“Despite the all-consuming physical and mental battering, I love it here.”
WHO: Rory Cargill
WHAT: “100 years of television in one hour. Comedian Rory Cargill celebrates the centenary of national broadcaster Television 1 in a multimedia sketch and parody show that spans decades of British TV evolution. ‘A blissful 60 minutes of silliness.’ ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). ‘Really well made.’ **** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Truly exemplary.’ (AYoungishPerspective.co.uk). ‘Excellent, professionally slick visual mania.’ (TheQR.co.uk).”
WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Downstairs (Venue 139)
WHEN: 19:20 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my second full run in Edinburgh. Despite the all-consuming physical and mental battering, I love it here. Having the chance to reset and give the show another bash every day is very freeing. It’s a place of kindred spirits too – most of my friendship group I met at previous editions here.
I came as a punter for years before finally taking the plunge with a concept I felt was worthy of a run here at the ripe old age of 32. I wish I’d done it sooner but better late than never.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I have not absorbed this lesson but I’m working on it. My show is quite physical so I’m grabbing power naps wherever I can – in parks, pub booths, in the middle of my show, in the middle of other people’s shows. It’s good practice to sleep in the front row of a show so the performer can clearly see not to disturb you.
Tell us about your show.
My show is called Rory Cargill: Television 1. It’s a narrative sketch, character and spoof comedy that parodies 100 years of British television in 1 hour. I do a new show and character for every decade starting from the 50’s, including Blue Peter, Big Brother and How to Look Good Naked.
It’s packed with pop culture references from over the years and combines live and filmed portions that interplay with each other. It’s very silly and high-energy and features some cool tech and AI gimmicks.
It’s written by me and it’s first version premiered in Edinburgh in 2023. This is it’s 3rd version and it’s quite different now – I’ve since attached a main character – a Noel Edmonds parody ‘Beau Creme’ , who hosts the show -and moved it from a more traditional sketch show to something with a narrative arc that connects each sketch.
I’m looking to attach a production company for future outings in London and beyond and am already looking towards Edinburgh ’25 for version 4.0.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Tom Lawrinson is the funniest standup in the U.K. His show ‘Buried Alive and Loving It’ is his best work yet – you’ll laugh so hard.
Cecily Hitchcock and Jen Nolan are my other favourite stand ups. They’re doing a split bill called ‘Schrödinger’s Yats’ that’s extremely fun.
For sketch – Grubby Little Mitts, Bishops.
For clown – Ollie West and Claire Parry (unfortunately her run is done but check her out in London, my fave new discovery of the Fringe.)
For plays – Chokeslam and Don’t Call me Chinadoll – both by WWWC.
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