EdFringe Talk: Camilla Borges: Be Not Afraid!

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“Previously, I have either done work in progress shows, with mostly shorter runs but this year I am really backing myself with this one!”

WHO: Camilla Borges

WHAT: “Camilla has a theory that who you played in your school Nativity shaped who you grew up to be. She played Mary, so, surely she should be a CEO by now? Not quite… Mother of God, but she was also just a girl. What if she wanted to listen to Lorde instead of give birth to one? Millennial angst meets a new form in Be Not Afraid! Part school play, part diary entry, it invites audiences to help Camilla grow up and face reality. Featuring high levels of audience interaction, silliness and unmet potential!”

WHERE: Nic 9 (Nicolson Square Gardens) at Hoots @ Nicolson Square (Venue 63) 

WHEN: 18:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is my fourth time bringing a show to Edinburgh. It is my second full run, but my first doing a completed show with a team backing me. Previously, I have either done work in progress shows, with mostly shorter runs but this year I am really backing myself with this one!

Once you start going it is quite addictive; any years I haven’t gone I always put on a big show of feeling ok about it, then as soon as it starts I spend the whole time looking at pictures of people who are there like a sad ex.

I have been many times as a punter before and it truly is such a magical place. It feels like there is something going on in every corner and you can get a full sensory overload just from walking around.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Lessons that I have learnt over the past 12 months are definitely that I need structure and having a team around you is extremely helpful. I have always been quite scatty in terms of writing and putting a show together, but having people give you clear instructions and deadlines helps a lot. It might sound quite basic, but having someone else expect something of you makes my drive to do something a lot bigger!

Previous times I have been to Edinburgh it has been as a solo show/ performer, so it’s just been me working on the show, which can be overwhelming at times. This year I have some people around me and it has helped a lot- definitely helped the stress levels. To know that other people are doing things on your behalf is a huge help. Edinburgh- it takes a village!

Tell us about your show.

The show is written and performed by my, Camilla. It is inspired by my starring role as Mary in my school Nativity when I was younger, and how everything since then has been a letdown. I have been working on it for over a year and it’s gone in new directions I could never have predicted, and I am very excited to show it to people.

The show is directed by Martin Willis, who has been a huge help in shaping the show, asking questions and pulling me back when things get a bit mad. I had met Martin through comedy channels and we are good at matching each others’ energy.

I am doing some previews in London before taking the show to Edinburgh, everything could change between those final previews and Edinburgh, but I am hoping they will be a good measure of how the show will be received.

I am hoping the show has a life after Edinburgh – at the minute it’s pretty hard to think past Edinburgh but I would love to your it around the UK, or even to take it to some international festivals would be amazing.

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

I think Edinburgh is a great to time to see new acts you wouldn’t have heard of before. See some work in progress shows, go to the free fringe- you will see acts that will be blowing up in a few years I guarantee you.

There is so much talent in Edinburgh it’s a bit insane, but I would particularly recommend:

Ruby Carr: Bite Me- Hoots Nic 9 15:50

Ruby’s first show was so good, she has such an amazing mind for looking at the small, ordinary things and expanding on them. I’ve heard great things about the show and I know she’ll deliver.

Roger Prick: Sexopolis- Underbelly Cowgate 18:55

I have been dying to see Roger Prick for ages and I know the full length show is going to be so good. I know there are going to be insane, niche and clever references and I am excited to get sexy with it! There have been some amazing boy drag shows over the last few years and I think Hannah is going to nail it.

Freya Bardell: Shine- Just the Tonic 15:10

Freya comes from a slightly more theatre background so I know she’s really going to go for the precise visuals. She is a hard worker so everything will be intentional and thought out. It’s a wip so I wouldn’t be surprised if the show changes and evolves as the run goes on- I know I’ll be going more than once.

Freya Mallard: Come Get Me World I’m Wide Open! Hoots 22:35

There is maybe no one sharper than Freya on the comedy scene. Her lines are killer and she looks good doing it. She also has such a unique perspective having had a baby quite young, and I am dying to hear her thoughts on early motherhood while also maintaining a hot young thing reputation.

Sam Eley is Basil Crumbwick: Soul Sewage- Monkey Barrel 23:25

Sam and I started comedy around the same time and have gone on a similar journey, so I am keen to see how his style has changed. The Basil set up is mad- performing in a massive papier mache head- but I’ve heard such great things. We’re sharing a London preview on 14th July so I am excited to see it then, then also to see it in Edinburgh.

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