Richard Sparks Returns to Edinburgh Fringe with MARGARITA DREAMS

In 1978 Richard Sparks wrote the Schoolmaster Sketch and gave it to Rowan Atkinson, who premiered it in Having a Ball at Hampstead Theatre. A few months later Rowan performed the sketch in The Secret Policeman's Ball.

Prior to that Richard had written four revues at the Edinburgh Fringe: two Oxford Revues (which starred Mel Smith), and two later ones by invitation from veteran Scottish arts impresario Richard Demarco. Later Richard was a writer on Not the Nine O'Clock News and worked on an array of UK TV shows including creating silent comedy The Optimist in 1981 (the first comedy series commissioned for the then-new Channel Four), which ran for two seasons.

Richard's last foray into the Edinburgh Festival was his two-man sketch comedy show Hegel and Bagel in 1976 which was described as "deliriously funny" by Irving Wardle in The Times.

After that, Richard's work became more LA based and more focused on opera and song-writing (lyrics) working closely with composer Lee Holdridge - together they have written several original operas for the Los Angeles Opera. Their current L.A. Opera commission, The Kugelmass Episode, is based on a short story by Woody Allen. Placido Domingo will sing the lead in the world premiere.

Richard has also directed Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale, starring Jack Black as the Soldier.

Margarita Dreams marks Richard's return to the Edinburgh Fringe after 41 years with an all-new, all-action comedy outpouring specially written for four young protégés: Leeds Tealights alumni Jack Baxter and Jason Brasier, and up-and-coming comic actresses Sophia Compton and Bella Speaight.

Welcome to the World of Margarita, where peculiar is the new normal. And a good, if ludicrous, time is had by all.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Margarita Dreams

Underbelly Ermintrude

14:00 (60 mins)

2- 28 August

0844 545 8252

www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk