PRH to release Edinburgh Unlocked comedy festival in audiobook

Penguin Random House Audio is releasing Edinburgh Unlocked, a comedy festival in audiobook format featuring names such as Ivo Graham, Jessie Cave, Sofie Hagen and Dane Baptiste.

The recording aims to capture what makes the Edinburgh Fringe so successful, including stand-up, sketch, character, musical comedy, cabaret and storytelling. The line-up features emerging talent such as Glamrou, Mo Omar, and SHELF, plus the winner of the 2019 Dave's Edinburgh Comedy Award, Jordan Brookes.

PRH is working alongside live comedy production companies such as Fight in the Dog and Berk’s Nest to work creatively on some of the shows.

Duncan Honeyman, senior commissioning editor, said: “We are delighted to be working with so many brilliant comedians, producers and directors on this exciting audio original. The creative collaboration between so many parties has been amazing to witness, and although we are devastated the Fringe is not going ahead this year, we hope that Edinburgh Unlocked can capture the spirit of the festival and reach as many listeners as possible.”

PRH will donate a percentage of royalties to help support the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as venues, operators and performers struggle during the pandemic.

The audiobook will be published on all major audio retailers on 6th August 2020, with a dedicated marketing and publicity campaign throughout the month designed to celebrate the festival atmosphere of the Fringe.

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “In what has been an incredibly challenging year, we have been working as hard as we can to ensure that the spirit of the Fringe is not forgotten. In times of crisis, creativity and community are needed more than ever, and this audio collection is a brilliant reminder of that. It's also a great way to keep the voices of our comedians and creatives in our ear as we try to navigate the new normal.

“We're grateful to Penguin Random House, which has kindly offered to donate a percentage of sales to the Fringe Society. The impact of Covid-19 has been devastating, and this support is invaluable.”