King of comedy in Festival return

EDINBURGH'S summer festivals were given a major boost last night when it emerged that one of Britain's top comics is to perform a month-long run at the Fringe.

Alistair McGowan will launch his first solo stand-up show for more than ten years at the Assembly Rooms in August.

As well as famous impersonations, the show promises "observations, poetry and romance, animals and surrealism, love and anger, wordplay and greenery".

McGowan will also be performing an hour of Noel Coward songs and poems at the Assembly Rooms with co-star Charlotte Page. McGowan started his career on the stand-up circuit but is best known for his TV work, including providing many of the voices on Spitting Image.

Julian Clary has already unveiled plans for a Fringe comeback at the Underbelly this year, while Dylan Moran and Ricky Gervais will both be playing major shows at the Playhouse.

Hollywood star Janeane Garofalo – Janis Gold in 24 – will be bringing a one-hour stand-up show to town, while returning favourites include Reginald D Hunter, Jason Byrne and Craig Hill.