If you’re taking a show to one of this year’s Fringe Festivals, then join our carefully curated team of Tony, Olivier, Edinburgh Comedy and Fringe First Award Winning Artists to supercharge the development of your new show!

Ace the Fringe - What is it?

Makers’ House Hastings has teamed up with four exceptionally talented artists, all with outstanding track records at the Fringe and beyond, who will act as “show doctors”, offering expert feedback, direction, and support in the areas of comedy, cabaret, or theatre to guide you toward Fringe success!

Each selected show will receive -

  • 2 days of one-to-one show development with our guest artist

  • Rehearsal space and time at Makers’ House Hastings, supported by the Makers’ House Team

  • Guided Tech time

  • A public Preview performance - watched and noted by our guest artist

  • And, as if that wasn’t enough, you get a cut of your preview’s Box Office!

Who are the Guest Artists?

Tony & Olivier Award winning Director, Dramatist, and King of Broadway and the West-End

TERRY JOHNSON

Dates - Sunday 7th-Tuesday 9th June

With a preview performance in the Stables Theatre Main House on June 9th. 

Show styles - Theatre; drama or comedy, larger scale works, devised works, new writing, classic revivals. 

2 show slots available 

The renowned Writer & Director of numerous Edinburgh hits, and the much loved force of nature

RIKKI BEADLE-BLAIR MBE

Tuesday 9th - Thursday 11th June

With a preview performance in the Stables Theatre Main House on June 11th

Show styles - Theatre; dramas, comedies or shows that break genre boundaries. Political works, socially or culturally specific works, devised works, new writing, queer theatre, one person shows.  

2 show slots available 

Stand-Up legend - and perhaps the only person on earth to win the coveted Edinburgh Comedy Award (formerly Perrier), the Spirit of the Fringe, The Stage Best Actor Award and a Fringe First!

PHIL NICHOL

Sunday 5th - Wednesday 8th July

With a preview on either 7th or 8th July in the Stables Theatre Studio

Show styles - Stand Up, Comedy monologues or Comedy acts.  

4 show slots available 

Edinburgh power-house, and the brains behind the international sensation An Evening Without Kate Bush

SARAH-LOUISE YOUNG

Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th July

With a preview on either 9th or 10th July in the Stables Theatre Studio.

Show styles - Cabaret, Comedy, improv and theatre.

4 show slots available 

How much does it cost?

Whatever the size of your show, each slot costs £900.

This price includes refreshments and lunch on each day. Accommodation is not included, but the team at Makers’ House Hastings will help you find accommodation in the area, with one of our friends or supporters, that doesn’t break the bank.

How do I apply?

Applications are now open, and should be directed to this email.

In order for us to match each show with the best Guest Artist for them, we will need the following information -

  • Your name

  • Your role in the show (e.g. writer, director, performer, all three…)

  • A description of your experience - especially to do with Fringe Festivals

  • Name of show

  • Description of your show (as you would put into the fringe brochure)

  • A short personal statement about the show, expanding on what you are aiming to create, why you are creating it, and what you hope to gain from its creation

  • A brief description of what you are finding challenging with this particular show and what you would like help with.