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

Play On Words, Tristan Bates Theatre, London
Until 23 Jan, daily except Sunday, 7:30pm.  Theatre website.

I've had a nagging sense of guilt for the last few weeks... with all the attention we've lavished on Edinburgh's winter festivals, we've left our London-based readers in the Christmas cold.  But never fear: the link between our two capitals is stronger than ever this month, as three undoubted hits from last year's Edinburgh Fringe open for runs in London.

I logged into Twitter for the first time in ages this week, and among the overwhelming backlog of breathless announcements, I found one intriguing highlight.  Right now at the Southwark Playhouse, you can see the young theatre group which - almost everyone agrees - laid on the most exciting and innovative programme to grace the Edinburgh Fringe for years.  They're the York-based Belt Up (Nothing To See/Hear).