On August 23rd iconic Fringe event The Wrestling makes its debut in the biggest room in Edinburgh – and, for the first time, it will be livestreamed by NextUp, with screenings at the legendary Curzon Cinema, Soho, and by beloved comedy collective Angel Comedy. And, whether you’ll be watching it live from ringside, on the big screen, or comfortably tucked up in bed, the line-up can now be revealed!
CALLING THE ACTION:
Your MC for the evening is the fabulous Rhys Nicholson (RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under), who comments; “Speaking as someone who’s been hosting all-male wrestling deathmatches for an audience of wealthy businesswomen throughout the lockdowns, let me just say it’s a real thrill to be hosting one publicly.”
On commentary, we have Expert Grapple Analyst Phil Wang (Philly Philly Wang Wang), who says; “‘I’m here to do two things: kick ass and analyse wrestling. And I’m all out of ass.” Advocating for all that is evil is Rose Matafeo (Starstruck), who strikes a combative tone; “For one night only, I’m letting my inner bitch out of the cage as I make my debut as Roast Matafeo. From my prime seat at the commentary table, I’ll be taking these comedians downtown… and back again! And then back downtown, if that’s convenient for them.” And, endorsing Fair Play and DecencyTM, there’s longtime Wrestling favourite Andrew Maxwell (Live at the Apollo), who took a moment from his daily volunteer litter-picking shift to announce that “Standards must be upheld!”
Finally, frontline roving reportage comes courtesy of the intrepid Olga Koch (Mock the Week), who, when she reached out to herself for comment, stated; “I am delighted to be reporting from The Wrestling this year, and not only because blood, sweat, and tears are my three favourite liquids.”
And which comedians will be donning the spandex?
STEPPING INTO THE RING:
MATCH #1 – TAG TEAM ACTION
Max & Ivan VS ‘The Head Boy’ Ivo Graham & ‘The Mad Boy’ Mr Dawkins (managed by ‘The Bad Boy’ Nish Kumar)
The founders of The Wrestling, teaming up for the very first time! Max (pictured at front in previous bout) was once the youngest wrestler in the UK, Ivan is now father to a baby who was once the youngest child in the UK; who will be a match for ‘The Human Dynamo’ Max Voltage and ‘The Tired Dad’ Ivan Gonzalez? Quite possibly, their opponents: ‘The Head Boy’ Ivo Graham, and his former Eton wrestling teacher, Mr Dawkins. Under the mentorship of the villainous Nish Kumar (now a self-styled ‘Bad Boy’) they seem set to wreak absolute havoc…
MATCH #2 – COMEDIAN VS WRESTLER
‘Kween Bee’ Sophie Duker
VS
Rhia O’Reilly
Feared professional wrestler Rhia O’Reilly is here to prove wrestling isn’t the domain of comedians. But to do that, she’s got to get through Kween Bee, Sophie Duker – and there’s
already a lot of buzz about her…
THE MAIN EVENT – 6 WAY CHAOS
Rosie ‘Daddy’ Jones
VS
‘The Henchwoman’ Jess Fostekew
VS
‘The Welsh Dragon’ Kiri Pritchard-McLean
VS
‘The Prince of Mumbai’ Rishi Ghosh
VS
La Cyclonica ‘Masked Woman of Mystery’
VS
WHOEVER IS REIGNING CHAMPION…
Ever since Joe Lycett, live onstage at the Eventim Apollo, declared his championship to be “Up for grabs, 24/7, until the main event of The Wrestling”, chaos has been unleashed across the comedy universe. The coveted title has been claimed by John Robins, Mae Martin, Ray Badran, Celya AB, Jack Barry (despite the best efforts of James Acaster), and is currently held by Rosie Holt!
When the main event rolls around on August 23rd, Lycett’s 24/7 ruling will finally expire – and Holt (or whoever is then champion) will have to defend their belt in a sanctioned match against five other competitors! As well as seasoned pro-wrestlers Rishi Ghosh and La Cyclonica, the champion will face fearless comedians Rosie ‘Daddy’ Jones, ‘The Henchwoman’ Jessica Fostekew, and ‘The Welsh Dragon’ Kiri Pritchard-McLean! But, in the end, there will be one true winner – the audience! (And also whoever wins the match.)
The Wrestling is being streamed live by NextUp, the UK’s premier streaming comedy platform. It can be watched online, on your smart TV, live at the legendary Curzon Cinema, Soho, and is being screened by Angel Comedy!
The Wrestling is taking place August 23rd, 11pm, Assembly Main Hall, in aid of Comic Relief. Produced by Max & Ivan, Berk’s Nest and AEG.
Tickets HERE. Streaming via NextUp HERE.
LISTING INFORMATION
Venue: Assembly Hall, Mound Pl, Edinburgh EH1 2LU
Time: 23:00 Running Time: 90mins
Dates: 23rd August
Tickets: £25 (£24 concessions)
Age restrictions: 18+
Bookings: assemblyfestival.com, 0131 623 3030 or Assembly box offices at Assembly Hall and Assembly Roxy, Assembly George Square, Assembly Checkpoint and Assembly Rooms
