Achi news desk-
She made her Fringe debut last year with the comedy show Hung, Drawn and Portered which dealt with her struggles with mental health, alopecia and homelessness, and which sold out for 31 performances.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Porter said she was “gutted” that Edinburgh had become so expensive, and expressed her condolences to potential performers who would not be able to attend.
He received a response from the Fringe, which said it was “trying to find solutions”.
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The presenter was asked to explain whether she intended to perform or attend the Fringe.
Porter wrote: “So excited to go to the @edfringe this year. But I have been priced out of the rising costs of bed and breakfast accommodation. My hometown. I feel so sorry for new young performers who won’t be able to afford accommodation. I’m gutted Edinburgh has done this. Greed is terrible.”
A spokesman for the Fringe responded, posting: “Completely understand your frustration, Gail – remember we are doing what we can to find solutions, whether that be through negotiations with the government or through discussing affordable options for artists .
“Give our team a shout via [email protected] and they’ll do what they can to help.”
Porter added: “Thank you for your response. I feel for so many people I know who don’t come to my home. Just very annoying xx”.
Several fans offered Porter the chance to stay in their spare bedrooms.
One person wrote: “I have a spare room! Let’s get drunk and eat snacks together.”
The festival will take place between August 2 and 26 and is in its 77th year, with 1,647 shows revealed so far.
Comedian Jason Manford described the situation in Edinburgh as “pure greed” and said he would miss out on performing there.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Mancunian comic said costs are prohibitive for newcomers to break through on the comedy circuit.
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He said he was limiting performances to a week of afternoon shows in a small venue, and that he felt there was a reasonable expectation that performers should be able to make a profit after years of making a loss on the Fringe.
Manford wrote: “Edinburgh Festival prices especially for accommodation are an absolute joke! No idea how anyone starting out manages to get up there and showcase their talents! I’ve just priced a week up there and even if every show sells out, I’m still operating at a loss.
“Part of me thinks it’s only fair after years of doing it for now/at a loss, shouldn’t you be able to come up and cut it and do some dosh there? Personally, I only do it a week, in the middle of the afternoon in a small setting as work development (sic) for my trip.”
In response, a spokesman for the Fringe shared a link to a bursary scheme launched last year and encouraged Mansford to share it with his social media followers.
The spokesperson wrote: “You’re not wrong Jason, it’s a real problem. We’re doing what we can to provide affordable accommodation and other support for artists, including our new Keep on the Edge fund – it would be great if you could RT this and spread the word, it’s open to everyone .”
