EdFringe Talk: Jack Traynor: Before I Forget

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

” I’m probably going to get dementia when I’m older because there’s so much of it in my family.”

WHO: Jack Traynor

WHAT: “One of Scotland’s fastest-rising stars, Jack’s highly anticipated debut combined the bizarre and the brilliantly relatable. Ranked fourth in the world in the Roast Battle League, Jack shares his best stories before he forgets. Jack’s vibrant storytelling weaves the real and surreal, and his distinctive comedic style have led him to placing second in the Hot Water Comedy Club New Comedian of the Year, and Roast Battle’s MVP in 2024. Jack’s razor-sharp wit and colourful storytelling make this an unmissable hour from a future star of Scottish comedy. ‘Likeably down to earth’ (Scotsman).”

WHERE: Bunker One at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 21:55 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve done a split bill at Fringe before, a compilation show, but this is my first time debuting – my first full hour, so that’s exciting if a bit scary. I’m lucky to have Blackfriars on board funding me and Brass Tacks Comedy producing so I’ve got great people around me which I feel really lucky about, especially in my debut. There’s a lot to learn, a lot of admin to get through and planning to be done, and with their help, I can focus on making my show as good as it can be. I was never really considering the Fringe as an option before they came along so it’s been a mental few months finding out I got the fund and then immediately getting my show together.

What makes a great festival? Keeping your sanity and not losing a shitload of money…we’ll see how I go.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’m pretty much the finished article – nah, I’ve learnt more about the ins and outs of comedy in the past year. Loads of stuff on the back end that I wasn’t aware of, that could have been helping my career. Until working with Brass Tacks Comedy, I was in the dark about all the back end stuff you need to. I mean, I’ve not learnt enough to do anything yet they’re still helping me with everything, but I’m learning…

Tell us about your show.

The show is called ‘Before I Forget’ and it’s a show about all the things that I’m going to be happy and unhappy to forget about – my best and worst stories. It touches on how I’m probably going to get dementia when I’m older because there’s so much of it in my family and how I deal with that – but don’t worry, I put the sad bit at the start so we can just get that out of the way and crack on with the jokes.

Blackfriars Comedy Club in Glasgow are funding it, after Brass Tacks Comedy created a new fund to support a Scottish comic to make their debut at the Fringe – I was lucky enough that they wanted to support me. I wouldn’t be where I am without them, they’re absolute legends and Blackfriars are putting their money where their mouth is and supporting the Scottish comedy scene. I’ve even got my pal Fudgie tech’ing my show so I’m buzzing to have him there at every show with me.

I’ve written it by plucking all my favourite stories out of the ether from my life and putting it altogether. I’ve done a good few WIPs, both in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and they’ve gone well so I’m ready for it all to kick off now.

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

After my show, my audience should see the big board with the train times on it, find the train that says Glasgow and get on it with me- that’s my Fringe recommendation. All kidding aside – people you should go see are:

Kate Hammer – I’ve gigged with Kate at Roast Battle before and she’s a must see!

Ayo Adenekan – another Scottish debut with a cracking show. Me and Ayo have done WIPs together since he’s also working with Brass Tacks on a funded debut and he’s going to be a big name in the future.

Daniel Petrie – he’s doing a compilation show (I can only endorse his part of the compilation show since I haven’t seen anyone else but…have at it).

And then after Fringe, get to Glasgow and come see some comedy nights at Blackfriars.

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