The world’s largest International Arts festival in Edinburgh, UK has once again arrived in Scotland’s capital which means that the hub around the central buildings of Edinburgh University, known in August as Fringe Central will once again be dominated by the enormous upside-down purple cow, the Udderbelly, which has become synonymous with the spirit of creativity and eccentricity associated with the Fringe.
Underbelly Limited was founded in 2000 by entrepreneurs Ed Bartlem and Charlie Wood to operate five shows in one venue, though such was the originality of the branding and popularity of the shows that the venue expanded until the opening of Underbelly’s Pasture in 2006 – which saw the introduction of the Udderbelly and the ‘Pasture’, an astroturf field in which the magnificent cow can graze and it’s tiny human disciples can enjoy food and drink at various bars and food stalls.
In 2009 Underbelly joined forces with the London Southbank Centre to launch the E4 Udderbelly Festival - an 8 week summer festival of the brightest comedy, circus, family and cabaret shows. In 2010 we extended the season to 10 weeks and this year E4 Udderbelly Festival played 13 weeks on the Southbank.
Since then the Underbelly’s presence in Edinburgh has rapidly expanded to include 11 venues and nearly one hundred and twenty shows, of which nine are ‘Underbelly Productions’ works – the success also being evident in ticket sales in 2010 which saw 350,000 people pass through the hallowed purple gates. This year they include several world’s firsts; Free Run, in which the explosive, extreme sport of Parkour is transposed into a theatre setting; The Lounge Room Confabulators – two travelling players and musicians tell short stories with a comic and sinister twist in your own living room; You wouldn’t know him, he lives in Texas – the first show to take place over Skype, in which half the cast and Audience are actually in Texas.
As well as the world’s first there is a whole host of vastly original comedy, theatre, music, dance, cabaret and every combination thereof which ensure that the Underbelly’s burgeoning reputation as one of the most original arts and entertainment promotion companies in the world will continue to expand.
The Edinburgh International Festival Fringe at the Underbelly is on until August 29th. Info and tickets www.underbelly.co.uk.
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