Day One

I arrived in Edinburgh a couple of hours ago. I’m lounging around a quiet City Café, next door to the Monkey Barrel comedy club, alone with a pint. The Fringe will soon be underway and they’ll be much to see. A moment of anticipation.

Tomorrow I’ll be attending press launches for the Just the Tonic, Underbelly and Assembly venues – with each showcasing their best performers.

But someone is missing. My friend and father figure, Tony Challis. He introduced me to the Fringe 35 years ago – and we’ve enjoyed every August together since.

Tony died of a sudden heart attack in July. We’d started scheduling shows and were looking forward to doing it all over again. But his heart had other ideas.

This year I’ll be leaving Edinburgh early to attend Tony’s funeral. For me, the Fringe won’t be the same again.

Martin Walker