discuss their new TV show, Life's Too Short, and David Mitchell returns with The Unbelievable Truth.

There will also be a dedicated cabaret section in the Fringe for the first time, reflecting the increasing popularity of the genre.

Other highlights include comedy from Isy Suttie, Ed Byrne and Richard Herring.

Kath Mainland, chief executive of the Festival Fringe Society, said: "The Fringe is still the first choice for performers, producers, venues, artists and creators to come and tell their story; we are proud that at the Fringe is still THE place to bring your work, with opportunities to amaze, enthral and excite audiences from both far away and close to home."