I'm in Edinburgh at the moment, preparing for the much-awaited launch of the Edinburgh International Festival programme - but at this time of year, the real action is down in Brighton.  Our reviewer Fiona Russell took the chance to catch up with some pre-Fringe comedy last weekend, thanks to a first-anniversary show from local group, Casual Violence.

In the second part of my interview with the young, York-based theatre company Belt Up, the group's four founders - Alexander, Dominic, James and Jethro - share their plans for the Edinburgh Fringe this year.  Apart from a few cryptic hints on their blog, they've been tight-lipped about their much-anticipated third Fringe season, so I'm delighted they've chosen FringeGuru to unveil their programme for 2010.

Where did it all go right for Belt Up?  Barely out of university, the four directors of this attention-grabbing company are already living the young thespian's dream.  Receiving a prestigious award from the Edinburgh International Festival on their very first trip to the Scottish capital, they've now scooped what might be the most sought-after prize of all: a chance to pursue their ambitions full-time, thanks to a residency at the York Theatre Royal.

I was in two minds about booking into Belt Up Theatre’s A Ghost Walk; when it comes to matters paranormal, I’m an unashamed fraidy-cat.  But the youthful local company, recipients of a prestigious award from the Edinburgh International Festival, are using this unusual alfresco performance to kick off a residency at York’s Theatre Royal.  I had high hopes for another winner, so I screwed my courage to the sticking-place – and I’m pleased to say, they didn’t fail.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of catching up with Three's Company, an ambitious young theatre group who've caught my eye more than once at the Edinburgh Fringe.  It was an exciting moment to be chatting with the trio: last month they made their London debut, and I met them just before they performed their signature work - Play On Words - for what I learned might be the final time.

Skin Tight, Riverside Studios, London
Run ended