Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Moving On… Really, Really Slowly

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“Where else would you be able to see an entire show on legs or an entire show on limes which later involved resurrecting a lime after the lime broke as a Frankenlime’s monster.”

WHO: Stephen Catling

WHAT: “How do you recover from heartbreak or loss when you are an autistic depressed little slug? This triple-A comic (Alternative, Autistic and Award-winning (Keep It Fringe 2023)) reflects on this conundrum like the irredeemable clown that he is. Nominated for the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality and the Actually Autistic Excellence Award, who knows what this horrid gastropod has in store (possibly an exorcism on himself?). ‘A delectable, messy and wild amuse-bouche of zany absurdist comedy’ ***** (@TheCrumb_Reviews). ‘His absurdist performance is a joy and a masterclass in play’ **** (NeurodiverseReview.co.uk).”

WHERE: The Attic at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House (Venue 170) 

WHEN: 19:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have been performing at the festival for many years and attended longer but this is my second full run at the fringe. The Edinburgh fringe is perhaps one of the most marvellous festivals in both the country and the world. In many parts of the circuit outside of the festivals promoters want what is safe but safe is not always the most interesting, unique or funniest. For example where else would you be able to see an entire show on legs or an entire show on limes which later involved resurrecting a lime after the lime broke as a Frankenlime’s monster.

As a punter the festival is a smorgasbord of delights filled to the brim with much creativity and excellence, some will will be highly refined and excellent while some with be rough around the edges, messy (literally or metaphorically) and all the more memorable for it.

As a comic performing it is a chance to see so many of my friends that I love dearly as lived in Scotland, the north of England and London at various stages of my life and comedy career so seeing peers i do not seen often is a delight, I might be saying hello to another friend every few minutes I am walking around the streets of Edinburgh and I meet many other new and wonderful people and make even more friends as my friends introduce me to friends i have not had the pleasure of meeting and vice versa.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

That your partner breaking up with you does not mean have to mean they no longer care for you or that they cannot be your friend. This is an important lesson I learnt from this year and while it really has meant I have had to make alterations to the show, I say knowing she still wants the best for me does fill me with hope for future relationships as well as our present.

The other lesson I am learning is sometimes you can offer people something really amazing but they won’t appreciate what you are offering them and that is their loss not yours. Just show appreciation if they have acknowledged you and walk away to someone who will value your work. No point wasting time and energy on those who won’t give you the time of day.

It’s ok to ask and enquire you might get an opportunity to really shine further down the road. I am also really beginning to understand a lesson that a mentor taught me that audiences enjoy things differently and that is ok, for example I have had reviewers loved my shows even when I thought they absolutely hated it (some people are really just hard to read).

Tell us about your show.

Moving on…really really slowly (which originally i was going to call slugs , depression and demonic possession) is a absurdist take on mental health ,depression and heartbreak. I wrote a joke on social media about since my last show ended with me getting water-boarded with honey (a process I affectionally call bee-kake), would it not be funny if i started the new show crawling onto the stage as a slug ?

Many of my peers agreed this was funny so i thought what does a slug best represent ? the answer is the slow and painful process of healing from loss which I had quite the significant inspiration as I was dumped by an ex-fiancé in a particularly unpleasant way. In contrast my more recent ex-partner while did split up with me, she chose to be kind and still caring in the way she did it and this show will explore these relationships.

The show will also feature many of weird and wonderful things including an exorcism of sorts , a man with owls for hands as well as commentary of autism and mental health and relationships.

I have taken the show to many festivals before fringe including Leicester, Brighton Fringe as well as having the honour of being part of the first ever Derby comedy festival and Rik Mayall comedy festivals.

My director Phil Green ( @philgreencomedy) agrees that this show has potential to even surpass beehavioural problems something something autism (my 2023 show) which considering that show got me the keep it fringe award (thankyou @phoebewallerbr1), a recommendation of from @BritishComedy , and nominations for awards for @NDSreview and the malcom hardee award for originality is saying something.

Once I have done with fringe I have no concrete plans beyond doing @NottsComedyFest, however I would like it to go to some cities it has not visited and perhaps with some luck at soho theatre.

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

Su Mi: THISMOTHERPHUCKER- go see her and here is why, Su like myself is a fellow alternative comedian who like how I wish to break the mold with autism stereotypes she wishes to do the same for Queer, Female Asian comics.

She is a incredibly wacky comedian and has many strings on her bow except it is a guitar (she is also a musician and a great musical comic on top of a drag-king and stand-up). @sumicomedy

Phil Green: A Broken Man’s Guide to Fixing Others- the man is not my director for nothing , Phil has made many great shows that features fantastic story telling and joke-writing being able to balance topics such as mental health and witty analysis on life.

Ellen Turnill Montoya is Mr Handsome- an entire show where the comic’s character is a human sized hand, if this is not enough for me to convince you the show is also being produced by my lovely friend Charlie Miller and directed my the grandmasters of weirdos comedy Adam Larter who has produced and made many great shows himself. @weirdoscomedy

Lachlan Werner: WonderTwunk- I saw there last show and it was fantastic, he is an excellent ventriloquist and clown with a brilliant imagination and his charm is only surpassed by his range as performer and is truly a one man variety show. @LachyWerner

Andrew O’Neill: Escape & Andrew O’Neill’s History of Punk- a personal hero of mine and an excellent performer, I saw their Escape show at Leicester and it was fantastic as well as touching (I spoil it no more than that). Now I have not seen their history of punk but if it is anything like their history of metal it will be a absolute riot. @destructo9000

Joe Kent-walters- A comic genius and a beautiful madman, a true master of being able to play with the audience , he one the newcomer award last year and was named as a rising star to see by rolling stone and when you see him you will understand why. @joekentwalters

Biscuit Barrel: The 69-Sketch Show – fast paced, laughs a minute , high energy sketch show, i don’t if it was exactly 69 sketches as i lost track due to laughter. @barrel_biscuit

Nate Kitch: Something Different!!!!!A fellow comic who is after my own heart with his ripping of the rulebook of comedy and pushing the envelope of what a comedy show can be.@natekitch

Holly Spillar: Tall Child -an ethereal singing voice that captures many emotions. She captures madness, she captures joy ,you will laugh , you will cry and you will cry with laughter.@HollyJoySpills

And if you are still stuck for choice or want to find more shows The alternative comedy memorial society @AltComMemSoc has a variety of acts of all sorts of comedy genres on their nights with their own brochure of recommended acts on their site.

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EdFringe Talk: Fake

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“I’ve performed all over the world but there truly isn’t any place like Edinburgh during August.”

WHO: Chris Cook

WHAT: “It’s pretty, but is it art? Magician and storyteller Chris Cook weaves a true tale of deception through the lives of an artist, an art forger and a magician. Three men, centuries apart, connected by illusion. A story only a magician could tell about beauty, belief and the fine line between talent and trickery. ‘Chris Cook regularly tests the boundaries of what can be defined as a magic show’ (WorldMagicReview.com). ‘An absolute master of the stage’ (BroadwayBaby.com) ‘Not just clever sleight of hand and surprise effects… it’s also connections between people and occasionally poetry’ (Scotsman).”

WHERE: Speakeasy at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms (Venue 68b) 

WHEN: 18:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Incredibly, this will actually be my 12th year at the fringe! I brought my first full show in 2014, which was a bittersweet love-story told through magic tricks. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked and brought a fresh storytelling show to the festival every year. I’ve performed all over the world but there truly isn’t any place like Edinburgh during August.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I think the biggest thing I’ve learned came on a clowning workshop I did with my hero Eric Davies of Red Bastard fame. That was simply that I have to fully give myself to a performance if I want it to feel as real as possible. This is a show that I’ve been working on for a decade now so I know that I’m truly committed to telling this story.

Tell us about your show.

This year’s show might just be the most ambitious thing I’ve created. Ultimately it serves to ask the question “What makes something art?” It’s a show about an art forger who created the perfect fake and how some of the worlds greatest artists may in fact be a hoax. Ultimately, it’s a story that can only be told by someone with decades of experience of fakery and fooling people… ie a magician. It’s inspired by some of the final works of Orson Welles, along with the forgeries of David Henty and real-life experiences from the world of magic. The show is presented by Snap The Arrow Productions and was written by myself with creative support from my long term collaborator Rhys Williamson. Technical design is by the incredible Michelle Robb, who has worked on many of my shows in the past. It’s a joy to be able to work with such a brilliant team and I’m really proud of what we’ve created.

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

First up, go and see La Clique because it’s an absolute institution. It’s a ragtag bunch of ever-changing circus performers who create a divinely sexy freakshow of joy. I first saw it in 2014 and it completely changed my life. I remember watching it and just thinking “I don’t think I’m ever going to have a normal job…” This years lineup is absolutely outstanding, with special shout outs to the devilishly captivating Heather Holliday and the raucously brilliant Tara Boom. I’d also recommend trying to see Mark Forward. He’s a wonderfully energetic and abrasive Canadian comedian who you can’t help but fall under his spell. I believe his last show in Edinburgh was in 2017 so I’m really excited to have him back to the fringe. His shows seem to merge utter absurdity with genuine heartfelt realism, all the while showing an almost resentment of the audience that ends up being incredibly endearing. Don’t miss it!

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EdFringe Talk: Bryan Safi: Are You Mad at Me??

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“I did test runs in New York and LA, and what became clear is that no matter how “done” you think it is, it keeps shifting.”

WHO: Bryan Safi

WHAT: “Emmy-winner Bryan Safi (star of ABC’s 9-1-1, Netflix’s You, Attitudes!) brings his distinctive voice to this solo comedy spiral all about queerness, confidence and the art of being unapologetically too much. A beloved comedian, podcaster and performer, Safi dives deep into big laughs, big feelings, terrible flirting and one aggressively horny apartment that might just steal the show. It’s a hilarious and heartfelt journey from one of comedy’s sharpest voices. After sold-out shows in LA and NYC, the spiral continues. If you’ve ever felt like “a lot”, this one’s for you.”

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

WHEN: 17:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my first time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, which means I’m totally excited and also mildly panicking. I’ve wanted to bring a show here forever, and I finally feel like I’ve got the right one. Everyone says the Fringe is wild in ways you can’t really prepare for, which honestly sounds perfect. I’m looking forward to doing the show every night, getting that immediate response from totally new audiences, seeing a ton of other work, meeting artists, and just diving into the full madness of it all. I can’t wait.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Honestly, the biggest thing I’ve learned is that these shows are living, breathing things. I did test runs in New York and LA, and what became clear is that no matter how “done” you think it is, it keeps shifting. I’ve watched the show back more times than is emotionally healthy, and I’m constantly refining and finding new ways to surprise myself (and hopefully the audience). So yes, I’ve learned lessons. Have I absorbed them? To be determined. But I’m definitely chasing the best version of the show I can make.

Tell us about your show.

The show’s called Are You Mad At Me??, and yes, it’s a question I ask constantly. I’m sure a lot of people do. It’s a solo comedy hour with a mix of storytelling, stand-up, character work, and full-blown spirals. I wrote it myself, which is probably obvious once you see it (because who else would include Paula Abdul and an epic broccolini takedown in one show). I’m bringing it to Edinburgh for its official international debut, and then I’m hoping to take it on the road a bit through the UK, then back to the States.

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

After you see Are You Mad At Me??, I highly recommend checking out some of my brilliant and hilarious friends. Gearóid Farrelly is one of the funniest people period so go see his stand-up hour. Cat Cohen’s Broad Strokes is top of the list too. No one does cabaret as brilliantly as she does. Eden Sher’s I Was on a Sitcom is a fabulous ride. And Natalie Palamides wrote and directed Spiegelworld, which looks very exciting – anything she touches is fearless, innovative and hilarious. These are all artists I love and admire, and their shows are not to be missed.

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EdFringe Talk: Liz Guterbock: Nice

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“I took the year off in 2024 and I learned that it’s okay to have a year off!”

WHO: Liz Guterbock

WHAT: “Toxic positivity? Yes please! American-born Brit comedian Liz Guterbock (Guardian and Dave Joke of the Fringe Top 10s) remains f*cking nice despite the world increasingly being run by bullies. With everything going on right now, Liz would swear more, but she’s not even sure she’d do it in the right accent. Americans say she sounds British. Brits say she sounds American. Liz thinks she might just sound like a jackass – but come and judge for yourself. She’ll be nice. Promise… ‘Emanates sweetness with added LA charm’ **** (FunnyWomen.com).”

WHERE: Southsider at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Southsider (Venue 148) 

WHEN: 19:00 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 5th time doing the Fringe, and I’m so excited to come back. The nicest part is it’ll feel even more like a homecoming because I’ll be doing my show at Southsider with PBH’s Free Fringe, which is where I did my first ever split bill of stand-up comedy with my buddy Louise Bastock back in 2018. The Fringe is such a special event because whatever kind of show you’re into, it’s going to be there. There really is something for everyone. As a performer, it’s all too easy to just get laser focused on performing my show every day. However, it’s my goal this year to see a lot more shows than I have in past years. There are so many incredible people in town all at once – might as well try to see as many of them as I can!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I took the year off in 2024 and I learned that it’s okay to have a year off! I also learned a lot from previous Fringes – mostly I’ve learned that even if City Restaurant does amazing gluten free fish and chips, that doesn’t mean you should have it every day. But I’ve also learned that the best thing to do at the Fringe is to focus your energy on the people who are coming to your shows, whether that’s one person or 40 people. I think I’ve absorbed both those lessons – I don’t eat fish and chips every day, and I’ve done previews to as few as two people in the run up to the Fringe…and it was a lot of fun!

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show all by myself like a big grown up and I’m very excited to share it. Ingenious Fools are producing it – I’ve always self-produced in the past, so it feels special (and incredibly helpful) to have a professional production company behind me this time. This is a premier for the show up in Edinburgh. After the Fringe I’d like to do a little tour of the UK with it, but I’ve got to think about this year’s Edinburgh first! Then grand plans can be hatched!

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

See Nick Everrett – he’s one of the funniest men I know. His style is unique, and his writing is skilful, not to mention he’s got incredible improv chops. He’s always surprising – check him out.

Desiree Burch – she’s a total powerhouse and I’m so excited she’s back at the Fringe. Desiree is wise, witty and unflinchingly honest. A breath of fresh air and I can’t wait to see her new show.

Ball and Boe – John Kearns and Adam Riches are bringing their brilliant show Ball and Boe up to the Fringe, about Alfie Boe and Michael Ball, and it’s one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in a long time. They’re charming, ridiculous, and crucially, can sing. And this version of the show is Christmas themed – what’s not to like?

Heidi Regan – Heidi is intelligent, silly, and just plain fun. Her new show is called Jekyll and Heidi – I’m laughing already and I haven’t even been to the show. Imagine what it’ll be like AT the show! Go see her!

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EdFringe Talk: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

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“I only hope that the rising costs can be brought under control so that artists from all backgrounds are able to take part. That vision must be protected. Please don’t let it be an event for rich kids only.”

WHO: Adam Meggido

WHAT: “The Olivier Award–winning West End hit is back! It’s opening night for the hottest new musical in town… every night! There’s just one problem – the writer hasn’t written a note and needs your help… See your suggestions turned into a brand new musical ‘the funniest improv on the Fringe’ (BroadwayBaby.com). Now in their 16th year, your Edinburgh experience is incomplete without it! ‘So polished, it defies belief’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘This festival mainstay is a consistent audience favorite for a reason’ ***** (Playbill.com). ‘Achingly funny… worth seeing again and again’ ***** (Time Out).”

WHERE: Grand at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 17:20 (70 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 21st Fringe. I first came with the National Youth Music Theatre in 1986! I remember being thrilled by the sheer scale of the festival and that hasn’t changed. Every year I marvel at the range of extraordinary acts, plays, events, storytellers, dancers, musicians, and artists of all kinds. The boundaries between us all come down – we are all punters, artists, producers, all making art and watching others do the same. I am still hugely enthusiastic about the festival. I only hope that the rising costs can be brought under control so that artists from all backgrounds are able to take part. That vision must be protected. Please don’t let it be an event for rich kids only.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Don’t worry so much. Enjoy each moment. I have also learned a great deal about the effect I have on other people. I won’t share that here, but suffice to say I’m working on it 🙂

Tell us about your show.

It’s a musical – but everything is made up on the spot. Nothing is prepared in advance. And we’ve been doing it since 2008! Back then, a few of us were working with Ken Campbell, the inspirational theatre maverick, improvising at the Royal Court and Shakespeare’s Globe. It was a blast! Ken always enjoyed it when some of us sang, so we got used to improvising songs and ‘moments from a musical’ and it always seemed to go down well.

One day I sat down with Dylan Emery (who at that point was playing the keyboard for us) and we discussed doing a whole musical – entirely improvised. There were other improv musical shows in the world, but I had never seen anyone do something that looked and felt like a real musical, so that’s what we aspired to. We were lucky that audiences were prepared to come on that journey with us.

Now it’s played all over the world and runs in London’s West End. I think we will continue to tour, play the West End, and play the Fringe, for as long as people want to watch us. I enjoy the show now more than I’ve ever enjoyed it. It’s endlessly fascinating and we are constantly working to improve it. The novelty is yet to wear off and I love doing something different every night.

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

Literally anything. That’s the joy of the Fringe. You can have everything! Something similar, something contrasting… whatever you fancy. Personally, I love to go and see dance at the Fringe. Or clowning from overseas. I’m always keen to see something I can’t see when home in London. Something that will inspire me and make me think differently.

Two shows specifically are Susan Harrison’s ‘Should I Still Be Doing This?’ – Susan has been to the Fringe many times as a performer in Showstopper! and is now bringing a new character comedy show to the festival. I also think people should see Nina Conti’s show ‘Whose Face Is It Anyway?’.

But I love to hear people talking about our show as they exit – they can’t believe it’s improvised. Sometimes they don’t believe it’s improvised. (It is, but we take that as a great compliment.)

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EdFringe Talk: Narin Oz: Inner Child(ish)

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“I have stopped believing in time and birthdays.”

WHO: Narin Ozenci

WHAT: “Narin Oz is not good at real life. Simple things neurotypical people are great at: being indirect, insensitive to stimuli, compulsively socialising and talking without purpose. So she has decided to fix the problem by avoiding reality altogether: hiding inside her imagination. Isn’t this what everyone does in their 40s? Unluckily, her now only friend is an inflatable emoji named Dr Fecal Matter. A bit like Wilson ball from Cast Away but a budget version. Will she be able to face her inner child and find joy in reality? Or draw all over it in crayon.”

WHERE: Just the Attic at Just the Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 16:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 7th time as both the performer and punter. As a performer you get to perform there everyday and meet other creatives if you want to. The other option is to perform connect with your audience and meet with the locals plus see the nature. Or you can do both options. I tend to find the experience very intense and overwhelming so I take my time and rest in the local parks when I need to. This year I will be going to Arthurs Seat and visiting the beach. I have really become quite a nature creature. Once rested I will be indulging in many fantastic shows of the alternative kind from unheard performers. If you keep your nose and ears open you can find alot of alternative unique shows that can expand your mind and that is exactly what the heart and soul of the Edinburgh Festival is about.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I am not understanding this question but from this stand point I have stopped believing in time and birthdays. Unless I have to go for a work thing then I have to buy into it. The time nonsense. I think when someone appears in our reality grow into our peak and then we gently rot away back into the ground where the tree ingests our flesh for its nutrients. Then when it exhales oxygen for us all to breath, we are actually breathing in one of our deceased relatives. This is true go research this or if you like audiobooks listen to The Circle Of Life by Elton John.

Tell us about your show.

Narin Oz: Inner Child(ish) is a clown comedy show about how I reclaimed my self worth by reenacting scenes from The Cast Away Movie. If you ever felt like your own brain is pranking you everyday this show is for you. Ive tried every self help YouTube video there is and only Cast Away has sorted me out. It stars Narin Oz and her inanimate costars: balloons and an inflatable poop emoji called Budget Wilson. If you haven’t seen the movie Cast Away starring Tom Hanks dont worry about it because this show will tell you everything you need to know. Hopefully this will inspire people to also reenact their own favourite movie instead of paying lots of money on self help workshops or some hippy retreat. So if you felt like you have wasted time on people who did not value you, come watch this show and take charge of wasting time on your own terms. This show is relaxed performance for the whole run designed for the neurodivergent so a trigger warning for any neurotypicals that may attend: There will be nothing indirect, vague or ambiguous in this show so if you’re going to have a melt down about this take it outside no one wants to see it!

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

If you want to see more shows without set up punchline go watch Cheekykita’s Batshit! Cheeky Quita changed my life and got me into clown performance. She is bold, funny and ridiculous. She writes her own stuff and creates her own music. If you love alternative comedy and love belly laughs check her out and just like mine it will be difficult to know why as there aren’t any punchlines!!!!

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EdFringe Talk: I Regret This Already

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“The show is about all the regrets I have, including; upsetting Sir Anthony Hopkins, my mother’s suicide attempt and telling a girl on a first date that I loved her.”

WHO: Bennett Arron

WHAT: “You know what it’s like when everything’s going well? Bennett doesn’t. He was in the Top 10 Jokes of the Fringe 2023 and he’s BAFTA shortlisted, yet life still laughs at him. Queue early to enjoy disappointment. ‘Genuinely original and funny’ (Times). ‘Had the room creased up’ **** (Scotsman).”

WHERE: 16:15 (Venue 276) 

WHEN: Liquid Room Studio at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Liquid Room (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No.

Oh, you’d like a bit more. Nosey. Well, this is my 6th solo show but my 8th time at the festival. The first time was for the BBC New Comedy Awards. In 1654. I was the runner-up with lesser-known comedian Peter Kay. The following year I was part of a compilation show for Screaming Blue Murder and then I did my first solo show IT WASN’T ME, IT WAS BENNETT ARRON, which led to a TV documentary HOW TO STEAL AN IDENTITY and a BAFTA nomination. My following show led to three Radio series. So here’s hoping that I REGRET THIS ALREADY does okay too……

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I was going to perform a show in 2024 but I was ill – which is the subject of half this show. It also ideals with dementia, depression and death, you know the usual comedy subjects. It is funny too, I promise. What I’ve learned is, take the bad things that have happened to you and turn them into something positive.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote, directed, produced and am performing in it. I’m too much of a control freak to have it any other way.

The show is about all the regrets I have, including; upsetting Sir Anthony Hopkins, my mother’s suicide attempt and telling a girl on a first date that I loved her.

I’ve had one preview at the time of writing this and it went well. There were tears and laughter. But that was mainly from me.

I am hoping to tour it around the whole world after the festival, and then to take it somewhere else the following year.

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

I have helped to write quite a few shows this year, over 25, but I won’t recommend those as that’s cheating.

So I recommend:

Ignacio Lopez – Welsh, Spanish, Funny…. what’s not to love?
Hal Cruttenden – a stalwart of the Fringe who works very hard to make a good show. He also mentioned me in his last show so it’s the least I can do.
Mary Bourke – acerbic, sarcastic, bitter and funny. The best concoction.
Richard Herring – his podcast is one of the best around and you can see a live recording of it.

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EdFringe Talk: Ada and Bron: The Origin of Love

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“The show wasn’t built through gigging, it was written entirely in a rehearsal room, so it exists in this totally unfiltered, mad bubble of what we both find funny.”

WHO: Ada & Bron

WHAT: “BAFTA-nominated newcomers Ada and Bron invite you to third wheel an unmissable hour of weirdo soulmates and ‘hilarious doomed romances’ (Chortle.co.uk). With debauchery, live music and cuckolding to the eleventh degree, The Origin of Love is a spectacle for lovers of the strange, stupid and sexy. A cursed couple’s character comedy from the creators of Channel 4’s Peaked. Music by Ed Lyness. As heard on BBC Radio 4’s Time of The Week and Funny Women Comedy Short winner (2021). ‘Beautifully tragicomic’ (Times). ‘Delightful oddballs’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Attic at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 23:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We’ve been to Fringe before but never with a full month show! Ada was Front of House at the Pleasance with one of those big lollipop sticks, herding crowds into venues. I (hello it’s Ada!) saw about 80 shows. It was MIND BLOWING. I’m so excited about this year. it’s going to be such a beautiful thing to have so many friends in one place. Everyone has made such brilliant work, and Fringe is such a wonderful way to celebrate that!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In 2024, we released a Channel 4 pilot called PEAKED, which was a huge learning curve – and this year it was nominated for a BAFTA and won a Broadcast Digital Award for Short Form (which was MAD!?) It’s a totally different tone to The Origin of Love (much more deadpan) so we were nervous about following it with something so much bigger, campier, and weirder.

For ages, we treated the live show like a passion project – something we loved, but weren’t sure what anyone else would think. But the response has been genuinely exciting, people have really gotten it, which has been wild and thrilling. We’ve learnt to be a lot more confident about putting it out there now. The show wasn’t built through gigging, it was written entirely in a rehearsal room, so it exists in this totally unfiltered, mad bubble of what we both find funny. Fingers crossed people stumble across it and love it as much as we do!

Tell us about your show.

We’re a real-life couple, our debut show The Origin of Love is a cursed couple character comedy about weirdo soulmates. It’s cartoonish and silly, but full of heartbreak and emotional carnage. We play 17 characters. All go on big, stupid emotional journeys, trying (and mostly failing) to find love.

The show started with improv and silly voices, but gradually, every character we created seemed to be stuck in some kind of doomed romance. It turns out all we write about is LOVE! So we decided to link them all under one big, messy theme – sort of inspired by Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. We set out to make something grand and epic… and also completely dumb.

It’s underscored by beautiful giant, Ed Lyness, who plays the piano throughout and makes everything feel HUGE.

We have a brilliant team behind the show but particular shout out to our amazing producer, Queenie Miller and, lead director, Jake Detenber. Also massive thanks to the wonderful Miranda Holms, John Luke Roberts, Joz Norris, Eleanna Amias, Christian Brighty, and Mikey Bligh Smith, who gave us such insightful feedback throughout! (It takes a village!)

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

There are so many: Lorna Rose Treen is hilarious, pure silly, Joz Norris is funny AND clever, Lachlan Werner is a STAR and VERY strong, Siblings are so much fun, Joe Kent Walters, Kathy Maniura, Alice Cockayne, Soft Play, Mr Cardboard, Ozzy Algar, Will Owen, Katie Norris, Luke Rollason, Christian Brighty, also one our favorites is not up there this year but worth saying, we love Ele Mckenzie and whatever show she makes next will be ELECTRIC.

Excited to see the play, Brainsluts, as well. Ahhh! The list is endless!

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EdFringe Talk: It Was Really Good to Know You

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2025 by

“Taking a nap every day was key to surviving last year, so I’ll definitely be doing that again.”

WHO: Sevrin Willinder

WHAT: “A solo silent clown show about a time traveler who needs the audience’s help to recover the defining moments of his life. “It Was Really Good to Know You” takes audiences through time and space, from the prehistoric period of the caveman to the disco era of the 70s. Featuring showdowns in the wild west and express mail deliveries across the galaxy, this engaging story invites audiences to embrace the unexpected and explore the beauty of human connection.”

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

WHEN: 22:20 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time going! Last year we took a show called Shakespeare Translate where we put all of Shakespeare through Google Translate 15x and then back to English and performed the garbled nonsense it gave us. We just performed the last week of the festival, but attended for a week before that, and we were blown away. Going to the festival had been a dream for a long time, and it really lived up to it. This festival is like heaven for theatre lovers. It’s a nonstop party and celebration of art in the best way possible! I’m so happy to be involved in any way at all. As an attendee all I wanted to do was go to as many shows as I could, and as a participant all I wanted to do was play with as many audiences as possible. I truly cannot wait to return this year, and for the whole month this time!!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’m much more mentally prepared to live off the Tesco Meal Deal than I was last year.

Taking a nap every day was key to surviving last year, so I’ll definitely be doing that again. At some point last year I had to accept that I couldn’t see every single show I wanted to, so I hope I can remember that immediately going in this time (otherwise I’m gonna be very exhausted for my own show).

I’m so glad we went last year for a short period of time to scope everything out because I feel infinitely more prepared this year. We got the venue and timeslot we wanted (Potterrow at 22:20), and we have a good momentum of support from a lot of amazing people who will be at the festival this year.

Tell us about your show.

It’s a solo silent clown show about a time traveling mailman. It’s heavily reliant on audience participation. Think of it as a “take your friend to work day” kind of vibe, and the mailman wants every audience member to be his friend. There is also live sound operation done by Melissa Ingle, my director and artistic partner, so it’s much more like a 2 person show disguised as a solo show. She and I created the whole piece from scratch using a lot of improvisation and weird devising techniques that she is a lot better at speaking on than I am. It was a lot of free association set to jazz and our favorite songs that slowly became a show that now makes a lot more sense than from when we first began.

She and I are producing it under the name Devon Loves ME! Productions, a company that came about from our need to create shows because we weren’t finding any opportunities that excited us. We did a few preview performances in NYC (we’re based in Brooklyn), and are planning on bringing it back here for a full run in the fall/winter. After that we’re looking at touring internationally — definitely Australia for at least Adelaide Fringe, and then hopefully we can meet the right people to get us to tour around Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, Antarctica, literally any and everywhere that will have us.

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

Can’t Find My Way Home (amazing, vulnerable storytelling show also from NYC!!)

Night of Drama (hilarious improvised clown with banana peel throwing from the audience. You’ll never love to watch someone fail to be a good actor more than this! I’ve done guest spots with them and it’s endlessly fun)

The Great Pistachio (we’re also producing this fun absurdist comedy about making art at the end of the world)

Mr Cardboard (these clowns are such a delight, and surprisingly sentimental as well for how ridiculous they are)

Dirty Work (Jess is the best high status clown of all time, and I’m so excited to see my friend KILLING IT this year)

Furiozo: Man Looking for Trouble (easily top 3 favorite shows of any kind that I’ve ever seen in my life, and a huge inspiration for this piece. Piotr is a master clown, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so taken care of as an audience member before)

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha (also easily in my top 3 favorite shows of any kind for pretty much all the same reasons as Furiozo. This show might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It made me laugh a lot, and cry a lot)

Readymades (I haven’t seen this yet, but Levi is an amazing performer, and a show about a urinal that walks away already has me hooked. Also the videos of the shadow puppetry I’ve seen have really blown me away).

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EdFringe Talk: Jess Carrivick: For Your Consideration

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2025 by

“Despite the unpredictable Fringe pendulum that swings in a different direction everyday, it’s a bubble I wish I could stay in forever.”

WHO: Jess Carrivick

WHAT: “A character comic ‘gearing up to conquer’ (Dawn French). In 2024, her WIP Attention Seeker was a ***** ‘masterclass’ (GetYourCoatsOn.com) at the Edinburgh Fringe. This BAFTA Rocliffe shortlist writer hosts the sell-out night Laugh Lines and is a Sketch Off 2025 finalist. Her debut solo hour, directed by Elf Lyons, takes you back to when stories were for family, not viral views. Inspired by her own home movies, Jess creates a universe of characters once meant for her living room. Each vignette is a cinematic tribute to her dressing-up box.”

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

WHEN: 13:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my 4th time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe BUT this will be my official debut comedy hour! Last year I workshopped a WIP character comedy show ‘Attention Seeker’, which received 5 Stars from GYCO. (Reviewer Chris Goulding automatically became my favourite person of 2024).

Being able to workshop something for a month, performing every day to people you don’t know, is what Edinburgh is all about. You get to try new things, fail and flourish in real time. Despite the unpredictable Fringe pendulum that swings in a different direction everyday, it’s a bubble I wish I could stay in forever.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Looking after yourself is your no.1 priority! In a solo show, you don’t have anyone to cover you, so treat yourself well. I ate lots of bananas, went to bed early (when I could) and avoided alcohol. I am sure that makes me sound really fun but last year I didn’t go up to just have fun, I went to work. After my 8th show my neck and shoulder muscles were so tight that it was straining my voice. My first Saturday night at the Fringe consisted of a Thai massage on Blair Street, takeaway pizza, a bubble bath and in bed by 10pm. Luckily I then had a day off, put myself on vocal rest and was back to full health for my 9th show. Listen to your body and give it what it needs.

This year, I am going into it knowing what my body can and can’t handle. I am ready to have more fun, socialising and network but always with a banana in my pocket.

Tell us about your show.

I’ve taken seeds from my WIP show ‘Attention Seeker’ and used inspiration from my home movie catalogue to form new characters for my debut comedy hour. My show ‘For Your Consideration’ started as a love letter to my dressing-up box but has secretly become a love letter to my siblings. Watching old video clips has reminded me how magic it was to play with them and share an imagination together. There is something so special about watching kids with a video camera knowing that it was never meant for anyone else but them.

Edinburgh will be the first time it really gets tested and I am looking forward to seeing how the show evolves and adapts this August. I hope to give it more time in London and potentially explore international Fringes.

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

It goes without saying, my amazing director Elf Lyons is performing her bird trilogy… Raven, Chiff Chaff and Swan. She’s bloody brilliant – you have to see her!

If you like a little alternative character comedy, I think the following people will tickle your pickle:
Lorna Rose Treen, Kit Lloyd, Christian Dart (Gumshoe), Christiaan Hendriksen, and the whole BigHead Comedy line-up.

Some other shows I am desperate to see include Abbie Murphy, Adele Cliff, ‘People We Bury Alive’, ‘L.A. Baby’ and ‘Emily Wilson: Undressed’.

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