Category Archives: EdFestivals 2023

EdFringe Talk: Photon StarBlaster and the Suicidal Spaceship

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I’ve never been able to work with a director at such an early stage of a piece, and the chance to do so this time has paid off massively.”

WHO: John McEwan-Whyte

WHAT: “Photon StarBlaster is a renegade galactic agent on a mission. But when his spaceship malfunctions and sets course to self-destruct, he is thrown into his most dangerous journey yet. Will he be able to make it home? Based on the playwright’s own childhood experiences, this fast-paced new play explores the generational fallout of suicide, and how we reach for the stars when the ground beneath us gets too much. A C ARTS Spark Fund winner.”

WHERE: C ARTS | C venues | C aquila – studio (Venue 21) 

WHEN: 13:45 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I am currently residing in Edinburgh and working as a filmmaker.ival, the city t However, duringransforms into an entirely different world. The the Fringe festatmosphere is electric, and the meadows resemble the Wastelands from Mad Max. It’s a time when everyone is discussing and immersing themselves in art. Although the world cannot sustain this level of energy for an extended period, Edinburgh manages to uphold it for a month, and it’s truly amazing.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Since 2022 I’ve learnt rice is grown, Vienna and Venice aren’t the same place, and a Dutch man doesn’t come from Deutchland. Artistically, I’ve learned how important a collaborative creative team is in making a piece of theatre. I’ve never been able to work with a director at such an early stage of a piece, and the chance to do so this time has paid off massively. The piece is faster, more propulsive, but (most important) has a clear idea of what it wants to say. This is due to the fact that my director trusts me, I trust my director and (a very big one) we don’t have egos. I know my place in the room, but that doesn’t mean once in a while (politely) I can speak about something on the direction side of things, especially when I’m so open about parts of the script the director doesn’t think works. You’re both trying to make the best thing, trust that.

Tell us about your show.

I’m John McEwan-Whyte, a filmmaker based in Edinburgh, who, due to a full-time job (that usually fills up weekends), had to write this piece over a three-day holiday. It was based on an idea I’ve had for a while and one my director (Debi Pirie, who I studied with and is absolutely killing it in the theatre directing world) liked the sound of. We got three days of R&D with the very generous Traverse, before performing a reading. The reading got us some investment and since then we’ve been trying to do as much as we can from the generosity of one fantastic theatre maker. If all goes well (funding wise) we are working with the Aberdeen Arts Centre to carry out a September performance in Aberdeen, and then aim to perform at a Play, Pie and a Pint.

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

There’s a big new thing this festival called the Femifringe. It has been set up by one of my amazing friends, and fellow writer, Rachel O’Regan. After some stinking chat from male creators being frustrated at the amount of female-led theatre companies a group of like minded individuals decided to create a community that champions non-binary and female creativity at Edinburgh Fringe and in the theatre industry (you can help support them here: https://greenlit.com/project/2023-femifringe-guide). Part of their program is one of my favourite pieces I saw last year, “the Beatles were a boyfriend”, funny, thought-provoking but hugely entertaining (everything you want in a good show). Also, if you’re in the mood for more sci-fi, the George Lucas Podcast is in Edinburgh this year, I’m def going to be trying to make it to see them.

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EdFringe Talk: Ian Smith: Crushing

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I was told by my dentist that I grind my teeth and 4 months after that I went to Slovakia with my hairdresser and drove over a car in a tank (after 30 minutes of smashing it with big hammers).”

WHO: Ian Smith

WHAT: “Multi award-winning comedian Ian Smith (BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz and co-host of the Northern News podcast) presents a new show about stress, love and driving a tank with your hairdresser. Amused Moose Comedy Award and ThreeWeeks Editors’ Award Winner 2017. British Comedy Guide Recommended 2018 and 2019. ‘Catch him now before his inevitable jump to the big time’ (Telegraph). ‘An effortlessly brilliant stand-up show’ **** (Scotsman). ‘A riot of sprightly silliness’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). ‘One of the best you will see at the festival’ ***** (Mirror).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Tron) – The Tron (Venue 51) 

WHEN: 13:35 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No – this is my seventh solo show and my tenth full run at the Fringe! I’ve been going long enough to discover the best shortbread shop ever and then see that shortbread shop close down, which makes me feel old. I love the Fringe so much, and as soon as it’s done I’m thinking about what I want to do there next.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I think I’m very good at learning a lesson – but then not putting any of it into practice. Especially when it comes to meaningful life lessons. So, what I will say, is that I learnt the best way to roast a full broccoli. Get it in a big tray with a little bit of water in, just a little, which helps keep it moist while still giving it a roasted texture. Is this selling my Edinburgh show?

Tell us about your show.

This is a stand-up show written and performed by me – it’s about stress, but in a very silly way. I was told by my dentist that I grind my teeth and 4 months after that I went to Slovakia with my hairdresser and drove over a car in a tank (after 30 minutes of smashing it with big hammers). So I guess it’s up to you and the audience to decide whether I’ve de-stressed or got worse. Edinburgh will be it’s premier and I’ll be touring it around the UK in early 2024.

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

I’m very excited to see John Kearns’ The Varnishing Days at Monkey Barrel – I saw an early work in progress and it was already so funny and his shows always find a way to be incredibly silly and laugh out loud funny while still being really beautiful and profound.

I’ve also already seen a few previews of Pierre Novellie’s show and it is great, as usual. I’m excited to see Jonny Pelham too because he is a funny, funny man – and Tamsyn Kelly’s debut show will be very good.

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EdFringe Talk: Macbeth by the Sea

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I enjoy sharing my work and the rest of the time I am a big ol’ sponge sopping up the energy and creativity. I love it!”

WHO: Joe Janes

WHAT: “The Macbeths have killed King Duncan and taken over his kingdom. Now it’s time to party – except for Banquo’s battered spirit showing up and ruining everything. Lady Macbeth is worried her husband’s guilty hallucinations will doom their tenure as royalty. She orders they go away for the weekend at a seaside resort to get their heads on straight. Try as they might to loose the shackles of their evil deeds with couples massages, karaoke, and vacation friends – a certain trio of witches aren’t far behind.”

WHERE: theSpace on the Mile – Space 2 (Venue 39) 

WHEN: 16:05 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my fourth Fringe. The first was in the mid-90s with a show called The Armageddon Radio Hour. Cut to 2017 with Our Christian Nation and 2019 with The Greatest Theatrical Event…EVER!. What I enjoy most about the festival is meeting other folks performing in the venue. I’m still in touch with people I have met and connected with at each Fringe, including pre-internet 90s! Competing with that is my joy of discovery. Discovering new shows, new actors, clowns, comedians, and experiences. I enjoy sharing my work and the rest of the time I am a big ol’ sponge sopping up the energy and creativity. I love it!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I have been fortunate enough to always be involved with quality shows so most of my lessons are logistical. The time slot is important. For our last show, we thought if we had a prime time slot, people would take us seriously. We were just a small show from Chicago in an obscure location and it was difficult to get any reviewers to come see us. They were all busy seeing A-List shows. This year, we are in an easy-to-find location right off the Mile and our slot is in the afternoon after lunch and before dinner. Flyering can be grueling for a small cast, so we have some folks coming just to support us with promotion.

Tell us about your show.

The show is some crazy Shakespeare fan fiction that throws Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into a Twilight Zone weekend getaway whilst skewering the bard. Our shows always have one foot in theatre and one foot in sketch comedy and another weird oversized foot in clowning. Also, stop staring at our feet!

I wrote it and it is being produced by the team. We all paid for our own airfare and are all pitching in for all the other expenses. We’re all friends who have known one another for years. Most of us teach at Columbia College Chicago. Going back to the Fringe wasn’t on our radar a year ago. It just came up in conversation and I had an idea about the Porter from Macbeth I always wanted to explore.

We’re doing four previews in Chicago before we bring it over. The tricky part about comedies is that you don’t know how much laughter will affect the length of your show. We don’t want to be the jerks whose show runs long in a tightly scheduled venue.

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

Well, there are many improv shows I’m excited to see – Improv Cage Match, Sheila’s Sister, Batsui, and Spontaneous Potter, to name a few. I love physical theater and clowning, so Aloft Presents Sanctuary and My Last Two Brain Cells are on my list. I’ll also check out some Shakespeare like The Handlebards and Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters.

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EdFringe Talk: The Beatles Were a Boyband

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“You need to take care of yourself and your mental health, and sometimes that means taking a wee break, whether it’s a duvet day or getting out of the city for a bit.”

WHO: Rachel O’Regan

WHAT: “The cosy, safe world of three flatmates is rocked by a woman’s murder. Now Violet’s scared walking home from her late shift. Daisy’s become an accidental activist drawing unwanted attention from the manosphere. And Heather just wants to get on with her life. After all, who really needs to change to make women safer? This unforgettable play by Rachel O’Regan and feminist theatre company F-Bomb returns to Gilded Balloon, having won a Scotsman Fringe First Award and the Sit Up Award for social impact in 2022.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Doonstairs (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 19:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be F-Bomb’s third time at EdFringe! We debuted as a student company in 2021 with our comedy AFTERPARTY, which sold out its full run. Last year was our first time as ~professionals~, and our 2022 play THE BEATLES WERE A BOYBAND won a Fringe First and the Sit-Up Award for social impact.

What I love most about the festival is the opportunity to see work that isn’t often given a platform in Scotland – in particular, shows led by women and people of marginalised genders. Go see the stuff that’s a bit quirky and scrappy, that doesn’t have massive funding or PR behind it – that’s where you’ll find artists pouring their hearts out onstage, because they’ve fought tooth and nail to be there.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

It’s a very intense month – physically, emotionally, financially. Realistically you can’t see ALL the shows and make ALL the connections. You need to take care of yourself and your mental health, and sometimes that means taking a wee break, whether it’s a duvet day or getting out of the city for a bit. We’re certainly still learning as a company how to achieve that balance.

Tell us about your show.

THE BEATLES WERE A BOYBAND was written in response to all the ongoing, frustrating conversations about women’s safety and male violence. I wrote the script in 2022 over a few very intense months where I essentially immersed myself in incel Reddit forums and feminist literature. We took care to make it non-traumatising and accessible and funny, even, in parts. It’s a raw topic for a lot of people and we never want the show to feel gratuitous or exploitative.

We are producing the show ourselves as we were knocked back for funding unfortunately. It’s a topsy-turvy world when the artists are also doing the spreadsheets. We really hope to take the show further, around Scotland and the UK and abroad – if any producers are reading this, hi!

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

“Salty Irina” by Eve Leigh is also on my must-see list – it’s about two queer girls infiltrating a far-right festival. Edge of your seat stuff.

I’m also so happy that “BUTCHERED” by Expial Atrocious is back! It was one of my absolute highlights last year and I don’t want to spoil too much. You should just see it.

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EdFringe Talk: Too Big For Her Britches

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I never wanted to spoon feed my audience about how to feel. Sometimes the characters respond completely opposite of what you’d expect. That’s real life. It’s unpredictable.”

WHO: Lisa Pezik

WHAT: “A hilarious and heartbreaking dark comedy driven by 20 characters and 11 original songs, in which the heroine, Luna, endeavours to disentangle herself from bad decisions and an overbearing, narcissistic mother. A compelling rollercoaster of emotions, Too Big for Her Britches will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost, unimportant, or disregarded. A one-woman solo musical that answers the question: what happens when we stop hoping for the storybook ending by honouring our father and mother at all costs, and instead make the courageous decision to honour ourselves?”

WHERE: theSpaceTriplex – Studio (Venue 117) 

WHEN: VARIES (70 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Although we’ve traveled from Canada to perform in Hollywood and Off-Broadway in New York City, this is our first time in Edinburgh. I say we, as my husband and 9-year-old son travel everywhere with me. The show may be solo, but I’m not alone! I’m incredibly excited to showcase this deeply personal, mostly autobiographical story in Edinburgh. I believe that narcissism, shame, and being told we’re too much, too big, too bossy, too loud, too small, too sensitive, etc is a cross cultural conversation and after workshopping in for the past year, I feel ready to be seen in Edinburgh! I believe Edinburgh Fringe is the launching pad for great work, necessary conversation, and the celebration of creativity. It’s like the Super Bowl, Grey Cup, World Cup of theatre! It’s right where I want to be! And my family and I are excited to check out all the sights, delights, and food. My son is very excited at the idea of flyering and telling everyone about “my mom’s show” as we work together as a team. My creative team and I were very intentional from a writing, directing, producing, singing, and movement perspective to encompass this story of the strength of the human spirit.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I believe that good theatre makes you think and in humanizing villains, and seeing the hero’s faults, it makes the story real. I never wanted to spoon feed my audience about how to feel. Sometimes the characters respond completely opposite of what you’d expect. That’s real life. It’s unpredictable. I also wasn’t set on tying everything up in a bow and giving my story a happy ending. That’s not always the truth of narcissism, dysfunctional families, and mental health. It’s a continuum. Healing isn’t linear. It’s mixed with amazing decisions and awful days. I’ve learned that my story is going to evoke real emotions from people and that’s good. They laugh hysterically one moment and deeply cry the next and when we have the courage to “go there, ” it helps others be seen, validated, and heard. Lastly, I learned there is a cost when you vulnerably and powerfully share. When you’re on the other side of healing and you go back to the dark days of the character. Self-care is a must. No one wants you to vomit your vulnerabilities to them on stage and that takes work to perform from a healed, whole, powerful way. Self care will be a huge part of my experience in Edinburgh performing a full fun and 20 shows.

Tell us about your show.

My show was created, written, and acted by me, Lisa Pezik! It completely transformed when I started working with movement and acting coach, Jean-Louis Rodrigue. He’s helped Margo Robbie, Ke Huy Quan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Keanu Reeves. The music is co-written and composed with Drew Lawrence, a multiplatinum songwriter and producer who has worked with Leah Michelle and co-wrote the song Jar of Heart with Christina Perri. My director is Heather Dowling, an award winning solo theatre actor, director, and co-creator of Down the Middle. For Edinburgh, we chose to self-produce. The show was previously produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson of Soaring Solo LLC. During pandemic, I was in a business mastermind group and we were given the challenge to come up with a 10 year plan and execute on it. As the world was shutting down, I decided to go inward and write a one woman musical with the goal to get on Broadway. I had never acted, sang, or wrote before. It presented a huge and fun learning cure. Instead of trying to figure it out on my own, I started searching for the best to help me bring my vision to life. Though my group, I was able to find this dream team and I’ve been able to take the show to Hollywood, Hamilton Ontario Canada and Off-Broadway in New York City where it’s won multiple awards. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not working on my craft and presenting the most powerful performance of this show. After Edinburgh I hope to tour and to connect with mental health agencies to put on a workshop where I perform the show and teach about how to live a regret free life.

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

I’ve developed a tight night circle of friends in this “band camp” of theatre that is Fringe. My top recommendations are: Rise by Diana Varco. Asexuality by Becca McGlynn, Breed or Bust by Joyful Raven, A Terrible Show for Terrible People by Bonnie He, Hollywoodn’t by Lisa Verlo, A Shark Ate My Penis by Laser Webber, Break up Addict by Paige Wilhide, and Wendy My Darling by April Wade Wish.

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EdFringe Talk: Wendy, My Darling

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“The second lesson of the show, for me personally, is learning how to let my daughter grow up.”

WHO: April Wish …but I answer to Wendy lately

WHAT: “Following her return from Neverland, Wendy Darling, now grown-up, moves to Hollywood to become a writer. This modern take on the classic story of Peter Pan features a captivating score and non-stop multimedia with celebrity video appearances by Jon Cryer (Pretty in Pink, Two and a Half Men) and Busy Philipps (Freaks and Geeks). Wendy, a charming, potty-mouthed mother to a tweenager, finds herself stuck in a ‘creative death spiral’. Topical, heartfelt and hilarious, Wendy is ‘…a voice for all women who found out hard truths about the real world as they grew up’ (Orlando Sentinel).”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Stephenson Theatre (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 17:55 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Coming from Los Angeles, I’ve known more than a few people who have been to Ed Fringe and they all say the same thing, almost verbatim: it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever done, grueling, emotional, expensive, terrifying. And that they can’t wait to go back next year.
As an artist myself, I know that this is code for it being a big experience with big feelings, and I want in on it. It will be my first year at the Big Show and I’m coming in with my mind – and heart – wide open.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Oh, I LOVE this question! As a writer, so much of my personal story has ended up in this show and I believe that if I say the words out loud in front of other humans enough times, it will eventually click. Wendy, My Darling has a few key lessons for me and, no, I don’t believe I’ve fully learned them. The most obvious lesson is one that our main character’s best friend speaks freely and frequently about: giving less fucks. I’m not sure I will ever achieve zero fucks given, but I have learned to give at least a few less as I get (a little!) older. The second lesson of the show, for me personally, is learning how to let my daughter grow up. As “mommy adventures” become replaced by sleepovers with her friends and her morning cartoons turn to trashy teen sitcoms, I am working to find the magic and joy in our changing relationship…and that’s just not easy for me, a girl that never really did grow up (it’s why I do theatre!).

Tell us about your show.

Tammy Glover, a television producer and musician (toured with Sparks for many years) wrote her first solo Indie Rock album in the middle of the pandemic. She had seen my first one woman show the year before and wanted the album to inspire and become a companion to another art form: theatre. Her creative mission and mine completely aligned – to raise up female voices and stories. We brought on Krysia Plonka, who resonated with our message and has added a great deal of depth to the show, as well as bringing on some notable talent. Jon Cryer and Busy Philipps recorded their roles within the same week, we crafted the show in a few months, and we have been racing around Canada and the US with it, refining and solidifying as we go. We will be launching the World Premiere, the result of nearly 9 months of previews and editing, at Ed Fringe this year. We are looking forward to exploring the many forms this story can take following the fringe, as we have an eye on an international tour as well.

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

I want to take this opportunity to shout out F-Bomb Theatre (www.fbombtheatre.co.uk) for putting together FemiFringe, an entire program dedicated to feminist theatre. I hope that audiences will show that, when women are given a voice, they will go and listen. Maybe one day Hollywood will take notice and give us all more than superhero movies or murder shows. I also want to mention that at least a dozen solo theatre artists from Los Angeles have been chatting away for months now, talking though details, sharing links and ideas and generally helping to lift each other up. Please consider: Rise and Hollywouldn’t.

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EdFringe Talk: A Shark Ate My Penis: A History of Boys Like Me

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“I started reading these books about trans guys from the last 300 years in the UK & US – and their stories really made me feel seen, validated, like I was part of something.”

WHO: Laser Webber

WHAT: “Award-winning writer Laser the Boy presents a one-person musical about the history of trans men and his own transition! Meet Alan Hart, the first trans man to get gender-confirming surgery (in 1917!); Samuel Bundy, whose legend includes a shark, a robbery, and 12 girlfriends; and renowned children’s author JK Rowling, for reasons. These characters usher Laser through a life of weddings, divorce, lesbianism, and finally, joy. A fantastically delightful, fun, and heartfelt modern musical. It’s nice to watch a show not thinking, ‘Well, they could have made this gayer.'”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Wee Room (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 18:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I first hit the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 while my band, the Doubleclicks, were on a tour of the UK and Europe. We performed at Comedy Queers and checked out some shows, and absolutely fell in love. It’s been recommended to me for years by fellow musical comedy friends Helen Arney and Axis Of Awesome’s Jordan Raskopoulos, so it’s always been on the list.

This year I finally have a show that I think is going to be worthwhile – we debuted it at the Hollywood Fringe and have already gotten some kudos – Pick of the Fringe among them – so I feel like I wont’ totally embarrass myself. I absolutely adore Edinburgh as a city, and I cannot wait to be an official part of the festival for the first time.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In 2022 I learned I was a man, so that was a pretty big deal, and has really helped me come into my skin as a performer, a friend, and a supporter of others.

I’m hoping this year I can do my best to squeeze the most out of every moment!

Last year I did a Fringe festival (Hollywood) for the first time and met tons and tons of people, but never really got to chat seriously with them – so this year for all of the festivals I’m doing I’ve set up a little online show called #10minutefringe where I can chat with other performers, they can pitch their shows to an audience and I can also get to know them a bit more! (if you’re reading… get in touch if you want to do an interview with me!)

Tell us about your show.

I wrote “A SHARK ATE MY PENIS” because I started reading these books about trans guys from the last 300 years in the UK & US – and their stories really made me feel seen, validated, like I was part of something. We’ve all been doing the same stuff: tomboy childhoods, smoking to make us look more masculine, trying to date women we don’t deserve… all through history. The transmasc experience can be very invisible, for good and for bad, and it was awesome to hear these stories I don’t always hear. I wanted to share them.

So this show started with history, and then as I was working with my director Ashley Ward and developer Jessica Lynn Johnson, I realized that this show needed to also be about me, to show why I care about these people, why these stories hit me so hard at the beginning of my transition.

It’s a funny show, it’s a musical show (with incredible songs I wrote with E. AARON WILSON), but it’s also a clear encapsulation of my gender identity, and I hope it gives people a few new things to think about when it comes to creating their own gender.

I’m very lucky to be working with Frodo Allen of RHYMES WITH PURPLE for the Edinburgh run, and Frodo has been absolutely incredible at acquainting me with the EdFringe vibes and all of the moving pieces involved!

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

Go see my girlfriend!!! Haha my partner Rebecca McGlynn has a one-woman musical called “ASEXUALITY” and it’s brilliant. She does a voice in my show (JK Rowling, to be specific) and her show is laugh-and-cry incredible. There are other shows coming from my pals from the Hollywood theater scene that are great – check out Paige Wilhide’s “BREAKUP ADDICT” and Bonnie He’s gorgeous clown hour A TERRIBLE SHOW FOR TERRIBLE PEOPLE.

I’m really excited about all the trans-led shows at the fest this year – Robin Tran is here, Ben Hodge is here… it’s going to be a wonderful time. Follow me @lasertheboy on Twitter or Instagram, I’ll be sharing all my recommendations! 🙂

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EdFringe Talk: Tim Murray is Witches

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Edinburgh is a magical place. I describe it as your first week of college meets the first time you go to New York City.”

WHO: Tim Murray: Writer/performer

WHAT: “From The Craft to Wicked to Hocus Pocus, Murray will have you howling at the moon in a tribute to queerness and how we discover our powers once we find our coven. Witches is an hour of stand-up, original comedy songs, drag and also, he flies. Okay, not really, but wouldn’t that be sickening? Murray can be seen on The Other Two, Swan Song starring Jennifer Coolidge, and all over TikTok with his viral comedy videos. His new sketch-comedy TV show Wish You Were Queer produced by Trixie Mattel will debut in 2024.”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – The Dairy Room (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third time at the fringe but my first time brining my own show for the entire month! I performed in Voldemort the musical and Thrones the musical (with my Baby Wants Candy friends) in 2018 and 2019 and I did some of my stand up on other shows those years. Edinburgh is a magical place. I describe it as your first week of college meets the first time you go to New York City and see so many posters for live theatre meets gay summer camp!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Care less what anybody else thinks of you or your art. The more I focus on what I want to do and worry less about how others will perceive my comedy the more traction I have gotten doing stand-up and making viral videos on the internet.

Tell us about your show.

My show is a Bo Burnam style comedy show with music about my favorite witches. It’s a love letter to queerness and why LGBTQ people feel connected to The Sanderson Sisters, The Craft, The Wicked Witch of the West and so many more. It’s very unique and very strange and I think very special. I wrote the stand up jokes and the lyrics. The music is written by Henry Koperski, Zach Reino and Matthew Patrick Davis. The show is produced by Wild Park Entertainment and Al Samuels (of Baby Wants Candy.) I did do the show five times in October of last year in cities in the United States and I will be touring the show again in the fall after Edinburgh to 13 different cities!

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

Chris Grace’s show Chris Grace as Scarlett Johansson is one of my favorite things I’ve ever seen. Chris and I did 50 Shades the Musical together off Broadway and we tour together doing stand up. He’s one of the funniest people on the planet and fringe audiences will recognize him from his many years doing Baby Wants Candy. Also check out Katy Berry’s Diamond Goddess Crystal Pussy and Sophie Santos’ Co-Dependent. Plus Patti Harrison’s show! They’re all unbelievably funny comedians.

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EdFringe Talk: Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“2022 was the first Edfringe where I only came for part of the month, and I really disliked it. I felt like just when I had gotten my festival legs under me it was time to go home..”

WHO: Chris Grace: Creator/Performer

WHAT: “Chris Grace, Chinese-American character best known for playing Jerry on Superstore, portrays the greatest living Asian actor Scarlett Johansson through comedy, theatre, stand-up and the music of Tom Waits. ‘I hereby endorse Chris Grace’ (Dr Brown). ‘If you’re cool like me, you will love Chris Grace’ (Ed Gamble). ‘A must see!’ (Kristen Schaal).”

WHERE: Assembly George Square Studios – Studio Five (Venue 17) 

WHEN: 13:40 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my TENTH Edfringe! My Augusts in Scotland are the most inspiring, exhausting, and exhilarating times of my creative life. The sheer quantity of shows means there is something for every interest. There is nothing like this festival anywhere in the world. I’ll come back every year if I can!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

2022 was the first Edfringe where I only came for part of the month, and I really disliked it. I felt like just when I had gotten my festival legs under me it was time to go home, and the feeling of building word-of-mouth, and learning through chatter which shows were the ones to see, combined with the FOMO of everyone’s joyous photos still showing up in the group WhatsApp chat once I was home… it all combined in a way that led to me coming back for the full month in 2023.

Tell us about your show.

My show is a biographical tribute to Scarlett Johansson, written by me, and co-produced with Baby Wants Candy. This has been a show that’s been rattling around in my head for years but I finally took the leap this year to create it, and Baby Wants Candy generously came on-board to co-produce it as the first solo show they’ve ever put forth. I plan on doing a run in New York and Los Angeles after the festival!

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

I always recommend folks, especially Americans, to go see circuses, clowns, and stand-up comics that never make it to the US. My top picks would be Jordan Brookes, Mr Chonkers, Circa, Nassim, Robin Tran, Jonny & the Baptists, and any of the Darkfield shipping container shows. This year I’m excited to see John-Luke Roberts who all of my friends have raved about, and Connor Ratliff is bringing a whole set of shows that I’m looking forward to. Finally, I recommend typing an interest into the Edfringe search and seeing some shows that you have no connection to or information about… some of my most treasured memories of Fringe come from that. For example I always type in “Gaulier” and see any shows that come from that clown tradition. You’re bound to see something absolutely amazing, or amazingly terrible, but you won’t forget it!

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EdFringe Talk: Phil Green: Four Weddings and a Breakdown

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I look at the generational influences on older millennials/young Gen X and how the internet came along and altered our worldview halfway through our lives.”

WHO: Phil Green: Writer and performer

WHAT: “After attending four weddings from four different generations last year, Phil finally figures out the reasons behind his breakdown a decade ago. Following a sell-out debut at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, an Amused Moose Best Show Comedy Award nomination, and a sold-out night at London’s Soho Theatre, Phil now brings us his highly personal new show. Are millennials the last generation to be trapped by parental expectation? Did the internet make or break us? Is a midlife crisis really even a crisis? As heard on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.”

WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth – Cinema Room (Venue 156) 

WHEN: 14:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second Edinburgh solo stand-up show following a sell out debut last year. There are many great comedy festivals in the UK now with new ones emerging all the time, but the sheer scale of Edinburgh is what makes it special. Walking down the Royal Mile seeing performers from all over the world promoting their shows is amazing, even if it is like running a flyering gauntlet!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

That’s it’s ok to get personal on stage, in fact, it’s quite liberating. I still enjoy doing silly material (and there is plenty of that in my show), but audiences really seem to connect with a personal story. Also Red Bull does not cure hangovers. Even the bigger cans. They are just setting you up for an even bigger comedown. I have not learnt this lesson.

Tell us about your show.

My show is all about making sense of a breakdown about 10 years ago. I look at the generational influences on older millennials/young Gen X and how the internet came along and altered our worldview halfway through our lives. I’m currently previewing it all over the country in places like Manchester, Buxton, Norwich and Newcastle as well as a few London dates.

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

Definitely check out the debut stand-up shows of Kuan-Wen Huang, Louise Atkinson and Kathryn Mather. Also, if you want to see something completely bonkers and brilliant go see Stephen Catling’s show for a unique take on the experiences of an autistic person in a conventional workplace. I’d also recommend Grubby Little Mitts who are a wonderfully funny off-the-wall sketch duo.

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