Steve reports on the upcoming programme and controversial act XXX.
To the launch of the Pleasance's Fringe programme, in its vast new Grand space, hosted by comic Russell Howard.
Among the treats on offer were writers Willy Russell (see picture) and Tim Firth showcasing their Singing Playwrights Show; Jonathan Ross' backing band 4 Poofs And A Piano and the bizarre Swedish comedian Carl-Einar Hackner.
The big draw, though, was the chance to see XXX, already proclaimed as the most controversial show on the Fringe because of its full-on sex scenes that have got certain tabloids frothing at the mouth. It's obvious appeal is in offering sex for dirty men too embarrassed to go to a good, honest lapdancing club.
But words cannot describe how tediously terrible it is. No doubt they will wear the number of walk-outs as a badge of honour to show how edgy and shocking they are but perhaps they should as whether people are leaving simply because it's dull tripe.
