EdFringe Talk: Brendan Scannell: The Abyss

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“The best theatre and comedy festivals shove as many artists as possible together in close quarters.”

WHO: Brendan Scannell

WHAT: “After a sold out 2026 Hollywood Fringe run and Top of the Fringe and Solo Theatre Award nominations, Emmy nominated actor and comedian Brendan Scannell makes his Edinburgh debut with The Abyss. Part stand-up, part deep dive in a sinking submersible, descend to the depths of Brendan’s brain where his Irish mother is a life coach obsessed with death, his brother is communing spiritually with Gwyneth Paltrow, and his inner child is a total asshole. Star of Netflix’s Bonding and Paramount’s Heathers, Scannell has headlined at Netflix is a Joke, NY Comedy Festival and SF Sketchfest.”

WHERE: Bothie at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! I just got to Edinburgh today and I can already feel the creative energy snaking through the alleyways. To have such a stunnin’ and historic city as the backdrop for all this theatre and art is amazing. The best theatre and comedy festivals shove as many artists as possible together in close quarters. This creates great connections for the artists and ease and energy for the audiences. I love festivals because I see more in a week than I would in a month.

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

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that the most important thing you can do is make your show as good as it can be. And that takes writing and rewriting and questioning and all these other steps that kind of feel like pulling toenails. I’m from America and live in Hollywood and it’s easy to get distracted by things that don’t matter. The hour that I have on stage with an audience is so important to me.

Tell us about your show.

My show is written and performed by me, Brendan Scannell. It is directed by Emily Olcott and presented by Richard Bucknall of RBM Comedy and Cara Christian, an independent theatre producer in LA. We premiered at Hollywood Fringe for a sold out run ‘Top of the Fringe’ and ;Solo Theatre Award’ nominations. Next up, we’re doing 2 more shows at The Elysian Theater LA in September and The Bell House Brooklyn in October.

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

I’m not a clown but I love watching clown and am excited to see The Underground Monk Show. A few American comedians I’m excited to see are Sydney Washington, Jenny Gorelick, the many Heated Rivalry parodies, Sam Morrison, Guy Branum, Drew Lausch and Greggory Nussen. I’ve seen their work in the states, and I’m excited to see how it translates internationally into a Scottish audience. I also so Ayo Bamgboye at Netflix is a Joke in LA and loved her show. I’m excited to check out her work in progress.

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