The Pleasance is working with partner theatres across the UK to identify and support exceptional artists and companies local to them who want to take work to the Fringe. Each partner is a leading national producing house, with a commitment to supporting and developing new artists.
Working with The Pleasance we will identify dynamic artists at different stages in their careers, with the primary aim of the scheme to uncover and support the best companies and artists from Wales, and across the UK, to present work at the Fringe!
In 2025, Leila Navabi’s show Relay was a huge success, playing to packed houses throughout the run.
In 2024 our Edinburgh National Partnerships recipient was Polly & Esther. Following their hugely successful Edinburgh run, they took their show to the Adelaide Fringe in spring 2025.
In 2023, supported by the Sherman and The Pleasance, StammerMouth took CHOO CHOO! (Or… Have You Ever Thought About ****** **** *****? (Cos I Have)) to the Fringe following a run at the Sherman. The show won a Fringe First Award and the 2023 Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award.
In 2022, in association with the Sherman and The Pleasance, and with support from The Other Room, difficult|stage took An Audience With Milly-Liu to the Fringe. François Pandolfo’s one man cat drag show, directed by Dan Jones, was a hit with audiences and critics alike, winning the inaugural David Johnson Emerging Talent Award.
To apply for this opportunity see details below.
What do you get?
• Guaranteed inclusion in the Pleasance’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival programme.
• Minimum of £2000 financing towards the costs of presenting your show at the Fringe.
• PR delivered by Michelle Mangan.
• A package of marketing and advertising to support your show specific campaign.
• Edinburgh Fringe registration fee covered.
• One-week minimum of in-kind rehearsal and development space and a run of preview performances at Sherman Theatre.
• Support to develop and deliver accessible performances as part of your Fringe run.
• Mentorship, support and advice from both Sherman Theatre and The Pleasance leading up to, and during the Fringe.
How to apply:
Send us the details below in writing or as a video or sound file – whichever you prefer – to artistdevelopment@shermantheatre.co.uk
• Your details (name of the company/artist, show title, name and contact details of the main contact)
• Information about the artist/company and your show
• Who is the target audience and why?
• Why are you interested in performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
• Why is this opportunity important to you and your development?
• Why would you like the Sherman Theatre’s support?
The closing date is 27 February at noon.
The selection day will take place on 10 March.