Graham Norton talks all things Fringe
The globally recognised Irish comedian, author and television presenter Graham Norton recently joined Brian Cox, Suzy Eddie Izzard and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as an official Ambassador for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Known for his popular BBC1 chat show, and as the UK’s host for Eurovision, Graham's entertainment career dates back to 1991 when he was refining his craft as a standup comedian at the Fringe, performing ‘Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s Grand Farewell Tour’ at the Pleasance.
In the years following he made the move to mainstream television (as priest Father Noel in Father Ted) while still making frequent appearances at the Fringe, culminating in him being shortlisted for the prestigious Perrier Award in 1997.
Graham continues to support the Fringe and returns most summers to watch shows, support friends and check out the next generation of talent making their name at this unparalleled global marketplace for the arts. Graham is also a celebrated author, with several published novels under his belt, and hosts the popular podcast Wanging On with Maria McErlane.
Speaking of the appointment, Graham said: ‘It’s hard to believe that my connection to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe dates back nearly 35 years. As an emerging comedian back in the early nineties, everyone in the industry knew that you had to make the journey to Edinburgh and its Fringe for the opportunities that you have to develop your craft with a live audience, but also to meet and network with the thousands of industry that go there to look for talent.
‘Through my chat show I meet and talk to those across the entertainment industry every week, and you’d be hard pressed to find someone on the sofa that hasn’t been to the Fringe either to perform or to watch shows at some point in the past. I’m delighted to be announced as an ambassador of the Edinburgh Fringe and look forward to visiting the festival next August.’
Graham Norton sat down with us earlier this month to discuss his love for the Fringe. In this exclusive interview, Graham Norton talks about becoming a Fringe Ambassador, revisits his early career at the Fringe and reflects on what makes live performance so thrilling. From bold risks to unforgettable moments, he explains why the Fringe continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.