Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Little Squirt

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I’m throwing myself into the mad chaos of it all with a superb team of thrill-seekers and theatre sweet-hearts.”

WHO: Darby James

WHAT: “Join Australian musical comedian Darby James for his multi-award-winning cabaret about the process of sperm donation. On this unforgettable voyage with all original songs, Darby clicks a Facebook ad and gets swept up on an hilarious, heartfelt adventure. As he navigates medical questionnaires, psychological evaluations and musings on potential parenthood, Darby finds himself stranded as a seaman in moral purgatory, facing the question: should we be having children? Winner of the Edinburgh Touring Award and Best Cabaret at Melbourne Fringe Festival 2023, and nominated for six Green Room Awards, Darby James dives headfirst into his international debut.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Anatomy Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 19:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third jaunt to the glorious city of Edinburgh, and my first time performing at the Fringe. I visited on holiday in 2019 after my sister’s wedding. Then I was in town to get a taste of the festival last year. And this third time I’m throwing myself into the mad chaos of it all with a superb team of thrill-seekers and theatre sweet-hearts.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Holy hell, I’m a hop skip and a jump from who I was in 2023. I don’t think I’ve had such an emotional year since 2016. Eyes have been opened, calves have been cramped. High drama, high octane, radical self-reflection and probably a few litres of strawberry juice with mint. The rapid-fire chapters of the year have sped me through heartbreak, the payoff of hard work, and immense gratitude for the beautiful people in my life. I also learned what an epilator was. Ouch.

Tell us about your show.

My show Little Squirt is a tender queer one-man-musical thought-spiral through my experience of the sperm donation process in Melbourne as I explore the epic moral conundrum of reproduction. I wrote it and perform in it, and it’s being produced by Quiet RIOT who picked us up after seeing our premiere in Melbourne Fringe (where we won the Edinburgh touring award through Summerhall and Best Cabaret of the festival). After Edinburgh we’re locked in for a few dates outside of the UK and then we’re back home to Australia until the next adventure.

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

Audiences should see:

– Rob Madge: My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do) @robmadge02 Rob is a queer icon and I am desperate to see this show in all its glory at Fringe. Heart-mendingly good.

– Lou Wall: The Bisexual’s Lament @thelouwall Lou is a queer Aussie musical comedy powerpoint superstar. I saw their show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and it is exceptional.

– Mel & Sam: High Pony @melobrienn @samanthandrew Mel & Sam are the funniest queens of musical sketch comedy. Their chemistry is more addictive than meth and you’ll get more abs laughing in their show than you ever did from your mum’s Ab Circle Pro.

– Michelle Brasier: Legacy @michellebrasier Michelle Brasier is another Aussie musical comedy icon who’s vocal chops will catapult you into new dimensions. Jaw-to-the-floor hilarious, witty, brilliant, musically delicious.

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EdFringe Talk: The Ghost of White Hart Lane

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“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”

WHO: Martin Murphy

WHAT: “Spurs and Scotland star John White was one of the best footballers of the 1960s, however, in July 1964 he was struck by lightning and killed at 27 years old. From humble beginnings growing up just outside Edinburgh, through to football fame and his tragic death, the play shares John’s cheeky humour. It also follows the story of his son Rob White, who was just five months old when his dad died. Having premiered at Spurs Stadium, this follows on from the Sunday Times bestseller by Rob White and Julie Welch.”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – The Dairy Room (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 13:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 5th fringe. I was first up in 2011 with my musical comedy double act Pistol & Jack. We had an absolute rollercoaster. What makes the Edinburgh Fringe so special for me is that it creates microcosm. You basically experience what you normally would across 4 years in a concentrated intense 4 weeks of fun and mayhem.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Ha, did something happen in 2023 I should have learnt something from? In terms of lessons in general I try to accept the fact that I’ll make mistakes but not to make the same mistake twice. Every show I remember what didn’t work so well on the last project, and make sure I’m improving because of that.

Tell us about your show.

Rob White son of former Spurs legend John White approached me last year to write a play to mark 60 years since the passing of his dad, John White. John was one of the best players of the early 60s but in 1964 he was struck by lightning and killed aged just 27. As a massive Spurs fan myself, I grew up knowing his story and it’s been a massive honour to be tasked with putting it on stage. We were lucky enough to have the show at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for an exclusive anniversary preview show on July 21st which was the actual 60th anniversary, and we’re planning a London run after the Fringe. I’ve written and directed and the show’s produced by Bruised Sky Productions.

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

See Lynn Faces by Laura Horton, she’s a fantastic writer and an absolute inspiration to anyone looking to carve a career as a writer.

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EdFringe Talk: Abby Wambaugh: The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows

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“The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has completely changed the way I see what is possible in comedy.”

WHO: Abby Wambaugh

WHAT: “Abby awoke in hospital after a late miscarriage and, high on anaesthesia, decided to become a comedian. In this silly, goofy, heartfelt show Abby presents her best 17 ideas for her highly anticipated debut hour, including potential hits like Old Man Learns Parkour and a very long impression of the number nine. Funny Women finalist and co-host of Help Hole podcast alongside Sofie Hagen. ‘Reminiscent of Hannah Gadsby or Tig Notaro… Tackles what could be a thorny, complex subject with grace, underplayed charm and some great jokes’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Attic (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 19:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time doing an hour!!

I was in the Pleasance Reserve last year and did a split bill for a week the year before. Before that I had never even heard of it!! Now the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has completely changed the way I see what is possible in comedy.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I have really learned a lot about the joy you can get from failure since 2023- really being willing to try something the whole way. Also that if there’s something you want to say or do on stage but can’t figure out how you ever could- try just saying it!

Tell us about your show.

My show is called The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows and that is also the basic synopsis. It’s influenced hugely by all the kinds of shows I’ve seen at Edinburgh and how inspired I was to make so many different things after seeing so much. It’s also about the beginnings of things, and trying, and failing. Have you heard of that stuff? Great stuff, important stuff!

There is also a game I invented in High School called Yeast Infection. And the story of how I started doing stand up after a late miscarriage. For a while I thought the whole thing was about that part, but I think only a lot of it is.

My show is directed by Lara Ricote, who is an incredible and silly comedian, and also a very good friend who helps me stay on the right track with my mushy little goofy heart.

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

My director Lara Ricote has a terrific show you have to see called Little Tiny Wet Show (baptism)

Jin Hao Li is so surprising and surreal and sweet with hard edges and great t-shirts and is doing Swimming in a Submarine

Zoe Brownstone is sharp and gorgeous and has max laughs per min on stage and in life and has a great show called A Bite of Yours

Willy Robbins is a COMEDIAN YOU CAN TRUST and what a freakin goofball, get over there to With the Best Will in the World

Vlad Ilich lights up a freakin room and named his show Vladislav (Baby Don’t Hurt Me) which is already so so funny??

I say Josh Glanc every time to the point where he’s probably gunna notice and we don’t know each other well enough for that to not be weird. But he’s so fun and I want to make the audience feel like he does- like it’s a magic show but crucially without magic. But with magic, you know?

Flo and Joan are so funny and talented and also REAL LIVE SISTERS and have a musical I am dying to see called One Man Musical.

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EdFringe Talk: Kevin James Doyle: After Endgame

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“The whiskey [sic] in Scotland is worth the trip.”

WHO: Kevin James Doyle

WHAT: “After Endgame masterfully combines the strategic nuances of chess with the uproarious comedy of life. Doyle has a wealth of experience teaching over 6500 chess lessons in New York City. In this captivating hour filled with drama and intrigue, Doyle takes the audience on a journey across the world: flown to the vibrant city of Singapore at the behest of a mysterious investor, Doyle found himself imparting chess wisdom to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. The tension rises as Kevin navigates these high-stakes players, both on and off the chessboard.”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just Up the Stairs (Venue 88) 

WHEN: 17:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my third time at Edinburgh Fringe. I came in 2017 with a show called The 30 Year Old Virgin and it was the scariest experience to be on the flight heading over to this festival I had heard so much about. Wondering if anyone would come see my show, what reviews I would get, if I would make any friends. It turned out to be an incredible experience. Then 2019 was even better since I knew what to expect as far as flyering and how to get rest. Both of my shows have been filmed as comedy specials now, so I have found it a perfect place to perform, perfect material and then put it out into the world. And the whiskey [sic] in Scotland is worth the trip.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My first Fringe I procrastinated the writing of the show so much out of fear. This time, I started writing my show in January and performing it in February and have already performed it 20 times. I am excited for day 1 of performances at Fringe, instead of finding my footing after 5 or 6 performances.

Tell us about your show.

I have been working as a writer and comedian in New York City for over a decade and that entire time I have also been working as a chess instructor. I have taught over 6500 chess lessons and so this show is bringing together my 3 jobs in an exciting way. To use comedy and storytelling to teach the audience about chess and take them on an adventure, because this story is pretty wild, is a dream come true. I have been developing the show in small work in progress shows around a chess board, in comedy clubs around the US and a short run at the Soho Playhouse in New York City but it’s all to get ready for Fringe. And after Fringe I’d love to perform it anywhere will people will have me. Chess is a universally beloved game and this is a universal story that anyone can learn from and laugh at.

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

I saw Natalie Palamides in 2017 and she changed my perception on what comedy could be. She is returning with a show called Weer and I already bought my tickets. Also my friend Kyle Ayer’s has a show called ‘Hard To Say’ about a nerve disease he has been living with, he’s able to bring incredible amounts of humor to a heavy subject. I took a comedy essay writing class back in 2010 in New York City with Sara Barron, she was a wonderful teacher and a brilliant comedian so I will of course be seeing her show ‘Anything for You’.

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EdFringe Talk: Gearóid Farrelly: Gearóid Rage

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“I feel like going to the fringe is more work than going to the Olympics. Though when athletes come back from the Olympics their mothers don’t say “So is it a holiday you were on love?”

WHO: Gearóid Farrelly

WHAT: “Gay Irish comedian Gearóid Farrelly has limited patience. In his new stand up show he will touch on many of the things that boil his blood and most of his triggers are completely unreasonable. Everything from his make-believe children to things that are supposed to make you calm, like massages and tran-f*cking-quility rooms. Gearóid was recently seen on tour with Joanne McNally and Sarah Millican and is the host of Agony Rants, a popular Irish podcast co-hosted with Eurovision legend Niamh Kavanagh. ‘Gearóid Farrelly is bloody hilarious’ (Sarah Millican). ‘My absolute favourite’ (Joanne McNally).”

WHERE: Assembly George Square – The Crate (Venue 8) 

WHEN: 19:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have been to the fringe as a performer a number of times, but it has been a while since I have done the full month. I feel like going to the fringe is more work than going to the Olympics. Though when athletes come back from the Olympics their mothers don’t say “So is it a holiday you were on love?” I always have huge concerns about going away for a whole month. I miss my cat. I’ll inevitably leave the immersion on. I love the fringe but come on, a month? Can we get this over in a weekend please?

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

2023!! That was only a year ago… I don’t learn lessons that fast. I’m still getting used to Robbie not being in Take That.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it, I’m in it. After the fringe I will be going on tour in Ireland and the UK from 3rd October until the end of 2025

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

Oh there are loads of shows I want to see. I cannot wait to see my pals shows. Chris Kent and Joanne Mcnally are both doing work in progress runs of their new shows and I have seen both and they are amazing. Also I love @beverlyinLA because she is so so funny. I’m also really looking forward to Josh Jones’ new show. He is always brilliant.

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EdFringe Talk: Elf Lyons: Horses

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“I am always moved by the beautiful aspects of humanity that you see shining through in the shows that are created, the way audience members connect with artists and one another in a crowd, and how absolutely insane the city becomes after 9pm on a Saturday.”

WHO: Elf Lyons

WHAT: “The first ever comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe performed entirely by a horse. Made by award-winning Elf Lyons, performed by Treacle. ‘Beautiful hind legs’ (Horse & Hound). One of the 50 funniest comedians of the 21st century. ‘Praise her genius and go’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘Lyons can’t be accused of treading the conventional career path since none of her shows ever remotely resembles the next’ **** (Guardian). ‘Elf is funny and wise – and a hero of sanity’ (Dylan Moran).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Above (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have done Edinburgh many times. I have experienced every human emotion possible in that beautiful pungent city and seen more terrible improv and acapella shows than you would think bearable.

The fringe has changed so much since 2008 when I first visited, but nonetheless, I am always moved by the beautiful aspects of humanity that you see shining through in the shows that are created, the way audience members connect with artists and one another in a crowd, and how absolutely insane the city becomes after 9pm on a Saturday. I love seeing Hen Does and Stag Does darting from the Pleasance Courtyard to Assembly George Square knowing that for their big night out they chose to come to an arts festival. That’s amazing.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Last year I had the best Edinburgh I have ever had since I was about 23 and the reason was I stopped caring and worrying about anything other than seeing shows, making friends and enjoying the show I was making with Duffy. I saw nearly 100 shows over the entire month and learned so much through watching them. In previous years, if you get too much into your own head and own bubble about the work you are making, and you forget to see other peoples work you can forget you are part of a community. It makes the whole experience very isolating and not as fun.

Tell us about your show.

So, it is a clown, mime, comedy show about the importance of play and imagination and also about animal rights. It is performed by a horse for the entire hour. Trygve Wakenshaw helped with the evolution of it, as did a lovely mime artist in Australia called Bob Blythe and Dylan Moran has helped open my mind to what I need to do on stage. I owe those three a lot. Also Natalie Palamides and Adam Riches who spent time with me on zoom chatting about audience interaction and consent – which was so valuable.

It manages to be very silly but also rather emotional. I thought I had made my scary show when I made Raven back in 2022, but this year the evolution of this show has quickly challenged that.

The plan for this show is to tour it internationally next year (which the wheels are already in motion for) and then I plan to retire from performing completely.

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

SO

These artists you MUST see:

Trygve Wakenshaw at Assembly Roxy

Garry Starr at Pleasance Dome

Natalie Palamides (not sure where she is on but she is iconic in every single way)

Luke Rollason at wherever he is.

Adam Riches at Summerhall.

Amy Matthews at Monkey Barrel (I’m thrilled to say I’ve directed this show)

Katie Norris at Pleasance (I’m elated to say I have also directed this one)

Ted Hill at Assembly (I am honoured I have gotten to direct this one too)

Sam Blythe in Method in My Madness at Assembly – (This is A PLAY and I have also directed this!) also I am married to him so I am biased.

My top tips are to go and see as many clowns and bouffons as possible. See as many International artists. Don’t just see people you know.

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EdFringe Talk: The Screen Test

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I silently hid inside of a cardboard gingerbread house for the first ten minutes of the show and then popped out to scare everyone in the audience after the first ten minutes!”

WHO: Bebe Cave

WHAT: “The Screen Test, written and performed by Bebe Cave. A one-woman show about delusion, desperation and dreams. A dark comedy. Betsy Bitterly is an aspiring actress in 1930s Hollywood, so desperate to become a star that she might just sacrifice herself along the way. Through a series of “screen tests” for roles that could change her life, Betsy herself changes in ways she never expected in her never ending quest to “make it”. But what does “making it” really mean? And when do you let go of the dream?”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Below (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 15:10(60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No! I performed at the fringe for the first time in 2012 with my sister Jessie for a show we did called ‘Bookworm’ at the underbelly. It was about a book club, and the audience were our members. I was 14 and very geeky. I played the weary assistant to my sister (leader of the bookclub) and my role was mostly mute. It really gave me a chance to perfect the art of facial expressions. We had a giant cut-out of Aslan the lion from the Narnia movies on stage with us for some reason. I silently hid inside of a cardboard gingerbread house for the first ten minutes of the show and then popped out to scare everyone in the audience after the first ten minutes! It was very strange but I’m so proud of us for doing that – we really had no idea what we were getting into but it introduced us to the fringe, and to a certain extent our careers in comedy! I have performed since at the fringe in an amazing play called Holes written by Tom Basden in 2013, and in a comedy show my sister and I performed in 2019 called Cave women. This year is my first time doing a show by myself which is a scary but very exciting new challenge.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I didn’t perform in 2023 but my boyfriend did (Horatio Gould- go watch his show ‘Return of the Space Cowboy’ this fringe at Pleasance Dome! ) and one thing we both learnt is that the financial benefit of sharing a single bed in student accommodation for a month is not worth the hassle! This year we’re alternating nights between the bed and an air mattress on the floor.

Tell us about your show.

My show is a one-woman dark comedy about a neurotic actress in old hollywood. It’s a show for anyone who has had a dream and the delusion that comes with it. I started writing it in september 2023, and I did my first preview this february. When I started working on it, I just had a vague idea of a story and a few old songs in mind, and my only real aim was to explore performing solo (terrifying) as this type of desperate actress character. My career as an actor and writer has had many different phases like most people (some good some bad some ugly), but undoubtedly one of the best things that comes from this line of work is the fascinating people that you meet along the way! Performers are all crazy! In a GOOD way (mostly).

Each one is like this incredible eco-system of their own, with unique rules and rituals and belief systems. I think it is so human to want to create something. I wanted to explore that idea in this character I have written, aspiring star Betsy Bitterly. I didn’t expect to be doing it as a full fringe run this year! But the show really had a life of its own and I’m very fortunate that it has all come together in such a quick turnaround. My director Millie Foy came to my first two previews and asked to come on board. Shortly after that, Charlie Ralph from BIGHEAD comedy also came onboard to produce, and as a team we knew we could make this more than just a fun work in progress! I am so excited to premiere it fully at this fringe.

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

I wholeheartedly recommend seeing Bella Hull’s show ‘Piggie’ also at Pleasance this fringe. It is so hilarious and life affirming, she really is one of the girls. Equally – Sarah Roberts’ show ‘Silkworm’ at Assembly is one of the coolest and funniest shows this year! They are both such talented and unique performers. I also want to recommend my amazing sister, Jessie Cave, who is performing another wonderfully whimsical hour called ‘An Ecstatic Display’ at the Assembly. Jessie has always been one of my biggest inspirations. Also check out Alfie Brown and Horatio Gould !!! Both brilliantly cerebral boys with fantastic new shows this year.

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EdFringe Talk: Cosmos

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”

WHO: Ashtar Muallem

WHAT: “Ashtar is a Jerusalemite artist who humorously explores her life and spirituality. Navigating between Palestine and France, seeking equilibrium and comfort in both. Inspired by Jerusalem and cherished memories of her grandmother, she seeks a connection with the Divine. Ashtar practices yoga and meditation, and explores tarot reading on the internet. Her elastic body mirrors her dual life, between two countries, cultures, and languages, between solitude and togetherness. Sarcastically, she presents her beliefs. Over a ceremony, poetry blends with humour and subjectivity merges with the universal, embarking on a journey of balance and contradictions, showing the beauty of interconnectedness.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Main Hall (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 21:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This isn’t the first time for either myself or Clement Dazin (my co-creator) at the Fringe. We both participated in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2015 with our previous creations—myself with “B-Orders” and Dazin with “Bruit de Couloir.” Returning this time, I feel more prepared for the unpredictable August weather in Edinburgh and the vibrant festival atmosphere.

What makes the Edfringe such a remarkable festival is its cultural richness and diversity. It’s a melting pot where artists from around the world converge to showcase their work, creating an animated and dynamic atmosphere that lasts for a month. One of the special aspects is encountering other artists you know or admire, which fosters a sense of community and artistic exchange.

As a performer and producer, it’s incredibly rewarding to see your artistic vision come to life on such a renowned stage and to connect with audiences who are eager to explore new cultural experiences. As a punter, it’s about immersing oneself in a multitude of performances, and being part of a larger cultural conversation.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing I learned in 2023 is that social media has given people real power to express themselves without needing high positions to be heard. The global support for Palestine during this ethnic cleansing showed me that the masks have dropped, and power now lies with the people. I have great hope in the youth and future generations to restore some of what previous generations
failed to achieve.

Tell us about your show.

The show is an intimate peek into my life and thoughts as a Palestinian woman in her 30s living between Palestine and France. I share beautiful memories from my homeland and my city, Jerusalem, while also addressing the occupation I was born under. In France, I reflected deeply on these experiences, away from the intense life in Palestine, and these reflections are what I share with my audience. Moving from the personal to the universal, I expose myself, allowing the audience to see both the serious and comic sides of me.

Clement Dazin and I met in circus school in 2010 in Chalons-en-Champagne and worked well together even then. Ten years later, he invited me to be part of a show with six other artists from our circus school days. After the first week of creation, he saw that I had a lot of material to share and invited me to work on a solo show, with him directing. We created “Cosmos” in just three weeks, during which I performed many improvisations that Clement organised in a dramaturgical
order, and we collaboratively wrote the text together.

After Edinburgh, we will tour Europe, including Budapest, Belgium, France, and Spain. In 2025, we have plans for a small tour in the USA.

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

I would recommend “The Show For Young Men” at Dance Base as an excellent performance to attend. While it is quite different from “Cosmos,” it is a great family show that explores preconceived notions about the roles of men and the upbringing of boys in society. The performance delves into how societal expectations confine men, dictating how they should act and behave. It also touches on the impact of appearances on their lives and highlights the various ways men can freely
express their emotions.

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EdFringe Talk: Harry Stachini: Grenade

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“For me, some of the best memories of the fringe are when you’re sat with a pint around a table with other comedians sharing stories from that day and laughing at the rollercoaster ride that is taking a show up to the festival.”

WHO: Harry Stachini

WHAT: “Most of us are carrying honesty grenades. Some are small, like farting in a lift and owning up to it. But some are truly massive. Harry’s was medium-to-large and once he pulled the pin, it destroyed an eight-year relationship, a mortgage and a blue whippet. Relationships, family dynamics and his years spent teaching future serial killers are all brought under the comedy spotlight in this show. Stachini serves up an hour of relatable, honest, and hilarious stand-up, shining a light on the grenades that we all carry.”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Dexter (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 17:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is my 3rd time coming up to the fringe and performing a show however this is the biggest year I’ve had in bringing a show to the festival. I know that the stakes are high for this year due to the financial costs of attending the festival and I would be lying if I said that doesn’t sometimes cloud your excitement for the fringe but I’m keen to enjoy myself and look forward to seeing what chaos this year’s fringe will bring. For me, some of the best memories of the fringe are when you’re sat with a pint around a table with other comedians sharing stories from that day and laughing at the rollercoaster ride that is taking a show up to the festival. Every day is different and my experience has been that it’s best to roll with the punches and surround yourself with good people otherwise you’re paying a lot of money to have a shit time.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest lesson I took from the 2023 fringe was finding your tribe. Although over a million people attend the festival it can feel like a lonely place at times and your tribe is the people that provide you with that connection. They are the ones that give you the fuel you need for the month of performing and the days when you’re absolutely cream-cracked. They keep you in touch with what’s important and laugh with you and the end of the good days and laugh even harder with you at the end of the tough days.

Tell us about your show.

My show Grenade in a nutshell is about honesty, family and relationships. Honesty is something we can all relate to and throughout the show, I explore how my honesty grenade once I pulled the pin destroyed an eight-year relationship, a mortgage and a blue whippet. I unearthed the show slowly as I examined a massive event in my life and through the course of writing the material I was able to draw upon a common theme. Which is that in some way or another, we’re all carrying honesty grenades and what we do with them has significant effects on who we are and how we live our lives. I worked closely with a fellow comedian and producer Lewis Coleman to provide structure to the show. Through the course of previewing, we discovered that we’d crafted a show that connects with an audience because of the theme of honesty that runs throughout it.

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

Connor Burns is a comedian I enjoy watching. He’s got a very relaxed style and a hilarious take on the world around him.

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EdFringe Talk: Suchandrika Chakrabarti: Doomscrolling

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“My first experience of Fringe was that it was a absolutely magical. I remember going to see an all-night comedy marathon hosted by Ed Byrne off the telly, then stumbling out of there into the morning sunshine, desperately hungry and wondering what had just happened.”

WHO: Suchandrika Chakrabarti

WHAT: “In her second solo show, Suchandrika (Writer for BBC One’s Have I Got News For You and Radio 4; Funny Women ‘One To Watch’) tries to explain our chronically-online era to her niece (5), and speculates about the future (because no one can say she’s wrong). Sold out at VAULT Festival. Praise for previous work: ‘An utter joy’ (Guardian), ‘Leaves you with a smile on your face’ **** (Theatre and Other Things LDN), ‘Comes across as warm and wholesome, contrasting with some of her sneakily dark and political humour’ (BingeFringe.com). As seen on NextUp Comedy.”

WHERE: Hoots @ Potterrow – Big Yurt (Venue 243) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time at Edinburgh Fringe with a solo show. I debuted in 2022 with ‘I Miss Amy Winehouse’, but I’ve been coming up to the Fringe as a punter since 2003. Back then, my school friends at Edinburgh Uni could stay in their houses on Marchmont Terrace all summer, so they very kindly invited me up.

My first experience of Fringe was that it was a absolutely magical. I remember going to see an all-night comedy marathon hosted by Ed Byrne off the telly, then stumbling out of there into the morning sunshine, desperately hungry and wondering what had just happened.

The beauty of Ed Fringe as a punter is that you never know what you’re going to find. As a performer, the question is more about who’s coming to see you and how to get them in, etc. My show was a very personal one about grief, and it was amazing to read the audience feedback connecting with the themes and my performance. After 20 days straight of performing my show, I was a better comedian and performer

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I wasn’t at the Fringe in 2023, I took the year off and gave myself two years to work on the show and to save up some money. That means I’m hugely over-excited about returning this year!

My lessons from 2022 are to relax more, get out of the festival and into nature a bit more often, and to save karaoke until the very end of my run…

Tell us about your show.

Doomscrolling is the act of spending an excessive amount of time reading large quantities of negative news online. It can be linked to a decline in mental and physical health.

I take a deep dive into what doomscrolling is actually doing to us, if I’m really in recovery from working inside the news machine and what the future might look like.

At the heart of this narrative is my relationship with my 5-year-old niece. What useful advice can I give her, from m experienc of living through our chronically-online times – or will doomscrolling be a relic of the past when my niece is grown up?

I wrote it and will be performing it, and the show is premiering at Edinburgh. I’ve got a London date booked in for after the festival, but I can’t talk about that yet.

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

I love this bit, so many good shows!
– Posey Mehta with Mitzi Fitz and her Glitzy Bitz late-night cabaret
– Kate Cheka with A Messiah Comes (12:25pm at the Wee Yurt, Hootenannies @ Potterrow, no link as yet). In fact, take a punt on the Hootenannies yurts at Potterrow Underpass at any time of day, there’s a great line-up that I can’t wait to see, and not just because I’m part of it. Non-yurt acts I’ll allow include Mike Kunze’s Infinity Mirror, Nerine Skinner’s The Exorcism of Liz Truss, Will Sebag-Montefiore’s Will of The People and Ben Goldsmith’s CrimeLandTown.

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