VIDEO: GO BACKSTAGE AT THIS YEAR'S PLEASANCE THEATRE >>

 

25 years ago it was little more than a disused courtyard in the backstreets of Edinburgh.  Today it’s one of the biggest venues at The Fringe.

Sky Arts goes behind the scenes of the Pleasance Theatre with comedian Arthur Smith as this year’s Edinburgh festival begins, meeting some familiar faces along the way.

A regular performer at the Pleasance over the years, Smith traces the history of this Edinburgh institution. Looking back at the famous acts who’ve appeared there over the years - everyone from Paul Merton and Frank Skinner to Barry Cryer and Steve Coogan - the comedy performer even reveals what happened (...or didn't happen) on a certain date with Mariella Frostrup.

With contributions from the theatre’s founder, Christopher Richardson, as well as comedians Marcus Brigstock and Stephen K Amos, the film also explores the work of the Young Pleasance theatre company.  Look out too for Lionel Blair as he prepares for his first appearance at the fringe.