Category Archives: *EdFestivals 2026

EdFringe Talk: John-Luke Roberts: What I Talk About When I Run About, Talking

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’m excited this year to be doing a type of comedy show different from all my previous shows.”

WHO: John-Luke Roberts

WHAT: “JLR returns with his first new show in four years. Hilarious stand-up about the human condition, nearly dying and what it’s like to have an endoscopy on Remembrance Sunday at exactly 11am. Hilarious, though, that’s the main thing. Some poems too. Aiming for at least five-to-six laughs a minute, so about three hundred total which is pretty good actually. Big accessible laughs too, while not selling out on my alternative roots. Come on, you’ll like it. Fringe Legend Award winner. ***** (List). ***** (Fest). **** (Guardian). **** (Telegraph).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel 4 at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Venue 515) 

WHEN: 14:10 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s something like my 20th time, and I’ll be doing my 11th solo show. Two years ago I remounted a retrospective of my 10 shows so far, which was kind of a thrilling walk through my Edinburgh memories. I’m excited this year to be doing a type of comedy show different from all my previous shows.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

That I am going to die one day. I had a scary time in November – I was coughing up blood, and went to A and E to find out I had multiple blood clots in my lungs, which can be lethal. Then a friend died towards the beginning of this year. When I say I learnt I was going to die, obviously, I knew on a sort of intellectual level that death would happen at some point, but this year I’ve actually had to face up to it. So I’m trying to write a really mainstream show about that, which is good actually, because death is a very mainstream topic because we’re all going to die.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it, I’m producing it, and I’m performing it. It’s a stand-up show about the human condition and it’s got an awful lot of words in it (like terrifying miracle of consciousness, Jamie’s Italian, colonoscopy, goblins, chutzpah, pulmonary embolism, Go Ape, Jung, moths, Skechers and twinge). I’ve done a bunch of WIPs, but Edinburgh will be the proper debut.

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

Too much to mention really – comedy wise, I’m excited to see Bec Hill’s work in progress, and Abby Wimbaugh’s work in progress, and Lil Wenker’s show, and Jonno’s show, and Kate Cheka’s show, and Lara Ricote’s show. I’d also recommened Jonathon Oldfield’s show and Phil O’Shea’s show, but then I directed them.

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EdFringe Talk: Michelle Shocked: Bootleg This!

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“I enjoy the giddiness the Fringe fosters, the sensory overload combined with relentless FOMO.”

WHO: Michelle Shocked

WHAT: “Grammy Award-winning US music artist Michelle Shocked brings her brand new show to the Fringe (Her first UK shows in eight years). Blending music with memoir, Bootleg This! offers audiences a unique, live encounter with the stories behind the songs. Forty years after her legendary bootleg debut – surviving a 13-year blacklist – the Grammy winner returns with a vengeance. The show connects directly with the release of her audio memoir, Bootleg This! A fiercely original voice shaped by Texas folk, blues, with storytelling and spiritual conviction.”

WHERE: Doonstairs at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 20:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my fifth Fringe appearance. The first time in 1988 was on a double bill with Richard Thompson, the second as a company member in the Mark Morris Dance Group at the International Festival. I performed at the Fringe in 2017 and again in 2018, both times in an attempt to break the blacklist created by the 2013 defamation. My most memorable moment from the Fringe is a distant memory of an Australian circus that did a brilliant show on the ceiling. Was this around 1988? I’m not sure. Believe it or not, I enjoy the giddiness the Fringe fosters, the sensory overload combined with relentless FOMO.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I learned a wonderful lesson in trust, faith and letting go in the production of Bootleg This!, the show based on my audio memoir, in collaboration with my producer, Sue Zizza of SueMedia Productions. There were moments when I truly did not know next steps to take, but Sue, with over 40 years of experience producing audio dramas, knew just the perfect solution. We kept calm and carried on, one step and then another.

Tell us about your show.

Call them producers if you must; I know their criminal identity: enablers of intrepid creativity. Alan Whittaker is the brave captain of our ship, and soon thereafter, Bradford Louryk navigated its artistic direction. Once Dominique Bravo signed on, we found our sea legs. My show is actually two shows; the Truth Show and the Reality Show. Each night, the audience decides which one it’ll be. If I get my way. However, only one show will premier in Edinburgh if the good sense of my producers prevail. The show was road-tested for three months in the Spring; first, my half of a solo show, then a performance of Samuel Beckett’s one-hander, Krapp’s Last Tape, and I’d close with the second half of my show. After Edinburgh I’ll be taking both shows —theTruth Show and the Reality Show—on the road for three months … without adult supervision!

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

Audiences should see The Woman in The Mirror by Dayna Steele, she is a Texas Radio Hall of Famer, but the show focuses on her experience with her mothers Alzheimer’s. I’m also interested to see Andy Macleod in his show SOHO DAYS, CAMDEN NIGHTS, another story about music and the industry.

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EdFringe Talk: Call Me Elizabeth: from Lassie to Cleopatra

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“A great festival experience occurs when you allow yourself time for unplanned adventures and spontaneous discoveries.”

WHO: Kayla Boyle

WHAT: “An audience with Miss Taylor! Kayla Boye (Shake It Away) returns as the Hollywood legend, revealing her innermost feelings about life, love, triumphs and tragedies, until she meets Richard Burton on the set of ‘Cleopatra’, when her life, along with several others’, is turned upside down! Directed by Michael Weber and presented by Olivier winner, Fringe legend (twice Taylor’s nephew by marriage to Burton!) Guy Masterson. ‘Brilliant! A must-watch for any Elizabeth Taylor fan!’ (EdFringeReview.com). ‘Captivating! A brilliantly polished production!’ (ThreeWeeks). ‘A shattering, exquisite performance that should not be missed’ (ChicagoTheatreReview.com).”

WHERE: Studio Two at Assembly George Square Studios (Venue 17) 

WHEN: 15:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third visit to Edinburgh! The Fringe is a special mix of serendipity where you can witness an incredible breadth of performances while also experiencing the rich heritage of a historic city. A great festival experience occurs when you allow yourself time for unplanned adventures and spontaneous discoveries. Strike up conversations in queues with fellow festival-goers; they can offer insights on what to see. Does an intriguing poster catch your eye? Go see the show!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My previous Fringe experiences have been short runs which have steadily lengthened each year (I was in Edinburgh for 7 days in 2023, 10 days in 2025). They informed my understanding of stamina and building a schedule which allowed me the energy to both perform and enjoy other Fringe shows. As I approach this full run in 2026, I feel that I have absorbed these lessons and have a grounded sense of self that will allow me to sustain and deepen my performance over the duration of the month.

Tell us about your show.

I am the writer and performer of Call Me Elizabeth, a one-woman show about Elizabeth Taylor. The one-act version sold out during the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which was attended by Fringe legend and Olivier Award-winner Guy Masterson (who also happens to be related to the subject matter as grand-nephew of Richard Burton). I have since collaborated with Guy as dramaturg to expand the show into two acts, which I am performing in rep at this year’s Fringe (Part One on odd-numbered days and Part Two on even-numbered days). Following Edinburgh, the show will play The Playground Theatre in London from 1-6 September.

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

In addition to Call Me Elizabeth, Guy Masterson is presenting several other solo shows including The Tao of Lloyd (written and performed by Dennis Trainor Jr.), Ludwig: Unfinished Business (written and performed by Mike Hatchard), and Scaramouche Jones (written and performed by Justin Butcher). Check them out!

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EdFringe Talk: Mario Adrion: Live a Little

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“Audiences can handle much more than we sometimes give them credit for.”

WHO: Mario Adrion

WHAT: “A darkly funny show about a boy from a picturesque German town who leaves it all behind to become an international fashion model. Armed with a need for approval, Mario dives headfirst into the modelling world, navigating the chaos of pseudo professional relationships, the European runway, and sketchy modelling gigs. Along the way, Mario faces unhealthy power dynamics, constant rejection, and significant sexual abuse within the industry. The show explores themes of self-love, the need for acceptance, and grappling with sexual trauma from a male perspective. It’s a story about being hot — and sad.”

WHERE: Attic AND Pleasance Two at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: Varies (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! I’ve wanted to come to the Fringe for years because it feels like the Olympics of comedy. Thousands of artists from all over the world taking over one city for a month is such a ridiculous and beautiful idea. I love that audiences are willing to take chances on shows they know nothing about. As a comedian, that’s incredibly exciting.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned that audiences can handle much more than we sometimes give them credit for. If you’re honest enough, they’ll follow you almost anywhere. I’m still working on applying that lesson every time I write. It’s tempting to play it safe, but the interesting stuff usually lives on the other side of discomfort.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show over several years, with my director Bill Dawes. It’s produced by RBM Comedy and my team, Stephen Gordon Walker, Jordan Henry, and Emily Jones. The show has been evolving through previews in the US, and Edinburgh will be its Fringe debut. After that, I hope to keep touring it internationally because the themes seem to resonate with people wherever I perform.

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

I’m looking forward to seeing Gianmarco Soresi and Daniel Sloss. They’re both brilliant at balancing big laughs with smart storytelling, and I’m curious to see what they’ve created for the Fringe.

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EdFringe Talk: Jonathan Rudge: Stay at Home Son

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“I absolutely love Scotland, and the restaurant scene excites me a lot. I’m belly-led.”

WHO: Jonathan Rudge

WHAT: “In this, his brand new show ‘Stay at Home Son’, Londoner (oh shut up) Jonathan dives into the world of messed-up-millennials and manifesting adoption into the Beckhams now there’s a spare seat at the table (Love heart hands Brooklyn x). Nominated for no awards and never a sold-out show – Jonathan is fresh meat. This is a chance to see him before he hits the big time so don’t miss out. *Not written by ChatGPT.”

WHERE: Just The Snifter Room at Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 20:35 (55 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third time at the Edinburgh Fringe. My first was a short run of shows in 2024, then in 2025 I came back as a punter, and this year is my debut full run. The year I wasn’t performing, I could feel the cosmic electricity pumping out of every performer, polluting the air with their enthusiastic desperation. I’d never felt anything like it before. I loved it. I can’t wait to return. I absolutely love Scotland, and the restaurant scene excites me a lot. I’m belly-led.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I learned a bit of French on Duolingo and discovered that dating Gen Z can be… educational. Stand-up-wise, the biggest lesson was to stop thinking of an hour as an hour and start thinking of it as six lots of ten minutes. For some reason that completely rewired my brain. Life-changing. The lesson that keeps getting reinforced, especially over the past 12 months, is that creativity is part of one’s self, do not let anyone change it.

Tell us about your show.

Stand-up is incredibly personal. It’s basically reading your diary aloud and hoping people laugh. The show pokes fun at the strange generational moment we’re living through: the boomers who had everything, millennials who are technically proper adults but still feel like they’re winging it, Gen Z hot on our heels telling us how to behave, and poor Gen Alpha, who’ve barely had a look in yet. I wrote the show this past year and recently had some help from Bobby Mair who sprinkled his magic over me.. Sorry, I mean over the show. I’m producing it myself, and Edinburgh will be its premiere. I managed to orchestrate my redundancy after 19 years with the same company, which has funded the trip north. Massive thanks as well to my adopted Edinburgh parents, Norma and Alister, who are putting me up for the month. If all goes to plan, I’d love to keep taking the show on the road after the Fringe. A spot at the Soho Theatre is the dream, I’ve seen so many great things there. It’s a special place being a Londoner.

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

The Queer Comedy Club, who have a lovely home in Elephant and Castle, are bringing ‘The Best of Queer Fringe’ to Edinburgh every night. It’s always a guaranteed hoot.

Rohan Ashar and Mani Ahmed’s ‘Other’ is fantastic. I caught it at Brighton Fringe where it completely sold out, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Michael McPheat’s ‘Brutal’ is a love letter to his hometown of Milton Keynes, told through his younger queer experience. I saw a preview in his flat, and it’s proper LOL.

Finally, AJ Adams’ ‘Is He Bothering You?’ is on at 12.10am in The Wee One with Just the Tonic. I had that slot in 2024, so it feels only right to send people his way. I left a good energy load in that room!

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EdFringe Talk: Finlay Christie: Champagne Casanova

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“This will be my third proper FULL hour of stand-up comedy, which is a completely different beast, and the most fun you can have doing stand-up.”

WHO: Finlay Christie

WHAT: “Finlay misguidedly believes that his muggers fancied him, that being a f*ckboy is cool and that Kim Jong Un would love him. Funny, self-aware and internet-brained, this is an hour about the myths constructed by incels, billionaires and even human people, that mean we don’t have to admit we’re ordinary, rejected or wrong. There’s also a strong section on air fryers. As seen on social media (1M+ followers), Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. ‘The voice of a generation’ **** (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel 4 at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Venue 515) 

WHEN: Varies (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be the eighth year I’ve performed at the Fringe, in some form. I performed twice as a child, with the Comedy Club 4 Kids. I was 10. When I went to university I then performed two years on the trot with my university comedy club (UCL Comedy Club) doing 10 minutes.

But this will be my third proper FULL hour of stand-up comedy, which is a completely different beast, and the most fun you can have doing stand-up. You get a sense of control and command of the room that dwarfs that of regular comedy club stand-up. You can completely set the tone and the expectations, and take the audience on more of a journey.

A great Fringe is one where audiences feel adventurous enough to see people they’ve never heard of. That’s the magic of Edinburgh. I just hope it stays accessible enough that the next generation of comedians can still afford to be discovered there.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My show is actually about how little I’ve learned from the past year. It’s basically about not learning anything from your actions.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show, with help from comedian friends who have seen bits and pieces of it. The direction of it has been helped greatly by comedians like Sam Eley and Bobby Mair.

Bobby Mair is a fantastic comic, but often more off-the-wall than me. He may sometimes suggests I improve a routine by, for example, jacking off onto a dead kids’ face, which suits his comic voice much more. He is very emotionally intelligent, and knows how to draw things out of me that I feel, but I’m not sure how to say.

Sam Eley is very gifted. He always knows how to read an audience, and take a joke in the most interesting way once their perception of me has been thoroughly analysed.

The show has mainly been inspired by one event — me being robbed in New Orleans by two women who led me to believe they wanted a threesome with me. A lot of material around that has seemed to keep on the same theme: Believing stuff just because it benefits you.

I’ve done lots of previews of it around the country to my online fans, and after Edinburgh I’ll be taking it on a tour of UK and Ireland.

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

Phil Ellis, Eric Rushton and Chris Kent. They’re my favourites at the moment, and hugely underrated.

Chris Kent had me crying laughing the last time I saw him in Kilkenny. Before that, I can’t remember the last time I cried laughing at stand-up.

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EdFringe Talk: The Woman in the Mirror

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“If I pet a baby Highland cow and leave with my first tattoo, that will just be icing on the cake.”

WHO: Dayna Steele

WHAT: “A fearlessly honest, bitingly witty and unexpectedly uplifting true story of a mother and daughter navigating the realities of caregiving. Blindsided when her mother receives a life-changing diagnosis, Dayna writes a Facebook post. Waking up to hundreds of responses she realises she isn’t alone, and begins to share all the ups, downs, hilarity and heartbreak with her new-found cyber support network. An award-winning play from Radio Hall of Famer Dayna Steele, based on the best-selling book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook and a Really Big Glass of Wine. ‘A love letter to caregivers.’ (Houston Press)”

WHERE: Studio at ZOO Southside (Venue 82) 

WHEN: 15:15 (70 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No. This will be my fourth visit to this magical city, but my first time attending and performing at Fringe. I’ve fallen in love with Edinburgh over the years, made wonderful friends there, and honestly can’t imagine a better place for this next chapter. If I pet a baby Highland cow and leave with my first tattoo, that will just be icing on the cake.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned it’s never too late to do something completely unreasonable.

At 66 (turning 67 during the production), I somehow find myself an actor, am taking my first play overseas, and am raising the money to make it all happen. None of that was on my bingo card.

And, it’s okay to ask for help whether you are a caregiver or a playwright raising money to bring your uplifting comedy to Fringe.

Tell us about your show.

The Woman in the Mirror is based on my bestselling book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine. It’s inspired by my journey with my mother through Alzheimer’s—the heartbreaking moments, the hilarious ones, the ones that made me question my sanity, and one surprise ending audiences never see coming. I wanted to pass on all these lessons I learned to others with storytelling and humor. And love.

The project began in 2019 as something closer to a one-woman show. Then came what felt like 150 rewrites. (No one warns you that “playwright” mostly means rewriting.) Today it’s an award-winning two-person play.

In 2024 I was introduced to director Laura Stearns for a production in Palm Springs, California. Laura had also cared for both her mother and grandmother through Alzheimer’s, so she understood this story before I even finished telling it. She coached, challenged, encouraged, occasionally threatened me with another rehearsal, and somehow turned a former rock radio personality into an actor. Thanks to her, my co-star Rebecca McWilliams and I received Best Actress nominations from the Desert Theatre League. The production won Best Play, and Laura was honored as Best Director.

Over the past two years we’ve shaped this into something I hope audiences will never forget—a funny, honest, deeply human love letter to caregivers, parents, families, and the people who show up when life gets hard.

I’m producing the Edinburgh run through Blue Squirrel Productions alongside the wonderful team at Suzanna Rosenthal Productions.

If you laugh, cry, call your mother afterward, hug someone a little tighter, or simply walk out feeling a little less alone, we’ve done our job.

If you’ve ever had a mother or simply wondered how people survive impossible situations with laughter intact, this show is for you.

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

Find a first-time performer. Wander into a tiny venue with a queue outside. Take a chance on the show someone passionately recommends over coffee (or wine). Some of the biggest success stories in theatre began as unknown Fringe productions, and there’s something magical about being able to say, “I saw it before everyone else did.”

As a former business speaker, one of my favorite pieces of advice was simple: be quiet and listen. It’s amazing what you’ll hear—and where it might lead. It’s how I somehow kept ending up in the front row of Rolling Stones photos. (That’s a story for another day.)

The joy of the Fringe is discovering something you never planned to see. But if you are planning ahead, I recommend seeing brilliant women like Michelle Shocked, Women of Rock, and Chrissie Hinde!

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EdFringe Talk: In Other Words

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“I couldn’t believe the scale, the variety, the uniqueness, and the originality of all the shows.”

WHO: Maya Shoham

WHAT: “Maya is going through something. It’s something to do with feeling… this thing of… ummm… like… maybe not even… you know… Actually, she can’t find the words to articulate what it is. So Maya does what any normal person would do: she invites an audience to help her invent new words. Word invention is an art form that requires an audience. Conveniently enough, so is theatre. The play twists and turns as Maya the playwright gets in the way of Maya the performer (and vice versa), on this increasingly chaotic journey of trying to articulate herself.”

WHERE: Just The Attic at Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 16:00 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my first time performing! I’ve known about the festival for years, and I travelled last year to do some research and see a bunch of shows – 24 shows in 5 days, how about that?

I was blown away. To say it’s the biggest arts festival in the world is still, somehow, an understatement. I couldn’t believe the scale, the variety, the uniqueness, and the originality of all the shows. It felt like everything was possible there, art-wise. I knew I had to be a part of it, and it’s surreal that I’m about to be.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

When people told me “word of mouth is everything at the Fringe”, they weren’t kidding. It’s EVERYTHING. I’m getting great advice that I’m currently trying to actualize: working with social media, which is something I’m notoriously quite terrible at (thank god my director does that for a living and took charge), creating strong images for the poster and flyers, and coming up with physical gifts for the audience to take home. Something small, but actual. A thing to remember the show by, and hopefully help spread the word with.

Tell us about your show.

I started writing the show after receiving a birthday letter that changed my life and made me reexamine my relationship to words. I became obsessed with the idea that words have this unbelievable, taken-for-granted power. They can shape us. They can define us. Sometimes, they can even create realities.

When I started writing, I was mostly thinking about words themselves. But when my colleague-turned-director Eden Zamir joined the team, there was an important pivot: we started looking at what words can do specifically in theater.

We worked on the script for nearly a year. I would write a draft, read it to Eden, we would discuss it, and then I would rewrite and workshop things. In October, we put on a workshop performance at The Chain Theatre in Midtown NYC, in front of an intimate group of trusted artists whose opinions we really wanted. That’s also when Tessa Faye, our now-producer, joined the team. Tessa is a rock star, and we’re beyond fortunate to have her on board.

Since then, we’ve been rehearsing, rewriting, and throwing ideas around to make sure the show is ready for the Fringe. Our most recent addition is Yair Ben-Dor, who has a bit of a secretive part in the creation of this show. If you want to know what that means, you might just have to come see our show.

This is the first professional step for the show, and we hope the Fringe will help give it a future beyond Edinburgh.

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

First on my watch list are Cadel with Connor Delves, and the newest Xhloe and Natasha show, Bigfoot Ripped My Dog In Half, I Saw It. My strategy has been to be at the Fringe and hear what everyone is talking about (word of mouth IS everything), but other shows on my radar are: Britney: Holy Mackerel!, Crying At My Podiatrist, and The Sound Within with Eisenberg and Stern.

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EdFringe Talk: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

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“This will be my 14th consecutive year going to Ed Fringe. It’s now labelled simply in my diary as “Ed,” which I like because it does kind of feel like an old friend.”

WHO: Ali James

WHAT: “The Olivier Award-winning West End smash hit and Fringe favourite is back! The Showstoppers improvise a hilarious new musical every show, totally inspired by audience suggestions, in ‘the funniest improv on the Fringe’ (BroadwayBaby.com). The mind-blowing, must-see phenomenon where it’s opening night of the hottest musical in town… every night! With over 1,500 hilarious made-up musicals to their name, The Showstoppers never perform the same show twice. ‘So polished, it defies belief’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘A consistent audience favorite for a reason.’ ***** (Playbill). ‘Achingly funny… worth seeing again and again.’ ***** (Time Out).”

WHERE: Grand at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 17:20 (70 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this will be my 14th consecutive year going to Ed Fringe. It’s now labelled simply in my diary as “Ed,” which I like because it does kind of feel like an old friend.

In fact, Ed is a great pal; I’ve had some of the best experiences of my career and indeed life directing, performing, spectating and, yes, partying over the years with Ed. The sheer variety of Ed’s interests really keeps me guessing and broadening my horizons as to what I enjoy. From Peter Pan inspired club nights where we refused to grow up to masked theatre shows exploring thought provoking themes like mental health as we age, the programme is FULL.

At the same time, I know what I’m in for and nowadays know when me and Ed need our downtime. Did you know there is a little garden down the ramp next to the Pleasance Grand entrance? Hardly anyone knows about it and Ed and I often enjoy an iced tea and plan your next exploit there with the all encompassing Fringe Guide. Or maybe grab yourself a healthy smoothie at Hula on the Grass Market and catch up on the latest hot goss (either from reviews or word of mouth). Carving out these little pockets of time together is essential for maximum friendship benefit.

Like all great friends, Ed listens well. When things aren’t as good as they could be the Ed Fringe Society and board members respond, having made it their year round commitment to deliver a festival better than the last every time. And their recommendations (eg 2-4-1 deals and mixed bill shows like Pick of the Fringe) are more often than not bang on, so do take their advice to heart.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’m currently learning to boundary my time more effectively (challenging as a freelance director and performer!) so I can continue to give the absolute best of me to each of my respective projects (three of which will be part of Ed Fringe this year). Fitness, rest and relaxation have to be part of my everyday routine now. I try to take care of my body so I can keep moving dynamically in Showstopper and am constantly thrilled by our artistic developments as a company. Ed’s audiences are very loyal and have helped Showstopper galvanise and grow annually for the last 17 years, for which I’m very grateful.

Tell us about your show.

Showstopper is a 70 minute improvised West End/ Broadway musical. The concept is simple; a theatre writer’s producer calls and asks for a new musical. Out of ideas, they turn to their audience for inspiration. We, the seven strong cast and three strong band spontaneously bring to life the imagined story, choreography and songs celebrating the audiences brilliant suggestions. Produced by Suzanna Rosenthal, Showstopper has been running since its porta cabin inception of 2008 inspired by the work of British theatre director Ken Campbell. We tour the UK year round and occasionally have stints abroad too. We’ll be back in the autumn in lots of UK cities and continuing our London West End residency at the stunning Cambridge Theatre.

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

I will always suggest Austentatious! (An improvised Jane Austen novel that makes me laugh so hard I sometimes cry) and The Bob Ross Effect (also an SRP show) from the mind and heart of legendary Fringe performer Sarah Louise Young where you get to (if you’d like) draw along with Sarah and explore how art can help us all.

So from me and Ed, join us this August for a summer friendship fest like no other!

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EdFringe Talk: Jamie Wolf: Psycho

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve done stand up for almost a decade and have never done an hour almost every night for nearly a month. It’s gonna be a fun crash course.”

WHO: Jamie Wolf

WHAT: “A story about loss, grief and the meaning of life, Psycho should be a slow, plodding, tear-jerker of an hour. Instead, join Jamie as he shares an uproariously funny, heartwarming and life-affirming outlook on tragedy. One of Time Out’s Comics to Watch 2025, Jamie Wolf is a comedian, writer, actor and former opiate user with a penchant for tackling dark and taboo subjects with a dynamic stage presence that not only makes it work, but makes it kill.”

WHERE: Wee Room at Gilded Balloon Tevio (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 21:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes and I’m super excited to bring my hour there! I’ve done stand up for almost a decade and have never done an hour almost every night for nearly a month. It’s gonna be a fun crash course. I’ll probably want to quit a few times, too. I’m also pumped to try the food: I’ve heard it’s fantastic.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I have learned over the last few months that roughly a thousand ways of performing certain jokes DOES NOT work. This show is a testament to the fact that I HAVE absorbed these lessons and my show is the leftover parts that worked, over and over, in different environments.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it and Richard Bucknall is producing after coming to see a run of this hour in the States. He’s been absolutely outstanding thus far. Afterwards, I plan to record this hour to pitch it to streamers. When they inevitably pass, I will put it out on my YouTube channel.

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

Watch Sam Morrison’s show!! He’s one of my best friends and truly so talented. Hilarious and unique and a massive inspiration for me. Geoffrey Asmus is also an outstanding US-based comic that absolutely rips. If you want an hour of great jokes, go see him.

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