Much loved ‘treasure’ of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe remembered by peers

Nicholas Parsons has been praised for the impact he made at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe where he was one of its most best-known performers in modern times.

Parsons was a cult favourite at the festival with his comedy and chat show Happy Hour. He also hosted annual recordings of his long-running radio Just a Minute at the Fringe.

However, he was forced to pull out of both shows during last year’s Fringe due to ill-health.

Irish comic Jason Byrne said: “Oh my heart is smashed, my very good friend Nicholas Parsons, who I adored, has passed on, I know you lived for 96 years, but I really can’t believe it. I am devastated.”

Australian comic Adam

Hills said: “He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. A showbiz trouper who loved the stage and his audience. He was incredibly generous to me and to so many comedians in Edinburgh over the years. May he always hear the applause.”

Actor Christopher Biggins added: “What a sad day. What a great and talented man he was, undoubtedly the nicest man in show business.” Anthony Alderson, the director of the Pleasance, which hosted Parsons’ annual chat show for nearly 20 years, hailed him as a “national treasure” and said his generosity and kindness of spirit “epitomised the very spirit of the Fringe”.

Mr Alderson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nicholas Parsons and are thinking of his family at this time.

“One man couldn’t be more loved or considered more of a Fringe institution.

“His generosity and kindness epitomised the very spirit of both Pleasance and the Fringe. A national treasure, Nicholas was beloved by Fringe audiences and gathered a huge admiring audience for his show Happy Hour. Sat in the Pleasance Cabaret Bar, for nearly two decades he amiably chatted with guests, joked about his career in entertainment.

“It’s been a huge honour to be able to have worked with him and have him as part of our Pleasance family. He will be very much missed.”