Author Archives: Dan Lentell

Bedfringe 2026 Interview: DEATH* by Powerpoint

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“The title of the show is something that had been rolling around in my head for years, but I hadn’t quite worked out what the show itself was going to be; that was until one of those “now I get it” moments arrived in the most unlikely of places.”

WHO: Liam Gifford

WHAT: “After a particularly bad dream during childhood left him terrified of death, Liam sets about seeing if he can finally make peace with the one human experience guaranteed to come to us all.

A show 38 years in the making, DEATH* by PowerPoint fuses a fear of the end with wonderings of what’s next and a grave sense of humour, all delivered through the most exhausting medium: PowerPoint.

DEATH* by PowerPoint is the first solo show by Liam Gifford, a theatre-maker who has created new works and directed existing ones at theatres across the UK and in Europe.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 26 July 2023 @ 17:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Although this is my first time visiting Bedfringe, I’ve been a longtime admirer of the festival, so it’s a real thrill to have been invited to perform this year. I can’t wait to meet everyone who takes part in and supports the festival, and I’m looking forward to catching as many shows as I can too.

As someone who has been involved with fringe festivals in North Devon and Hampshire, I’m also excited to learn more about how Bedfringe is run. Having performed, presented, and been a punter at many festivals across the UK, I always find myself learning something new each time, and I’m sure there will be plenty for me to take away from my experience at Bedfringe.

Having first presented my show in 2024, performing DEATH* by PowerPoint at Bedfringe will be a great opportunity to see how it lands with a brand‑new audience. It has been warmly received by a broad church of audiences since its first run, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what everyone who comes along on Sunday 26 July thinks of it.

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

Since 2025 I’ve continued to develop DEATH* by PowerPoint, alongside a range of other theatrical projects, everything from fringe shows to mass‑participation performances.

One project I’m particularly excited about is a new show called DUKED: A DofE Story, which will have its first outing at Fringe TheatreFest in June 2026. I’m especially thrilled about this one because I’m creating it with my partner, Jo. We’ve been together for years but have never actually made something together, despite both being writers living under the same roof.

The biggest project I’ve been working on is The Big Movement – a monumental mass‑movement initiative by ZoieLogic to get thousands of men moving for men’s mental health, reminding men they’re not on their own. Over the past 12 months we’ve performed at The Old Bailey, hosted our own all‑male dance evening, and continued to be championed by Angela Rippon CBE – who even introduced our work to Hugh Jackman live on The One Show!

Tell us about your show.

DEATH* by PowerPoint centres around me trying to find peace with the inevitable through a mixture of honest anecdotes, grave humour, and some modern (and some not so modern) pop culture references. All of which is “delivered with delicate, sensitive wit” and “full of heart” to ensure that audiences can consider their own relationships with death.

The title of the show is something that had been rolling around in my head for years, but I hadn’t quite worked out what the show itself was going to be; that was until one of those “now I get it” moments arrived in the most unlikely of places. From that point on, the show developed pretty quickly. It had its first run of preview performances at Fringe TheatreFest in North Devon, followed by a further run the next year at the inaugural Totnes Fringe, along with one‑off performances at a range of arts venues.

One of the greatest joys for me is how positively the show has been received, despite being about a topic many people shy away from: death. The feedback I get often centres on how refreshing people find the show, and how it has helped them rethink their own relationship with death and even start open conversations with others in their lives.

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

The programme – as it is every year – is packed with fantastic shows!

On the day I’m performing, Sunday 26 July, I’m particularly looking forward to meeting the other performers in The Quarry Theatre Studio and catching their shows. Top of the list would have to be Poems from The Daily Mail (poetry on a sunny Sunday?! Yes please!), Hasta La Vista… Bibby! (fingers crossed I get to help recreate a blockbuster), and Ruby Carr: BITE ME (I love stand‑up, and Ruby’s show looks brilliant). And in between all of that, I’m hoping to get outside and see The Reverbs Ukulele Band in the (hopefully) summer sun.

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Bedfringe 2026 Interview: The Untold Fable of Fritz

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“This Fringe Festival has been monumental in both the show’s and company’s growth through the years. We can’t wait to bring the show back to the studio where it all began.”

WHO: Paige Canavan Smith

WHAT: “A Piece inspired by Philip Pullman’s short story, ‘Clockwork’.

Unsettled is back! With a new cast, bigger script and a brand new puppet – come join us at Bedfringe, where it all began.

A Piece inspired by Philip Pullman’s short story, ‘Clockwork’. White snow seeps down from the mountain tops of the Neuchstein region, freezing over the valleys and the hearts of all the people that live within it. At the foot of the tallest peak, resides the inhabitants of Brutzenvien and their King. Through this everlasting stone-cold ice age, the King’s son soon falls ill and the King makes a pledge to do all in his power to save his heir. But how far will he go?

This is a devised show that uses a clothing rail in every way possible and 3 actors playing around 15 characters in under 50 minutes. An imaginative exploration into a magical world. With dance sequences, puppetry and live music, this show is a creative explosion!

The only way to describe this show is if Narnia, Monty Python and Tim Burton were a 45-minute play … with puppets.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 24 July 2023 @ 15:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is our third time at Bedfringe! As a local to Bedford, I have always felt it was important to bring my work home and connect with my community. It’s amazing to champion the arts in your hometown; there is a sense of pride that comes alongside it. Bedfringe is actually the place where we first debuted this show, The Untold Fable of Fritz. This Fringe Festival has been monumental in both the show’s and company’s growth through the years. We can’t wait to bring the show back to the studio where it all began.

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

We have been busy building our work and practice. The Untold Fable of Fritz has adapted. We have a lovely new cast member, Emma Read, joining us alongside an amazing Stage Manager, Beth Scott. We are so excited to perform with our new puppet, designed by Mikayala Teodoro. And we also found out recently that we were successful with our Arts Council bid, so we can expand the tour and the outreach programme we deliver alongside.

Tell us about your show.

We take the audience on an epic adventure through magical woods, avalanches and meeting kooky and fun characters, but at the heart of the story is a father’s journey. hHe has to realise what is most important in his life – his power or his son. We hope this show makes you laugh, cry and maybe contemplate, what is important in your life?

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

You should check out:

– Katie and Ben, The History Hunters
– The Musicians of Bremen

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Bedfringe 2026 Interview: The Vampire Run

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“The other big lesson is about networking. When I was younger I hated it, it all seemed so phoney. Recently I’ve discovered the key just seems to be finding stuff you like and making a genuine connection with the creator.”

WHO: Jonathan Laury

WHAT: “A dark and stormy night. A vampire’s castle outlined by lightning. An hour to find and kill the dreaded fiend… And one idiot trying to manage the escalating chaos.

Join a fast-paced, hilariously deadly choose-your-own adventure. Three players at a time must decide how to approach a variety of obstacles to reach the vampire’s chamber, BUT one of the players is evil, and the audience must decide who before it’s too late.

This is the debut solo show from award winning writer and performer Jonathan Laury. Think something like Knightmare meets Traitors hosted by the lovechild of Vincent Price and Little Alex Horne. Sellout shows at the Lambeth and Brighton Fringes, and described by audiences as ‘Brilliant, slick, funny, 10/10 would go again’ and ‘My favourite theatrical experience of the year.'”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 23 July 2026 @ 21:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

It is my Bedfringe debut, which is exciting. The show’s been at the Lambeth and Brighton Fringes, and will be off to Edinburgh shortly after Bedford. No shade to those other fringes, but this will be by far the nicest venue The Vampire Run has been on in!

I love how packed the schedule is for Bedfringe, there doesn’t seem to be a moment wasted, with shows covering every genre. As a performer and creator Fringe festivals are great opportunities to meet amazingly creative people working on all kinds of different shows. There’s great camaraderie between performers. Having gone to a few Fringes just as a punter too, that’s a whole different experience. It’s like opening a treasure chest and grabbing any shiny things you can see!

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

The last couple of years have really been about rediscovering my creativity. When I first started performing I didn’t even think of creating my own work. A lack of confidence dogged the start of my creative career. But having taken a bunch of wonderful courses (clowning with Spymonkey and Mick Barnfather, Improv with Hoopla, Stand-up with Logan Murray, Creating solo shows with Rachel Mars) I’ve unlocked a huge new passion and drive. I just want to make my own silly stuff now, and fortunately the response has been really positive.

The other big lesson is about networking. When I was younger I hated it, it all seemed so phoney. Recently I’ve discovered the key just seems to be finding stuff you like and making a genuine connection with the creator. Forget any sense of wondering what they can do for you. Just be an unabashed fan of other people’s cool stuff.

Tell us about your show.

Count Maximillian Von Drakuhl is the most fiendish vampire that has ever existed. He’s killed all my poor audience members for starters, which is just plain rude. I’m going to help them get their revenge on the Count.

The audience faces all kinds of obstacles in their journey through the vampire’s castle, and can choose whether to tackle each one with their brain, their muscles, or their charm. Different choices lead to different rooms… or death. BUT! Death isn’t the end. the audience’s worst nightmares become manifest in one of the castle’s rooms. Oh, and one of the audience members is evil and must be found!

It’s a choose your own adventure crossed with the kind of social deduction you find in The Traitors and Secret Hitler. There’s also a whole level of improv, clowning, character comedy and silliness provided by me. And of course there’s the kind of stomach churning horror that can only be provided by my audience’s imaginations!

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

Dave Bibby is a Bedford legend and a top chap, make sure you see Hasta La Vista… Bibby!
For more nerdery, Juliette Burton is amazing. And who doesn’t love dark history podcasts? Weird in the Wade is the one for you!

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EdFringe Talk: Danger Plan!

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“Anyone who has done the festival knows it’s not easy (and it’s certainly not cheap), but that “summer camp for adults” atmosphere makes it all worth it.”

WHO: Sophia Wolbrom

WHAT: “Sophia’s family has always had a plan. A way out. A route to survive. She assumed everyone did, until she asked her friends, ‘what do you want to do if there’s a catastrophe?’ and they stared at her like she had three heads. Her family’s caution came from a real place, and multiple generations were raised with the mantra: ‘You have to be ready to run.’ Danger Plan! is part solo show and part cabaret, featuring personal stories, original songs, and dark humour exploring generational trauma, anxiety, and the absurdities of living in uncertain times.”

WHERE: Wee Container 2 at Hoots @ Potterrow (Venue 243) 

WHEN: 19:40 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This year will mark my ninth Edinburgh Fringe Festival, but will only be my second year coming as a Performer with my own show. I can’t lie, it feels insane that this festival and annual pilgrimage back to Scotland has been a part of my life for over a decade. I feel like at this point the only role I’ve not worked in is bar staff, having been a punter, worked on a street team for someone else, been a venue manager, a stage manager, I’ve come as a student, I’ve been over as industry, and now for the second year a writer, performer, and producer. I think it’s really the energy and creative community that keeps me coming back. Anyone who has done the festival knows it’s not easy (and it’s certainly not cheap), but that “summer camp for adults” atmosphere makes it all worth it.

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

Danger Plan! is far more relevant than I wanted it to be. When I started to write the show at the end of last year’s festival, it was meant to be a joke. I was sitting at a bar with my mum thinking about what I wanted to work on next, and we started laughing about old family stories and my grandparents’ & father’s paranoia (ie: my grandmother wanted to microchip me when I was born, and my mother had to shut that down). So initially I thought it was going to be almost a roast of my family, and an examination of how I internalized the way I was raised. However, over the last year, as I started talking to friends about the idea and sharing my stories with them, people started quietly pulling me aside to mention they have a go-bag packed in their closet or that they’re trying to date people who can help them get dual citizenship. Living in New York City, and watching the news and what’s been happening with the current administration in a post-pandemic world, all of a sudden it started to feel like maybe my family wasn’t so crazy after all, because the idea of being prepared (which, ten years ago, my friends in college told me I was crazy for having a plan), has now become far more normalized.

Tell us about your show.

Danger Plan! asks the question: Are you prepared if disaster strikes? While my debut show, Can’t Find My Way Home, was all about what it means to feel at home, this year’s show is all about running away. It’s a solo show featuring true stories from my life, enhanced by original music (but it is not a musical). I appreciate that the subject matter can be perceived as heavy and daunting, but I approach it with levity and a touch of dark humor because, at the end of the day, we are all living in uncertain times.

Danger Plan! is written and performed by me, Sophia Wolbrom, and produced by my company, Know Smoke Productions. It’s directed by Kevin Qian, with original music by Jacob “Milk” Sandler and Aydin Mayers (who is also the music supervisor). Edinburgh will mark the show’s world debut, which feels both exciting and daunting, to finally share it with audiences and see how they respond. Following Edinburgh, I intend to bring it back to New York City and then tour it throughout the US, Canada & abroad.

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

My director, Kevin Qian, is bringing his debut solo show – 2%: A Play About Privilege (And Also Milk). He’s an incredible talent, both onstage and as a creative partner, plus an added bonus that he is genuinely a great person. My show would not be what it is without him, and his show is great too. It runs the 7th – 29th at 12:05 at theSpaceTriplex.

I’d also recommend Time Travel Postman, which is at Gilded Balloon Patter House at 20:40. It was created by Devon Loves ME! Productions. Last year, they brought it over as a work in progress under the title It Was Really Good to Know You, and it’s as humorous as it is heartfelt. Sevrin Willinder knows how to work with an audience in such an approachable manner.

I can also rattle off a list of comedians who are just great fun every year, including Billy Kirkwood, John Robertson, Pauline Eyre, and Rachel Creeger (to name a few).

Honestly, my number one piece of advice when giving recommendations is to take a risk on something you’re given a flyer for that you wouldn’t normally go see. That’s such a big part of what the festival is about: experiencing something new!

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EdFringe Talk: Jake Baker: The Gentle Men’s Club

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“My show is about a certain type of manosphere masculinity and I think the key has been trying to understand where it comes from rather than just dismissing it as dumb.”

WHO: Jake Baker

WHAT: “Masculinity is in crisis! Alpha Dogs and Macho Maniacs dominate the conversation. But is there another way? Can feminism work for men? What are the benefits of the sit-down-wee? Join hilariously funny, critically acclaimed, all-round good egg Jake Baker (recipient of the Fringe Monkey Talent Award 2025) as he explores a more gentle approach to being a chap. ‘Thoughtful and very funny!’ (List). ‘Quietly impressive; a talent that shouldn’t be overlooked’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Endearingly offbeat’ **** (TheEdinburghReporter.co.uk). ‘Consistent laughter throughout, an easy manner at the mic belies the cleverness of the writing’ (Scotsman).”

WHERE: Hoot 4 at Hoots @ The Apex (Venue 108) 

WHEN: 13:15 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I first came to The Fringe in 2013, bright-eyed and hopelessly naive. I split a show with another comedian on the Free Fringe and I think we found the whole thing so overwhelming we barely saw any shows or even talked to anybody but each other. With repeat exposure, however, you get used to the chaos.

I’ve been back almost every year since and I love it! It’s the best thing I do all year, I love working on a show, honing it, tinkering, editing, getting it just right until its something I’m really proud of and I can’t wait for people to see it.

And hundreds of other artists do the same, so there is so much to see.

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

I think I have really grown as a performer and writer putting this show together over the last year or so. I’m trying to tackle quite a divisive topic that isn’t obviously hilarious, so finding ways to get the laughs has been a fun challenge. My show is about a certain type of manosphere masculinity and I think the key has been trying to understand where it comes from rather than just dismissing it as dumb. It would be easy to just say “look at these stupid meatheads” but I believe I thread the needle and find comedy with some compassion for their misguided rhetoric and an offer of another, more gentle way to be a chap.

Tell us about your show.

I’ve been working on this show for about 18 months. First doing it as a ‘Work In Progress’ show at last year’s Fringe and then taking it to a number of other festivals up and down the country. I’ve had to trial a lot of material and making sure it’s all really funny because with a topic like online misogyny and modern masculinity, this show could be a little dry. But it’s really important to me it’s very funny.

In February I started meeting with a director, David Hardcastle (he directed Sam Nicoresti’s award-winning show ‘Baby Doomer’ last year) and that has been incredibly helpful. He has a great eye for structure and theme but, most importantly, he is adamant that the show should be funny from start to finish. It doesn’t matter how worthy your material is — it’s a comedy show, and you gotta make ’em laugh.

More recently I have been working with Ignacio Lopez and his production company, Comedy Sheep, to get all the graphic design and promotion together.

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

I also host a late-night show with my friends Steffan Alun and Cerys Bradley called ‘Comedians Play Video Games’. It’s a sort of improvised game show where we get other comics to play games like Mario Kart and Smash Bros, as well as getting the audience involved for speed run challenges and head to head competitions. It’s anarchic and silly and really really fun.

Steff is also doing a solo show at Hoots Apex called ‘Windows’ at 18:15 and Cerys is doing a show about road signs at Nicolson Square Gardens at 12:40.

Other shows I would recommend are Dr. Benji Waterhouse’s Madsplaining, a comedy show about his experience as an NHS psychiatrist.

Also, Eric’s Tales of the Sea – A Submariner’s Yarn. A funny, heartwarming storytelling show about working on a nuclear sub.

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EdFringe Talk: I REGRET THIS ALREADY

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“The show is stand-up comedy yet it also discusses, depression, dementia and how we need to talk more.”

WHO: Bennett Arron

WHAT: “You know what it’s like when everything’s going well? Bennett doesn’t. He was in the Top Ten Jokes of The Fringe and he’s BAFTA shortlisted, yet life still laughs at him. Book early to enjoy disappointment. ‘One of the best’ (Guardian). ‘Genuinely original and funny’ (Times). ‘Had the room creased up’ **** (Scotsman).”

WHERE: Hoot 4 at Hoots @ The Apex (Venue 108) 

WHEN: 15:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 9th time at the festival. The first time was in 1997 when I was the joint runner-up with Peter Kay in the BBC New Comedy Awards. Not sure whatever happened to him…. I then went back in 1999 as part of the Screaming Blue Murder compilation show. The 1990s were an incredibly exciting time at the Fringe. It was when the Perrier Awards was at its peak. Some of the winners that decade were Sean Hughes, Frank Skinner, Jenny Eclair, Dylan Moran, Lee Evans, Al Murray and The League Of Gentlemen. Not a bad line up. And that’s what makes the festival so great, within four weeks you can go from being an unknown jobbing comedian to a household name. 

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

I performed I REGRET THIS ALREADY last year and it played to full houses and had the best reviews I’ve ever had. I’ve been touring it ever since. I am now bringing it back for two weeks. The show is stand-up comedy yet it also discusses, depression, dementia and how we need to talk more. The response from the audiences has been incredible. People not only laugh but also really relate to the subject matter which is so rewarding.

Tell us about your show.

This is my sixth solo show. I always write, direct and produce them myself as I don’t trust anyone else. Although at times I don’t trust myself either to be honest. Following the festival I have a few tour dates booked in and I am also performing the show as a talk for companies and at conferences.

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

Ignacio Lopez – very very funny Welsh/Spanish comedian who deserves all the success he’s having.

2 Truths 1 lie – a brilliant game show which I love being a part of or just watching

Jojo Sutherland – very clever and experienced Scottish comedian who’s always a pleasure to watch.

Steffan Alun – another funny Welshman – I’m not biased honestly. But he really is worth seeing. Great jokes and lovely stories.

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EdFringe Talk: Dan Bastianelli: The Boy Who Drew Doors

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“While I love regular comedy style magic, I came to learn that I enjoy writing more of the dramatic and theatrical style of thing.”

WHO: Dan Bastianelli

WHAT: “Have you ever wondered where your imagination could take you? A boy draws doors on a blank chalkboard, soon discovering they lead to worlds beyond imagination. Each new adventure sparks wonder, reveals the impossible, and transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Edinburgh magician Dan Bastianelli combines storytelling with masterful sleight of hand to guide audiences on a journey of discovery and astonishment, creating a magical experience that reminds us that anything is possible when we open the door to the unknown. ‘Incredible range of magical talent’ (WorldMagicReview.com). ‘Highly skilled magician’ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com).”

WHERE: Haldane Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 17:15 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my sixth show at the Edinburgh Fringe. I started on the PBH Free Fringe when I was 18 years old and continue to love it more and more each year. I am from Edinburgh (well, near it) and so I have always immersed myself as an audience member as well as a performer. I think it is the most amazing month of the year, where people come together and share memories together in an often weird and wonderful environment that is so different from the rest of life.

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

This year for me has been a bit of a change in the way I am approaching my shows and writing. While I love regular comedy style magic, I came to learn that I enjoy writing more of the dramatic and theatrical style of thing. I think the best and most natural reaction to seeing something truly magic would be a gasp or even stunned silence, rather than a laugh and a round of applause. So I am trying my best to lean into that as much as possible now.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote this show with a goal in mind – tell the audience a story and the magic will happen as a result of that story. So I have written ‘The Boy Who Drew Doors’ by initially making it a spoken word play, and then added the magic in to suit that, and hopefully in telling the story, strange and interesting things might happen to me and the audience throughout the night… I am super excited to show it to people as it is a real labour of love, and while the magic in it is still very strong, it is so much more than another magic show.

I am premiering the show in Glasgow in July, then doing the Fringe with it and hopefully after that I will be taking it elsewhere around the country.

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

I naturally gravitate towards magic shows, because that’s what I know… from those, I would say ‘Elliot Bibby: Adbracadada’ will be really fun, and for a free fringe one ‘Dave Reubens – Magic Survival Guide’. For a non-magic show, I always love sending people to ‘Mythos: Ragnarök’ cause I just love it. Who wouldn’t love Nordic mythology told through the art of professional wrestling?

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EdFringe Talk: Adele Cliff’s Topical Early Late Show With Adele Cliff

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“I keep coming back because every festival I have left at least one treasured possession behind, and I return in hopes of locating it.”

WHO: Adele Cliff

WHAT: “Do you like American late night shows, but you aren’t American? This show is the solution! Behold, Edinburgh’s first American late-night style topical comedy extravaganza. Expect stand-up, analysis, guests and games. Award-winning stand-up and topical writer (Breaking the News and The News Quiz), Adele Cliff is joined by house band, Katie Pritchard, and reporter, Will Davies. A brand-new show written fresh everyday. Praise for Adele: ‘Master of comedy’ ***** (TheatreMatters.com.au). Praise for Katie: ‘Creative, unique and hilarious’ ***** (ThePhoenixRemix.com). Praise for Will: ‘Deeply funny’ **** (Young-Perspective.net).”

WHERE: The Big Yurt at Hoots @ Potterrow (Venue 243) 

WHEN: 19:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It isn’t. It’s actually number 12. I think this is the year I get given the key to the city, or maybe a large box of eggs. What’s the 12th anniversary gift?

I keep coming back because every festival I have left at least one treasured possession behind, and I return in hopes of locating it. Alas my possessions continue to be spirited away by the power of Edinburgh and its ghosts.

The festival is special because of all the dreams that are brought to it, they give it a mystical aura. Also the comedy is good.

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

You have got to shut the first door of the airlock fully before you open the second door. I miss my cat.

Tell us about your show.

The show is topical so I can currently only speculate as to the great events and characters that will feature most often, for now the star shall simply be known as news!

I’m writing and performing the show along with the aggressively talented Will Davies and Katie Pritchard. Two straight up 10s that deserve every award going, and also a gentle pat on the head everyday for being so good.

I was alone in my summoning room, contemplating how to make the most fantastic topical show in the world and they both appeared, we decided we should work together and be best friends forever.

Everyday we will sit down with the newspapers (or possibly the online newspapers they have these days) we will try and process the news and churn it out into a hilarious sausage roll of content.

After the fringe we could go anywhere and I hope we will. I’m hopeful that news will continue to happen, so our show can too.

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

After the show would be a great time to get food, it’ll be 8.20pm and the nearby food spots at that point are El Falafel (for falafel!) and the sausage truck on the corner of George Square (they have an incredible sausage to bun ratio, very long, very impressive).

Once the hunger is sated then there’s so many other good shows. I’m excited to see
Sarah Hester Ross, Alexander Bennett, Nish Kumar, Fatiha El-Ghorri and John-Luke Roberts both at their shows and in the streets!

Also Katie Pritchard and Will Davies they both have brilliant solo shows too!

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EdFringe Talk: Every Single Sound in the World

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“At heart, I am simply a comedy & theatre nerd, so Edinburgh Fringe is truly my favourite place in the world.”

WHO: Natalie Patuzzo

WHAT: “An alien arrives on Earth with a simple task: collect every single sound on the planet. Please help her! She can’t go home until she’s collected them all. In this hilarious, interactive show, Natalie Patuzzo uses voice, objects and audience interaction to construct (and dismantle) a world, one sound at a time. Described as an endearing yet wickedly funny physical performer, Natalie Patuzzo’s debut solo clown show is chaotic, playful and full of sounds you may have heard before and may never want to hear again.”

WHERE: Ivy Studio at Greenside @ George Street (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 15:10 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes and no! I’ve experienced the festival as a punter (2018) and as a director & producer (2025), but this is my first festival as a performer!

I’m excited to be bringing last year’s show (Nuns of Fury!) back alongside my solo debut because I’m essentially bringing a little community up with me. It’ll be so helpful to have my friends from NOF to lean on and share my experiences with. Last year was so much fun, and we became so much closer as a collective through the experience.

I’m also determined to find time to watch other shows too! At heart, I am simply a comedy & theatre nerd, so Edinburgh Fringe is truly my favourite place in the world. I find it so inspiring to watch work from all genres and around the world. Plus, as someone not based in London, it’s the perfect time to connect with my clown community (although our community is growing in the North too!)

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

My biggest lesson has been not to be too independent (ironic given I’m performing a solo show). This applies to producing the show, but I’ve found this to be especially true in its creation. I quickly realised that I had so much self-doubt when I tried to create work in a room by myself, with nobody to laugh at me. I found myself cutting things that could have worked, or not even trying things in the first place because I started overthinking!

Putting on a show is so much work, and people WANT TO HELP! It’s something I have to keep reminding myself, and my show has been x1000 better thanks to the help of those around me.

Tell us about your show.

Every Single Sound In The World is a devised solo clown show. This means there is no script, and in fact, a lot of the show is improvised. Depending on how the audience responds, the show can change a lot from day to day.

I am the primary creator, but as mentioned, I’ve had help from people inside and outside of the rehearsal room. But a huge shout-out goes to Emily Spiers and Ali-Wilson Goldsmith, both of whom were a large part of the creation process and helped me make the show what it is today.

I met Emily in Manchester 4 years ago when I moved into a 3-bed flat, sharing with strangers from spareroom.com . We quickly realised we had a lot in common, including both being theatre makers, and we’ve been best friends who work together on our shows ever since.

Ali and I met at a week-long workshop in London led by the phenomenal Carlo Jacucci. We reunited at Edinburgh Fringe last year and agreed to play around in a rehearsal room together. The two of us then went between Manchester and London, testing things out, developing a sketch together and eventually working on my solo show!

I’ve loved working with them both and think they both very much deserve your attention.

It’s also co-produced by Chronic Insanity Productions, who have another fantastic show at Edinburgh Fringe! If you’re interested in immersive and/or digital theatre, you should absolutely check them out. They’re bringing an amazing gig theatre show called Horrorshow to Summerhall in the last week of the festival.

Every Single Sound In The World premiered at Brighton Fringe (and was nominated for the Outstanding Neurodiverse Performance Award). It has also had it’s London premier and at the time of writing this response is imminently about to have it’s Manchester premier as part of the festival.

After Edinburgh Fringe… you’ll have to keep an eye on my instagram and website to see what happens!

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

Lawrence Dodd: This Can’t Be It
I saw this show at Brighton Fringe back in May and can guarantee you will be crying with laughter – Loz is an expert in hilarious impulsivity.

Tess O’Shea: House Fly
In this clown show, Tess plays a housefly, and from what I can tell from their socials, it looks absolutely ridiculous (in the best way possible).

Mr Boy: The Beauty Contest for Boys by Max Prentice
I’m really intrigued by the concept of a one-man beauty contest where the audience picks the winner, and I’m excited to see what they do with it.

Zoe Cousin: Paul Sykes Is Back on the Family Patch
Zoe is one of my favourite character comedians, so if you’re into characters, her show should absolutely be on your list.

Francisco De Nata
If you ever wanted to see a giraffe in a g-string, this is the show for you! Keaton and I were at Gaulier together, and I can confirm he was hilarious there and has only gone from strength to strength since.

Eryn Tett: Tasting Menu
Another great concept! If the early snippets I’ve seen are anything to go by, this show is not one to miss.

And of course, if we’re talking about the big dogs, you must also see…

Garry Starr: Classic Penguins
A firm fringe favourite, nobody has made me laugh harder than Garry Starr – get your tickets now because he does sell out!

Police Cops: The Original
Another Ed Fringe classic – this physical comedy spoof of 70s cop movies is simply one of the funniest shows you’ll ever see.

Viggo Venn: Only One
He’s back, but this time without the vest! I’m excited to see what this next era of Viggo will be.

Elf Lyons is The Woman on the Edge
Elf is another titan of the current clown scene, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about her latest show!

Stamptown
This is the show I always tell friends to see; it’s pacey, there’s a million jokes a minute, and you’ll probably see some fire and nudity.

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EdFringe Talk: The Rise and Fall of a Mormon Homecoming Princess

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“This came together by sheer organza willpower and divine intervention that is still in question until I see how it turns out.”

WHO: Meghan Bean

WHAT: “The most iconic 30-year-old virgin to rise since… (Chris? Was it?) Confessions of a biblically accurate Victoria’s Secret angel. The most popular Meghan, former Duchess of Success, loses her title and gains her voice.”

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

WHEN: Varies (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I am so excited for my Edinburgh debut, I am a total Fringe virgin to put it thematically! I am so thrilled to see what I’ve been missing; just skimming through shows it seems like such a crazy catalogue of creativity. I can’t believe there are so many minds like mine, and I’m excited for my wonderful but incredibly linear parents to get a taste of fish out of water for once!

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

The biggest things are nearly contradictory in a way, which is you can never start to soon, but also take your time with it. But also get a move on!!! I think I’ll have a clearer take on my lessons after the run.

Tell us about your show.

My show, The Rise & Fall of a Mormon Homecoming Princess is written and produced by who but the Mormon Homecoming Princess herself, Meghan Bean–that would be me! This came together by sheer organza willpower and divine intervention that is still in question until I see how it turns out. It has been workshopped all over the States, but Edinburgh will be its official stage debut.

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

I’m especially excited for Simone McAlonen’s Wild Wild Christian — as a fellow post-religious-comedy lassie, I love seeing people turn church baggage into something creative, layered, and funny. I’d also tell audiences to follow their curiosity after my show: go find the acts talking about faith, girlhood, family myths, and identity with teeth.

Gareth Vile’s “Daddy Issues” also sounded super raw and interesting, for many related reasons.

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