Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Guy Branum: Be Fruitful

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’m still trying to get the American TV industry I love back on its feet.”

WHO: Guy Branum

WHAT: “Emmy and Golden-Globe winning comedian Guy Branum goes on a joke-dense slide show journey through religion and science arguing that he, as a clinically obese gay man, does not serve any practical purpose. Guy recruits his audience to look at the origins of homophobia and anti-fat bias and asks how correct they might be. He uses this journey to explore how we tell stories about people traditionally ignored, why he’s bad at telling stories, the 1984 Tony Awards, the first and only time he’s been in love, and, of course, the biology and evolution of fruit.”

WHERE: Billiard Room at Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 20:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve never been to the Edinburgh Fringe, but I’ve watched as my friends took smart, well-crafted shows to the Fringe, it found an audience, and the shows turned into HBO and Netflix specials. I’ve also seen the way people who’ve gone as performers and audience speak with rapturous intoxication about the feeling of being surrounded by that much art and energy. I want a hit of whatever is intoxicating them.

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

In Los Angeles there can be a very limited idea of what success looks like in entertainment, but as the industry is changing, that success is getting rarer. The last year has been about the industry making clear that it’s ready to fall apart, and me trying to get up the gumption to throw myself out of the collapsing building to create work I like. I haven’t fully picked up the message, I’m still trying to get the American TV industry I love back on its feet, but for now, finding satisfaction through live performance and Instagram videos has to be the fuel that keeps me going.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show, and I’m my company, so the company came together when my parents decided to have sex many decades ago. My show is about the limited, heteronormative idea of value and purpose we have as a society, and what it means to be a very fat gay man in a world that doesn’t see a lot of value or use in someone like me. It is also about fruit. I’ve worked the show out in Los Angeles for a while, and taken it on the road a bit, but Edinburgh is really its coming out party. The show has evolved a great deal over a year, and now I believe it’s reached its final, Charizard form. After the run in Edinburgh I will be setting the show and myself on fire to accept that no future version could ever be as perfect.

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

I REALLY love the LA-based Heated Rivalry Parody musical at the Gilded Balloon (I believe there are roughly 70 Heated Rivalry Parody Musicals coming to the fest, I plan to have sex with all of the Ilyas and most of the Shanes). And I’m mostly excited to see a bunch of comedians from the UK I love, Rose Matafeo, Nish Kumar, Connor Burns, and my friend Sophie Hagen. And then there are a bunch of my friends from America who are coming: Sam Morrison, Brendan Scannell, Ify Nwadiwe, Shane Torres, and everyone involved in Stamptown. And people should get their Stamptown tickets soon, because over the course of the run, most of the good cast members will probably be mangled in some sort of t-shirt cannon to the groin incident. Zach Zucker is a public menace and must be stopped.

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EdFringe Talk: Best. Dad. NEVER.

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“So embarrassing that one of my first impressions of EdFringe was watching The Simpsons cartoon where Lisa buys a ticket to ‘Musical: The Play.'”

WHO: Hike Chahinian

WHAT: “A gay Armenian-American Girl Dad, setting out to be the perfect Black Girl Magic-celebrating papa, stumbles through the hilarious and humbling fumbles of first-time fatherhood: from shopping for girls’ swimsuits to catching his own bigotry. Haig “Hike” Chahinian, grandson of Armenian Genocide survivors, was expected to marry a woman from his tribe. Instead, he met his dream man and adopted a bouncing biracial baby. Inspired by his viral essays in The New York Times, this intimate, messy, richly relatable story unpacks what we inherit, what we pass down, and the inherent conflict in striving to be good.”

WHERE: Just The Cask Room at Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 13:05 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Is it ever, I’ve never even been to Scotland before. So embarrassing that one of my first impressions of EdFringe was watching The Simpsons cartoon where Lisa buys a ticket to “Musical: The Play.” Now I’m feeling the pull to produce my own show there. I’m excited to work among thousands of artists, and even more—millions?—of theatregoers. It’s possible I’m going to feel like a child on the first day of school where the classroom is a toy store. I’m going to be playing with so much, and so many! I hope I don’t break anything. Except maybe ticket sales records?

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

That audiences find fumbling through fatherhood to be funny. Good thing, as that’s the essence of my piece.

Also, I used to think that grounded, compelling performances like Hannah Gadsby’s and Wanda Syke’s specials must have come naturally. I love their sardonic humor, and the way they talk to the audience like friends. But my wonderful director Sandi McCree tells me words have to be supported by movement—in voice, face, and body. She said the audience experiences freedom when the performer has put in the work. I didn’t know what that meant, until I got on stage.

After recent rehearsals I’ve been feeling spent, ready for a nap. So I think I’m absorbing the lesson?

Tell us about your show.

My show Best. Dad. NEVER. reveals all the secrets about being a queer parent in an interracial family. Trying to buy a girl’s bathing suit, getting bullied by toddlers, catching my own bigotry, it’s all in the script I wrote, inspired by essays I’d published in the New York Times, and O The Oprah Magazine. Along with the amazing team at Suzanna Rosenthal Productions, my husband and I are producing this run. I premiered the show at Solofest 2025 in Los Angeles, then mounted a 5-night run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. If I had a crystal ball I’d love to tell you where the show’s headed after EdFringe. Do you have one so you could tell me?

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

Definitely ‘Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words’ written and performed by tour de force Elizabeth June. I couldn’t see its Los Angeles run, and I’m beyond excited to travel 5,000 miles to see it in person at last. 16:45 at the Annexe at Paradise in the Vault.

Also, ‘Roomies’, written and performed by fellow Los Angeleno Julia Stephens. I attended an awesome early reading and I’m eager to see how the technical aspects come to life. I understand it’s going to be a real treat.

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EdFringe Talk: Aidan Greene: Stuttermilk Pancakes

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve never actually experienced the Fringe as a punter. I only know it as a desperate, sleep-deprived performer standing on the Royal Mile in the rain, desperately trying to hand wet pictures of myself to tourists while trying to look like I’m not dying inside.”

WHO: Aidan Greene

WHAT: “Award-winning comedian Aidan Greene is Ireland’s foremost stammering comedian (he’s also the only one). For years he’s been told not to let his stutter define him. Well… too late. Join the bad boy of stammering for a razor-sharp, big-hearted show about embracing what makes you different and having serious craic along the way. ‘Destined for stardom’ (RTE). ‘A joy to behold’ (PasteMagazine.com). ‘A show which is as heartfelt as hilarious’ **** (TheWeeReview.com).”

WHERE: Dexter at Underbelly, Bristo Square (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 17:45 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my eight Edinburgh Fringe and my tenth solo show. I took a break last year to make a short film and pent last summer living vicariously through all of my friends Instagram stories. There’s truly nothing like the Fringe. The sheer volume and quality of shows can be deeply overwhelming, but my absolute favourite thing is to grab a random flyer from a stranger and take a punt on a show I’ve never heard of. That’s how I’ve found some of my favourite performers.

I’ve never actually experienced the Fringe as a punter. I only know it as a desperate, sleep-deprived performer standing on the Royal Mile in the rain, desperately trying to hand wet pictures of myself to tourists while trying to look like I’m not dying inside. So if you see me, please take a flyer. My self-esteem depends on it.

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

I wrote and starred in a short film called “Stutterbug” last year and I learned that I am incredibly impatient. I love the immediate gratification that stand-up provides. With stand-up, if a joke bombs, you know within three seconds and you can fix it. When you put a joke in a film, you have to wait at least a year for the edit, the colour grade and the festival run to find out if anyone actually laughs at it. It’s agonising.

That said, acting in the film definitely forced me to grow as a performer. It’s been a very long time since I’ve done proper acting (I’d tell you why, but that is literally a massive plot point in Stuttermilk Pancakes) so Stutterbug taught me a lot about stage presence and physicality. Also, since I use a lot of multimedia in my stand-up, I robbed a few filmmaking tricks and dropped them straight into this show. Hopefully nobody from the film notices.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Stuttermilk Pancakes. It’s a stand-up show about growing up with a stutter and how society’s weird perceptions of stuttering shaped my perception of myself. If that sounds serious don’t worry. It’s not like a therapy session. It’s very funny. So actually, it might be like a really bad therapy session.

It’s a fast-paced mixture of stand-up and multimedia where I take on Joe Biden, Harry Potter, and one incredibly unfortunate school production of Cinderella that went so off the rails it left a room full of children wondering if the ball would ever actually end.

This show is for anyone who’s been told to hide what makes them different. Basically, it’s like The King’s Speech but a lot more craic.

I do everything myself in the show. I’m a real control freak. I write the show, edit the videos, photoshop the images and do all my own stuttering.

The show is debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe and will hopefully tour around afterwards. But for now, I’m focused on surviving Edinburgh!

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

John Spillane is a quintessential fringe experience. The man performs a brand up show every single day based on whatever his wild little brain comes up with. It’s one of the wildest rides at the Fringe.

Roger O’Sullivan’s debut last year was so good I’m still mad about it. Everyone should go and see him before he gets too famous.

Two comedy theatre pieces I couldn’t recommend higher are “Secrets Secrets Shhh!” and “Nothing Personal”. Both are hilarious but also unhinged.

And then I love Scottish acts so can’t recommend Marjolein Robertson and Rosco McClelland enough!

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EdFringe Talk: Phil Nichol: Aren’t We Lucky

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“The past 12 months have felt like a complete clean-slate, new-chapter kind of year.”

WHO: Phil Nichol

WHAT: “Lou Reed. The lottery. Ecstasy. Prince Andrew. Punk. Barenaked Ladies. Crisps. Terry Jones. Leukaemia. Butterflies. Dizzy Gillespie’s cheeks. Chance. Scat. Sunshine on Leith. Boo-bee-dee-do. Wasps. Double helix. Comedy. Dennis Hopper. Scrotums. Life. Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner, Phil Nichol is back with a brand-new show. An acclaimed actor, award-winning comedian, producer, presenter, writer and musician, there is no end to his talent. As seen on The Graham Norton Show (BBC One) and Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC Two). ***** (Scotsman). ***** (List).”

WHERE: Lounge at Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 17:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been coming to the Fringe since 1990. This year marks my 28th Fringe, where I’ll be presenting my 25th solo hour-long show. Before that, I performed six hour-long shows with Corky and The Juice Pigs, bringing the total to 31 full-length Fringe shows, not counting the countless gala appearances, mixed bills and guest spots.

Alongside stand-up, I’ve produced 21 theatre productions with Comedians’ Theatre Company and performed in 17 stage productions. I’ve also played with numerous bands over the years, including Bill Bailey’s Beergut 100.

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

Creating ‘Aren’t We Lucky’ has genuinely made me a more positive and hopeful person. It’s been surprising how the show’s message of positive reaffirmation has shifted my perspective.

I turned 60 last year, moved in with my partner, became a stepdad to her two young boys, and recently got engaged. The past 12 months have felt like a complete clean-slate, new-chapter kind of year.

It’s also been a time of real reflection. If you want to hear more about that journey and where it’s led me, you’ll have to come and see ‘Aren’t We Lucky’.

Tell us about your show.

‘Aren’t We Lucky ’is a heart-warming show exploring chance, love, magic, and loss. Through the deeply personal yet funny story of my friend Kevin Hearn’s battle with leukemia, and the extraordinary chain of events that followed, I’ll be reflecting on regret, good fortune, and the simple, visceral act of appreciating what we have right here, right now.

The ever-present magic of reality fuels this show, I’ll share high-octane, hilarious and unforgettable stories: growing up in the Brethren Assembly, moving from Glasgow to Toronto, becoming a world-renowned comedian, and witnessing his parents fall in love again in their nineties. From conspiracy theories to Lou Reed, from World War II to old-age pensioners, and even the now-banned Swedish word “ogooglebar,” no subject is off-limits. These rib-tickling threads collide with bigger questions about why we’re here—and how to make the most of it.

The show was written by me with a little help from the inimitable Carey Marx and directed by John Gordillo. It is self produced in association with Lee Martin at Gag Reflex. This is a World Premiere.

We are all hoping for an international tour in 2027. My last show ‘Your Wrong’ toured for 150+ dates in 13 countries ending with a 10 day sold out run at the Soho Theatre London.

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

Sarah-Louise Young: The Bob Ross Effect! Sarah-Louise Young is an cabaret performer and the creator and star of the internationally celebrated tribute show An Evening Without Kate Bush. The Bob Ross Effect is her new show for Edinburgh 2026. It explores grief, mental health, and creativity through live painting, storytelling, and original songs, celebrating the enduring legacy of the beloved Joy of Painting host, Bob Ross.

Also, see my other show, ‘The Naked Racist’. It’s the 20th anniversary of my 2006 Edinburgh Comedy Award winning show. The show is an unhinged re-telling of an Amsterdam trip gone wrong ending with an epiphany of epic proportions. Guaranteed laughs.

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EdFringe Talk: Gareth Mutch Means Well

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve also met some of my comedy heroes at the Edinburgh Festival. It’s kind of just… a comedian’s Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

WHO: Gareth Mutch

WHAT: “Best Show nominee 2024/25 (Edinburgh ISH Awards). The Scottish hotshot returns with a show about good intentions, bad timing and constantly putting his foot in it. An engaging and gifted storyteller, expect class clashes, romantic disasters and the familiar feeling of trying to do the right thing, and rarely succeeding. Hilarious and painfully relatable; join this hotly tipped master of stand-up as he unashamedly revels in saying exactly the wrong thing at precisely the wrong moment. ‘Naturally adept; gales of laughter… bulldozering skill’ (Comedy.co.uk). ‘As good as any… innate storytelling skill, naturally funny’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Stand 1 at The Stand Comedy Club (Venue 5) 

WHEN: 16:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It isn’t. I’m a local boy. I grew up in Livingston, West Lothian, just outside Edinburgh, so I know and love the city, not only during the Festival but all year round. That said, I do think Edinburgh is at its best during the Festival. I love the buzz and excitement it brings.

I’ve done the Fringe in some capacity every year since 2012 (apart from during Covid). The Edinburgh Fringe can be genuinely life changing, people have built entire careers from a successful run. I have so many amazing memories of the Fringe, like when I lived with fellow comedians Robin Grainger, Rosco McClelland and Christopher Macarthur-Boyd. I’ve also met some of my comedy heroes at the Edinburgh Festival. It’s kind of just… a comedian’s Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

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 not to let things outside your control get you down. Focus on what is within your control. I love that as advice. Am I the best at putting it into practice? Not always. But, Lord knows, I’m trying.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show myself and I’ll be performing it throughout the Edinburgh Fringe.

The show is produced independently, with huge support from Blue Jeans Management and my brilliant agent, Charlotte Smith, who does all the hard work behind the scenes so I can focus on writing and getting ready for the Fringe.

After the Fringe, I’m hoping to take it on the road, performing at comedy clubs and as many Fringe festivals around the UK as possible.

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

I could be here all day selecting names, as there are so many amazing comedians at the Fringe this year. I’ll keep it short and sweet with my top three.

1. Bruce Devlin – He’s been one of my favourite acts on the circuit since I started, and I honestly can’t wait to see his full show this year. He makes me howl with laughter every time.

2. Gareth Waugh – My good buddy Gareth is a brilliant stand-up. This year he’s doing a true crime meets stand-up show. I’ve seen a preview and loved it, so I know the finished version will be a must-see.

3. Jojo Sutherland – I married her daughter, so she’d kill me if I didn’t mention her. Thankfully, she’s also one of the best comedians in the country. Her reputation within British comedy is second to none because she’s been consistently brilliant for years. Her shows usually pack a bit more of an emotional punch, so be ready to laugh, but also to come out feeling ready to take on the world.

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EdFringe Talk: Tom Stade Rules

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“All year round I’m touring entertaining audience all across the country and lone wolfing it in hotels in different towns and then August arrives and the party begins…”

WHO: Tom Stade

WHAT: “Canadian powerhouse Tom Stade takes aim at the absurdities of modern times with contagious charm and incisive, gloriously unfiltered wit. Join this free spirit as he grapples with rebellion, responsibility and the tension between the old and new. From unspoken social codes, cultural divides, identity and marriage, Tom dismantles all the rules – and redefines them his way. Rocking audiences for decades with his trademark swagger and masterful stage presence. Consistently magnificent, blisteringly funny – Tom Stade Rules! ‘Unmissable’ (Edinburgh Evening News). ‘Stand-up elite’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Debauched truth-teller’ (Guardian). ‘Gloriously funny’ (Scotsman). ‘Master of comedy’ (List).”

WHERE: Stand 1 at The Stand Comedy Club (Venue 5) 

WHEN: 20:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This isn’t my first Edinburgh festival rodeo but I think on a very personal level the thing I love about this festival is definitely the camaraderie hands down…I look forward to it. All year round I’m touring entertaining audience all across the country and lone wolfing it in hotels in different towns and then August arrives and the party begins… Now you’re getting to be on the same shows as your mates at two in the morning, meeting new up and coming future superstars, sharing stories, closing down late night bars, and laughing your head off and realising that you aren’t the lone wolf you think you are but you are part of such a beautiful, talented, creative community. It really is a special feeling for me.

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

Well, I think the big thing that I’ve learned is that curse words will really screw up your algorithm on Instagram. Now have I absorbed that lesson? Probably not just because I’m still a bit of a rebel but I definitely know that’s a real F&@king thing.

Tell us about your show.

My show is seen through the eyes of a 55 year old (that would be yours truly) progressive liberal and finding that being progressive is a never-ending journey. In questioning what progressive means in 2026 through the eyes of my kids versus what it meant when I was my kids age. Times have changed, attitudes have changed, can I learn from the children of the algorithm gods or maybe they have something they could learn from this child of MTV and grunge. Of course it was written by Tom Stade and produced by Tom Stade and am I taking it beyond the Edinburgh festival…Well I guess you best be going to Tomstade.com and find out if I’m coming to a town near you – get those tickets.

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

Well, I think my number one suggestion is definitely the fabulous Gareth Mutch. He’s been my support act when I’ve been on tour throughout the years. Anyone who’s a fan of mine probably already knows and loves him. I love writing and performing with this gifted comic and I love he’s always keeping me on my toes. He’s got some absolutely fabulous routines, right now the one about Giffgaff makes me laugh my ass off (spoiler alert) but the dude knows how to riff and I have seen him really create some special moments for audiences. I’ve known him since he first started when he was a 20 year old kid (hell I even officiated his wedding) and i’ve had the honour of seeing him go from strength to strength and I can’t stress enough he’s just one of these people that as soon he gets on the industry radar I truly believe he’s one of these special talents that will blast off into the showbiz stratosphere.

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EdFringe Talk: The Only Man Who Won’t F*ck Me

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I don’t think there’s anywhere else on earth where you can test-drive an hour of material for a month, surrounded by the best artists working right now, in front of New York, LA and London industry, and also cry in a shared shower.”

WHO: Catherine Taaffe

WHAT: “Kat has it all figured out: a rent-stabilized Brooklyn apartment, a clinically tight pussy and a business built on knowing what men want. She’s the witchy brunette you hooked up with in college and remember. The downtown art girl you pay to look you in the eye. Until she meets Logan. Masculine. Sexy. A boxer who understands women better than other men. The problem is Logan only wants to be friends. So Kat decides if she can’t have him, she’ll heal him. And what’s more romantic than refusing to take no for answer?”

WHERE: Playground 2 at ZOO Playground (Venue 186) 

WHEN: 21:50 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

First time ever. I don’t think there’s anywhere else on earth where you can test-drive an hour of material for a month, surrounded by the best artists working right now, in front of New York, LA and London industry, and also cry in a shared shower. Where else am I going to do that?

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

I learn everything the hard way, that’s the through-line of my whole life and arguably the show. The real lesson has been believing in myself to a genuinely unhinged degree. I sold this show to Fringe venues, marketing companies and publicists before I’d written a word of it. I made a rejection into a debut. I assumed the show would eventually catch up. Nobody’s going to be delusional on your behalf.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it, I’m in it, and somehow convinced Suzanna Rosenthal Productions and director P Burton-Morgan to get on board a play about a man who wouldn’t sleep with me. Edinburgh is the debut because why do anything the sane way. The real endgame is a TV adaptation. Turns out queer romantic comedies can become psychological thrillers. Who knew?

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

I’ve had my head down in New York for nine months building this thing, so I don’t know nearly as many people as I should. But I will shamelessly send you to Cecilia Corrigan in The Gay Divorce. You will be pissing yourself laughing. Go.

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EdFringe Talk: Flamenc Oh!!

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“The challenge was never the comedy—it was finding the right balance between respecting the tradition and having the freedom to play with it.”

WHO: David Ottone

WHAT: “World-class flamenco with a wild twist, this brand-new dance comedy sees physical theatre collide with the passion and power of flamenco. A fiercely traditional patriarch finds his carefully-controlled world unravelling when his children challenge the old rules. Totally unique and utterly hilarious, with live music from traditional to rock, pop, hip-hop, and house. This is a show for everybody – from flamenco fans to those who don’t know their planta from their paseo. From Yllana, the team behind ***** (TheScottishSun.co.uk) hit A Comedy of Operas, comes flamenco like you’ve never experienced it before. Co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells.”

WHERE: Music Hall at Assembly Rooms (Venue 20) 

WHEN: 14:15 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will actually be our eighth time at the Fringe, so in many ways it feels like coming home.

We love Edinburgh because there’s nowhere else quite like it. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can perform your show to audiences from every corner of the globe, while at the same time meeting spectators, producers and festival programmers from everywhere. For a company like Yllana, whose work travels internationally, it’s the perfect place to launch a new production.

And as audience members, it’s simply one of the most exciting festivals there is. You can walk into a tiny venue knowing absolutely nothing about a show and come out having discovered your new favourite artist.

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

One of the biggest lessons has been how to create an international comedy show inspired by such a deeply rooted cultural art form as flamenco.

The challenge was never the comedy—it was finding the right balance between respecting the tradition and having the freedom to play with it. We learnt that if you approach an art form with love and curiosity, audiences understand that you’re laughing with it, not at it. That became the philosophy behind the whole show.

Tell us about your show.

FLAMENC OH!! is Yllana’s latest creation. We’ve been creating visual comedy and musical theatre for over 35 years, touring in almost 50 countries, and this time we wanted to explore the extraordinary world of flamenco.

The show was created and directed by Yllana in collaboration with a wonderful cast of flamenco artists, bringing together physical comedy, live music and dance.

The production premiered in Madrid, where it has been playing throughout the summer. After Edinburgh, it continues its international tour before arriving at the Peacock Theatre in London this October as a co-production with Sadler’s Wells.

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

One of the best things about the Fringe is discovering something you weren’t expecting.

I’d definitely recommend seeing international productions. Korean companies, in particular, always surprise me. Their visual storytelling, precision and creativity are incredible, and most of them are purely visual shows , you understand everything that’s happening on stage. That’s something we really admire at Yllana.

I look forward to seeing the shows ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ and ‘Dracula: Lucy’s Dream’.

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EdFringe Talk: Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical

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“Silence is not peace.”

WHO: Victoria Martinez

WHAT: “A bold retelling of Sophocles’s tragedy set in Thebes, California. The Oracle summons audience-citizens and invokes the ancient rites of drama and democracy to address a crisis. Two brothers, gay activist Nikolas and conservative cop Elias – are dead after a protest on the capitol steps. When the Governor proclaims one a hero and the other erased, defiant sister Tigg and best friend Henry risk everything for justice and love. The score delivers both burden and joy as it navigates human need, political greed, and grassroots resistance as survival. There is no sitting out.”

WHERE: Other Yin at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 15:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my very first time in Edinburgh and my first time attending any theatre festival. I’ve only heard great things about the city and even better things about the Fringe! What makes it so special is its incredible diversity. It feels like Disneyland for theatre people because everywhere you look—left, right, up, and down—there are so many different stories being told, each with something meaningful to say.

The Fringe is a hub for advocacy and representation, making it the perfect environment to bring our activating show, Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical. The Fringe feels like its own world, and there is something especially remarkable about the UK, where theatre has been made so accessible to the public and has introduced communities to life-changing theatrical experiences from a very young age.

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

The biggest thing I have learned is something this show has taught me: silence is not peace. Before I was cast in this production, I was constantly seeing news about how my community back home, as well as communities across the world, were being affected by ICE raids. It sent me into a spiral because I felt helpless, overwhelmed, fearful, and confused. Those feelings caused me to become silent. Antigone has taught me to fight for the people you love and to stand up for justice. That means doing more than simply reposting something on social media.

It means donating, if you’re able, to families or organizations that support those affected, and taking meaningful action whenever possible. This show has held me accountable to resist silence and complacency. Another lesson I have learned is to trust the process. We have an incredible creative team bringing this show to life, and they are truly the backbone of the production. Throughout the rehearsal process, the company has consistently reflected, collaborated, and communicated about the best way to tell the story we want to share. That has been especially meaningful because it isn’t common for actors to have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives on the writing, music, or overall concept of a new work.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a retelling of Sophocles’s Antigone, set in 1980s Thebes, California. The concept was created by Elizabeth McKoy, who also serves as the director and producer, with a book by Ken Cerniglia and music and lyrics by Chris Rayis. Elizabeth had the incredible idea of reimagining Antigone in 1980s California, using the era’s political climate to amplify the themes of activism and inspire audiences today. The show has been in rehearsal at Elon University and throughout the summer, with a soft premiere in North Carolina on July 30th, hoping to bring it back to Elon following our run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

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

After watching our show, definitely stay to watch more Gilded Balloon Shows (I know I am) such as Slay and Crocodile Rock at the Gilded Balloon Teviot and Girlz and Heated Rivalry: The Musical Parody at the Gilded Balloon Patter House!! AND my best friend, and Elon University Music Theatre student, Ana Sofia Hernandez Lopez is also leading Techies at the Alba Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street, Venue 41. Go watch my bestie do amazing things!!!

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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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