Graham Linehan and the Fringe’s new puritanism

Back in the 1980s and ‘90s, Moira Knox was one of the biggest names on the Edinburgh Fringe. She was guaranteed acres of newspaper coverage and never had to update her routine.

Knox, a Tory councillor in the Scottish capital, was a rumbling – but entirely approachable – outrage machine. A tabloid reporter looking for a quick hit could depend upon her to condemn the ‘offensive’ content of a whole range of Fringe shows. Whether it was the use of profanity or the exposure of genitalia during a performance, Councillor Knox was ready to react. 

Of course, the politician’s words of condemnation never had the effect she desired. A show savaged by Councillor Knox – who would never actually attend the performances from which she wished to protect the innocent – was never in risk of cancellation.