EdFringe Talk: Aaron Simmonds: Baby Steps

Posted in EdFestivals 2023, Written Interviews by

“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”

WHO: Aaron Simmonds

WHAT: “Aaron has been doing stand-up comedy without standing up for eight years now, and it’s time for that to change! So he’s attempting to do something he’s never done before… Stand-up comedy, standing up. ‘An amazing storyteller… never a dull moment… hilarious’ ***** (NeurodiverseReview.co.uk). ‘Simmonds is hysterically funny… a great show’ **** (Voice). ‘A superb storyteller… it is easy to see why he is an award winner’ **** (Scotsman). ‘A natural storyteller… the audience are rapt’ **** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘Refreshingly different’ **** (Metro). Seen on The Russell Howard Hour, Guessable and The Stand Up Sketch Show.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 16:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I have been going up to the Fringe every year in some capacity since 2014. I only done 3 open mics at that stage and was so excited to be there, and I almost certainly told comedians that had been performing for years that I was also an experienced comedian.

But I love the festival, it’s my favourite time of year, having people come choose your show out of thousands of shows that they could see is a remarkable thing. Especially when people come back year after year which luckily, so far they have.

But what makes Edinburgh special is the hills. I get that most cities in the world have hills, but if you go from A to B and it’s up hill, when you go from B to A, it’s downhill. Not in Edinburgh. It’s like an Eschar painting.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing I learnt in 2022 was how important therapy has been and continues to be for me. It’s not particularly funny, but therapy is really good.

But I think it’s bigger than that, I think it was more about looking after myself and doing anything and everything I can to be at my best. During 2022 I didn’t drink, I prepped food everyday and ate plenty of veg. It’s something that I am going to do again as this year I have to contend with the physical demands of doing a show on my feet for the first time. Which’ll be interesting to say the least.

Tell us about your show.

This show is my third Edinburgh hour and the first on my feet. As a comedian with cerebral palsy you can see why this is a big deal. When I agreed to do it I could only stand for 15 minutes. I wrote it based off an innocuous comment and I thought fuck that and then decided to this show. There’s a chance that I’ll loose my disability benefits, but I think it’s worth the risk.

I wrote the show and it is produced by Gag Reflex.

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

Alice Fraser, I saw her do her show Twist and it’s incredible. I saw it 5 days ago and am still thinking about it.
I haven’t previewed with too many folks this year, but here’s a bunch of people that I think are great.
Adele cliff – one of the best joke writers around
Glenn Moore – the funniest show I saw last year
Best in Class – a showcase for working class acts at the fringe
Don Biswas – one of the only people that makes me laugh whilst talking about politics
Ian Smith – the most natural performer I’ve seen.
Janine Harouni – she’s wicked and she’s going to be taking a break for a bit, so catch her whilst you can!
Sam Lake – the best thing to come out of Cornwall since pasties.
And if you like Harry Potter, go see Harry Potter or My girlfriend… Who do I love more? It’s a show all about Harry Potter, sex and Cerebral Palsy. Why wouldn’t you love it?
But also, go see something that you’ve never heard of. One of the best things about Edinburgh is going to see a show where you’re one of three people in the audience, that’ll be an experience you won’t forget!

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