Stop fighting like children, Fringe veteran tells pair

A VETERAN Fringe figure has called on two rival promoters to call off their bitter feud over the oldest venue at the Festival, claiming the event is being damaged by constant rows.

Christopher Richardson, founder of the Pleasance, wants Assembly Rooms founder William Burdett-Coutts and Stand Comedy club director Tommy Sheppard to make their peace after months of wrangling over the George Street building.

Mr Sheppard, a director of the Fringe, is expected to face criticism at its AGM at the weekend due to his battling with Mr Burdett-Coutts over the right to use the Assembly brand.

There was further acrimony when Mr Sheppard decided to stage a relaunch of the venue on the same night as his arch-
rival’s showcase at the start of the 
Festival.

Mr Richardson, who still attends the Festival every year, 
despite officially retiring in 2005, said he was dismayed that the bickering between the pair had rumbled on for months, adding he wanted the Fringe to intervene and broker talks.

Mr Richardson said: “They have been fighting like children and I don’t think it is good for the Fringe. Everybody should be able to get on. At the moment they are just looking foolish to everybody else.

“There is obviously a bit of confusion over the locations of the venues, with one being on George Square and the other being on George Street, but they should be trying to come to a 
solution together.”