Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World

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“The inspiration I have gotten from the past 3 years of going to the fringe can`t really be measured.”

WHO: Duane Forrest

WHAT: “Join Duane Forrest on an acoustic journey through the roots of reggae to the global influence of Bob Marley. Experience acoustic renditions of legendary reggae songs that have reshaped countless lives, including Duane’s own. From the origin of reggae to Marley’s transcendent legacy, immerse yourself in the soulful melodies and transformative power of this iconic music. Audience members are invited to sing along and get involved in this interactive musical experience.”

WHERE: ZOO Playground – Playground 1 (Venue 186) 

WHEN: 21:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is actually my 4th time! Every year I complain how difficult it is – only surfing is more difficult than putting a show on at the fringe – but, I keep coming back. I love it. There is something even greater than the struggles of putting a show on, the debt accumulated. Connecting with performers and creators from literally all around the world, being inspired by their work, sharing nuggets with each other from our separate journeys and seeing that we all are walking similar roads in a way – this is what makes it magical being at the Fringe. It`s what makes it worth it.

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

That less is certainly more. That flyering 4 hours a day destroys me, but seeing more shows from around the world fills me. The inspiration I have gotten from the past 3 years of going to the fringe can`t really be measured. It’s expanded my mind, pushed me to my limits and help me break out of my own boxes. Reviews are another great way to go, each year when you bring work (hopefully) a reviewer comes to see your work, and I have been able to use that feedback to tweak my shows and get them in the best shape they can be.

Tell us about your show.

Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World is not just a tribute show, it’s actually the story of how reggae came to be and how Bob was instrumental in bringing it to the world, but also how he helped me connect back with my roots. I am a Jamaican-Canadian born and raised in Toronto, Canada. It was weird growing up, he helped me find my way.

I wrote and perform the show. This piece came together from me noticing that after I performed some of Bob’s songs and spoke to audiences afterwards about them, I found out that they did not actually know some key stories behind the music, the history of Jamaica and what the heart of reggae is.

I have been invited to perform the show in Taiwan at Kaohsiung Weiwuying + Taitung Arts Festival August 28 – September 3rd, 2024! I am so over the moon with this news!

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

Steve Porters presents How To Mate by Daisy Doris May, a very dope drag king show! I`ve seen a sneak peak of the show in London before they bring it to the fringe and you`ll love it.

Dark Noon is a perfect example of why theatre exists – I have never been so impacted by work on stage like I was during that show! I can`t describe more of it without ruining the experience, but trust me, it is special. You will literally laugh, cry, question your own politics and world view. Go see it!

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EdFringe Talk: Making Marx

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“The basic rules have not changed. Bring up your best work. Don’t dream… do. Remember that your work is for your audience, not you. And don’t believe your own hype!”

WHO: Guy Masterson

WHAT: “Jenny Marx, wife (and brains!) of Karl, was curiously airbrushed from history… Although, given a new voice via a researcher’s pen, will she now fight for her truth to be heard, or will yet another formidable woman remain trapped between the lines of history books, silenced by the patriarchy, and occupy outdated notions of what society insists she should be? Commedia dell’arte trained Clara Francesca is directed by Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson, in an astounding performance that nods to Luigi Pirandello and winks at Peter Brook.”

WHERE: Assembly Rooms – Drawing Room (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 11:35 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No. This is my 30th season, my first being 1994 (obviously!). I have produced or presented over 120 shows up there, with the exception of 5, all at Assembly. I have had my ups and downs, but many of these shows went on to an afterlife, some to the West End, one to Broadway. Many were hits of the Fringe. Many were not! My own solo shows premiered in Edinburgh and then toured thousands of performances around the world.

The basic rules have not changed. Bring up your best work. Don’t dream… do. Remember that your work is for your audience, not you. And don’t believe your own hype!

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

Despite the problems, Edinburgh is still probably the best place to get justified recognition for your work for less than it would cost you to do it elsewhere. Audiences and critics are more forgiving… and are there to experience it. The big lesson is don’t get swindled by unscrupulous landlords!

Tell us about your show.

Making Marx was written and performed by the brilliant Clara Francesca who invited me to see it in 2019. It was still a work in progress and we decided that we would hone the work together in her native Italy after the Fringe. We tightened the key story points, highlighted the brilliance of her performance and clever writing, simplified the title and created Making Marx – the story of the woman and brains behind Karl Marx, without whom, we might not have the ideal of socialism to contrast the corrupt ideals of greedy Capitalism!

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

You might like to come along and see the two solo works that I first performed in Edinburgh in 1994 and 1995 – ‘Under Milk Wood’ and ‘Animal Farm’ – both at The Pleasance EICC at 6pm on August 14th and 18th respectively. These are to epic classic titles which reflect my own ideals and performance style, the success of which gave me the chance to expand my horizons and tour the world, thereby meeting incredible, like-minded artistes whom I then brought to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival over the next years and who, through their wonderful, award winning work, made me look clever!

Also, come and see the brilliant Victoria Mature in cabaret, telling the story of her Hollywood Hunk dad, Victor Mature! Not to be missed!

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EdFringe Talk: Josephine Lacey: Autism Mama

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“Being at the Edfringe means that I get to live and breathe comedy all day long.”

WHO: Josephine Lacey

WHAT: “Most mothers expect to help guide their child through puberty. But when your son is autistic, it’s a whole different story. Welcome to Josephine’s world. Expect visual aids, balloons, and a heartwarming insight into the relationship between mother and son, both determined to figure it out together. From Chortle’s One To Watch (2023) and Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year nominee (2023). ‘A comedy bombshell, just light the blue touch-paper and watch the mirth erupt’ (BBC).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 18:00 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have visited the city of Edinburgh several times since 2010. It’s such a beautiful city. Sometimes, I just walk along the streets admiring the architecture. I love being around the different art forms during the Edfringe. What I love most, is the buzz and the vibe of the people enjoying the festival and the wonderful city.

As a performer, being at the Edfringe means that I get to live and breathe comedy all day long whilst I’m there. I’m just a stand-up comedian! I can step out of sharing my day with all my other daily responsibilities. I find it cathartic. It also allows me to see acts that I do not get to work with often or at all because geographically, we are based all over the world. At the Edfringe, we are all in one place.

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

I’ve learnt more than ever in the last year, that I should never give up on myself. I mean, I have never done so, but the last year has taught me, it’s never too late to keep working towards what I believe can happen and what I can achieve. I have aspirations today that I did not have a year and a half ago.

Tell us about your show.

Autism Mama is a show I wrote after I supported my autistic son through his pubescent changes and development. I’m delighted to be working in collaboration with Soho Theatre on the production of the show. We started our working relationship, after their assistant comedy producer, Dimple Pau saw a performance of the show in its earliest form as a work in progress. Autism Mama then premiered at Soho Theatre.

I have grand plans for the show. Not only is it funny, but also insightful, and a loving tale. Feedback from parents and carers of autistic children, teachers and governors from SEN schools who have seen the show, have encouraged me to bring the show to bigger venues and platforms other than comedy clubs. For me, the most heartfelt feedback has come from people who do not have a relationship with autism. They feel as though they have left my show with an understanding that they did not have before as well as being able to laugh. I look forward to seeing my show in book form.

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

What should my audience see after my show?

WOW! There is so much to see. Here’s a few shows you will see me at!

1.295 Reframing Autistic Success (Kitten Steps): I am definitely one to champion neurodiversity in the arts. Stags 2023 was a sell out and I for one can not wait to see this!

Daddy Autism: Joe Wells is a great comic and is autistic and wants to be a daddy. Go find out how he intends on doing that.

Baby Belle: Young, Dumb and Full of Autism: Whimsical and musical! An exploration of social versus personal identity from the perspective of an autistic person. There’s also a song about cats!

Larry Dean: Dodger: He’s my son from another mother. He’s a great son from another mother. He’s a hilarious son from another mother. He’s charming, superbly funny and daft! I love him and I’m proud of him.

Stories from the Office of a Sex Dungeon: By the fantastic and underestimated Katharyn Henson. To fund her start up in stand-up comedy in New York City, Katharyn worked as a manager in a BDSM dungeon. Can you just imagine the tales? Don’t imagine the tales, just go see the show and hear the tales for yourself. Bring a gimp ball if you want to.

Little Pickle: Pol-ish: A Pol-ish drag clown who has lots to say about lots of things. A clown not to fear. Absurd and brutally honest. See you there!

Erika Ehler: I Got Some Dope Ass Memories With People That I’ll Never F*ck With Again: If you love Frankie Boyle, you’re going to love Erika. If you don’t love Frankie Boyle, you’re still going to love Erika. Nuff said. Except, I wouldn’t f*ck with her!

Demi Adejuyigbe Is Going To Do One (1) Backflip: Why should you go see this show? Because he’s my flatmate at the Edfringe….and he’s doing that one (1) backflip! Go see the backflip. You don’t want to miss that one backflip. He’s also funny!

Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway? You know who she is, but just in case you didn’t realise she was at the Edfringe this year, now you know. Get your ticket because she will sell out because she’s hilarious! Pleasance Grand.

Elliot Steel: Soft Boi Core: Elliot had a smash hit show last year. I’m guessing he’ll have another one this year. Known for his biting wit and trademark dark sense of humour, I find Elliot a breath of fresh air.

Michelle Shaughnessy: Too Late, Baby: A show for anyone who thinks it’s too late to achieve their dream, because it probably is.

Ben Target: LORENZO: Ben returns with his award winning show. If you missed it the first time round, then go see him this year at the Pleasance Dome.

Catherine Bohart: Again, with feelings. She’s hilarious. Just go see her!

Phil Ellis: Come On and Take The Rest of Me: Phil had the best of runs at last year’s Edfringe festival. Best show nominee and winner of the Malcolm Hardee Award for comic originality. Phil is back with an hour of pure and unapologetic stand-up comedy

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EdFringe Talk: Bluffing Your Way in Ballet

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“Our producer Alex, an ex-professional ballerina wants to pass her knowledge and experiences, which are her heritage, on to younger people.”

WHO: Kay Francksen

WHAT: “Bluffing Your Way in Ballet pirouettes its fast-paced and irreverent way through the history of ballet. Whizz with us beyond the tutu with stories and dances from the ballet greats, including Isadora Duncan, Václav Nijinsky and Margot Fonteyn. Never heard of them but love ballet? You’ll be in safe hands! The company will perform, in avant-garde fashion, the intrigue, tragedy and magic of ballet’s greatest stars, past and present. Our ballerina Alexandra danced with The Royal Ballet and with some of these ballet stars. She’s delighted to share her knowledge and experiences with you.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Venue45 – theSpace @ Venue 45 (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 15:05 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It is our first time at the Fringe. It seems mad as we’re a mature company, but we wanted to be a part of this world-renowned, diverse, international festival while we still can! Make way for the oldies! We devised a show during 2023 which tells ballet’s story from the Renaissance to now, not as a lecture but in an amusing and sometimes crazy way. Our producer Alex, an ex-professional ballerina wants to pass her knowledge and experiences, which are her heritage, on to younger people. Most of us are in our twilight years but still fit and able to help her to do this. We have had sold-out shows in Bristol and our audience feedback shows that the public is curious about the fantastical history of ballet and its many eccentric characters.

We want to tell our story in a concise and zappy way and experience the wonder that is the Edinburgh Fringe. We will be out there, in our tutus, displaying our wobbly bits and enjoying every minute. Carpe diem init?!

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

We have learned that we can do it and we absolutely have to do it now! We are not getting any younger! We are a relentless bunch of older/ancient performers. Our star ballerina is 75 years old. We have a wealth of energy and experience to bring to the stage (as well as flatulence and snacks). Seriously though, if not now, when? Our public keep coming back for more, so let’s share our show more widely. We already have our bus passes so why not add Festival passes?

Tell us about your show.

The show was devised and written by all of us. We each researched and wrote about our particular characters, who had been previously selected in a rough outline presented by Alex, who is also producing and performing in the show. We have plundered many personal experiences from Alex’s career. It came together over a year of trial and error. We finished up with a longer version of this show which we took around Bristol and Bath. We were surprised, delighted and encouraged by audience feedback:

“I was a bit concerned that it might not have been quite what my friends were expecting but they were most impressed and very interested… the history of ballet was discussed all the way back to Horfield on the no. 75 bus!”

When Alex said she wanted to take Bluffing to the Fringe we readily agreed to let her do most of the work but then relented and set to rejigging it into its present form with the creative guidance of our Director, Amanda Horlock. Alex has started negotiations with Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet School, with whom she has maintained connections. In the long run the aim is to take it to other dance and actors’ classes and community schools, together with a simple preshow workshop which we also offered with the previous show. We saw how this appealed to both young and old and in particular those with special needs. It seemed to free their imagination and gave them the confidence and joy that we feel when we perform Bluffing Your Way In Ballet.

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

After our show we will all need a lie down but then we want to get out there in our tutus and pirouette our way along to see as many other shows as we can. If audiences have enjoyed our focus on dance and comedy, we hope they will go and see Assembly @ Dance Base – Dance Base 3, Prime and LYDC’s “Timeless” at venue 22, a lovely mix of ages in dance. Assembly and Dance Base also have many other dance shows on offer, go to: https://www.dancebase.co.uk/festival-24/

We also hope to get along to fellow Bristolians, Scaffolding, Documental Productions (Bristol Old Vic and Pleasance) dark comedy “Pleasance Dome” at Venue 23, go to: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/scaffolding

We’re also looking forward to tasting some of the other genres on offer at the smorgasbord that is the Edinburgh Fringe, such as our friends at Threedumb Theatre.

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EdFringe Talk: I Really Do Think This Will Change Your Life

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“Between us, I think we’ve been some way or another every year since 2015.”

WHO: Emma-Louise Howell

WHAT: “Belles was the it girl, hip girl, oh-so-very-fit girl. When she was 17. Now, she’s 24 and spends her days bossed about by her Mum and girls she 100% used to bully. So, when a life-changing opportunity slides into her DMs, she carpes the diem, makes her millions and proves the worth of women worldwide one post at a time. Except she doesn’t. Because…come on. A finalist for The Stage Innovation Award, this is a hair-pulling, fake-nail scratching, cat-fight against get-rich-quick schemes and what it means to be a Girl Boss™.”

WHERE: Pleasance Dome – 10 Dome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 12:15 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Between us, I think we’ve been some way or another every year since 2015? Hetty used to work at the Pleasance every summer whilst she was at uni – so I think she’s particularly excited for us to be heading there. And this will be our first time taking a show up together which feels quite special. I think we’ve always made the show with Edinburgh in mind: it feels punchy, colourful, chaotic, funny – all things that are at the beating heart of the festival. And I can’t wait to see how the buzz that surrounds Edinburgh makes this show really, really sing.

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

Woof, this is Big Talk I wasn’t prepared for.

I learned to dig deep, not wide, if that counts? Instead of spreading myself thin, I’m pouring everything I have into one or two projects. I Really Do Think This Will Change Your Life is one of those: I’ve poured every ounce of myself into making this show.

I guess we’ll find out whether it was a good or bad lesson in August.

Or whether I should maybe have given that energy to the embroidery hobby I decided to pick up in 2022.

Tell us about your show.

This is a one-woman cat-fight against Get-Rich-Quick-Schemes and what it means to be a Girl Boss. It’s written and performed by me and directed by the astonishingly incredible Hetty Hodgson and I think even though it is just me on the stage, the team of creatives we’ve assembled truly are the beating heart of the show. Because it sits so much in the digital realm of Multi-Level Marketing and Girl Bosses, we’ve really tried to replicate the social media world with video design that features GIFs and emojis, immersive sound design and whirlwind of vibrant lights and movement – so our design team are at the helm of bringing this world to life. We did a run at the Mercury last year as their inaugural Page to Stage Original and we were nominated for The Stage Innovation Award for the production so it feels like we’re really pushing the boat out on how we make theatre and engage audiences. It’s such a dream to be able to develop this even more for Fringe this year, especially with the backing of incredible producers like ThickSkin and the Pleasance National Partnerships team.

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

My Mother’s Funeral at Roundabout is another amazing show by our OG producers at the Mercury and we’ll never stop shouting about how amazing they are.

And, of course, any of our fellow National Partnerships shows: The Daughters of Roisin, The Lady Garden, Scaffolding, Oran, This Town, Polly & Esther. It’s totally mindblowing that we’re on this line up and we can’t wait to see their shows develop.

Hetty is currently working alongside the insanely talented National Youth Theatre REP company, as the Bryan Forbes Trainee Director. A couple of them have shows up too which both sound incredible – A Show About Tomorrow at Paradise in Augustines and Is This Thing On at the Underbelly.

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EdFringe Talk: Light

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“I’m old, I’m Irish, I’m a pensioner, I worked in the Civil Service. I’m going to use wahtever I can to find things in common to drag the audiences in.”

WHO: Gerry Carroll

WHAT: “A solo show exploring life and light. Delightful, true and entertaining personal stories about being a 71-year-old human. And clown. Gerry’s made a show of himself – again. It’s about being young and being old. He uses storytelling, clowning, song and dance to create a unique hour. You’ll have to see it to believe it. This is Gerry’s most personal show yet as he uses his ‘charmingly defiant’ style (Chortle.co.uk, 2021) to bring you an uplifting hour. A Dublin childhood, life in the UK – and the science of light and lightness.”

WHERE: Paradise in Augustines – The Snug (Venue 152) 

WHEN: 11:00 (55 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I first went to Edfringe as part of a troupe doing horror-themed improv for a week in 2015. I was awe-struck. The first time I did a full run with a solo show was in 2018. I was so excited I phoned my bank to tell them I was going to Scotland for a month but apparently I diddn’y have to tell them as it’s not abroad.

I open my show “Light” this year with a bit about how I’m only really alive for the monthe of August, at the Fringe. The rest of the year I’m hibernating, repreparing, recovering.

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

Getting the word out early! I did a full run last year, and the only full house I had was on the last day because Elf Lyons tweeted out about the show. Tell everyone, tell them early and tell them often. Plan to saturate your socials and never shut up about it.

Find all the angles- I’m old, I’m Irish, I’m a pensioner, I worked in the Civil Service. I’m going to use wahtever I can to find things in common to drag the audiences in.

Tell us about your show.

I created this show. It turns out I need to do a show about the wonder of being alive, about family, ageing and the importance of an apple in my life. I’ve practised clown and stand-up and I use them in the show but it’s mostly story-telling. And me. I’ve had some wonderful interactions with audiences during a few previews I idi in Brighton Fringe. I’m looking forward to more in Edinburgh. I’m on at a great time, 11 a.m., to give people a fresh start to their day. I have fun doing th eshow and theaudience enjoy it too.

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

Horses by Elf Lyons, her shows are always hilarious and true.

Alexa, Play by Alexa Elmy, a brilliant idea for a show, I can’t wait to see it.

Chopped Liver and Unions, Blue Fire Theatre, singing radicals! Must see.

I am Your Tribute, Sarah Louise Young A great solo artist with a new show

Tom Greaves, Fudgey I saw a version of this last year, hilarious and sad.

One Eyed Scouts, improv troupe, always hilarious. I’m in this too!

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EdFringe Talk: Non-Player Character: Live Virtual Reality Musical

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“As first time producers, we are grateful for the community and resources both through the Fringe Society and online groups and threads from past participants that support newcomers.”

WHO: Brendan Bradley

WHAT: “‘A flawless blend of Broadway, games, pop and comedy bliss!’ (Fame Magazine). When the hero character of a video game dies, an NPC turns to the audience for help navigating their grief. Part live concert, part escape room, part immersive theatre, each performance is entirely responsive to the player style, improvisation and decisions of the audience. Four audience players join writer-performer Brendan Bradley on stage, wearing virtual reality headsets while the virtual world and characters are projected on the big screen, inviting both theatre and game lovers to a new kind of play.”

WHERE: Imaginex at YOTEL Edinburgh in association with ZOO – Imaginex (Venue 572) 

WHEN: 21:00 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It is a lifelong dream to participate in this international gathering and celebration of live arts. None of our creative team have been to Edinburgh or the festival and are excited to experience this cultural, artistic and historical milestone alongside thousands of fellow theatre makers and lovers. As first time producers, we are grateful for the community and resources both through the Fringe Society and online groups and threads from past participants that support newcomers.

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

We are learning every day as part of the process to attend Fringe, and more broadly we’ve learned that in an age of unlimited content on-demand, we are entering a new golden era of live, in-person entertainment to invite audiences to feel more engaged and connected with storytelling and each other.

Tell us about your show.

Audiences don’t just watch Non-Player Character, they play it, like a video game come to life where a solo actor improvises, sings and puppets multiple characters with audience interaction. I first wrote the concept as a 3-song-cycle to perform in a “loop” as a prototype for live performance at The Museum of Science’s OMNI dome theater, collaborating with Michal Morran and Maurice Soque Jr to support the virtual reality and music development. The team was invited to present their work at technical and academic conferences like USITT, SIGGRAPH, AWE, TCG, Producers Guild, The VR Awards, XR Must and used each of those events to workshop a new musical number and audience interaction. This means we’ve never officially “premiered” or stood up a “run” of the full show and we are delighted to bring it Ed Fringe in partnership with YOTEL Edinburgh and Zoo Venues. We are fortunate to have Caron Lyon serve as our UK Company Manager to help us identify opportunity to transfer and/or tour the production with presenters we meet at the festival.

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

After our show, you should support our on-stage “player” collaborators like the hilarious ensemble of SOLVE IT SQUAD, brilliant solo artists like I SELL WINDOWS, GETTING IN BED WITH THE PIZZA MAN; fellow musicals like FRINGE! THE MUSICAL and POTTY THE PLANT; puppeteers like AHA DOGGY POO, and our virtual friends PURPLE DOOR PRODUCTIONS, AIDAN SADLER, IAN TUCKER BELL and SCOTT JAMES KYLE.

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EdFringe Talk: Ruby Carr: eBae

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“I also shared an hour show with my dad! We did a comedy show about AI and growing up.”

WHO: Ruby Carr

WHAT: “Deep dive into the weird wonderful world of eBay. I’m obsessed with the thrill of an auction, it’s like shopping – but with a winner. I have bought it all. Is this because I’m a sucker for a good deal? A good story? Or is it my obsessive-compulsive disorder combined with my ADHD? You decide! I’ll take you down the rabbit hole, seeking validation for each progressively more unhinged purchase. ‘Infectious energy and steady stream of animated stories… with a deluge of sharp-witted reflections’ (The Student Newspaper). Winner of Funny Women Comedy Writing Award 2022.”

WHERE: Underbelly, George Square – The Wee Coo (Venue 300) 

WHEN: 19:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

While this is my first year doing a solo show with all the bells and whistles, this is not my first Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

I’ve had great fun coming up with works in progress, and I also shared an hour show with my dad! We did a comedy show about AI and growing up.

But even before performing, I was a Fringe regular. When I was a teenager my Dad organised a conference in Edinburgh to be on at the same time as preview week. So my parents would bring me up, and they would give me some pocket money for shows and tell me where to meet them by the end of the day. Other teenagers were trying to pass as 18 to buy alcohol, I was trying to pass as 18 to get into a free fringe venue to watch a piece of experimental theatre. I always love taking a chance on a show you know nothing about. I have seen some amazing shows this way. I’ve also seen some awful ones, but that is the risk and the fun.

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

Since 2023 I have learnt how to do my taxes. lol. I’ve learnt what counts as tax deductible. Unfortunately, my silly little eBay hauls do not count as “proper research”.

I’ve also learnt through my previews before the Fringe, that most people are amazed and flabbergasted about the things I show in eBae. But at every show, I get people in my audience who are as eBay freaky as me. As deep down the rabbit hole, sometimes even further. We all have the eBay bug and we have found each other. We do the secret handshake, exchange tips and our greatest finds. We convert the eBay newbies into eBay fans. I love finding my people!

Tell us about your show.

I was honoured to be selected to perform the show as part of Soho Rising Festival earlier this year. Prior to that, I had performed Works in Progress at VAULT Festival, Leicester Comedy Festival, Brighton Fringe, Cambridge Fringe and two weeks at Edinburgh Fringe 2023. I have a couple more previews lined up, but the completely finalised show will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year!

I wrote the show, but a special shout out must go to some eBay sellers who are very near and dear to my heart.

I am very fortunate to be working with Stuart Laws as my director, who has somehow made the show even weirder.

I am also delighted to be working with Angela Pearson for PR, because even though I am a lady who loves eBay, I am terrible at selling myself. Angela has been amazing to work with, plus she loves puns as much as me. Dream team.

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

Derek Mitchell – he has an extremely funny instagram page and is one of the kindest people I’ve met this year. Yep, sign me up for this show.

Martin Angolo – I saw an advert for his show and was sold. He was recommended to me as hilarious by a friend, so I am looking forward to seeing this show! Edinburgh for me is about watching people you haven’t seen yet and becoming their new biggest fan.

Dee Allum – I am a huge Dee fan. Exceptional at writing and delivering well crafted jokes. I’ve been waiting for this show for years.

2 Muslim 2 Furious -Aisha Amanduri @aishaamanduri and Hasan Al-habib (No Twitter, but does have insta!). This is an amazing opportunity to see two brilliant acts share an hour. Both are incredibly funny and quick witted, what a treat you get to see both in one show!

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EdFringe Talk: Stephanie Laing: Rudder

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I’ve had really tough fringes where I didn’t rest enough and mostly ate waffles and nutella, and it just wasn’t sustainable for a full month.”

WHO: Stephanie Laing

WHAT: “A comedy dance show about balance. Stephanie has a history of falling over a lot, accidentally kneeing herself in the face, and falling in love with total kn*bheads. In this show she uses a mixture of stand-up and dance to talk about bodies, sex, dancing, liking yourself, consent and healing. Also, there are cartoon bears and burlesque.”

WHERE: Underbelly, George Square – The Wee Coo (Venue 300) 

WHEN: 14:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 12th time doing the Fringe (oh sweet lord). I basically love it, but I also have a moment every year when I first enter the city and think “what is WRONG with me, why have I COME here again, when will I LEARN?” It’s an amazing opportunity to do the thing I love most several times a day for a month. It’s also incredibly stressful and I will, at some point, cry in an alleyway.
I’m also sleeping in a minibus this year to save money. This is either the best or worst idea I’ve ever had, we’ll see.

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

This will sound mega wanky, but I’ve learnt that the most important thing for healing stuff is to focus on your relationship with your own body. I’ve had really tough fringes where I didn’t rest enough and mostly ate waffles and nutella, and it just wasn’t sustainable for a full month.

Also I learnt how to crochet and grow potatoes. I made a jumper. It looks pretty good, but you can definitely tell I made it. The potatoes were small. The biggest one is the size of my thumb nail. I don’t understand what’s happened.

Tell us about your show.

It’s a show about my relationship with my body. I’ve been doing stand-up for 17 years now, and I recently got back into dancing, so the show is a mixture of those 2 things. There’s some very silly contemporary dance, some WELL SEXY bits and I try to connect to my emotions using cartoon bears recommended by my therapist. There’s a really fun bit where me and the audience choreograph a dance together, and it ends with a big celebratory burlesque dance with feather fans.

I’ve previewed it a few times and it’s so much fun. I want people to leave the show feeling happy and like they should start dancing more.

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

Robyn Perkins is the coolest – see her in 10,000 Ideas and Comedy for the Curious, which is a science / comedy panel show.

Lewys Holt is also doing a comedy / dance mash-up which will be fun – “My Extremely Skilled Staff Have Been Working Day and Night On This, I Owe Them Everything”.

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EdFringe Talk: It’s Not My Body Chapter 3.5 / This Is

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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” This kind of input made me enjoy dance all over again, and I enjoyed creating and moving again. And that’s where It’s Not My Body: Chapter 3.5 comes from.”

WHO: Andy Lo

WHAT: “A double-bill performance by two Hong Kong artists. Using different approaches to interpret body and dance, stage and performance. It’s Not My Body Chapter 3.5 by Wong Tan-ki – Wrestling with his own shadow, the dancer’s every move, pause and limbo on stage construct a strong proposition about his dance life. This Is by Dick Wong – From Duchamp to Kosuth to Lewitt, This Is looks to visual art to reinvestigate time, space and the body on stage. Programmed by Dance Base in collaboration with Assembly.”

WHERE: Assembly @ Dance Base – Dance Base 1 (Venue 22) 

WHEN: 16:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It is a double-bill show by 2 Hong Kong artists and it is also the first time for both of them to put on a show at the Ed Fringe. Edinburgh Fringe is well known as the world largest performing art platform, as new comers, we cannot be wait to share our performance to the international audience, art-industries people and of course the local people in Edinburgh. Hopefully, the show is not loved by the audience but also open up some insights and even discussion on contemporary performance.

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

It is the first time for the choreographers to put on the show at Ed Fringe, however, as a producer, I have been taking part in Edinburgh Fringe since 2018. Last year, I have established the 1st edition of Hong Kong Soul, known as the Hong Kong showcase/season, with TS Crew and other partners during the Ed Fringe 2023. This year is the 2nd edition of Hong Kong Soul. Last year, one of our programmes was a triple-bill performance for 3 female choreographers, with a title “The (Hong) Kong Girls”. It was a fruitful experience and important information for us that a double-bill and/or triple-bill show in Ed Fringe might be a way to attract the curiosity of the audience. It is because the audience can view the show from different angles through the performances of 2 or 3 artists. And it helps the audience to consolidate their feelings and experience.

Tell us about your show.

It’s Not My Body Chapter 3.5 by Wong Tan-ki, he said:
“I am 43 years old now, and after more than 20 years of dancing, I started to feel bored. During the time of Covid and political issues in Hong Kong, it lost some of its meaning. Then, I started learning boxing, the process of the training was like opening another door, I was using my body in totally different way. I felt excited and motivated to move and use my body again. Later on, I went back to my dance work, and I felt my body and my mind had changed. This kind of input made me enjoy dance all over again, and I enjoyed creating and moving again. And that’s where It’s Not My Body: Chapter 3.5 comes from”.

This is by Dick Wong, he said:
“The starting point of this new work was an artwork by conceptual visual artist Joseph Kosove titled One and Three Chairs. When I look at the picture, I thought to myself, what would I do if I wanted to translate the idea behind into a live performance? The thought kept on evolving and one day I decided to give it a go. There were a few keywords when I started, namely perception, association, representation, imagination and context. Context is the most prominent one, I think all images have more than one context. I want to take the audience on a trip with a mind map of meanings, associations, imaginations and reflections. Sometimes I broaden them out, sometimes I narrow them down, sometimes I present them as it is, and sometimes with twists and turns. The piece is kind of like an unfinished sentence and word unfinished, somehow implied possibilities or uncertainty.”

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

A double-bill performance by two Hong Kong artists. Using different approaches to interpret body and dance, stage and performance. It’s Not My Body Chapter 3.5 by Wong Tan-ki – Wrestling with his own shadow, the dancer’s every move, pause and limbo on stage construct a strong proposition about his dance life. This Is by Dick Wong – From Duchamp to Kosuth to Lewitt, This Is looks to visual art to reinvestigate time, space and the body on stage.

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