EdFringe Talk: Aaron Simmonds: Hot Wheels

Posted in EdFestivals 2022, Written Interviews by

“Gary Oldman is 2 weeks younger than Gary Newman and the word bed looks like a bed when written down. I haven’t been able to absorb anything else as my mind was blown by both of these facts.”

WHO: Aaron Simmonds: Performer

WHAT: “Aaron gained a nickname based solely on being in a wheelchair. Understandably this upset him as there is much more to him than his disability. Annoyingly though it’s actually a really cool nickname. Discover the positive side of being disabled, from having a blue badge to sex in disabled toilets, meeting “Jesus” and everything in-between.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 15:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, it’s not my first time at the festival. I’ve been coming to The Fringe every year (except 20 and 21 for obvious reasons) since 2014 when I was calling myself a comedian despite only doing 3 gigs before coming up. I absolutely love it. It’s my favourite place in the world. Despite Edinburgh being 80% uphill and being a wheelchair user, it’s still my favourite time of year. I think the thing I love most is it is the culmination of a years (2 or 3 in some cases) work. After seeing comedians doing little bits and pieces throughout the year, seeing it as a whole show is incredible.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Gary Oldman is 2 weeks younger than Gary Newman and the word bed looks like a bed when written down. I haven’t been able to absorb anything else as my mind was blown by both of these facts.

Tell us about your show.

So Hot Wheels started as an identity crisis after a one night stand, about my disability, and has ended up into a show that I am incredibly proud of. As we all know the main formula for comedy is: Tragedy + Time = Comedy. With this show however it was more: Crisis + Time x Sex in a Disabled Toilet = Comedy.

The show was written by me, with the help of my director Kevin Shepherd, and produced by Gag Reflex in association with Andrew Roach Talent. Both Gag Reflex and Andrew are my agents (for different things) and I worked with Kev in 2019 so it was all very straight forward in terms of the collaboration on the show and has been a huge part of why everything has gone so smoothly (so far.)

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

As much as you possibly can! Some of the best shows I have seen so far include: Katie Pritchard (6pm pleasance) Sarah Mills (2.05pm Pleasance) Adele Cliff (3.40 Tron) Alice Fraser (9.15 Gilded Balloon) and Glen Moore, not only does he have one of the funniest shows I have seen, he almost certainly has the single greatest pun title of all time. Glenn Moore: Will You Still Need Me, Will You Still Feed Me, Glenn I’m Sixty Moore. (4.20 Pleasance) Oh and I haven’t seen her show yet, but I think Sophie Duker is just amazing at everything and you should go see her.

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