The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011 – The return of the purple cow.

The world’s largest International Arts festival in Edinburgh, UK has once again arrived in Scotland’s capital which means that the hub around the central buildings of Edinburgh University, known in August as Fringe Central will once again be dominated by the enormous upside-down purple cow, the Udderbelly, which has become synonymous with the spirit of creativity and eccentricity associated with the Fringe.
Underbelly Limited was founded in 2000 by entrepreneurs Ed Bartlem and Charlie Wood to operate five shows in one venue, though such was the originality of the branding and popularity of the shows that the venue expanded until the opening of Underbelly’s Pasture in 2006 – which saw the introduction of the Udderbelly and the ‘Pasture’, an astroturf field in which the magnificent cow can graze and it’s tiny human disciples can enjoy food and drink at various bars and food stalls.
In 2009 Underbelly joined forces with the London Southbank Centre to launch the E4 Udderbelly Festival - an 8 week summer festival of the brightest comedy, circus, family and cabaret shows. In 2010 we extended the season to 10 weeks and this year E4 Udderbelly Festival played 13 weeks on the Southbank.
Since then the Underbelly’s presence in Edinburgh has rapidly expanded to include 11 venues and nearly one hundred and twenty shows, of which nine are ‘Underbelly Productions’ works – the success also being evident in ticket sales in 2010 which saw 350,000 people pass through the hallowed purple gates. This year they include several world’s firsts; Free Run, in which the explosive, extreme sport of Parkour is transposed into a theatre setting; The Lounge Room Confabulators – two travelling players and musicians tell short stories with a comic and sinister twist in your own living room; You wouldn’t know him, he lives in Texas – the first show to take place over Skype, in which half the cast and Audience are actually in Texas.
As well as the world’s first there is a whole host of vastly original comedy, theatre, music, dance, cabaret and every combination thereof which ensure that the Underbelly’s burgeoning reputation as one of the most original arts and entertainment promotion companies in the world will continue to expand.
The Edinburgh International Festival Fringe at the Underbelly is on until August 29th. Info and tickets www.underbelly.co.uk.

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Underbelly is a UK based live entertainment company. We run Underbelly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - one of the largest venue operations at the largest arts festival in the world - and E4 Udderbelly Festival at Southbank Centre in London. Our iconic upside-down purple cow venue - E4 Udderbelly - is an annual fixture on both the London and Edinburgh skylines. Through our Underbelly Productions arm we also produce and promote live shows for UK and international touring. In short, we're all about entertaining people... and last year over 350,000 bought tickets to our shows.
EDINBURGH VENUES

Underbelly was established to operate Underbelly, Cowgate in Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Since then the company has grown and added new venues; in 2004 we took over the Niddry St Caves and have since run 3 spaces there under the name of Underbelly’s Baby Belly (which later became Just The Tonic At The Caves, under the management of Darrell Martin). In 2006, we created Udderbelly’s Pasture which incorporates E4 Udderbelly and E4 Cow Barn (Reid Concert Hall), at Bristo Square. In 2007 we added 10 nights of Silent Disco in the amazing McEwan Hall as well as site specifics works in George Square. In 2008, we incorporated Appleton Tower at the University into Udderbelly's Pasture to house Silent Disco and the Sell-Out theatre show Office Party. In 2009, as well as Underbelly Cowgate, E4 Udderbelly, E4 Cow Barn and McEwan hall, we introduced Underbelly’s Hullabaloo in George Square Gardens. In 2010, we added the 1000 seat McEwan Hall to our portfolio, and hosted some of the biggest names on the Fringe. 2011 marks our 12th year on the Fringe and the launch of two new venues; The Dairy Room and Wee Coo. We love Edinburgh and we love the festival. It's the best place to be in August.
LONDON FESTIVAL

In 2009, Underbelly joined forces with Southbank Centre to launch the E4 Udderbelly Festival at Southbank Centre - an 8 week summer festival of the brightest comedy, circus, family and cabaret shows. In 2010 we extended the season to 10 weeks and this year E4 Udderbelly Festival played a whopping 13 weeks on the Southbank. We'll be back in 2012 for more lazing and grazing on the banks of the Thames.
UDDERBELLY

Our exciting and unique touring venue, Udderbelly, is a 410 capacity temporary theatre. It is available to hire for corporate events, music festivals and tours.
WHO WE ARE

Underbelly was founded by directors Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood in 2000 to operate one venue at the Edinburgh Festival. Suffice to say, it's grown!

56 Cowgate,

Edinburgh,

EH1 1EG

This release was published on openPR.