EdFringe Talk: Leo Hincks: Emotional Cowboy

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“Even if I bomb, I’m bombing in one of the best festivals in the world!”

WHO: Leo Hincks

WHAT: “After a self-described “career-altering” loss at the Chortle Student Comedy Award Finals in 2024, 22-year-old Leo Hincks returns to where it all went wrong – Edinburgh Fringe. Hincks attempts to perform a brilliant debut comedy show, but realises he may have bitten off more than he can chew. As reality falls apart around the professionally undecided comedian/actor, the audience is whisked through his dreams, nightmares and notes app. In order to find more material, Leo must encounter his darkest fears and ultimately have a showdown with his greatest enemy – himself.”

WHERE: Turret at Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 15:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Although it’s my debut solo show, it’s actually not my first time at Fringe. Last year I was there for just one week in a super-fun Queer play called ‘Thirsty’ with the University of Bristol. The only info you might be able to find on it is a two-star review from The Scotsman, but take my word for it, it was an amazing time! Being in a play for a short week in Edinburgh was loads of fun, but now I’m going solo I’m sure it’s going to be a lot more intense.

Nonetheless, Edinburgh feels like Disneyland, it’s crammed with non-stop entertainment and filled with this optimism about the arts that makes you feel like you can do anything. Even if I bomb, I’m bombing in one of the best festivals in the world!

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

A year ago I was prepping to do the show in London for the first time and now it’s going to Edinburgh for the entire month. It sounds obvious but I think the main thing I’ve learnt is that people actually want to see my work. When you’re doing stand-up as a student, there’s this fear that it can only work in this university bubble and once it bursts I’ll have to think of something else to do – that hasn’t been the case. Post-graduation is when I’ve had some of the best things happening for my career, from performing at Top Secret Comedy Club to having Charli XCX comment on my TikTok. I’ve really been able to gain more confidence and become a much better

performer for it. Once I realised that people enjoy watching me, but also that being on stage isn’t a life or death situation, I’ve really been able to come into my own as a comedian a lot more.

Tell us about your show.

Leo Hincks: Emotional Cowboy is written, performed and self-directed by me – it’s hard not to sound like a narcissist. The show see’s me playing a version of myself trying to pull of an amazing debut comedy show, which slowly but surely falls apart as I struggle to keep it together. It’s about Gen Z anxiety, pop-culture and my deep fear of not being taken seriously – all done in a very unserious way. I created and performed the show last February in Bristol at the Alma Tavern, produced by my wonderful friend Rosa Melvin. We then took the show to the White Bear Theatre in London in September, which is where InterTalent Comedy saw it. InterTalent Comedy liked it and are producing the show up at Fringe which I’m so excited about. As for where the show is off to after Fringe – I’ll take wherever will have me!

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

I literally wouldn’t be doing this show if it weren’t for the amazing drama societies at the University of Bristol. They have two shows at Fringe in the final week: Body Parts and God Complex. The array of talent those societies produce is incredible, and I’m not just referring to myself.

Also, gigging in London I’ve come across some not very warm comedians – it happens. Ben Fallaci was the first comedian who didn’t make me feel like I should disappear off the face of the earth before my set. His show Aquarius Rising is on for the whole month, he’s not just kind he’s actually hilarious and the show looks brilliantly alternative.

Alt-comedy is truly where it’s at and I know she doesn’t need to even be plugged but I most certainly will be seeing ‘Patti Harrison: Just Ironing Some Things Out!’ – she is one of my favourite comics of all time. It’s best to go in blind as her shows are weird and wonderful and have almost made me pass out from laughing so hard. Patti is the GOAT!

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