Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street, one of Scotland’s original comedy venues, with everyone from Billy Connolly, Kevin Bridges and Susie McCabe gracing it’s stage in the Merchant City over the past 30 years, has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.
Blackfriars, which relaunched three years ago with new initiatives including free hall hire and 100% of ticket sales going to comedians, made the decision to provide funding for Jack’s fringe debut after owner Chris Conway helped judge over 50 applicants for Brass Tacks’ original Fringe fund. The team at Blackfriars felt strongly about giving a Glasgow-based comic the chance, and chose Jack Traynor as this year’s recipient. It means that Blackfriars of Bell Street will now venture into their first Edinburgh Fringe as they support his debut.
Katie Palmer, Brass Tacks Comedy said, “As a comedy fan I love Blackfriars Comedy Club, and as a promoter, their 100% ticket sales model is brilliant, so to be partnering with them on this project is a dream. I asked Chris to be part of the judging panel for the Red Bull Funded Fringe, and he agreed the standard of applicants was so high that the decision was impossible. Within the hour he had pulled some strings and we were partnering to support Jack.
“Jack Traynor is one of my favourite comics in the country. He had previously mentioned that performing his own show at the Fringe wasn’t in his future plans because he was completely priced out. Without the support of Blackfriars, we could have lost an incredible young talent in Scottish comedy, so I’m delighted to be part of the team providing Jack with this platform and can’t wait to see what he will do.”
Chris Conway, Owner of Blackfriars of Bell Street said, “When Brass Tacks Comedy approached me to help judge applications for Red Bull’s fund, I knew after speaking with them that we wanted to get more involved than just judging.
“I made the decision to provide funding to enable Katie to offer another act this amazing opportunity. We are delighted to be involved and thrilled to have Jack Traynor as the act chosen. Jack is a tremendous comedian who has been a regular feature on the Blackfriars Basement stage and we know he will have a hugely successful Fringe.”
Jack’s debut show ‘Before I Forget’ will run from 30th July – 24th August, 9.55pm at Pleasance Bunker One.