Category Archives: EdFestivals 2024

EdFringe Talk: Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit

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“It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of or to visit, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences aboard our fun show!”

WHO: Lottie Davies

WHAT: “Pinch Punch are back to welcome you aboard Locomotive for Murder, an improvised comedy murder-mystery where killing the cast and cracking the case is in your hands. Expect outrageous accents and shaky alibis! Four characters board a train but not everyone will survive. Thankfully, a world-famous detective is ready to solve the case. But who is the murderer? Only one person knows: the murderer themselves. Using audience suggestions and stories, Pinch Punch create a never-to-be-repeated whodunnit. If you love comedy or murder mysteries then this is the show for you!”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Other Yin (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our second time at the Edinburgh Fringe festival! We came last year and loved it, so we’re back to solve some more murders. The Edinburgh Fringe is so special, it’s a real home for creatives and a brilliant way to get drenched in as much comedy and theatre as you possibly can. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of or to visit, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences aboard our fun show!

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

In 2023’s fringe, we learned that audiences felt super comfortable with us – and so we’re reinforcing that it’s ok to go to improv shows and let other people do the talking if that’s not your jam. If you’d like to come along and shout out a suggestion, we obviously love that, but we won’t be picking on anybody at random and putting them on the spot.

We also learned that to be good at handing out flyers, you’ve got to have a lot of gusto and some lozenges on hand!

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a hilarious improvised murder mystery, set on a train in the 1920’s. A world famous detective gets onboard, along with four mysterious strangers. One of them won’t survive the night and it’s the audience’s job to figure out whodunnit. But only one person onstage knows for sure – the murderer themselves!

Pinch Punch is formed of 11 professional actors who came together in late 2019 to do our Improvised Panto. During the lockdown, we workshopped our murder mystery show and after killing each other over Zoom, we won a commission from Harrow Arts Centre to put on test performances and Locomotive for Murder was born! We’ve been touring the show around the country this year and plan to head to more venues after the Fringe so watch this space!

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

I’d recommend seeing something outside of your normal viewing habits!

For impro, we love Shake It Up (improvised Shakespeare, what’s not to love!) Showstopper! and Side Quest (for the DnD crowd).

For Comedy you can’t go wrong with Foil, Arms and Hog, Will Sebag-Montefiore’s ‘Will The People’ and Terry Wogan Late. I saw Terry Wogan last year and couldn’t stop laughing.

For theatre, I’m excited about Potty the Plant and Silence, the unauthorised musical of Silence of the Lambs, and as a hardcore Agatha Christie fan I’m really interested in seeing ‘The Rats’, too. The Importance of Being… Ernest? and Defective Inspector are sure hits as well.

If you’d like to get more involved, I can’t recommend Massaoke and the Solve-a-long Murder She Wrote enough! I can’t get enough of these and I’ll be there again this year!

Have a great fringe and I hope to see you aboard the Locomotive for Murder!

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EdFringe Talk: Yozi: No Babies In The Sauna

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“The sheer volume and diversity of performances creates an elaborate and electric atmosphere that is utterly intoxicating, and honestly addictive.”

WHO: Yozi Mensch

WHAT: “Solo Edinburgh debutante, Aussie Yozi, has been called many things – ‘Dynamite’ ****½ (Advertiser), ‘Fearless’ **** (Age) – but never ‘rule breaker’, and for good reason. This by-the-book bad binch holds one rule above all others: every baby must get out of the sauna right now! Witness this multi award-winning creature perform absurd-sketch-clown-comedy-theatre like you almost definitely have never ever ever seen before. The House of Oz Purse Prize Winner, Adelaide Fringe. Spirit of the Fringe Award Winner, Melbourne Fringe. Winner of SACBA Bilby Award, South Australian Community Broadcasters Association.”

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

WHEN: 20:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third time experiencing Edinburgh Fringe as a performer – but my first solo venture. The sheer volume and diversity of performances creates an elaborate and electric atmosphere that is utterly intoxicating, and honestly addictive. The magic of creating work spills out from the wings, off the stage, across the crowds and into the streets – allowing audiences to absorb this magic also – they are, and more importantly FEEL that they are apart of the process, the current cultural cycle, observing the zeitgeist at it’s core and taking whatever flashes they can recall back to their homes and sharing these memories with their loved ones, confident some will never be relieved, but hopeful some can.

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

Since 2023 I have learnt to be unapologetic about my stage presence, for who I am as a performer, and for the deliciously dumb things I find funny. I have learnt that embracing all my silly little quirks and qualms on stage is not only more personally fulfilling, but much more enjoyable for audiences. This intrinsically, for me at least, was tied to the fear of judgment – being seen as childish or other or difficult. Shedding this fear, which I think is still an ongoing process, has allowed for a deeper embrace of myself and my art.

And this is gonna sound obvious, or tacky even , but I’ve really learnt in the past year that the only person that you can rely on to 100% champion YOUR dream is yourself – others can and will help you, absolutely – but unless you’re putting everything you have into what you want and where you want to go, why would anyone else jump on that wagon and help you get there? No one else can engineer motivation for you. The only one who can jumpstart a clockwork furnace is for whom that engine ticks! Just in the last month of following my dream to be a “silly goose storyteller; creator of the dumb yet mysterious” has led me to quit my job, go to clown school in France and travel from Land’s End to John O’Groats with my 78 yr old Grandfather – this is not everyone’s path but it’s mine, and I don’t think 2023 me was ready to walk it.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called NO BABIES IN THE SAUNA – inspired by the adage “every sign has a story”; a rule with, quite literally, noteworthy origins. The titular rule however is pointedly vague – for whom and for why does this rule exist – who benefits from this being enforced – what did that baby do?

I wrote my show, and with every performance it evolves a little bit – new jokes find their way from “the moment” into the script in my head and they stay forever, or until usurped by a new “the moment” and so on.

I’ve just taken this show to Prague Fringe, where I played in a 600 year old cellar at the western end of Charles Bridge; a truly incredible atmosphere for a magnificently silly show. I picked up a 5 Star review and the Prague Fringe “Brian’s Life” Comedy Award – so I think it went down pretty well. Earlier in the year I took this show to both Perth and Adelaide Fringes – where I had minimal to maximal success, respectively. I would love to keep taking this show around the world, to be honest at this stage it feels like the show is taking me.

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

Michaela Burger’s new work The State of Grace is based on the moving true story of Australia’s best known sex-worker, activist and maverick Pippa O’Sullivan aka Grace Bellavue – an important new work based on the life of a truly incredible person who was determined to decriminalise the sex industry.

Messy Friends is a frenetic fraggle rock fever dream that will leave you buzzing and bouncing for more. Jaw dropping costumes, clever choreography and wildly talented performers! Gendermess Productions are ones to watch!!

The Ceremony at Summerhall is a show you will want to see again and again – an absolute whirlwind of theatre, improv and clown, Ben Volchok knits the show together from audience prompt and gentle guidance to create a serene yet hilariously moving ceremony for us all to partake in – or at least that was what I experienced, as this show is different every single night!!

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EdFringe Talk: Biscuit Barrel: Not Another 69-Sketch Show

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“The current accommodation crisis is especially challenging this accessibility.”

WHO: James Horscroft

WHAT: “‘Most reliable sketch group in the game’ **** (EdFringeReview.com). 69 sketches in an hour! Featuring slapstick and wordplay at break-neck speed. ‘An excellent comedy show’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). Featuring DazzReviews, as seen on YouTube (500,000 subscribers; 100 million views). Following 1,700 tickets sold in 2023, the Barrel return for their fifth year at Edinburgh! This is the speed of TikTok put on a stage. ‘The hot, young comedy act you promised yourself’ **** (GetYourCoatsOn.com). ‘The hit-rate of their sketches is high’ (List).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Dram (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 15:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be our fifth full run of Edinburgh Fringe, meaning we will surpass 120 performances at the festival by the time we’re done. We’ve been going to Edinburgh since 2018, and have no plans to stop.

Edinburgh Fringe is a unique crossing point between independent arts and mainstream audience, which is an opportunity that is simply not available anywhere else to the same extent.

The best version of this festival is keeping an accessible platform for independent performers, which I celebrate. However, the current accommodation crisis is especially challenging this accessibility. Even we’ve been pushed an hour bus outside of the city. Some serious reform on this front is desperately needed; my 21-year-old self from 2018 wouldn’t have been able to go in this climate.

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

That persistence does pay off. Last year, we had record sales (for us) with 1,700 tickets sold across the festival, and over 2,300 tickets sold in total across 2023.

Consequently, this was the first year we were able to pay ourselves (properly) for the month’s work that we’d put in. It was an incredible moment, and just vindicated what the first five years of the group had been working towards.

It also taught us that you don’t need an evening slot to be successful. This was the first late-afternoon slot we’d ever gone with, and it proved to be our most successful production.

Tell us about your show.

‘Not Another 69-Sketch Show’ is a revamped version of our 2023 show, with a load of new sketches added into the bunch, as well as a brand new running story.

This will be the first year that ‘Biscuit Barrel’ will actually have sketches about biscuits, which is exciting. Specifically, Rich Tea has broken away from the pack in pursuit of proving that he is not the most boring biscuit.

I’m surprised just how many biscuits we’ve included, others being Custard Cream, Bourbon, Party Ring, Jammy Dodger, Fortune Cookie, Garibaldi, Oreo, Iced Gems, Club Bar and, yes, controversially a Jaffa Cake… Considering we’re a cast of five, it’s not bad going at all.

We’ve just done a sold-out preview in Bristol, next going to London and Durham before Edinburgh kicks off.

After Edinburgh, we have our most ambitious show yet at the 400-seat Theatre Royal Winchester. The group starting at the nearby university in 2016, it’s a fitting homecoming for such a huge project.

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

‘Burning Down The Horse’ may’ve been my favourite last year, and is the sort of show that I would love to make.

‘Locomotive for Murder’ was a Barrel-wide favourite from last year, so we’re really glad to see them back, as we also are with the awesome guys from ‘Potty the Plant’ who have TWO shows this year, the other being ‘Fringe the Musical’.

If you wanted a more thematic Fringe, you could see us one day and ‘A Jaffa Cake Musical’ the other day. We generally don’t endorse cake-related fraudsters, but this would be an exception.

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EdFringe Talk: Little Squirt

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“I’m throwing myself into the mad chaos of it all with a superb team of thrill-seekers and theatre sweet-hearts.”

WHO: Darby James

WHAT: “Join Australian musical comedian Darby James for his multi-award-winning cabaret about the process of sperm donation. On this unforgettable voyage with all original songs, Darby clicks a Facebook ad and gets swept up on an hilarious, heartfelt adventure. As he navigates medical questionnaires, psychological evaluations and musings on potential parenthood, Darby finds himself stranded as a seaman in moral purgatory, facing the question: should we be having children? Winner of the Edinburgh Touring Award and Best Cabaret at Melbourne Fringe Festival 2023, and nominated for six Green Room Awards, Darby James dives headfirst into his international debut.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Anatomy Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 19:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third jaunt to the glorious city of Edinburgh, and my first time performing at the Fringe. I visited on holiday in 2019 after my sister’s wedding. Then I was in town to get a taste of the festival last year. And this third time I’m throwing myself into the mad chaos of it all with a superb team of thrill-seekers and theatre sweet-hearts.

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

Holy hell, I’m a hop skip and a jump from who I was in 2023. I don’t think I’ve had such an emotional year since 2016. Eyes have been opened, calves have been cramped. High drama, high octane, radical self-reflection and probably a few litres of strawberry juice with mint. The rapid-fire chapters of the year have sped me through heartbreak, the payoff of hard work, and immense gratitude for the beautiful people in my life. I also learned what an epilator was. Ouch.

Tell us about your show.

My show Little Squirt is a tender queer one-man-musical thought-spiral through my experience of the sperm donation process in Melbourne as I explore the epic moral conundrum of reproduction. I wrote it and perform in it, and it’s being produced by Quiet RIOT who picked us up after seeing our premiere in Melbourne Fringe (where we won the Edinburgh touring award through Summerhall and Best Cabaret of the festival). After Edinburgh we’re locked in for a few dates outside of the UK and then we’re back home to Australia until the next adventure.

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

Audiences should see:

– Rob Madge: My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do) @robmadge02 Rob is a queer icon and I am desperate to see this show in all its glory at Fringe. Heart-mendingly good.

– Lou Wall: The Bisexual’s Lament @thelouwall Lou is a queer Aussie musical comedy powerpoint superstar. I saw their show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and it is exceptional.

– Mel & Sam: High Pony @melobrienn @samanthandrew Mel & Sam are the funniest queens of musical sketch comedy. Their chemistry is more addictive than meth and you’ll get more abs laughing in their show than you ever did from your mum’s Ab Circle Pro.

– Michelle Brasier: Legacy @michellebrasier Michelle Brasier is another Aussie musical comedy icon who’s vocal chops will catapult you into new dimensions. Jaw-to-the-floor hilarious, witty, brilliant, musically delicious.

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EdFringe Talk: The Ghost of White Hart Lane

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“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”

WHO: Martin Murphy

WHAT: “Spurs and Scotland star John White was one of the best footballers of the 1960s, however, in July 1964 he was struck by lightning and killed at 27 years old. From humble beginnings growing up just outside Edinburgh, through to football fame and his tragic death, the play shares John’s cheeky humour. It also follows the story of his son Rob White, who was just five months old when his dad died. Having premiered at Spurs Stadium, this follows on from the Sunday Times bestseller by Rob White and Julie Welch.”

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

WHEN: 13:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 5th fringe. I was first up in 2011 with my musical comedy double act Pistol & Jack. We had an absolute rollercoaster. What makes the Edinburgh Fringe so special for me is that it creates microcosm. You basically experience what you normally would across 4 years in a concentrated intense 4 weeks of fun and mayhem.

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

Ha, did something happen in 2023 I should have learnt something from? In terms of lessons in general I try to accept the fact that I’ll make mistakes but not to make the same mistake twice. Every show I remember what didn’t work so well on the last project, and make sure I’m improving because of that.

Tell us about your show.

Rob White son of former Spurs legend John White approached me last year to write a play to mark 60 years since the passing of his dad, John White. John was one of the best players of the early 60s but in 1964 he was struck by lightning and killed aged just 27. As a massive Spurs fan myself, I grew up knowing his story and it’s been a massive honour to be tasked with putting it on stage. We were lucky enough to have the show at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for an exclusive anniversary preview show on July 21st which was the actual 60th anniversary, and we’re planning a London run after the Fringe. I’ve written and directed and the show’s produced by Bruised Sky Productions.

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

See Lynn Faces by Laura Horton, she’s a fantastic writer and an absolute inspiration to anyone looking to carve a career as a writer.

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EdFringe Talk: Abby Wambaugh: The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows

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“The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has completely changed the way I see what is possible in comedy.”

WHO: Abby Wambaugh

WHAT: “Abby awoke in hospital after a late miscarriage and, high on anaesthesia, decided to become a comedian. In this silly, goofy, heartfelt show Abby presents her best 17 ideas for her highly anticipated debut hour, including potential hits like Old Man Learns Parkour and a very long impression of the number nine. Funny Women finalist and co-host of Help Hole podcast alongside Sofie Hagen. ‘Reminiscent of Hannah Gadsby or Tig Notaro… Tackles what could be a thorny, complex subject with grace, underplayed charm and some great jokes’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Attic (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 19:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time doing an hour!!

I was in the Pleasance Reserve last year and did a split bill for a week the year before. Before that I had never even heard of it!! Now the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has completely changed the way I see what is possible in comedy.

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

I have really learned a lot about the joy you can get from failure since 2023- really being willing to try something the whole way. Also that if there’s something you want to say or do on stage but can’t figure out how you ever could- try just saying it!

Tell us about your show.

My show is called The First 3 Minutes of 17 Shows and that is also the basic synopsis. It’s influenced hugely by all the kinds of shows I’ve seen at Edinburgh and how inspired I was to make so many different things after seeing so much. It’s also about the beginnings of things, and trying, and failing. Have you heard of that stuff? Great stuff, important stuff!

There is also a game I invented in High School called Yeast Infection. And the story of how I started doing stand up after a late miscarriage. For a while I thought the whole thing was about that part, but I think only a lot of it is.

My show is directed by Lara Ricote, who is an incredible and silly comedian, and also a very good friend who helps me stay on the right track with my mushy little goofy heart.

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

My director Lara Ricote has a terrific show you have to see called Little Tiny Wet Show (baptism)

Jin Hao Li is so surprising and surreal and sweet with hard edges and great t-shirts and is doing Swimming in a Submarine

Zoe Brownstone is sharp and gorgeous and has max laughs per min on stage and in life and has a great show called A Bite of Yours

Willy Robbins is a COMEDIAN YOU CAN TRUST and what a freakin goofball, get over there to With the Best Will in the World

Vlad Ilich lights up a freakin room and named his show Vladislav (Baby Don’t Hurt Me) which is already so so funny??

I say Josh Glanc every time to the point where he’s probably gunna notice and we don’t know each other well enough for that to not be weird. But he’s so fun and I want to make the audience feel like he does- like it’s a magic show but crucially without magic. But with magic, you know?

Flo and Joan are so funny and talented and also REAL LIVE SISTERS and have a musical I am dying to see called One Man Musical.

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EdFringe Talk: Kevin James Doyle: After Endgame

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“The whiskey [sic] in Scotland is worth the trip.”

WHO: Kevin James Doyle

WHAT: “After Endgame masterfully combines the strategic nuances of chess with the uproarious comedy of life. Doyle has a wealth of experience teaching over 6500 chess lessons in New York City. In this captivating hour filled with drama and intrigue, Doyle takes the audience on a journey across the world: flown to the vibrant city of Singapore at the behest of a mysterious investor, Doyle found himself imparting chess wisdom to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. The tension rises as Kevin navigates these high-stakes players, both on and off the chessboard.”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just Up the Stairs (Venue 88) 

WHEN: 17:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my third time at Edinburgh Fringe. I came in 2017 with a show called The 30 Year Old Virgin and it was the scariest experience to be on the flight heading over to this festival I had heard so much about. Wondering if anyone would come see my show, what reviews I would get, if I would make any friends. It turned out to be an incredible experience. Then 2019 was even better since I knew what to expect as far as flyering and how to get rest. Both of my shows have been filmed as comedy specials now, so I have found it a perfect place to perform, perfect material and then put it out into the world. And the whiskey [sic] in Scotland is worth the trip.

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

My first Fringe I procrastinated the writing of the show so much out of fear. This time, I started writing my show in January and performing it in February and have already performed it 20 times. I am excited for day 1 of performances at Fringe, instead of finding my footing after 5 or 6 performances.

Tell us about your show.

I have been working as a writer and comedian in New York City for over a decade and that entire time I have also been working as a chess instructor. I have taught over 6500 chess lessons and so this show is bringing together my 3 jobs in an exciting way. To use comedy and storytelling to teach the audience about chess and take them on an adventure, because this story is pretty wild, is a dream come true. I have been developing the show in small work in progress shows around a chess board, in comedy clubs around the US and a short run at the Soho Playhouse in New York City but it’s all to get ready for Fringe. And after Fringe I’d love to perform it anywhere will people will have me. Chess is a universally beloved game and this is a universal story that anyone can learn from and laugh at.

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

I saw Natalie Palamides in 2017 and she changed my perception on what comedy could be. She is returning with a show called Weer and I already bought my tickets. Also my friend Kyle Ayer’s has a show called ‘Hard To Say’ about a nerve disease he has been living with, he’s able to bring incredible amounts of humor to a heavy subject. I took a comedy essay writing class back in 2010 in New York City with Sara Barron, she was a wonderful teacher and a brilliant comedian so I will of course be seeing her show ‘Anything for You’.

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EdFringe Talk: Gearóid Farrelly: Gearóid Rage

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“I feel like going to the fringe is more work than going to the Olympics. Though when athletes come back from the Olympics their mothers don’t say “So is it a holiday you were on love?”

WHO: Gearóid Farrelly

WHAT: “Gay Irish comedian Gearóid Farrelly has limited patience. In his new stand up show he will touch on many of the things that boil his blood and most of his triggers are completely unreasonable. Everything from his make-believe children to things that are supposed to make you calm, like massages and tran-f*cking-quility rooms. Gearóid was recently seen on tour with Joanne McNally and Sarah Millican and is the host of Agony Rants, a popular Irish podcast co-hosted with Eurovision legend Niamh Kavanagh. ‘Gearóid Farrelly is bloody hilarious’ (Sarah Millican). ‘My absolute favourite’ (Joanne McNally).”

WHERE: Assembly George Square – The Crate (Venue 8) 

WHEN: 19:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have been to the fringe as a performer a number of times, but it has been a while since I have done the full month. I feel like going to the fringe is more work than going to the Olympics. Though when athletes come back from the Olympics their mothers don’t say “So is it a holiday you were on love?” I always have huge concerns about going away for a whole month. I miss my cat. I’ll inevitably leave the immersion on. I love the fringe but come on, a month? Can we get this over in a weekend please?

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

2023!! That was only a year ago… I don’t learn lessons that fast. I’m still getting used to Robbie not being in Take That.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it, I’m in it. After the fringe I will be going on tour in Ireland and the UK from 3rd October until the end of 2025

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

Oh there are loads of shows I want to see. I cannot wait to see my pals shows. Chris Kent and Joanne Mcnally are both doing work in progress runs of their new shows and I have seen both and they are amazing. Also I love @beverlyinLA because she is so so funny. I’m also really looking forward to Josh Jones’ new show. He is always brilliant.

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EdFringe Talk: Elf Lyons: Horses

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“I am always moved by the beautiful aspects of humanity that you see shining through in the shows that are created, the way audience members connect with artists and one another in a crowd, and how absolutely insane the city becomes after 9pm on a Saturday.”

WHO: Elf Lyons

WHAT: “The first ever comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe performed entirely by a horse. Made by award-winning Elf Lyons, performed by Treacle. ‘Beautiful hind legs’ (Horse & Hound). One of the 50 funniest comedians of the 21st century. ‘Praise her genius and go’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘Lyons can’t be accused of treading the conventional career path since none of her shows ever remotely resembles the next’ **** (Guardian). ‘Elf is funny and wise – and a hero of sanity’ (Dylan Moran).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Above (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have done Edinburgh many times. I have experienced every human emotion possible in that beautiful pungent city and seen more terrible improv and acapella shows than you would think bearable.

The fringe has changed so much since 2008 when I first visited, but nonetheless, I am always moved by the beautiful aspects of humanity that you see shining through in the shows that are created, the way audience members connect with artists and one another in a crowd, and how absolutely insane the city becomes after 9pm on a Saturday. I love seeing Hen Does and Stag Does darting from the Pleasance Courtyard to Assembly George Square knowing that for their big night out they chose to come to an arts festival. That’s amazing.

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

Last year I had the best Edinburgh I have ever had since I was about 23 and the reason was I stopped caring and worrying about anything other than seeing shows, making friends and enjoying the show I was making with Duffy. I saw nearly 100 shows over the entire month and learned so much through watching them. In previous years, if you get too much into your own head and own bubble about the work you are making, and you forget to see other peoples work you can forget you are part of a community. It makes the whole experience very isolating and not as fun.

Tell us about your show.

So, it is a clown, mime, comedy show about the importance of play and imagination and also about animal rights. It is performed by a horse for the entire hour. Trygve Wakenshaw helped with the evolution of it, as did a lovely mime artist in Australia called Bob Blythe and Dylan Moran has helped open my mind to what I need to do on stage. I owe those three a lot. Also Natalie Palamides and Adam Riches who spent time with me on zoom chatting about audience interaction and consent – which was so valuable.

It manages to be very silly but also rather emotional. I thought I had made my scary show when I made Raven back in 2022, but this year the evolution of this show has quickly challenged that.

The plan for this show is to tour it internationally next year (which the wheels are already in motion for) and then I plan to retire from performing completely.

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

SO

These artists you MUST see:

Trygve Wakenshaw at Assembly Roxy

Garry Starr at Pleasance Dome

Natalie Palamides (not sure where she is on but she is iconic in every single way)

Luke Rollason at wherever he is.

Adam Riches at Summerhall.

Amy Matthews at Monkey Barrel (I’m thrilled to say I’ve directed this show)

Katie Norris at Pleasance (I’m elated to say I have also directed this one)

Ted Hill at Assembly (I am honoured I have gotten to direct this one too)

Sam Blythe in Method in My Madness at Assembly – (This is A PLAY and I have also directed this!) also I am married to him so I am biased.

My top tips are to go and see as many clowns and bouffons as possible. See as many International artists. Don’t just see people you know.

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EdFringe Talk: The Screen Test

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I silently hid inside of a cardboard gingerbread house for the first ten minutes of the show and then popped out to scare everyone in the audience after the first ten minutes!”

WHO: Bebe Cave

WHAT: “The Screen Test, written and performed by Bebe Cave. A one-woman show about delusion, desperation and dreams. A dark comedy. Betsy Bitterly is an aspiring actress in 1930s Hollywood, so desperate to become a star that she might just sacrifice herself along the way. Through a series of “screen tests” for roles that could change her life, Betsy herself changes in ways she never expected in her never ending quest to “make it”. But what does “making it” really mean? And when do you let go of the dream?”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Below (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 15:10(60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No! I performed at the fringe for the first time in 2012 with my sister Jessie for a show we did called ‘Bookworm’ at the underbelly. It was about a book club, and the audience were our members. I was 14 and very geeky. I played the weary assistant to my sister (leader of the bookclub) and my role was mostly mute. It really gave me a chance to perfect the art of facial expressions. We had a giant cut-out of Aslan the lion from the Narnia movies on stage with us for some reason. I silently hid inside of a cardboard gingerbread house for the first ten minutes of the show and then popped out to scare everyone in the audience after the first ten minutes! It was very strange but I’m so proud of us for doing that – we really had no idea what we were getting into but it introduced us to the fringe, and to a certain extent our careers in comedy! I have performed since at the fringe in an amazing play called Holes written by Tom Basden in 2013, and in a comedy show my sister and I performed in 2019 called Cave women. This year is my first time doing a show by myself which is a scary but very exciting new challenge.

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

I didn’t perform in 2023 but my boyfriend did (Horatio Gould- go watch his show ‘Return of the Space Cowboy’ this fringe at Pleasance Dome! ) and one thing we both learnt is that the financial benefit of sharing a single bed in student accommodation for a month is not worth the hassle! This year we’re alternating nights between the bed and an air mattress on the floor.

Tell us about your show.

My show is a one-woman dark comedy about a neurotic actress in old hollywood. It’s a show for anyone who has had a dream and the delusion that comes with it. I started writing it in september 2023, and I did my first preview this february. When I started working on it, I just had a vague idea of a story and a few old songs in mind, and my only real aim was to explore performing solo (terrifying) as this type of desperate actress character. My career as an actor and writer has had many different phases like most people (some good some bad some ugly), but undoubtedly one of the best things that comes from this line of work is the fascinating people that you meet along the way! Performers are all crazy! In a GOOD way (mostly).

Each one is like this incredible eco-system of their own, with unique rules and rituals and belief systems. I think it is so human to want to create something. I wanted to explore that idea in this character I have written, aspiring star Betsy Bitterly. I didn’t expect to be doing it as a full fringe run this year! But the show really had a life of its own and I’m very fortunate that it has all come together in such a quick turnaround. My director Millie Foy came to my first two previews and asked to come on board. Shortly after that, Charlie Ralph from BIGHEAD comedy also came onboard to produce, and as a team we knew we could make this more than just a fun work in progress! I am so excited to premiere it fully at this fringe.

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

I wholeheartedly recommend seeing Bella Hull’s show ‘Piggie’ also at Pleasance this fringe. It is so hilarious and life affirming, she really is one of the girls. Equally – Sarah Roberts’ show ‘Silkworm’ at Assembly is one of the coolest and funniest shows this year! They are both such talented and unique performers. I also want to recommend my amazing sister, Jessie Cave, who is performing another wonderfully whimsical hour called ‘An Ecstatic Display’ at the Assembly. Jessie has always been one of my biggest inspirations. Also check out Alfie Brown and Horatio Gould !!! Both brilliantly cerebral boys with fantastic new shows this year.

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