Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Michael Kunze: Infinity Mirror

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“In 2023 I booked a karaoke booth of a room and did a 45 minute work in progress every day at 11 am with no budget and no ads and hardly any flyering, and I sold out every day on the strength of the show. Somehow I actually made money.”

WHO: Michael Kunze

WHAT: “Michael Kunze is actor Mitch Coony in this Hollywood odyssey, where you’re only ever one hit away from a Tom Hanks sex party. A character comedy featuring sketches, songs and top-notch nonsense. Michael Kunze is an OffComm winning comic performer. His show Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches received five-star reviews at 2022 Edinburgh Fringe and transferred to Soho Theatre. ***** (EdFringeReview.com). **** (MusicalTheatreReview.com). **** (ThePhoenixRemix.com). ‘Comedy master’ (TheReviewsHub.com). Directed by Lee Griffiths, Fringe First-winner (Lorenzo) and Edinburgh Newcomer nominee (Late Night Gimp Fight).”

WHERE: Underbelly, Cowgate – Delhi Belly (Venue 61) 

WHEN: 12:55 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to Edinburgh many times, mostly for the fringe. My first was way back in 2017 when I lived in Ireland and my improv group “Tickled by Freaks” (I know) came for a week of sold out shows at Barbados Tiki Bar in a room that was a death trap. It was wild. We had no idea what to expect – it was overwhelming and wonderful and bizarre.

We made beer money on the door and felt like kings. Since then I’ve been back every year, and I brought my first scripted show in 2022, the musical comedy “Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches”, a show about a rapping pasta chef that did very well for itself, and ended up transferring to Soho Theatre in London. Now I’m back with my debut solo hour.

Edinburgh during the fringe is intoxicating, there’s so much creativity and energy in the air. You walk down the street and see the funniest people you’ll ever meet in your life, and in tiny sweaty rooms you see people take amazing creative risks. It’s so inspiring.

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

In 2023, I tried to do the opposite of what I did in 2022, when I brought my first scripted show up and it was very stressful and I made so many mistakes (Venue, room size, showtime, spending money on things that did nothing for me). So in 2023 I booked a karaoke booth of a room and did a 45 minute work in progress every day at 11 am with no budget and no ads and hardly any flyering, and I sold out every day on the strength of the show. Somehow I actually made money.

This will be my last fringe for a while (starting a family), so I just want to embrace the joy of it all. Life is short, and performing comedy is a gift, and I want to make the most of that while I still can. This summer is all about joy for me, and sharing laughter with everyone who comes to my show.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show! I’m the performer and writer and producer and caterer and everything else. I did get an amazing director, the wonderful Lee Griffiths, who has pushed me to make my show better than I ever could have imagined. My show, “Michael Kunze: Infinity Mirror” is about the rise and fall of an actor in Hollywood, his quest for fame and the things he gives up along the way.

It’s silly and very fun, but in many not so subtle ways it’s a personal story. As an artist I’ve had to make sacrifices to chase my dreams, and there’s many nights where you wonder what might’ve been if you’d made decisions other than the ones you ended up making. I don’t have any regrets, and have had a very lucky life, and the show is about celebrating that and looking forward to what’s to come.

I’ve done the show countless times as a work in progress for nearly a year now, so am hoping to bring what is its final form to Edinburgh. My fondest wish is that people like it and I’m able to tour it afterwards to various places in the UK. I’m originally from near San Francisco in the states, and would love to have a beautiful show to bring back and show my friends and family there what I’ve been doing with my life.

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

There is so much on at Fringe! I’ve been so lucky to make so many wonderful friends who are doing their own cool shows, so please go see the following (multiple times):

Mandeep Singh’s “Singing in the Rain”, Posey Mehta’s “Mitzi Fitz”, Suchandrika Chakrabarti’s “Doomscrolling”, “My Brain is Soup Your Hands are the Spoons” by Chris East, “Crimelandtown” by Ben Goldsmith. “Dr. Doolittle Kills a Man and Reads Excerpts From his New Book”, Andrew Doherty’s “Gay Witch Sex Cult”. I’m sorry if I forgot you but I’m gonna stop typing now even though there’s so much more.

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EdFringe Talk: Good Boy

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Good Boy will be my EdFringe directorial debut but unlike 2011…I now live as an openly proud Transgender Woman myself.”

WHO: Sophia Vi

WHAT: “Don’t go home, it’s only 1:45am! Follow our brave boys as they battle their demons to spread love, joy and chaos throughout the land. Australian-Scottish clown duo Prosciutto (George Harris) and Arthur Vinegar (Euan Fraser) present an anything-could-happen hour of anarchy, idiocy and burrito-filled belly laughs.”

WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Burrito ‘n’ Shake – Downstairs Room (Venue 605) 

WHEN: 01:45 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

My first time at EdFringe was in 2011, I was playing a Soldier in a new musical at the Gilded Balloon where I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It was called ‘The Prodigals’ and preceded ‘Fascinating Aida’ in the schedule – if you don’t know Edinburgh, usually there is one very small changing room with multiple shows getting ready at the same time. This was where I met Adele Anderson and also the first time I knowingly met an out proud Transgender Woman. I haven’t been involved with a show at EdFringe since, Good Boy will be my EdFringe directorial debut but unlike 2011…I now live as an openly proud Transgender Woman myself.

This is what makes EdFringe special – moments like this, moments to see shows and representation on stage that you would have never seen before, where you can meet and create personal relationships like no other festival in the world.

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

‘This above all: to thine own self be true’ – this is both important in life and with how we create theatre. We get so caught up in our industry with grant applications, logistics, development, etc – we forget why we are doing it. We are storytellers. A story is the greatest gift to give and the most beautiful one to receive. Finding truth within all the stories we share is at the forefront of my mind when I direct a show.

Tell us about your show.

Good Boy is written by James Farley, directed by Sophia Vi and produced by Sarah Lawrie. It features sound design by Vanessa Garber and lighting design by Matthew Radway. The team came together when James was developing Good Boy with Mrs C’s Writers Collective last year and ended with a rehearsed reading at The Space Theatre London.

Following Good Boy’s EdFringe run it will be performed at 53Two apart of Manchester Pride. Good Boy is also partnered with Survivors UK; a charity for Men, Boys and Non-Binary people who are survivors of sexual violence.

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

Timeless by Brian Coyle – Stars the incredible John Rayment in a gorgeous nuanced performance about a London Cabbie who can’t create new memories. A very moving piece.

Main Character Energy by Temi Wilkey – I have loved Temi as a performer and writer for years and with ‘Main Character Energy’ she is going be bringing the comedy and the drama.

Knives and Forks by Danielle James – As a trans women myself seeing young trans women write as well as Danielle James is a pleasure and it’s important, under the current climate, we support and elevate young trans voices in the UK. Her new play is an exploration into female friendships.

Bi-Curious George: Queer Planet – Firstly ‘bi-curious George’ is one of the best Drag King names ever conceived but is also one of my favourite drag king performers. This one is going to be fun!

In defiance of Gravity by Saul Boyer – This intelligent, Irreverent, queer show will have you laughing in your seat and blown away by magic!

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EdFringe Talk: Knives and Forks

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“No matter how challenging it may get, collaborating and all banding together will always create something beautiful.”

WHO: Ianthe Bathurst, Thea Mayeux and Danielle James

WHAT: “Iris and Thalia. Thalia and Iris. A flatshare. A secret. A friendship dancing on the edge of time. Everything moves different when you know it’s all coming apart. From the company that brought you Bluewater (‘a true original’ ***** (BingeFringe.com)), this electric ode to female friendship by Danielle James confronts us with a searing question: how do you grieve something you haven’t yet lost?”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Nip (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be our fourth time at Fringe (just can’t get enough) and the second fringe show with Band of Sisters Theatre which is made up of myself and Thea Mayeux. After the success of our 2022 show Bluewater (Gilded Balloon ‘a true original’ ***** BingeFringe.com) we just had to come back. Fringe is such a magical place – from the incredible array of performances to the madness of flyering there are always challenges, surprises and hidden gems to discover. We are so excited to bring Knives and Forks by Danielle James to Gilded Balloon this summer!

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

So much! From trying to have more fun to getting those painfully dull emails done early to avoid the last minute panic that inevitably happens every year. We’ve also learnt that no matter how challenging it may get, collaborating and all banding together will always create something beautiful. Welcoming new voices, inspirations and energies can get you through the those ‘what the fuck are we doing!?!’ moments.

However, the biggest lesson learnt was from our fabulous writer Danielle James who shared “I have learned so many lessons about the kinds of theatre I want to make, the kinds of theatre that I think are needed and the kinds of words I want to impact people. I’ve been so lucky to participate in the Royal Court Writers Group which has taught me invaluable lessons about my practice.”

Tell us about your show.

Iris and Thalia. Thalia and Iris. A flatshare. A secret. A friendship dancing on the edge of time. Everything moves different when you know it’s all coming apart.

Band of Sisters Theatre started in our little flat in London in 2022 when we got the opportunity to co-direct Bluewater written by Grace Quigley (Gilded Balloon, Kings Head Theatre). Whilst working on this project we started discussing the possibility of creating our own show that would challenge us as actors whilst shining a relatable light on the realities of female friendship.

Everybody knows what its like to love someone, to love a friend. And everyone knows how different their lives would be without those people. Therefore, It was important for us to create a nuanced and complex piece around these themes of friendship and so we approached Danielle, after hearing a bombardment of praise about her talent, and asked if she would collaborate with us. She thankfully said yes and has since written us this stunning electric ode to female friendship.

This show will be previewing at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, 15th – 21st July before we take it to Gilded Balloon, Nip at 3pm. It will 100% have a life beyond the Fringe!

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

Shameless plugging! So many of our incredible friends and peers are bringing amazing work to Fringe this year. Our sisters “piss/carnation” are returning to Fringe kicking and screaming as the winners of the Untapped award with their new piece Ugly Sisters, which we’re sure is going to be amazing having seen inside the rehearsal rooms! Our forever inspiration and movement extraordinaire, Wet Mess, makes their Fringe Debut at the Zoo Southside from August 11th which we are literally peeing ourselves in excitement for. The incredible James Farley brings their play Good Boy to Sturgeon’s Hall, directed by the sublime Sophia Vi, which we truly cannot wait for and the amazing Gaby Foley brings her self written masterpiece, Flicker to the Pleasance. Ugh! It’s going to be an exceptional year!

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EdFringe Talk: Olivia Raine Atwood: Faking It

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The only thing I’m nervous about is this rain I keep hearing so much about. My middle name is Raine though, so maybe it’s meant to be.”

WHO: Olivia Atwood

WHAT: “She’s undercover. She’s overwhelmed. She’s bad at everything. In this electric comedy, Liv tells the very real, true story of her classified mission evaluating NYC hospitals. She dances, gyrates, stumbles and sputters across the stage, all while saving the healthcare system as we know it. But remember, it’s a top-secret assignment – she’s not supposed to talk about it. So don’t tell anyone. Shhh. Two sold-out, sizzling off-Broadway runs. ‘Standout comedic timing’ (Time Out). ‘Riotous’ (New York Magazine). ‘This girl doesn’t know anything about modern medicine… why is she here again?’ (New York City Hospitals).”

WHERE: Greenside @ Riddles Court – Willow Studio (Venue 16) 

WHEN: 19:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This my first time performing across the pond! I have toured in the US, but never taken my comedy abroad. I am so excited – it seems like Edinburgh in August is the PLACE TO BE. The only thing I’m nervous about is this rain I keep hearing so much about. My middle name is Raine though, so maybe it’s meant to be.

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

In 2023 I learned about candles. Did you guys know that if you light them they smell nice? I wasn’t into this candle business but it seems like it’s rather a big deal. Everyone seems to know about candles. I’m getting better at them but I haven’t made it a part of my daily routine. This is of course my main resolution for 2024.

I also learned that you should always take the chance and say yes. Laurence Olivier once said that each night you must leap empty handed into the abyss. You have to go on stage before you’re ready, and I am really trying to implement this. Just do the thing! Try! Fail! And do it again! I also just googled that quote and it doesn’t exist and it’s been my mantra for the last decade, so another goal is gonna have to be to find a mantra that’s real.

Tell us about your show.

My newest show, Olivia Raine Atwood: Faking It is debuting at Edinburgh Fringe in August! The show has been touring all summer, at Hollywood Fringe and Denver Fringe in June. It’s written by me, performed by me, produced by me and and directed by James Jelin.

The show is about my experiences as an undercover patient, evaluating New York City hospitals…in 2020. I’m totally not supposed to talk about it. Does doing a show count? Shhh. I have recieved rave reviews from TimeOut NY, New York Magazine and more and performed early drafts of the show Off-Broadway twice. I’m hoping to keep the tour going after Edinburgh, who knows where yet!

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

YES yes YES!!!! I recommend Mark Vigeant’s BEST MAN SHOW, an interactive toast where he cleverly weaves the audience into the plotline. His crowd work is impeccable.

I also recommend Jill Young’s The Kid’s Might Die, for an insanely smart premise and expert execution.

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EdFringe Talk: Louise Atkinson: She’s Got the Look

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“I’m a big believer that what truly makes a great festival is the ratio of food trucks selling potato and/or chicken based products to the amount of shows available.”

WHO: Louise Atkinson

WHAT: “With this new comedy show, the Amused Moose Best Debut Show winner revisits the unsolicited feedback she once received; ‘Louise Atkinson – sounds good, looks like a mess’; and discusses our incorrect assumptions about people. ‘Reminiscent of Victoria Wood and Peter Kay’ (Stuart Maconie). ‘Her innate funny bones reassure you that you’re in safe hands’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘An instantly likeable comic’ **** (TheArtsDesk.com). ***** (TheWeeReview.com). **** (BroadwayBaby.com). **** (EdFringeReview.com). **** (MervSpotFringe.com).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Coorie (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 17:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I believe the official amount is…umpteenth, but I never was good at counting. It’s my second hour, that number I’m sure of.

Any arts festival’s success is based on 2 very crucial components; the audience and the artist. As long as both of them are up for it and enjoying themselves, everything else is secondary. Oh and I’m a big believer that what truly makes a great festival is the ratio of food trucks selling potato and/or chicken based products to the amount of shows available. Which is probably why the Edinburgh fringe is one of the most successful arts festivals in the world.

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

So I learned one of the most valuable life lessons I think I will ever learn which is, you can get the mould out of grouting using paper towels and bleach. Honestly, I’ve never been happier. Have I absorbed that lesson? Yes, but you know who also has absorbed that lesson? The little bit of silicone sealant that sits round my bath. Absolutely buzzing about it to be totally honest.

Tell us about your show.

Yes, of course. So the producer is -me, director-me, writer-me (but wearing a hat), performer-me, person who’s bought the snacks – me, I don’t want to be self involved, but I believe I play a key part in this show.

I try to explore the absurdity of making assumptions about people based on their physical appearance when really we should be judging them based on their biscuit preferences, it’s very high brow as you can probably tell.

I’ve taken the show for a few preview spots and some lovely other festivals up and down the country, which I like doing, get’s me out the house and that.

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

I mean, what an absolute treat you have this year.

Hannah Platt – an absolute master of deadpan comedy and some of the smartest, wittiest jokes you are going to here.

Aaron Twitchen – I refuse to believe anyone can’t have fun at his show. He’s hilarious, highly energetic, sparkles more than the sun itself and just knows how to put on a fun show.

Amy Mason – Amy is just an exceptionally gifted comedy writer and performer and her story of coming out later in life whilst still married to a man…..not going to lie, some big laughs.

Chelsea Birkby – such a wonderful mash-up of wit and charm with Chelsea, it’s her second hour and her first one was brilliant, so you are in for such a treat with the second

Si Beckwith – Si’s show is all about trying to navigate life as a step-parent. It’s already had a load of well deserved aclaim, but it’s smart and incredibly funny.

Rachel Fairburn – Rach is obviously an exceptional comedian, I don’t think I need to state how talented she is here, but this year she is doing a character based show and honestly, it’s top notch. Get yourself there with a glass of wine and brace to have your sides hurt from laughing.

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EdFringe Talk: Graham Kay: Pete and Me

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“There is nothing else out there besides my show explaining how non disabled siblings are affected by their disabled siblings. Both negatively AND positively.”

WHO: Graham Kay

WHAT: “Kay’s Pete and Me uses cheerful humour to talk about growing up with his profoundly autistic brother, exploring their relationship from childhood through today. From daily calls pretending to be Bert and Ernie to Graham getting arrested and his brother hanging up on the cops. Underneath heartfelt anecdotes and witty punchlines, Graham (The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert) is ultimately confronting his life’s biggest fears while providing a space for the conversations we rarely get the chance to have. ‘Brilliantly funny’ (Huffington Post). ‘An awesome comedian’ (Nate Bargatze).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Dram (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 18:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time at the Fringe festival but not my first time in Edinburgh. However, I’ve never SEEN Edinburgh because I spent the only day I was there in Jail for punching a mime who said something racist towards Canadians. Our people have been through enough! Now sure, the mime didn’t technically speak but they were being VERY suggestive.

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

My big lesson from last year is that my ex wife Carroll is NOT to be trusted with my life savings. Now her and her new boi toy Frederico are living in a house that I PAID FOR!!??

Tell us about your show.

But seriously folks, most resources for families of autistic people are depressing. I wanted to make something that shows there’s good times and fun too. My show was written by me and premiered Off Broadway in NYC last year. The show came together when fans of my podcast “Autastic- A Comedians Guide to Autism” wanted to see a live show. There is nothing else out there besides my show explaining how non disabled siblings are affected by their disabled siblings. Both negatively AND positively.

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

Go see Two Sailors That Are Nuts by Chris Locke and Sean Cullen. Individually, both their styles encapsulate the Canadian style of absurdist irreverent humour. I’m excited to see what it looks like when you put them together.

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EdFringe Talk: Derek Mitchell: Double Dutch

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“I saw some of my favourite comedy acts ever for the first time up at the Edinburgh Fringe (Colin Hoult, Diane Chorley, Lolly Adefope), and they have been blowing my mind ever since!”

WHO: Derek Mitchell

WHAT: “Debut hour of stand-up and characters from the ‘out-and-out hilarious’ (Stage) Derek Mitchell (Ted Lasso), whose online sketches have generated over 250 million views and a dedicated following. Right off the back of a 44-date European tour, the show is about the journey from being an outsider to a sort-of insider, and making sense of all the cultural nonsense and confusion in between. ‘The biggest laughs of the night’ (TheArtsDesk.com). ‘Outstanding’ (Oxford Mail).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Baby Grand (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 22:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No! This is my sixth Edinburgh Fringe if you can even believe that! I have always done it in the past as part of either a student group or sketch duo (Horseplay, with Kathy Maniura). This is my first time as a solo act.

The Fringe is special because shows that push the envelope in their form, style and genre are the norm, and they’re the thing that everyone’s most excited to see. That makes it especially exciting for people who like stuff that pushes the envelope. I saw some of my favourite comedy acts ever for the first time up at the Edinburgh Fringe (Colin Hoult, Diane Chorley, Lolly Adefope), and they have been blowing my mind ever since!

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

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the things that make you funny you already have in you, and have always had in you. Anything you write or add to a bit or a show because it’s what you think people will want to be seeing and hearing will eventually have to come right back out, if you want your show to be truthful and good.

Sometimes that might also be part of the process – whittling down ideas to their barest and most essentially funny parts. But I have found consistently in this process that actually just doing stuff that comes second nature to me is what people want to see me do the most. I think I am still actively absorbing this.

Tell us about your show.

My show, Derek Mitchell: Double Dutch, is me doing standup, characters and sketches about some of the things I’ve learned about as an immigrant: Dutch stuff, British stuff, American stuff, accents, politeness, and what it’s like being stuck in between. I wrote it and have been developing it across work-in-progress shows around the EU and the UK since February.

I’m working with John-Luke Roberts on the show – he’s directing it – and my Dutch husband Tim has also helped me develop it from the beginning. Impatient are producing it up at Pleasance at the Fringe, which will be its premiere in the UK. Impatient came and saw a very sloppy preview of my other show, an alt character hour called Goblin, back in January and they very kindly believed in me enough to put me on their roster with Double Dutch.

If people enjoy it in Edinburgh, I hope to take it around the UK, and I’ll continue to tour it around the EU and beyond!

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

You should see so many peoples’ shows! My friends Katie Norris, Amy Annette, Jin Hao Li, Sarah Roberts, Jo Griffin, Amy Mason, Lara Ricote, Chris Hall, Zoe Brownstone and Erika Ehler are all going to have shows that will make you pee in your pants from laughing. And there are SO many more that I have not named here in this micro, momentary brain dump!

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EdFringe Talk: The Kids Might Die (A Tale Told By an Idiot)

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“The feeling of producing a show alongside hundreds of other passionate, daring, often-somewhat-insane artists is unlike anything else I’ve experienced, and I cannot wait to do so in the birthplace of Fringe!”

WHO: Jill Young

WHAT: “The kids of Little Stars Youth Theatre are excited to bring you their production of Macbeth. But when an emergency broadcast announces the incoming end of the world, the young cast evacuates, leaving only their director behind. The show must go on… right? This comedic solo piece explores the paradox of live performance in a seemingly doomed world. As Jill attempts to save the show, it devolves into an anxiety spiral on death and identity, featuring an epic guitar solo and Heelys.”

WHERE: Greenside @ George Street – Mint Studio (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 23:15 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time to Edinburgh! I debuted this show as part of the 2023 Hollywood Fringe, in part to determine whether this was indeed the project to dedicate my time, energy, and money to transporting internationally. After a sold out run in Hollywood and successful runs at the LA Solofest, San Diego Fringe, Denver Fringe, and San Francisco Playground Solofest, I’ve been decidedly bit by the festival bug. The feeling of producing a show alongside hundreds of other passionate, daring, often-somewhat-insane artists is unlike anything else I’ve experienced, and I cannot wait to do so in the birthplace of Fringe!

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

2023 was a wild year for me– I put up my solo show for the first time, experienced major change and heartbreak, and got a life-changing surgery. Plus my frontal cortex finished developing, and I can now legally rent a car in the US (I turned 25.) While I’d like to say these experiences converged into one crystal-clear immediately applicable lesson, the truth is I’m still trying to figure out what any of it means. Young adulthood thus far has only increased in its chaotic unpredictability. Perhaps the biggest thing I’ve learned is that I am far more resilient than I give myself credit for; I tend to think of myself as fearful and rather weak— but I have been consistently surprised by the courage and grit I’ve found in the face of changing circumstances. This is especially true in my art– two years ago I would’ve been petrified to do a show where I talk about being gay and having OCD, and here I am doing just that. In 2024, I am working to channel the braver, stronger parts of me, now that I know they exist.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show over the course of about six months, and then started working with director Calliope Weisman in January of 2023. Calliope and I are childhood friends who reconnected via a serendipitous run-in in the audience of a comedy show in November of 2022. We instantly matched each other’s energy, and got to work. Since then, we’ve brought our team together– Em Bolka producing and sound design, Kye Aragon with prop/set design, Millie Reed with lighting design, and Denim Weisman with graphic design. I am insanely lucky to work with a team of talented creatives who also happen to be my dear friends. So far, we’ve traveled to several festivals across the US. This will be our international debut! We won an award at the San Diego Fringe that is sponsoring us to go to the New Zealand Fringe in 2025, and I’m very excited to continue this tour next year.

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

There are so many amazing artists I’m lucky to know who are joining me in Edinburgh this year, including Mark Vigeant (The Best Man Show), Alex Kern (Thank You So Much For Coming), and Olivia Atwood (Faking It). I’ve seen each of these shows, and can confirm that they are not only brilliant and hilarious, but also created by incredibly kind, generous, wonderful people.

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EdFringe Talk: Mark T Cox: Paddy Daddy

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“I’m so excited to come back now, fully formed and ready to go! And… with some new, very tight leather trousers.”

WHO: Mark T Cox

WHAT: “An Irish Gay Guide to Romance. A juicy hour of comedy, filth and pop bangers from very busy, very famous, international cabaret star Mark T Cox. If you enjoy Irish charm. If you enjoy naughty queer comedy. If you enjoy looking at a handsome man with a moustache and leather trousers… You will enjoy this show. ‘Bit rude for my liking’ (Mark’s mam).”

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

WHEN: 22:40 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I dipped my little toes into Edinburgh back in 2019. I came for one week, took part in a few casual shows as part of the free fringe, and was just overwhelmed and mesmerised by the whole thing. It was so inspiring. I remember seeing fab shows from people like Reuben Kaye, Harry Clayton-Wright, and Frisky and Mannish, and I was determined to be there the following year and make myself seen.

I then scurried back to London and started getting my plans in order for the 2020 festival. I wrote a very silly and hilarious show and got accepted to a very nice venue. But… then the world collapsed and sadly it wasn’t meant to be.

I’m so excited to come back now, fully formed and ready to go! And… with some new, very tight leather trousers.

And to be VERY honest, I hadn’t a clue what I was doing back in 2020. Lol. Since then, I’ve had some really excellent years working on the comedy and cabaret scene in London and abroad. It feels like the right time to tackle Edinburgh.

He’s raring to go!

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

I’ve been so lucky to work all over the place in 2023. I’ve been doing shows across the world, cabaret lounges in Brussels, queer bars in Tokyo, festivals in Ireland… and my beloved dingy basements in East London.

I’ve found really nice balance between comedy and cabaret in the past year, landing on a performance style I think is really unique. I’m not always entirely sure what I’m doing, or how I’m doing it, but people seem to love it, so let’s not question it.

Since 2023, I’ve had to learn to adapt and flex to so many bizarre performance situations – performing for international crowds who often haven’t a clue about my little Irish humour, performing for very serious corporate delegations and government events, and in every physical space imaginable.

It’s all a struggle and headache, but makes you very good at throwing the worries away and just adapting to whats in front of you. I think this really plays into my comedy and hosting style – I’ve faced every interruption and distraction possible. He’s ready for anything at this stage.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Paddy Daddy. A whistle stop tour of my many (MANY) homosexual affairs in the west of Ireland.

A blow by blow account.

Written by me, Mark T Cox. Produced by me, Mark T Cox. Directed, curated, marketed, performed and adored by me, Mark T Cox.

I’m a one-man production house. Which honestly is a dream. I love making things happen and being involved in ever little detail. Now, many many people have warned me it’s impossible to do it all, but I’m a stubborn gay man. So I’m here to prove them wrong.

(I may have a very different view on this by the end of August, lol).

It’s a one-man comedy show, with some lovely surprises of piano, live singing, nostalgic pop songs and some charming and heartbreaking original songs. It’s a lot to squeeze into one hour!

It’s a blend of scripted theatre, live comedy and cabaret hosting. The show looks at queer life in the countryside, the struggles and inventiveness of the rural gays. It’s hilarious, and devastating. I’m very proud of it.

You’ll love it.

Edinburgh will be first proper run of PADDY DADDY. We’ve had a few previews in London, but it’s going to be fab to get it settled on a stage for a full month, before HOPEFULLY heading off on a UK and Irish tour in 2025.

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

I’m huge fan of the queers and the girlies! And there are millions to choose from.

Shane Daniel Byrne is coming over from Dublin with his comedy show ‘Trouble Denim’. Shane is ALL OVER the comedy scene and TV in Ireland. It’s an absolute joy to see Irish stars come thrive here in the UK.

Sinead O’Brien of Wandering Stories / Fair Play Productions is back with a new show called ‘Hero/Banlaoch’. Sinead and I started performing together 5,000 years ago in tiny theatres in Dublin. And now she travels the world with her storytelling, blending intense personal stories with magical and mythical tales from ancient Ireland. It’s truly unique and wonderful to listen to.

For the late night queers, I’ll see you at the Big Gay Afterparty. A big old camp collection of cabaret, drag and music acts, brought together by RGB Monster and Aidan Sadler. There might even be a special guest appearance from a very famous Mark T Cox some night, in the afore mentioned very tight leather trousers.

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EdFringe Talk: Gruoch: Lady Macbeth

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“As a producer, and particularly as a solo performer, the whole experience rests on your shoulders- mine are pretty weak and I’m allergic to flyering so that’s a balance I desire, but haven’t achieved yet!”

WHO: Caroline Burns Cooke

WHAT: “Gruoch is a feminist, myth-centred examination of the bereaved and abused girl who became Lady Macbeth as an act of revenge for the death of her father. She did indeed manipulate Macbeth to kill Duncan, but not through vaulting ambition… this “icon of evil” may be the power behind the throne, but as the only woman left alive, her power is used to avenge. A new solo performance, written by David Calcutt and performed by award-winning actor Caroline Burns Cooke.”

WHERE: Hill Street Theatre – Dunedin Theatre (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 15:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is probably my 20th time at the fringe as a performer, fourth as solo performer; add another dozen as audience. It can be both an amazing, and daunting, experience in both guises but ultimately I still feel if you haven’t done the show in Edinburgh, you haven’t really done the show!
Going as an audience is obviously a lot less stressful but the angst of missing out makes it unbearable too, so I’m hoping to achieve a bit of both this year. As a producer, and particularly as a solo performer, the whole experience rests on your shoulders- mine are pretty weak and I’m allergic to flyering so that’s a balance I desire, but haven’t achieved yet!

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

This is my fourth self-produced solo show after And the Rope Still Tugging Her Feet; 2016, Proxy; 2018, Testament of Yootha; 2019. So my main learning is how to take care of myself over a whole fringe. Previously I’ve done that by booking a well known venue, an early slot- by midday- so I can relax for the rest of the day, and hiring a flyerer.

This is my first year back post the pandemic, breast cancer and COPD, with a show written not by me, but for me by the amazing David Calcutt, and I’m doing seven shows in the smaller but beautifully formed Hill Street 41 from the 12th-18th at 3.30. A little late for me, but I’ll cope. And they’ve got a flyering team!

Tell us about your show.

My two first solo shows were written by me and directed by Colin Watkeys who, among other great solo performers, has worked with Ken Campbell, Claire Dowie and Jack Klaff. These were under the auspices of Face to Face, his company. My third show was directed by Mark Farrelly and I went under my own company name, Burns Unit.

I worked as an actor on David Calcutt’s Descent for The Midland’s Actors Company and he wrote this amazing feminist reclaiming of the real Lady MacBeth for me. Ill health held up the process, but Colin agreed to direct again-he prefers to work on performer’s own scripts- as he thinks the script could have been written by me as it encompasses my passions and themes completely! So here we are. I did script in hand performances at Prague and Dundee Fringes in 2023, and premiered with Sweet Venues in Brighton Fringe this year. Buxton next, in July, then one week in Edinburgh. Then it will be a Real Play!

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

You must see Ada Campe’s Big Duck Energy at the Stand. She is the amazing creation of Naomi Paxton and I swear I wasn’t keen on character comedy before I fell in Love with Ada, who is so much more than that. Treat yourself!

Also the never to be missed Sarah-Louise Young, both in the sublime An Evening Without Kate Bush-again, never see shows more than once, seen in THREE times. Brilliant, moving and what a voice! Assembly, I think! Also, I’ll be Your Tribute at the Voodoo Rooms, which I just saw in preview. Such a lovely, non scarily, interactive show with ALL your favourite tunes.

I missed Lubna Kerr’s Tick Box, so I am NOT missing Chatterbox at The Pleasance. If it’s anything like her, it’s warm, wonderful, Scottish/Pakistani comedy storytelling. What more could you want?

And last but not etc the fabulous Lottie Walker/Blue Fire TC- a big hit with Marie Lloyd stole my life now wowing NY with Chopped Liver and Unions telling the story of Sara Wesker with song and aplomb. Greenside, and the brilliant Mary Bourke at the Stand, amazing incisive stand up, all delivered with a deceptively soft Irish purr…

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