Hotel looking to hire ‘banter merchant’ to entertain guests during Edinburgh Festival Fringe

AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow says applicants are invited to send a 60-second video explaining why they’re the right person to get guests in the mood for a day of laughter, music, and leaflet-dodging on the Royal Mile.

Circus street artist 'Reidiculous' performs for the crowds on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, ahead of this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe which officially starts on Friday August 5, 2022. Picture date: Wednesday August 3, 2022.
Image:A circus street artist performs for the crowds on the Royal Mile in 2022. Pic: PA
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A Glasgow hotel is looking to hire a “banter merchant” to entertain guests throughout Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow said it is seeking a “breakfast roaster” to leave its guests “in stitches” during the famous event.

The paid gig – which would suit someone performing at the Fringe – includes free accommodation and travel expenses to and from Scotnd’s capital for the festival.

Bosses at the hotel said the business has been experiencing a “significant spike in demand” during the festival, amid reports that performers and visitors are being priced out of staying in Edinburgh throughout the run.

Comedian Jason Manford branded Edinburgh accommodation prices an “absolute joke” earlier this year.

He posted on X in April: “No idea how anyone starting out is managing to get up there and showcase their talents.

“I’ve just priced up a week up there and even if every show sells out, I’m still operating at a loss.”

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017
A general view of the Festival crowds down Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Image:Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the Scottish capital for the annual event. Pic: PA

The job ad states that the selected applicant will be the “toast of the hotel, transforming ordinary mornings into laugh-a-minute experiences and setting the perfect tone for the day ahead”.

“Are you a laugh-a-minute lady? A witty wise guy? A rib-tickling rebel? A banter merchant? A comedian, in other words? Then your dream role may be just a scroll away,” the advert says.

“You’ll bring thigh-slappers, side-splitters, zingers, oneliners, and tableside crowd-work to our wonderful guests during breakfast twice a week for the duration of your run.”

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The opportunity is open to everyone performing at the Fringe, which is running from 2 to 26 August – as well as up-and-coming comics.

The advert doesn’t reveal how much the successful applicant would be paid in the role, only saying it is a “paid opportunity” and the rate is “to be agreed with the candidate”.

Applicants are invited to send a 60-second video explaining why they’re the right person to get guests in the mood for a day of laughter, music, and leaflet-dodging on the Royal Mile.

Candidates should also share their favourite breakfast-related joke.

Once appointed, the comedian will start in August.

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