Author Archives: Dan Lentell

Bedfringe 2024 Interview: Adrian Poynton: Ashes

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2024 by

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“Fringes should feel accessible and exciting and like you stand chance of discovering something new and different and unexpected. Many ‘Fringes’ I’ve been to recently seem to have lost that somehow… but not Bedford.”

WHO: Adrian Poynton

WHAT: “Recently, I’ve been thinking of a thing.

It’s a collection of stories about some stuff that happened. Stuff that plays on my mind.

Exciting huh.

In a nutshell, my Dad scattered my mums ashes without me.

I’m an only child.

So… yeah. That happened.

Anyway… I started thinking I’d maybe turn them into a funny film or a play or something, like I normally do. For other people to read and perform.

But recently I’ve realised that these are my stories to tell.

So… please come join me as I bumble through them on stage, laugh a lot, cry a bit , laugh some more and — hopefully — make you do the same.

Life-affirming comedy from the award-winning creator of BBC Three’s WHITE VAN MAN, returning to the stage for the first time in over a decade with his most honest, personal, hilarious and heartbreaking of shows.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 28 July 2023 @ 18:30 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Yup, newbie first timer here, but I’ve heard it’s an absolute delight of a fringe (a delight I tells you!) run by brilliant people. So no pressure at all… but I have high expectations.

I think many fringe festivals that exist these days sometimes seem like they’ve forgotten about the actual ‘fringe’ part of their remit. Fringes should feel accessible and exciting and like you stand chance of discovering something new and different and unexpected. Many ‘Fringes’ I’ve been to recently seem to have lost that somehow… but not Bedford. The line up I’ve seen is really exciting and my experience of dealing with them asa performer/producer has just been excellent.

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

Well, most of 2023 I was on strike. I’m a member of the Writers Guild Of America and therefore wasn’t really allowed to do much of my normal job as a writer for TV. So I started playing about with some other stuff… and this is sort of what came out of it. I haven’t been on stage performing properly in over a decade so this is all very exciting for me and I’ve been really enjoying it. And to be a completely arrogant tool about it… I found the performing part of it pretty easy to fall back into. So yeah, still got it. Hee hee.

Tell us about your show.

So, the show starts with the death of my mum (and I’m hyper aware that when I say that people will roll their eyes and think “Oh god – another comedian doing a ‘dead parent ‘show”)… but its not really about that. What happened next was that I found out that my dad has scattered her ashes without me. I’m an only child. So the show is me exploring what made him do that and the affect it had on me, our relationship and my mental health. Hilarious right?!?!? I promise you it is. But also it’s emotional and raw. It will give you all the feels (as I believe the kids are saying these days… which is both annoying and grammatically incorrect).

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

Well, Bedford fringe has attracted some excellent acts I can recommend this year.

Of the people you’ll already know about (who let’s honest don’t need any help shifting some units) category I’d say Paul Foot (who once made me an exceptional quiche!) and Ivo Graham are always worth your time.

But (perhaps more importantly) in the “People you may not know but are doing brilliant and interesting things’ category; I’d say you really should check out Chelsea Birkby and Luke Rollason. Both annoyingly young and talented and therefore make me feel a little sick when I look at them. But also annoyingly excellent.

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: Too Young to Stay in, Too Old to Go Out!

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“What helps to make a Festival extra special for a performer is if you feel really wanted as opposed to simply paying an application fee and knowing somewhere will take you.”

WHO: Nigel Osner

WHAT: “Nigel Osner takes a quizzical look at the daunting challenges and unexpected opportunities for those no longer young. He examines dating, love, work, holidays – even the gym! There’s a lot of humour but with a bittersweet edge.

Nigel illustrates his theme with original songs and stories by male and female characters. These include Gerald who is having a taxing night out in central London; a rich designer who falls for his hunky gardener; the man who falls in love with a wheelchair bound woman only once he needs a wheelchair of his own; Rosie, driven mad by her companion on a river cruise; and a fading star on an endless tour.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 24 July 2023 @ 18:30 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

It’s my first time at this Fringe. I’ve been at several other Fringes, including Edinburgh. What helps to make a Festival extra special for a performer is if you feel really wanted as opposed to simply paying an application fee and knowing somewhere will take you. There is no such fee for Bedfringe, so that’s a plus from the start, together with the feeling the shows have been carefully selected and a friendly Director.

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

I’ve been doing a bit of writing and performing in the last year – and obviously failed to absorb the lesson that it is always best to go with your gut feeling. I knew the arrangements for my last performance wouldn’t work, but still went ahead and, as anticipated, the thing didn’t work! On the plus side I’ve been to an all day seminar by Paulus called ‘Get your show on the road’ about touring small shows, solo shows especially. The occasion was warm and encouraging. I have started booking more venues, both for the Bedfringe show and another show. The two acorns haven’t yet produced mighty oaks, but definitely twigs are appearing.

Tell us about your show.

I’ve been doing a bit of writing and performing in the last year – and obviously failed to absorb the lesson that it is always best to go with your gut feeling. I knew the arrangements for my last performance wouldn’t work, but still went ahead and, as anticipated, the thing didn’t work! On the plus side I’ve been to an all day seminar by Paulus called ‘Get your show on the road’ about touring small shows, solo shows especially. The occasion was warm and encouraging. I have started booking more venues, both for the Bedfringe show and another show. The two acorns haven’t yet produced mighty oaks, but definitely twigs are appearing.

Question 3: Tell us about your show.:
I take a quizzical look at the challenges and opportunities for those no longer young. On the one hand, there are daunting realities and cruel setbacks. On the other, we can learn what’s best for ourselves, find ways to enjoy life and have unexpected victories. I examine dating, love, work, holidays – even the gym! There’s a lot of humour but with a bitter sweet edge. The show is directed by Janine Wood. Whilst this show is for everyone, it is particularly aimed at an older audience.

I illustrate my theme with original songs and stories by male and female characters. These include Gerald who is having a taxing night out in central London; a rich designer who falls for his hunky gardener; the man who falls in love with a wheelchair bound woman only once he needs a wheelchair of his own; the woman driven mad by her companion on a river cruise; and a fading star on an endless tour. I’ve written all the stories and lyrics. Melodies are by various composers, sometimes even by me.

I’ve performed the show at various Fringes, including Edinburgh, and other venues. Excerpts from reviews will be found on the Bedfringe website, where you go to book – well that’s the hope!

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

Max Fulham, comedian and ventriloquist

Sophie Duker is clever, funny and engaging.

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: outside, in the laneway, under the stars – Part 1 (Childhood)

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“Will folks in Bedford relate to stories about a gay young man in Canada in the 1970s and 1980s? I feel more confident that they will than I might have a year ago.”

WHO: John Arthur Sweet

WHAT: “From Canada. Navigating one’s queerness is a lifelong odyssey! Three-time Prague Fringe Award nominee John Arthur Sweet continues his B-eautiful B-espoke tour of English Fringes beginning with the letterB. After Brighton, Barnstaple, and Buxton, John will be thrilled to arrive in Bedford.

John is bringing an autobiographical mélange of theatrical monologue, storytelling, and spoken word. This is the tale of a gay, bullied smalltown Canadian kid who found refuge in theatre. The show is in two parts: Part I (Childhood) and Part II (Adulthood). You can enjoy each of them separately, or you can choose to see both! Content warning: Numerous pop culture references from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 20 July 2023 @ 15:00 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This will be my first time at Bedfringe. I’ve done a fair number of festivals over the years, going back to 1998. Most of them have been in Canada. In 2009, I did my first international fringe when I applied to (and was accepted by) the Prague Fringe, and I’ve been there five times altogether (most recently last year). My first UK Fringe was Brighton in 2016, and then again last year.

Generally speaking, as both a performer and a punter, I’ve preferred the smaller Fringes, where you get more of a sense of community, you keep bumping into the same people, you ask them what they’ve seen, what they liked. It feels like a celebration of life! Those chance encounters are lovely! To date, the place I’ve most had that feeling was in Prague, and then last year at a small Fringe in Canada (North Bay). Paradoxically, at a smallish festival, you feel as though you’re part of something bigger, whereas a very large festival can make you feel small, almost invisible, which isn’t the greatest feeling. I love the fact that Bedfringe seems to be quite contained, geographically speaking, with the shows all taking place in more or less the same location.

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

The highlight of 2023 for me, performance-wise, was doing my show at the On the Edge Fringe in North Bay, Ontario, last August. My show is about growing up as a queer kid in a small city in Ontario, so it felt in some ways as if I was going “home” to talk about my misadventures of 40 or 50 years ago. The big surprise was that my show attracted a lot of young folks, in their late teens and early twenties! Maybe being gay in 2023 or 2024 isn’t that different from when I was young? Anyway, they really embraced the show, and it felt as though I was maybe giving back to those young folks some lessons I’ve learned the hard way, but also sharing hope that you can get through things and come out stronger.

The lesson I hope I’ve absorbed from that experience is not to form too-definite ideas of who your audience is! Will folks in Bedford relate to stories about a gay young man in Canada in the 1970s and 1980s? I feel more confident that they will than I might have a year ago.

Tell us about your show.

My show is actually two shows. The show on 21 July is totally different from the show on 20 July. They can be enjoyed separately, but if you see the show on Saturday and love it, then come back on Sunday and there are whole new tales to hear!

Do you know Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy”? My show is a bit of a twist on that story. I was a bullied gay working-class kid from a small town who escaped to the city (in my case, Toronto). But there my story goes onto a different track. Rather than embrace my gay self, as Jimmy Somerville did, I escaped into theatre and acting, and enjoyed being other people. Loving myself as the gay man I am would have to wait a very long time.

Taking the two shows together as if it was a single show, it’s the story of episodes of my life from 1971 through to 1985, with a few scenes that represent the post-1985 (adult) me. There are some scenes of straight storytelling, others of spoken word poetry, others of theatrical monologue. It’s not all serious! There are laughs to be had.

In a larger sense (i.e., beyond my personal tale), it’s about the way personal pain can inspire creativity, but it also asks the question: How far can a life of the imagination be a replacement for a physical life?

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

Okay, let me say at the outset that I’ve had a good look at what’s on in Bedford and I don’t know any of the other artists and haven’t seen any of the shows. That said, I decided to stay in Bedford for a total of six days so I can see other shows, and these are ones that I’ve already earmarked:

Transformations (in the Studio): because it’s storytelling and because the storyteller (Mark Steinhardt) is a Bedfringe veteran! Two very compelling reasons to see that one.

Kin (in the Theatre): because it looks like a real piece of theatre, and I sometimes find it hard to find full-fledged theatre at a theatre festival amidst everything else, wonderful thought that all might be.

Freud, Erikson & Me (in the Studio): because the performer is in the same age range as me and is using poetry and spoken word to examine his life. Can you imagine why I’d find this appealing?

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: The Brain That Wouldn’t Die!

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“I’ve been too involved in the moment to know if I’ve absorbed any deep understandings from my recent experiences, but I imagine that I’ll have a moment of reflection one of these days to contemplate that.”

WHO: Jason Frederick

WHAT: “Experience an evening of Atomic Age horror with the classic 1962 film THE BRAIN THAT WOUDLN’T DIE, with a new original score performed live-to-picture by composer Jason Frederick, as well as an opening Atomic Age short film and excerpts from the documentary ‘Hollywood in the Atomic Age: Monsters! Martians! Mad-Scientists! by Operator 13 Productions.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 24 July 2023 @ 18:30 (110mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

It is not my first time, I’m pleased to say! And each year I find myself even more impressed with the evolving collection of creativity that they manage to organise and present for everyone’s enjoyment. Bedfringe seems to be particularly good at this. They’re also extremely together people to work with, and make it a lovely experience to be involved in.

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

The Classic Horror Experience (the banner under which I present these little evenings) has been in full swing since my last visit to Bedfringe. The soundtracks to The Brain That Wouldn’t Die! and Horrors Of Spider Island (the opening short) have been recorded and released to the world – find them on your favourite listening platform – and shows continue throughout the UK in 2024.
I’ve been too involved in the moment to know if I’ve absorbed any deep understandings from my recent experiences, but I imagine that I’ll have a moment of reflection one of these days to contemplate that.

Tell us about your show.

I’ve been too involved in the moment to know if I’ve absorbed any deep understandings from my recent experiences, but I imagine that I’ll have a moment of reflection one of these days to contemplate that.

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

Well, if I was getting ready to warm up for an evening of Atomic Age horror, I’d definitely start with Frankenstein (on a budget) on the 20/21 of July and maybe follow it up with The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde on the 28th of July for afters.

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: Mat Roberts Live

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“I try to write and sing my songs from the heart and with great passion.”

WHO: David Alnwick: Writer & Performer

WHAT: “Mat has been writing, recording, and playing since October 4th, 1990, when he was just 13. Since then, he has recorded hundreds of songs, and in 1997, he had the mad idea of recording “an album a month”, which he released on cassette and gave to friends and family. He has since repeated this in Jan 2011 from Effort Studios.

He has released 2 official CDs. In 2001’s he released ‘The sound track to our lives’, and in 2002 he released ‘Counting on a second’.

Although his music can be described as guitar-based pop music, you can tell that his influences come from various styles, including Bolan (TRex), Prince, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and Neil Finn.

One of Mat’s proudest moments was singing “Kiss” onstage with Prince, at a small launch party for “Rave unto the Joy Fantastic”, in London in 1999.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 28 July 2023 @ 19:30 (30mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is my second Bedfringe gig, this year playing the garden stage, my first year was 2023 on the bar stage. The festival atmosphere has such a great vibe to it, I am very much looking forward to playing again.

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

I have released my fourth EP which is different to my other releases, this one is a selection of self-penned folk songs. I have also released some music videos recently for the new EP and some of my other singles.

Tell us about your show.

I am a singer-songwriter, and play original material which I feel is thoughtful and philosophical, I try to write and sing my songs from the heart and with great passion.

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

Mat Roberts is a legendary Bedford singer-songwriter, who is also a stalwart of the Bedford music scene.

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: The Untold Fable of Fritz

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“I am also from Bedfordshire, so performing here means a lot to me.”

WHO: Paige Canavan-Smith

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

White snow seeps down from the mountain tops of the Neuchstein region, freezing over the valleys and the hearts of all the people that live within it.

At the foot of the tallest peak, resides the inhabitants of Brutzenvien and their King. Through this everlasting stone-cold ice age, the King’s son soon falls ill and the King makes a pledge to do all in his power to save his heir. But how far will he go?

Unsettled Theatre showcases their 50-minute live performance of The Untold Fable of Fritz, using puppetry, live music and physical theatre.

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

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 21 July 2023 @ 16:00 (45mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is our second time at Bedfringe!

We actually debuted this show in the studio space, since then we have toured across the country and are even heading to Prague Fringe in May 2024.

The team at Bedfringe are amazing and for our first show – having a sell out performance was insane!

I am also from Bedfordshire, so performing here means a lot to me and I can’t wait to bring Fritz back to Bedford but this time in the larger venue.

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

We have been super busy.

Finalising the show, getting a new puppet and with local funding taking free puppetry workshops to young people and vulnerable adults across the South East.

We learnt so much from our time here before, it really did help us with the rest of our tour.

Tell us about your show.

Well… We are hugely inspired by Monty Python and Horrible Histories, we wanted to created a show that the whole family would enjoy – showcasing the magic of puppetry alongside a multitude of characters that you would only meet in the mystical world of Brutzenvien!

Come join us, for 50mins of laughter and maybe our fable might teach you something along the way.

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

Post Office Scandal – The Musical
Frankenstein: On a Budget
Siblings and Family Friends
The Family Magic Show

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: Stevie Vegas: Circus Skills Workshop 2024

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“I have been running a Circus Skills Workshop in the Garden (or in the main bar area if the weather is poor) for probably 5 or 6 years now. Great to be a part of something that I have adored as a punter.”

WHO: Stevie Vegas

WHAT: “Stevie Vegas is a fool-time Entertainer (Juggling / Comedy / Magic) based in nearby Rushden and very much available for your next Party/Event!

He will be providing a Drop-in Circus Skills Workshop in THE GARDEN which everyone (Adults & Children) are welcome to attend.

Why not come along and learn a new skill such as Juggling, Diabolo, Devilstick, Platespinning, Pedal-Racing, Toothbrush Twirling, Stilt-Walking, Poi Spinning and much more?

Stevie is a regular on the UK Pun Circuit (Pun Championships / Pun-off / Punnit) so you are never too far away from the next prop-based gags while he amazes with awesome Juggling skills too!”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 28 July 2023 @ 14:30 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

I began attending BedFringe shows probably a decade ago, then after Sir James Pharaoh kindly presented me with a framed BedFringe poster to thank me for all the shows I had been to see that year, I suggested I could run a Circus Skills Workshop and become a regular addition to BedFringe’s offerings, and he surprisingly said Yes! The next year, my quotes appeared throughout the BedFringe brochure and on the front page!

I have been running a Circus Skills Workshop in the Garden (or in the main bar area if the weather is poor) for probably 5 or 6 years now. Great to be a part of something that I have adored as a punter.

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

I won the UK Pun Off in Leicester back in February, and I have just released my new jokebook which has over 500 jokes and puns!

Tell us about your show.

A Circus Skills Workshop where anyone of any ability can come along and receive some tuition in around 15 different skills props. It’s usually attended by families with young(ish) children, but it’s suitable for anyone that fancies giving it a go!

It’s a friendly encouraging environment, and my demonstrations and performances throughout the workshop keep things light-hearted and keep the laugh and enjoyment rate up! Even better if we get good weather!

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

Huge fan of John Robertson: Dark Room.

Richard Pulsford – Get Rich Quick. He is a good mate who has won the UK Pun Championships and is very punny.

Alfie Moore: Work in Progress is always good (probably seen his show – always a new episode which he is trying out for his “It’s a Fair Cop” Radio 4 show) a dozen times over many years and different festivals!)

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: Vince ‘Too Tall’ Taylor

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“If you like someone who doesn’t take themselves (or anything else) too seriously then I can promise you an entertaining time.”

WHO: Vince “Too Tall” Taylor

WHAT: “Despite his many years in the music business Vince “Too Tall” Taylor is still trying to make sense of a confusing world. If you sympathise or just want to hear witty original songs about dead cats, rucksacks, Gen-Z, AI and chucking phones away catch this tall but modest man.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 18 July 2023 @ 20:05 (40mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

I played in 2023 – a beautiful evening, or at least it was until I hit my first chord and opened my mouth to sing. The birds stopped singing and the sun went in but I gave it my best to entertain and amuse.

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

Well, I managed to trim the hedge and …oh you mean musically. Well, I’ve played many gigs and plenty of local radio coverage (I have the looks for radio). I’ve also got a load of outdoor festivals lined up for the summer so it promises to be hay-fever all the way.

Tell us about your show.

Despite being in music for many years I have now reinvented myself as a tall man singing about life. In truth I have been a tall man for some time but now I sing about my love of opera (!) luggage, falling off roofs and numerous other daily catastrophes. But there is also hope – the hope comes in the form of the songs being very short. If you like someone who doesn’t take themselves (or anything else) too seriously then I can promise you an entertaining time.

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

I have met many musicians from the area and there is some real class about – check out the highly talented Sarah Chiari, Julie SImpson, Murray Easton for starters.

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: Samuel Love: Theirties (WIP)

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“10 days is great for a festival, short enough for people to remain excited about what is going on, but long enough to make an impact.”

WHO: Sam Love

WHAT: “This show is my work in progress loosely based on what it’s been like entering my 30’s mixed with stories and observations that I have made since leaving my 20’s and how it is overstated about how bad it is once you enter the third decade of living.

How it’s still fun and that I have managed to escape a life of crushing responsibility thus far.

It is mostly just about me, and the older I get the less patient that I get with the things that happen around me… expressed in hopefully an amusing manner!”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 21 July 2023 @ 18:00 (45mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Yes, this will be my first time at the Fringe, as a Stand-up comedian I’ve heard that it is a great place to get some work together for pushing on into longer comedy sets.

That the Bedfringe goers are up for it and a great crowd.

10 days is great for a festival, short enough for people to remain excited about what is going on, but long enough to make an impact. Like a holiday, a weekend has you missing out on things you wanted to do. but 2 weeks holiday has you waiting around the last few days thinking about going back to work. 1 month of a festival just makes everybody end up exhausted, acts and punters alike.

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

Since 2023 I’ve just been gigging as much as people will allow me to and as much as I can handle in order to get hopefully quality content together without losing my mind. I’ve learnt a few things but I am 2 years into being a stand-up comedian. So for all intensive purposes I’m 2 years old. I’ve still got a lot of learning to do.

Tell us about your show.

This is a work-in-progress show that will be loosely based around me entering my thirties, to be honest, it is just funny observations and stories about things that I don’t really like. wrapped up in my getting less patient in my 30s except I have always been this person when I was 16 I was like a 30 year old man.

I will have support from another very good comedian on the circuit to open the show.

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

I can only speak from the comedy perspective as that is what a majority of my time is spent doing although im sure there are many brilliant shows.

Paul foot is a brilliant comedian and is doing his show called “Dissolve”.

Justin Moorehouse “The greatest performance of my life” another great comedian and with a title like that it would be a shame to miss it by the sounds of things.

Max Fulham “work in progress” I’m unsure if thats the name of the show or if he is doing a work in progress or maybe both. He is hilarious and great fun for all the family if you wanted to take some children with you.

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Bedfringe 2024 Interview: Confessions of a Teletubby

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“It’s always wonderful to be part of a bigger beast rather than going it alone!”

WHO: Nikky Smedley

WHAT: “Arguments and poo! Sex and swearing! Blood, sweat, tears and giant rabbits!

Life on the set of Teletubbies might not have been quite as you imagined… Fresh from sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, Confessions of a Teletubby lifts the lid on what went on behind the scenes of one of the most globally successful TV shows ever.

Nikky Smedley played LaaLaa (the yellow one) in the original series of Teletubbies for six years – that’s a lot of custard for a grown woman to get excited about.

Come and hear how she got the job by dressing as a bistro table; what it was really like inside one of those (surprisingly large) Tubby suits; how the NooNoo really worked and why children loved the show so much.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 25 July 2023 @ 20:00 (70mins)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This IS my first time at Bedfringe. Firstly I love the name – very clever play on words. It’s a funky-looking festival with a great line-up. I’m super excited to be part of it. As a solo performer, it’s always wonderful to be part of a bigger beast rather than going it alone!

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

I premiered the show at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe – three shows only, just to test it out and we sold out two of those. I’ve been touring, tweaking, honing and perfecting the content ever since and think it’s a better product now than what I started out with. Nothing like touring to help you learn how to make a show the best it can be.

Tell us about your show.

‘Confessions of a Teletubby’ pretty much does what it says on the tin. I spent six years of my life performing on Teletubbies, getting excited about custard and chasing a giant vacuum cleaner whose operator drove a better car than me! My show tells the story of how I got that job, and what it was really like to be part of such an amazing TV phenomenon.

Modern life can be pretty terrifying and gloomy, so I wanted to make a show that took people back to happier, safer, more innocent times and reminded them of the silly fun and joy that can be found in simple delights (like custard).

The show skirts a knife-edge between sharing all sorts of backstage gossip and secrets, and keeping the magic alive. Which isn’t to say that it might be a bit of a shock to some, finding out that one of their favourite giant yellow puppets is a bit of a potty mouth!

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

Joey Page – Pr*ck
Great title and anything that has a Malcolm Hardy commendation is okay in my book.

Kemah Bob – Miss Fortunate
Because I love her and her original outlook.

Luke Rollason, Luke Rollason, Let Down Your Hair
Once again a fab title and excellent image – yes I am shallow and do judge books by their cover!

Tony Slattery – Resuscitated
Because he recently followed me on Twitter, unprompted, and I was chuffed. See – shallow.

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