Glasgow venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to fund the Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut of Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.
Set to perform at the Pleasance Courtyard this August, Traynor’s upfront costs will be paid by the Blackfriars fund, covering registration fees, marketing spend, venue costs, technicians and more.
Blackfriars Basement is one of Scotland’s original comedy venues, with everyone from Billy Connolly, Kevin Bridges and Susie McCabe gracing its stage in Merchant City over the past 30 years.
Relaunched three years ago with new initiatives including zero hall hire fee and 100% of ticket sales going to comedians, the tie up with Traynor is Blackfriars’ first involvement with the Edinburgh Fringe’s hectic comedy schedule.
Owner Chris Conway made the decision to provide funding for Jack’s debut after helping to judge over 50 applicants for Brass Tacks’ original Fringe fund, which is supported by Red Bull.
The team at Blackfriars felt strongly about giving a Glasgow-based comic the chance, and chose Traynor – a regular performer in their basement – as this year’s recipient.
Traynor has been making a name for himself since 2022 as part of the Wholesome Prison Blues collective, which brings comedy shows into prisons.
His performances have gone global, with Jack ranked fourth in the Roast Battle leagues – this year he will perform in Los Angeles as part of a Roast Battle show, thanks to Blackfriars sponsorship.
Conway said: “When Brass Tacks Comedy approached me to help judge applications for Red Bull’s fund, I knew after speaking with them that we wanted to get more involved than just judging.
“I made the decision to provide funding to enable Katie to offer another act this amazing opportunity. We are delighted to be involved and thrilled to have Jack Traynor as the act chosen.
“Jack is a tremendous comedian who has been a regular feature on the Blackfriars Basement stage and we know he will have a hugely successful Fringe.”
Katie Palmer of Brass Tacks Comedy added: “As a comedy fan I love Blackfriars Comedy Club, and as a promoter, their 100% ticket sales model is brilliant, so to be partnering with them on this project is a dream.
“I asked Chris to be part of the judging panel for the Red Bull Funded Fringe, and he agreed the standard of applicants was so high that the decision was impossible. Within the hour he had pulled some strings and we were partnering to support Jack.
“Jack Traynor is one of my favourite comics in the country. He had previously mentioned that performing his own show at the Fringe wasn’t in his future plans because he was completely priced out. Without the support of Blackfriars, we could have lost an incredible young talent in Scottish comedy, so I’m delighted to be part of the team providing Jack with this platform and can’t wait to see what he will do.”
Jack’s debut show ‘Before I Forget’ will run from 30th July to 24th August, 9.55pm at Pleasance Bunker One with tickets on sale via www.pleasance.co.uk.
