Graham Norton to perform at this year’s Fringe
The chat show royalty will bring his Wanging On podcast to Gilded Balloon this year with co-host Maria McErlane
Graham Norton is paying the Fringe a visit with his banter podcast Wanging On, in which Norton and his co-host Maria McErlane humorously wrestle with everyday dilemmas. The podcast, which has more than 80,000 followers on Instagram, has become well-loved for its wild agony aunt-style inquiries from listeners, including ‘How do I tell my boyfriend his breath stinks?’, ‘Am I weird that I used to love my mum’s chewed crisps’ and ‘Should I go to a swinger’s night with a 22-year-old?’.
As well as listener’s dilemmas, Norton and McErlane discuss their personal lives, wade into office politics, friendship tensions, unruly pets, neighbourly disputes and family bust-ups, and talk shop about Norton’s global smasher The Graham Norton Show.
This will be the first live recording of Wanging On, and will take place at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre on Friday 7 August, continuing Norton’s long tradition of supporting the festival where he first caught his big break. The globally recognised presenter also supports the Fringe as an ambassador.
Norton and McErlane said: ‘We can’t wait to take the podcast from studio to stage at the Edinburgh Fringe, armed with decades of friendship, sharp observations, and absolutely no expertise. Expect audience dilemmas, questionable judgement in Am I Weird?, and the Wangers in the room… so anything could happen.'
‘We couldn’t be more excited to have Graham Norton as part of our Fringe programme as he continues to support the festival attending shows regularly each year,’ added Karen and Katy Koren, artistic directors at Gilded Balloon. ‘We were lucky enough to have Graham compere the final of Gilded Balloon’s comedy competition for newcomers, So You Think You’re Funny? regularly in the 90s and we are delighted to see him back at the Fringe once again. And not to mention, lovely Maria McErlane, a Gilded Balloon pal from the 90s and a perfect partner to Graham in this special version of their podcast.’
Tickets for Wanging On Live will go on sale at 11am on Wednesday 29 April. A pre-sale will also take place at 11am on Tuesday 28 April.
Wanging On Live, King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Friday 7 August.