The David Johnson Emerging Talent Award celebrates the life of maverick producer David Johnson who died in 2020. The cash prize of £11,000 comes with no strings and will be presented to a performer/show on 28th August at a mixed bill comedy show at 6pm at the Gordon Aikman Theatre. It is The Biggest Cash Prize on the Fringe! Ever!
David Johnson (DJ) was a fixture on the Fringe for over 30 years. DJ's ‘fringe finds’ included Graham Norton, Puppetry of the Penis, and bars that were still open at breakfast time. He produced scores of shows on (and off) the Fringe including The Rubberbandits, Sue Perkins, Fascinating Aïda, The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Malcolm McLaren, Trainspotting (original stage production), Stewart Lee, Alexei Sayle, Christeene, Kim Noble, Sandi Toksvig, Mark Almond, Mark Ravenhill and many others. He was a Trustee of the Pleasance Theatre Trust and an Associate Artist at Soho Theatre but he was mostly known for his raucous laughter, his generosity of wallet and his unnerving ability to spot an unexpected hit. His flair for commercial theatre was matched by - and often combined with - his fervent support for new and emerging artists. The award will be made in that spirit.
The line-up features: Stewart Lee, Fascinating Aïda, Dave Johns (MC), Camille O'Sullivan, Lynn Ferguson, Rhys Nicholson. The Award itself has been designed and made by Simon Munnery.
Prize Eligibility
A show/performer/creative independent performing for at least 18 performances in Edinburgh, in August on the Free Fringe or registered with the Fringe Society. There are no genre constraints.
Where does the money come from?
The prize money was donated by David’s friends, family, and colleagues via crowdfunding after his death. Donate to the fund here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/djeta We have not received any donations from the Bin Laden family.
SCIO registration pending
THE DAVID JOHNSON EMERGING TALENT AWARD LISTINGS
VENUE: Assembly George Square, Gordon Aikman Theatre
DATES: 28th Aug
TIME: 18:00 (60 mins)
TICKETS: £16.50 (£15.50) plus booking fees
BOOKING: 0131 623 3030, www.assemblyfestival.com
