Bedfringe 2021 Interview: Tremaine Dawkins

“Be prepared for audience interaction, jazzy improvisations, exquisite harmonies & melodies that you can’t resist swaying along too.”

WHO: Tremaine: Singer-songwriter & perfomer

WHAT: “Tremaine will be performing a soulful acoustic set on the Garden Stage, accompanied by her backing vocalists. The set will include a mix of original songs from her album & stylish renditions of some classic. A performance & experience not to be missed.

Tremaine has a voice that will stop you in your tracks. She is also an exceptional songwriter. Her style is a unique brand of Soul/Gospel -encouraging, heartfelt lyrics laid over beautiful jazzy chords, wrapped in a soulful groove. Her impressive vocal range, improvisations & intricate harmonies, make Tremaine an exhilarating live performer.

Tremaine draws influences from Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder & Sade.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre Garden

WHEN: 24 & 31 July 2021 @ 15:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

In 2019, I gave a heart-warming vocal & piano performance on the Garden Stage & I’m back again this year. This time I’ve brought some backing vocalists with me, to really add a new dynamic. I’m also doing two shows this year. So plenty of opportunity to enjoy some acoustic Soul music in the open air.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Since my first performance, I’ve been recording my second album which is due for release early next year. I’ve also been focusing on developing my style – mixing my influences of Motown, Soul, traditional Gospel & modern Jazz to create something new.

Tell us about your show.

My show is an exhilarating live acoustic performance of Soul/Gospel music. I perform both original songs from my debut album ‘But for the Grace of God’ & re-workings of some well-known classics. It’s me, my piano & backing vocalists on stage – outside in the sunshine singing encouraging, heartfelt lyrics laid over beautiful jazzy chords, wrapped in a soulful groove. Be prepared for audience interaction, jazzy improvisations, exquisite harmonies & melodies that you can’t resist swaying along too.

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

Be sure to check out The Goldentones after you’ve seen my show. They are also performing on The Garden Stage, after me on Sat 24th July at 7.30pm. They are a great group of singers performing operatic to Pop covers. A performance to definitely check out.


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: Max Fulham & Matt Daniel-Baker in ‘An Extraordinary Evening’

“The past year has also made us even more excited to be performing for a live audience again!”

WHO: Max Fulham and Matt Daniel-Baker: Ventriloquist and Mind Reader

WHAT: “A superb evening of Comedy & Mind Reading.

TWO sensational talents perform their extraordinary skills for ONE NIGHT ONLY!

TV Comedy Ventriloquist Max Fulham & International Mind Reader Matt Daniel-Baker perform for the very first time at the legendary Bedfringe.

Max was recently seen on ITV’s ‘Game of Talents’ & ‘Crackerjack’ and Matt’s TV appearances include ‘Masters of Illusion’ in Hollywood & ‘Penn & Teller’s Fool Us’ in Las Vegas. They look forward to bringing you an unmatchable feast of entertainment in one show.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 29 July 2021 @ 19:30 (100mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Bedfringe is a first for us and we are both incredibly excited about performing our show as part of this wonderful festival. We started collaborating on shows last year and Bedfringe will actually be the first opportunity we’ve had to perform together in 2021, so we jumped at the chance! It is going to be great to be able to bring our acts together again to create one ‘Extraordinary Evening” (get us slipping in the show title so smoothly!).

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Having the names Matt and Max in one act can cause confusion as they sound similar! In all seriousness though, I think one of the main things we have taken from the past year or so is adaptability. Both of us have had to be able to change what we do to fit new and changing situations whether that be adjusting our shows for COVID regulations or adapting things for zoom shows. The past year has also made us even more excited to be performing for a live audience again!

Tell us about your show.

‘An Extraordinary Evening’ is a show combining my (Max’s) ventriloquism and my (Matt’s) skills as a mind reader to create a unique and hilarious variety show like you’ve never seen before! Whether you are coming alone, as a couple, as a group or even bringing the whole family, a fantastic time will be had by all.

Max: I will introduce you to my cast of puppet characters including a monkey and my Grandad. A few other things may start to talk too but I’ll leave you to see that for yourselves! I feel like a talking monkey is the one thing that Bedfringe has been missing! Over to you Matt!

Matt: For my section of the show I will be using my deceptive mind and sharp wit to create some moments of wonder. It will be fully interactive and I’m looking forward to revealing things that I couldn’t possibly have known. So gather your deepest darkest secrets and come along to see if I can discover them!

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

Max: My wonderful friend Andrew White will be performing his show “The Gay Agenda Live!” which is sure to be a brilliant standup comedy show. I am constantly blown away by Andrew’s comedic skill so I would definitely grab some tickets if I were you!

Matt: If you’re in the mood for something a little spookier, I would recommend “David Alnwick: Nightmare Magic” which combines magic and horror. That sort of thing is right up my street and using magic to help drive the narrative is a great idea.


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: Elizabeth & Jameson (Indie Folk Duo)

“We’ll be performing mostly songs from our 2020 debut album, “Northern Shores & Stories”. It’s a concept album based on the North Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby and the surrounding area.”

WHO: Griff Jameson: One half of the duo

WHAT: “Elizabeth & Jameson is an award-winning collaboration comprising two rising stars of the UK acoustic music scene.  Fresh from opening for Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as official support act for part of their 2019 Autumn/Winter tour, the duo are currently gearing up for the spring release of their debut studio album, Northern Shores & Stories.

Hannah Elizabeth and Griff Jameson have joined forces to create an indie-folk sound which encompasses both their individual musical backgrounds of traditional folk-roots and folk pop/rock.  This is simplistic, classic song writing at its best – a stripped back harmony-driven sound with acoustic guitar, violin, accordion and exquisite harmony vocals.

WHERE: Quarry Theatre Garden

WHEN: 1 August 2021 @ 13:00 (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

As a performer, yes! We’re former residents of Bedford and loved enjoying the music in the garden of the Quarry Theatre in previous years! Had some chums play out there and loved the vibe. We always wanted to do it but the dates always clashed with other bookings so never sought it out….but this year….sadly when we’re no longer Bedford residents….We can do it!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Hahaha! Well we are all always learning right?! I think, on a practical level at least, we’ve certainly become alot more savvy with tech, what with having to do so many remote shows and interviews from our front room!

In all seriousness though, I think it teaches you to never take what you do for granted. We are so lucky to travel around and perform in all corners of the UK so regularly…..the idea that that normality is just around the corner sounds like a dream!

Tell us about your show.

We’ll be performing mostly songs from our 2020 debut album, “Northern Shores & Stories”. It’s a concept album based on the North Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby and the surrounding area.

We were lucky enough to release it on it’s original planned date (although sadly the tour to co-incide with it fell by the wayside) and got some great reviews and airplay on a national level!

We invite the audience in to enjoy the history, tales and characters from the album….as well as a few more familiar covers to get everyone singing along!

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

Just saw Danni Nicholls is on for the Blender Takeover! I shared the bill with her several times with my former band. She has a phenomenal voice and self penned songs to match!


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: Coor Brow-Obles

“The main difference between playing a festival and just going to one really comes from being backstage and seeing all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Plus there’s more chance of you sharing a mirror with the other performers when they know you’re not just trying to get their autographs and bags.”

WHO: Coor Brow-Obles: Musician

WHAT: “Coor Brow-Obles is a South-Eastern UK based alternative musician and secret fantasy you can’t tell your partner about. Multi-instrumentalist and producer, noted for his pure voice, intelligent lyrics, strong stage presence and devilish good looks.

With Inspiration from artists like David Bowie, Placebo, The Cure, Still Corners and Björk, his music is constantly evolving and exploring the boundaries of alternative pop music.

Performed in full gothic glam attire and with some audience patter in between.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre Garden

WHEN: 29 July 2021 @ 19:00 & 20:30 (30mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

It is and I’m very excited to be part of it! I know a lot of great talent has performed here including Lee Nelson, James Acaster and (my personal favourites) Aunty Donna. It’s going to be a lot to live up to. Still, if I can’t be as entertaining as them, at least I’ll be safe in the knowledge my eyeliner will be on point.

The main difference between playing a festival and just going to one really comes from being backstage and seeing all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Plus there’s more chance of you sharing a mirror with the other performers when they know you’re not just trying to get their autographs and bags.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learnt that Brood X cicadas only come out of the ground to breed every 17 years. This year however there’s a lot of them being infected by Massospora cicadina, which is confusing a lot of the cicadas into thinking they are opposite genders and rotting off the back half of their bodies. Neither of which has prevented their breeding cycle. Horrifying.

Also if you put your music on the internet some people might actually enjoy it. That was the biggest shocker.

Tell us about your show.

I label myself an alternative singer/songwriter as I’m not exactly Ed Sheeran with my song choices and performance, but it is just me and an acoustic guitar. Musically, I am more inspired by 80’s pop, post-punk, ethereal and dream pop. David Bowie, The Cure, Still Corners, Voltaire, Placebo, Joy Division etc. Anything that can create a mood.

That said, I like to incorporate a lot of crowd work into my show. It’s almost as much of a stand-up comic show as it is a musical performance. If you’ve only come to listen to music you might as well just buy the CD. An audience is as much a part of a show as the performer and should feel welcomed. There’s nothing worse than a performer who can’t even look at an audience let alone talk to them past “My next song is...”.

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

Personally I looking forward to seeing Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq the most. I’ve really enjoyed his performances on youtube.

I’m really interested in the ‘Twas a dark and stormy night poetry act, which has received a lot of great reviews.

I may take part in the Stevie Vegas Circus Skills workshop. I already have some experience with Devil sticks, so it’d be nice to add to the repertoire.

Also Debra Kedabra looks right up my street. Magic and Drag looks like a winning combination. I wonder if they’ll lend me their lipstick…


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: Seska: BULLINACHINASHOP

“We shall soon be able to see how many people can fit in a ford fiesta sharing the same milkshake from the same straw on a Saturday night!”

WHO: SESKA: PERFORMER

WHAT: “Entertaining crowds from Mumbai to Trinidad.

Flying in for just ONE EXCLUSIVE Bedford Show! DO NOT MISS ! A turbo-charged chaotic comedy magic show for all ages. Kids laugh out loud , dads fart out loud and mums faint at his feet! Buy tickets quick!”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 25 July 2021 @ 14:00 (45mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is my 721st visit to Bedfringe … I can’t get enough of it! James and the team always provide carrots for my donkey Gertie and make me feel so welcome.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Be patient everyone. We shall soon be able to see how many people can fit in a ford fiesta sharing the same milkshake from the same straw on a Saturday night!

Tell us about your show.

The show is a chaotic clowning magic show that is loud and colourful. It really is a show for the whole family … kids laugh out loud, dads fart out loud … mums faint at my feet

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

There is a show called The Underdogs – Friendzy. Its for adults and you shall see some excellent magic – some very dangerous. It’s a fab show


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: ‘Twas a Dark and Stormy Night

“I learned how much I love what I do. And I learned not to waste the down time.”

WHO: Mark Steinhardt

ROLE IN PRODUCTION: Everything

WHAT: “Bedfringe regular, and twice a ‘Bedfringe Sellout’, Mark Steinhardt is back for the eighth time in the last eleven years.

Once again he has a new story to share. But this time he’s not telling you anything about it – he doesn’t want to give the game away. The title, he admits, has nothing whatever to do with it; it’s just there to set the tone.

He reckons that after all these years, you can trust him to deliver something worth an hour of your time.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 30 & 31 July 2021 @ TIMES VARY (60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

No, no! This is my eleventh year. I love it. Every year I’m a performer, a punter and a volunteer. It’s a lovely little festival. All in the same venue; big names, unknowns, large and small performance spaces, gardens – everything. It’s local to me, so it’s my festival, my town.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Fortunately, for me, performing is not how I make a living. So all those cancellations that poured in at the beginning of the pandemic were dismal but not frightening. I learned how much I love what I do. And I learned not to waste the down time. Next year’s is half ready!

Tell us about your show.

It’s something different from my usual telling of traditional stories. This one is about storytelling itself. It’s a convoluted yarn and….. oh no! I’m not going to get sucked into giving the game away! I think it’s more light-hearted than my past performances, but I hope it’s not entirely frivolous. And there some humour – several smiles, three chuckles and one laugh. Maybe.

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

I’m going to suggest the people I’ve seen in past years and really enjoyed. There’s Alfie Moore for starters, the Falsetto Sock Puppets have never let me down and Pip Upton is always reliable. Yer Blues Bones is bound to be at the fine-honed cutting edge of the avant garde. Of course they are. Beyond that, I’m not going to do the shameless plugging of my pals. I haven’t got any. I’ve trodden on them all on my way to the top.


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: Sparky TKO – Bridging the Gap

“I mix passion, politics, romance, humour and a wardrobe symbolising ambitions that vastly outweigh the realities of my ‘best life’.”

WHO: Sparky TKO: Poet, musician, noisemaker

WHAT: “Sparky TKO creates stories and documents experience through the medium of poetry and song. Their personal and universal themes range from empowered, impassioned and political, to absurd, off-kilter and daft. Their unashamed love for casual-glam aesthetic and grand formality of cabaret often contrasts with the jagged-edged sonic punk melody, and unpolished nosedives into improvisation.

‘Bridging the Gap’ will see Sparky showcase new material, as well as selecting (and often re-interpreting) pieces from their last 3 fringe shows – ‘A Year in Sixty Minutes’ (2015), ‘Mansplaining’ (2017) and ‘Welsh America’ (2019), with the events of the last 18 months having added additional pertinence to themes such as connection, perpetual motion and hope.

Their 25th July show will be performed acoustically, and 28th July electronically.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 25 July 2021 @ 11:00 & 28 July 2021 @ 19:30 (30-60mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is my sixth time at Bedfringe, my five-year unbroken run inevitably being interrupted by the pandemic last year.

Aside from it being practically on my doorstep (give or take a few hedge/fence manoeuvres), I feel Bedfringe is special because it takes risks and packs a diverse range of productions and performers into such a short space of time. I always enjoy coming down to the Quarry during Bedfringe, whether performing, watching a show, or just hanging out at the bar, because of the positive energy and welcoming vibe. The July sunshine invariably helps too!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

On a personal note, it’s been to value my gifts, but also my boundaries – I feel I’ve often taken on more than I could reasonable manage because of perceived expectations.

On a more collective note, I think boundaries apply to us all, whether it’s demanding our four square meters of space, ensuring people get a permit before hugging/touching us, and generally being more considerate of each other’s wellbeing.

Tell us about your show.

My previous fringe shows – ‘A Year in Sixty Minutes‘, ‘Mansplaining and ‘Welsh America‘ – have merged a thematically linked selection of my poems and songs with a corresponding narrative arc. With ‘Bridging the Gap‘, I’m reviewing these under new lenses, particularly given the perspectives we’ve all gained in the last year and a half or so. If you’ve never seen me before, it can basically act as a beginner’s guide to my creative musings, and if you have, there will be new poems as well as revisions of the older ones.

I mix passion, politics, romance, humour and a wardrobe symbolising ambitions that vastly outweigh the realities of my “best life”.

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

Oh, without a doubt go and see Thomas Benjamin Wild esq. The man is hilarious!
But there’s so much – I’d recommend Juliette Burton and Simon Munnery for comedy, ‘Twas a Dark and Stormy Night for poetry, and the Blender Takeover for music – they curate a stage without a variety of fantastic local musicians.


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: BOUDICA : An Interactive, Action-Packed Play for Kids

“Two out of Three of the Wild Geese were raised around Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, so it makes us very proud to be putting our biggest EVER show on here.”

WHO: Andrew Baker: Artistic Director

WHAT: “BOUDICA is a fast-paced, action-packed show steered by charming characters, with an innovative approach to engaging with the audience. We use experienced facilitators to bring the children into the world of the play through rhythmic participation, atmospheric activities & playing key characters. The story is dramatically told from both sides of the legendary Boudica myth, challenging the children to ask: Who am I going to fight for?”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre Garden

WHEN: 27 & 28 July 2021 @ 15:00 (75mins)

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Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

Yes! This is our first time at Bedfringe, and we couldn’t be more excited to take part. Two out of Three of the Wild Geese were raised around Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, so it makes us very proud to be putting our biggest EVER show on here.

For us, a great festival is all about families. It’s about people of all ages getting together to celebrate creativity together. Our mission has been to do just that – celebrate creativity.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

These past few years have taught us so much. But, not all of those lessons were happy one. We’ve learnt that sometimes people forget about how important being creative actually is and how important it is for people to get together and create stuff. But, we have all soldiered through and now we have our chance to make magic happen again.

We’ve also learnt that, no matter what, The Wild Geese team have always got each other’s backs, and we always have time for our community of kids and their families.

Tell us about your show.

We really do have something super special in store for you this year. We are incredibly proud of this show and the amazing cast and creatives who have made it happen.

Step back in time with us to ancient Britannia. The Romans are making their way across the land, destroying anybody who refuses to be ruled by them. A young queen, Boudica of the Iceni tribe, refuses to back down and begins her own war against the Romans. She fights for the freedom of her people, but Rome is unbelievable strong…

The story is full of action and drama but, just like all our shows, it is also full of comedy and fun. We ask our audience to take part as well! So, for those who would like to, there will be chances to actually be in the play itself! And, even if you don’t want to play a part, there are loads of opportunities to make noise and run wild during the performance. There is even a chance to be involved in a full blown battle! It’s not to missed!

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

Well, we love classic storytelling a lot. There are some brilliant storytellers at Bedfringe this year.

The amazing Mark Steinhardt’s show, ‘Twas A Dark And Stormy Night, will no doubt be a must-watch.

Also, Richard Pulsford’s show, It Just So Happened, looks incredible too!


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: Andrew White: The Gay Agenda Live!

“This is my second time performing at Bedfringe after I had such a great time in 2019. That first year was a bit of an unknown but the support from the festival was brilliant and I got two lovely audiences in for both showings.”

WHO: Andrew White: Writer / Performer

WHAT: “Sex, Spreadsheets and Revolution. Andrew White promises it all in this hilarious new show spilling all the secrets of the widely whispered about “gay agenda” – is it as evil as the conspiracists claim? What is the anthem for this LGBT takeover? And will there be biscuits? (All sexualities welcome; there MIGHT be biscuits)”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre

WHEN: 30 July 2021 @ 21:00 (60mins)

MORE: Click Here!


Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

This is my second time performing at Bedfringe after I had such a great time in 2019. That first year was a bit of an unknown but the support from the festival was brilliant and I got two lovely audiences in for both showings. I don’t exactly have a massive profile, so to know there’s a willing and open-minded audience who will go see things from people they’ve not heard of is a delight!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My last show had a projector, screen and a few heavy props that were not fun to carry around! I had resolved to strip it all back this year, but I’m slowly building up a list of things I’d actually quite like to include… In a normal comedy club you don’t get as much freedom to play about with things, so although my backpack may be heavy again, I think I’m happy to ignore that 2019 lesson in favour of some creative messing about.

Tell us about your show.

The Gay Agenda LIVE! is a tongue-in-cheek look at sexuality, spreadsheets and revolution. It mainly revolves around my desire to be more active in activism contrasted against a desire to not rock the boat and fill in forms effeciently. Can the two be married? Is a protest song the best medium to contribute to “the revolution”? And am I gay enough to be a gay icon?

The topics sound heavy, but it’s all dealt with in a very silly and light-hearted matter that I hope people can relate to, no matter their backgrounds. Plus, there is a loop-pedal based observational comedy routine, some musical flair, and a lot of biscuit chat… Something for everyone!

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

I’ve worked a lot with Patrick Monahan over lockdown doing Zoom comedy shows and he is just so good. Such great company and brilliantly funny – go watch him on the 1st August.

My very good friend Max Fulham is doing ‘An Extraordinary Evening’ of comedy ventriloquism & mind-reading with Matt Daniel-Baker. If you have younger family members the show is perfect to take them to, or just superb for all ages anyway if you’re attending without the kids.

Plus, just take a punt on things that look interesting! That’s the best part of a fringe festival


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Bedfringe 2021 Interview: Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. Live At Bedfringe

“The Quarry Theatre and garden are an absolute pleasure to perform in and watch shows at (and they are only a 10 minute walk from my house) so I’m looking forward to seeing some great shows this year.”

WHO: Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq: Performer

WHAT: “Bedford’s own viral star returns to Bedfringe. With over 140,000 subscribers and over 8 million views of his notorious, sweary classic ‘I’ve No More …. To Give’ on YouTube alone, Thomas will be bringing his banjolele for a mix of (radio friendly versions of) his original satirical songs and sing-a-long classics.”

WHERE: Quarry Theatre Garden

WHEN: 30 July 2021 @ 18:00 (50mins)

MORE: Click Here!


Is this your first time to Bedfringe?

I first performed at Bedfringe 2019, but, as a Bedford resident, I’ve been a punter for years. It’s a great event showcasing some fantastic local, national and international acts. I must admit, as a performer, I’m fairly new to the whole festival circuit, however, as a punter, a great location is key. The Quarry Theatre and garden are an absolute pleasure to perform in and watch shows at (and they are only a 10 minute walk from my house) so I’m looking forward to seeing some great shows this year.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Well, 2019 seems like a lifetime ago and I’ve only had a handful of gigs in front of ‘real’ audiences since then! Like many other artists, over 2020/21 I have been doing a lot of online shows and have become very good at performing to a camera, keeping my gaze to a fixed point and not leaving any awkward silence between songs (as a performer you get used to leaving space for applause, however, social media doesn’t have a function for that yet!) I’ve definitely got better at dealing with my own tech, however, I’m very much looking forward to someone else handling that side of things again!

Tell us about your show.

This will be my first show in front of an audience since December 2019, so expect me to be rather excitable! I’ll be performing a family friendly, Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. set (don’t worry, I’ll be doing a version of ‘that’ song) which will include some singalong classics as well as songs from my 2nd album which I have not yet had the opportunity to play to people face to face yet! I may even be playing some brand new songs for the first time as well.

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

I definitely think people should try and catch the excellent Dave Alnwick’s Nightmare Magic show. I performed with Dave at the 2019 opening show and he was fabulous! Also, my good friend Sparky TKO is always great, and I’ll also be trying to catch some of the Blender Takeover shows, including the wonderful Danni Nicholls and Richie Prynne.


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