A ground-breaking comedy co-operative based in North East England will take over an entire venue for the duration of the Edinburgh comedy festival - and in the words of one member “We’re unapologetic that our reason for doing so is our simple belief that acts in the North East of England deserve the same opportunities as everyone else in an often London-centric industry.”

Felt Nowt at the Fringe will run at The Garrett at The Alchemist (George Street) for a full month of exclusively North East programming - ranging from previous Best Show nominees to brand new acts who may otherwise have been unable to perform.  

Felt Nowt is a not-for-profit, artist-led comedy collective created to support comedians, grow audiences, and make comedy more accessible — especially for under-represented performers.

Director John Gibson said: “In the same way that overseas embassies are technically part of that country, for the entire Edinburgh Festival one room will be technically part of the North East.” 

“We’re proud to launch a brand-new Fringe venue run by Felt Nowt, and we’re unapologetic that our reason for doing so is our simple belief that North East acts deserve the same opportunities as everyone else — and that fairness shouldn’t depend on your postcode.

“Things like The Free Fringe, the Free Festival, Best In Class, the Working Class Fringe Brochure, and The Stand have all pushed the Fringe back towards the original spirit of openness and accessibility and being genuinely supportive of working-class and regional performers, but let’s be honest: getting venues is still hard work - and being able to afford accommodation and expenses for the entire month is becoming all-but-impossible”.  

“We’re not here to slag anyone off, we just want to make sure that brilliant acts from our region get a chance to show what they can do”. 

The Felt Nowt Fringe programme features an incredible line-up, starting with performers who’ve already made their mark. including:

• Seymour Mace — Best Show nominee (2015)

• Elaine Robertson — Panel Prize winner (2024)

• Raul Kohli — ISH Best Show nominee (2024)

• Zoe — Funny Women Stage Award winner (2025)

• Jake Donaldson — Visually Impaired Excellence Award (2024)

• Kelly Rickard — ISH Best Show Panel Prize (2024)

Alongside them will be a range of acts doing their first-ever Fringe run, ranging from twenty year old Nat Young to Susan Warlock and Michael Holford, who are taking on their first festival in their sixties. 

Susan Warlock said: “Felt Nowt is creating something really special — a space where older female comedians can be visible, valued, and heard. It’s not just about opportunity, it’s about showing that experience brings a whole new depth to comedy.”

“It’s taken me 60-odd years to get this funny — it would’ve been a shame to keep it to myself. Felt Nowt is giving older women the stage we deserve, and audiences are finally realising we’re not background characters — we’re the main event.”

Felt Nowt has launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds to support its Fringe Venue.

John Gibson added: “The Fringe is expensive — especially for grassroots performers. We’re looking for people who can contribute even the smallest amount to help cover costs like tech support and flyers and to help make our shows as accessible as possible, for example by providing a BSL interpreter. We’re even hoping to offer Artist Bursaries for individual expenses.

“Every pound will go directly to supporting artists and making this project sustainable and for many, possible.”

The Felt Nowt at the Fringe GoFundMe is available on the link below. 

Fundraiser by Felt Nowt At The Fringe : Help Felt Nowt Bring the North East to Edinburgh Fringe 2026

Entire line up can be found at https://feltnowt.co.uk/about