Category Archives: EdFestivals

EdFringe Talk: My Brain is Soup, Your Hands Are the Spoons

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“My highlight? The show where you could hear the snores of 2 sleeping French bulldogs in between laughs.”

WHO: Chris East

WHAT: “An absurdist character-comedy show from a helpless clown. Chris East’s brain is overflowing, like a chunky idea soup filled with unformed thoughts, bizarre plots, plans, ambitions, celery and characters, so many characters. Expect ‘something weirder and more surreal with glittering flashes of comic gold’ (TheSpyInTheStalls.com). ‘With hearty and well-versed humour, East prompted a roaring response’ (The Student Newspaper). A Soho Theatre Labs alumni, as seen on SkyTV, Disney+ and Reading and Leeds Festival. Fresh off sell-out shows at Camden Fringe and Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022.”

WHERE: Hoots @ Potterrow – Wee Yurt (Venue 243) 

WHEN: 13:55 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, in fact 20 years ago I wrote a play with the intention of bringing it to Fringe. A twohander comedy, it wasn’t very good, but we got as far as rehearsals and visiting Edinburgh to see venues. It all fell apart when my partner in the production got a job slinging popcorn in a branch of Odeon cinema, where he met a new girlfriend, and didn’t have time for our not-very-good play.

Since then I’ve done a bunch of improv shows, and 2 years ago myself and Ben Goldsmith (whose 2024 show CrimeLandTown is a very firm RECOMMEND from me) put together a character comedy variety show in an abandoned Ladbrokes on the Royal Mile. Clad in red jumpsuits we had an absolute ball accosting (flyering?) strangers on the Mile, eventually finding our niche upon realising that ours was one of the few Fringe venues that would allow dogs in. My highlight? The show where you could hear the snores of 2 sleeping French bulldogs in between laughs.

Fringe is like summercamp for comedy and theatre weirdos. You either go as an audience member and binge on all the performance treats you can handle, or you go as a performer and work your butt off getting better at what you love. I’m older now, and this is my first solo show and I can’t wait to stretch out those muscles.

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

This past year has been spent trying to hone in on what my comedic voice and persona is. I’m particularly attracted to performers with a unique take, and performances that feel like they could only come from that one person. I think I’m going some way toward achieving that.

But I also love when things feel like they could fall apart at any minute. Two of my favourite shows from last year, Furiozo and The Banana Brothers, felt very much like performers pushing at the edges of what the could do and what they could come up with, and bringing the audience along on a ride that felt truly unpredictable. And again, I’m reaching to achieve something similar in ambition, if not a complete match in style.

Tell us about your show.

I am 100% self producing MY BRAIN IS SOUP, YOUR HANDS ARE THE SPOONS. Writing, directing, sound design, picking out costume and props, cleaning up – that’s all me. Someone else is driving the car so I can get there, but other than that I’m a self made man.

I’ve been on a long work-in-progress road. My first hour long iteration of the show was staged in the backroom of my brother’s tabletop gaming shop in Northampton in February (shout out to Kingdom Gaming Northampton for all your nerdy pokemon needs). But since then there was a very fun run at Brighton Fringe, a less fun stop at Watford Fringe (where I was told “don’t give up your dayjob” by 50% of the 2 person audience).

Beyond Fringe? Who knows? Nottingham Comedy Festival in October, then the world.

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

I’m really excited to get to see and share work by so many friends and performers I love. Beyond the aforementioned Ben Goldsmith and his show CrimeLandTown, everyone interested in character comedy should check in with my pals Mike Kunze, Nerine Skinner, Lil Wenker, Katie Davison. Claire Parry is one of my favourite people to watch. Shiny Things (by Aram Balakjian and Alexy Walexy) is a bonkers hybrid improv/character/clown show on every night (which I may appear in from time to time). If you like fast cars (that are very small) Hot Rubber is going to be the show for you.

Then all the things that’ll be sure fire smash hits that I already love? Andrew Doherty (spooky little freak), Rosalie Minnitt (of Chesington World of Adventures), Patti Harrison (truly the most insane show), Lorna Rose Treen (an unstoppable force), John Luke Roberts (performing everything he’s ever written), Stamptown and Zach Zucker (because it’s Stamptown and Zach Zucker), and our Lord and Saviour Mr Chonkers (as portrayed by John Norris)

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EdFringe Talk: Sarah Roberts: Silkworm

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“EdFringe is great because it really teaches you to roll with the punches.”

WHO: Sarah Roberts

WHAT: “An adorable debut from the world’s youngest, smallest, most normal comedian. Sarah Roberts has been condemned to live a thousand lives. She was Henry VIII in her previous life, ate her twin in the womb (not an accident), and most recently got facial reconstructive surgery. Now she’s being reborn as the person she hates most: herself. Directed by Daniel Emery and Molly Stacey. ‘Phenomenal new talent, destined for stardom’ (Catherine Bohart). ‘Remarkable’ (ThreeWeeks). ‘Certified hottie’ **** (TheSpyintheStalls.com). ‘Utterly self-absorbed’ (Chortle.co.uk). BBC Comedy Award nominee, Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year runner-up, level 9461 on Candy Crush.”

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

WHEN: 22:35 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I came up for the first time in 2022 with my friend Kiran Saggu. We did a split bill together at Just the Tonic, called Cake, and we started every show by giving a cake to the audience member with the worst reason to celebrate. We got so many good contenders; someone snogged a clown and caught a stomach bug from them, lots of people had just been dumped.

Edinburgh Fringe is great because it really teaches you to roll with the punches. And the audiences are really special (even when they’re small). One night in 2022 we only got two girls in, and you know what? It was the best show we had. We all ended up becoming lifelong friends.

I returned to the Fringe last year to do a limited run of my work in progress show ‘Worm in Progress’ at midday. It was great because there was no pressure, and I had the whole afternoon and evening to see all my friends’ gorgeous shows. I’m trying to turn my nerves into excitement this year because it’s my debut so the stakes are a lot higher.

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

Mainly I’ve had lots of lessons in rejection. I’ve learned a lot!! Hopefully teachings I won’t need to use when I receive reviews this year (fingers crossed). I think I’ve also learned how difficult it is to write a show. Especially a personal one. So much of it is getting on stage, telling a story, and knowing immediately whether it feels icky or not. I’ve learned a lot about not giving too much of myself away.

The other thing I’ve learned is when in doubt, do tarot. Paulina Lenoir lives by the tarot and she’s passed it onto me. I’ve been doing tarot every night in the lead up to Fringe because it makes me feel in control of my destiny. Much more important than writing actually!

Tell us about your show.

It’s called Silkworm! And it’s a stand-up comedy show with some flourishes. I wrote it, and Daniel Emery and Molly Stacey are directing it. They’re amazing. The show interrogates my sense of self, and it’s kind of an anti-identity show, in that it’s about finding out who I’m not, instead of who I am. The show is centered around the double jaw surgery I got when I was 21 to “correct” a “facial deformity”, it reflects on that experience. And others, like finding out I was queer, finding out I wasn’t Native American, and realizing I’ve been perfect all along. It’s gross, dark, absurd, and very much for the girls.

It’s being produced by Bighead, which is run by Charlie Ralph. He’s the best, and he’s addicted to admin and freak women in comedy, which is exactly what you want in a producer. I’m so excited about his whole roster; Bebe Cave, Rosalie Minnitt, Paulina Lenoir. They are all incredible and I keep pinching myself that I’m going up with them.

This will be Silkworm’s grand debut (and mine)! I’m so excited for people to see the show, and I’d love to take it on the road after Edinburgh. I particularly love performing in Manchester, Bristol, and Brighton, so it would be a dream to take it there.

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

Omg so many I’m scared about how I’m gonna fit them all in. Kiran Saggu, Bella Hull, Bebe Cave, Katie Norris and Paulina Lenoir all have incredible shows that I’ve seen multiple times. I love them all. Andrew Doherty’s Gay Witch Sex Cult is unbelievably good, everyone must see it. Also, Joe Kent-Walters I haven’t seen yet but I’m so excited for. I love everything Olga Koch does, and Chelsea Birkby. Rosalie Minnitt is coming back with Clementine and that is just absolutely perfect (I’ve seen it 3 times). Also John Tothill wow. There are also just so many great debuts, from Will Owen, Dee Allum, Amy Mason, Kemah Bob, Alfie Packham, Freya Mallard, Rich Spalding. Fringe is overflowing with incredible shows. Is this too much? I could go on forever.

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EdFringe Talk: Trawled – When Adventure Becomes Survival

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“I could have been a professional Tetris player in my younger days!”

WHO: Eoin Ryan

WHAT: “A jaw-dropping true story set on the Coral Sea, Australia. An Irish backpacker blags his way onto a prawn trawler. There he discovers a rarely seen world of hard labour and harder fishermen, where drinking, fighting, storms and hungry sharks are part of everyday life. His raw, exuberant story of adventure twists dramatically into survival culminating in an unforgettable moment of redemptive grace. Trawled is a one-man biographical drama. The actor plays himself 25 years younger! This is classic storytelling that plays out like a movie. Ready to come onboard?”

WHERE: theSpace @ Venue45 – theSpace @ Venue 45 (Venue 45) 

WHEN: 16:05 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, I am a first time fringer. Never been to an arts festival like this before. I’m excited about the opportunities it might open up for Trawled and equally daunted by the sheer size of it. I’m not a well known (established) artist so I’m preparing myself to graft really hard to earn my audience. Think Rocky IV but without the snow! I suppose I should really go working on a Trawler but that didn’t work out so well. But it could give me content for a sequel ?! Trawled 2 – the revenge of the greenhorn

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

Biggest thing I learned is I could have been a professional Tetris player in my younger days! My set is huge (well most trawlers are) and it can just about fit into an old Land Rover Discovery. It defies the laws of packing and has baffled many theatre directors when they see my set put together. In all seriousness I am bringing a big set to the fringe. I believe that isn’t a very ‘fringesque’ (is that a new word…) thing to do,but I didn’t want to compromise on putting on the best show possible.

I also learned that word of mouth is crucial for success in theatre. So be brilliant every night and don’t fall overboard

Tell us about your show.

Trawled is a true story biographical drama. I couldn’t make up a story like this if I tried! I play myself 25 years younger which adds some authenticity to the performance.
While I was on the trawler I kept a diary and used it to help me write the play. I also had help from mentors.

Trawled debuted in the National Opera house in Wexford in September 2023. Opera and trawlers are not two things that often appear in the same sentence!

I’m self producing which adds to the workload but theatre is small in Ireland (plus we have a small population) so it made sense for me to go alone to stay out of the red.

Future plan is to tour Ireland (further) and the UK with the help of a UK producer. I wouldn’t say no to Australia either… after all, the play is set on an Australian prawn trawler.

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

Tough question. I’m new to theatre

I haven’t seen it, but I am excited about watching In Two Minds written by Joanne Ryan. Partly because Joanne was a mentor of mine. And the play is produced by Fishamble who generally produce some great theatre in Ireland. Many of their plays have won awards at the Fringe!!

Also if you like storytelling then check out: No one is coming by Sinead O’Brien
I’ve heard great things… (No doubt, loads of people ARE coming).
This is on in the Scottish Storytelling Centre. How cool is that…

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EdFringe Talk: Plastic Jeezus: Leave Them Wanting Less

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“It’s been a really interesting experience to do a bunch of previews and then sit and analyse how each one went.”

WHO: Plastic Jeezus (Simon)

WHAT: “Simon and Aaron are Plastic Jeezus, an award-winning, ukulele-pluckin’, deadpan comedy duo performing hilarious (and often surreal) songs and stories, in their own straight-faced way. Performing comedy since 2021, Plastic Jeezus have entertained comedy clubs and festivals across the UK and now arrive for their debut Edinburgh Fringe appearance. Semi-finalists: British Comedian of the Year Awards 2023. Winners: Best Newcomer, Musical Comedy Awards 2021. ‘Genuinely hilarious’ (Ed Byrne). ‘Dark, daft and bloody hilarious’ (Chris McCausland). ‘I’m pretty sure Jesus himself would approve’ (Eshaan Akbar).”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Buttercup (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 20:15 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our first time ‘doing’ Edinburgh Fringe. We came up a couple of years ago to suss out venues and places to eat (and do an open-spot or two), but this is our first time bringing up a full-length show. We’re looking forward to it. From what we can tell, Edinburgh Fringe seems to cram several years’ worth of experiences and emotions into a few short weeks. You hear so many mixed reports about people’s experiences – will it be the festival that finally brings us to the attention of a wealthy billionaire with a penchant for silly songs? Or will it be a month sat in an empty room, sobbing into piles of unhanded-out flyers? Or somewhere in between? We shall see!

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

Not having been at the Fringe last year, we can’t really comment on that aspect of it – but the big lesson we learned after our previous visit to Edinburgh was ‘sometimes a double bed is far, FAR too small for two grown men to share’. There’s cost-saving and topping and tailing with your bandmate in a sweltering student dorm room. Lesson learned. We’ve only done that three or four times since.

In terms of general lessons learned in the last year, we’ve spent a lot of time honing the show. It’s been a really interesting experience to do a bunch of previews and then sit and analyse how each one went. Sometimes, it’s just a phrase that needs tweaking or tightening – sometimes, it’s just a gesture or a look. Going through the process of refining a show like that is new territory for us – and it’s been really helpful in developing a show that we’re both really happy with.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is called ‘Plastic Jeezus – Leave Them Wanting Less’, and it’s an hour(ish) of deadpan musical comedy. Two grown men playing faintly ridiculous musical instruments and singing original songs about swans and hirsute clergymen (amongst other things). So many shows at the Fringe seem to have a personal theme or message, but we’re just there to sing silly songs with straight faces and try not to let our creative differences bubble over into some sort of onstage fisticuffs.

It was written by us (Simon and Aaron) and we’ve previewed it at various festivals and one-off shows before heading up to Edinburgh. We had sold out preview shows at the Leicester Comedy Festival, Ventnor Fringe Festival and my local micropub(!), amongst other things. It’s been going from strength to strength. I genuinely think it’s been improving each time we do it. So hopefully, by the end of August, it’ll be the perfect show. Or maybe it’ll just be a little bit better than it was at the start of August. We’ll all just have to wait and find out.

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

Oh man – well, more or less everyone is in Edinburgh for the Fringe, aren’t they? So I guess if we had to pick some shows to recommend, we’d suggest:

Dan Tiernan: Stomp – We gigged with Dan a couple of years ago, and he absolutely tore the roof off the place. It’s been amazing to watch his progression from being on mixed bills with us to being on QI and beyond. He’s a force of nature. He’s also a lovely man. That helps.

Garrett Millerick: Garrett Millerick Needs More Space – Garrett’s a lovely man and a really great comedian. What more do you want? We haven’t seen the show, but we’ve seen enough of him to know that it’ll be worth watching.

Flat & The Curves: Rosé-Tinted – These ladies are quite extraordinary. Incredible singers and musicians. Well-written songs and filthy jokes and… ah jeez – they just do it all. Go and see ‘em.

Huge Davies: Album for my Ancestors (Dead) – If, like us, you enjoy deadpan delivery of silly songs, Huge is the man for you.

Angela Barnes: Angela Barnes Is Getting Worked Up (WIP) – We’ve gigged with Angela a few times recently, and she’s absolutely great. This is guaranteed to be a hilarious show. Or your money back*

*Not legally binding.

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EdFringe Talk: Kate-Lois Elliott: How to Belong Without Joining a Cult

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“I’m really excited to be part of it properly – it feels like a rite of passage.”

WHO: Kate Lois-Elliott

WHAT: “Kate-Lois Elliott’s family lived in a secretive cult until her mum escaped. One generation later, a teenage Kate finds herself in the clutches of an equally militant operation… just your average group of teenage girls. Because, as it turns out, cults are everywhere – ask anyone with a Tesco Clubcard. British Writers’ Guild Award nominee, British Comedy Guide Awards finalist. ‘Such funny business’ (Jessica Fostekew). ‘Elliott commands the stage, charming delivery, quality callbacks’ (ASpyInTheStalls.com). ‘Zeitgeisty’ (Dominic King, BBC Radio Kent). ‘Could sniff vodka from the plinth’ (Helen Lederer). Directed by Esther Manito.”

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

WHEN: 16:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

My family is from Fife, and I’ve got family in Edinburgh, so I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years. I have been to the festival as a punter and performing at compilation shows quite a lot. Last year, I took a work-in-progress to Edinburgh Fringe for a couple of weeks, which was everything you’d expect. I learned a lot about what I wanted from it, where to go for cheap drinks and which Sainsbury’s still had meal deals left on the shelves after 5pm… I’m really excited to be part of it properly – it feels like a rite of passage.

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

That we’re all on our own journey, and you can’t please everyone. I know it’s such a simple thing, but it’s a lot easier to say than to absorb (as you say). I’ve moved a bit further out of London this year and spent less time on social media. It meant I could focus more on the show than on the circusy part of the job. Also trees – be near trees more.

Tell us about your show.

The show is inspired by my mum’s family being born into and escaping a cult. It’s about me as an adult discovering that this thing that was presented to me as normal as a child was, in fact, a big fat cult. Because when you think about it, humans love to form groups, and a cult is just a group that goes a bit toxic, and it can happen – from friendship groups to WhatsApp groups to Tescos Club Card… and when it does happen, it’s always a bit hard to leave!

I wrote it, and I’m performing it. Esther Manito is directing it as well. I’ve known her for a while, so it’s been bloody lovely working with her. I’ve been developing the show over the last year, taking it across the country. It’s not like theatre, where you rehearse until it’s ready. You do work in progress (WIPs), where you’re literally rehearsing it in front of an audience. I love watching other people’s WIPs as you get to see the progress a show makes. It’s exciting to do as well, if not at times hilarious in the wrong way. I find it kind of humbling that everyone, even Stuart Lee, has to do WIPs. I’d love to tour the show after Edinburgh, and I think I definitely will.

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

I can’t wait to see Kate Cheka’s ‘A Messiah Comes at Hoots’ – she’s one of my favourite acts on the circuit and just a really good human. Also, Katie Norris ‘Farm Fatale’ because what she does is so different from what I do, so I’m just in awe of it. I think Natalie Durkin’s show ‘Angle of The North’ will be excellent; she’s a real crowd-pleaser, and Stephanie Laing’s show ‘Rudder’; she is fearless, offbeat, and brilliant. Also, Dee Allum’s show ‘Deadname’, who I remember seeing years ago at an open mic and being blown away by. The excellent Dani Johns is also up with a WIP ‘Cringe’ and does some of the best crowd work I’ve ever seen. Plus, I’m excited to see Pernille Haaland’s new show ‘Not Related’ – an incredibly talented performer, friend and comedian who, in a 2022 Roast Battle, described me as a ‘Poundshop Katherine Ryan’, and I described her as ‘Alright’.

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EdFringe Talk: 6 Steps To Success From The “Award Winning” Dave Chawner

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“I can’t believe it’s nearly Fringemass again!”

WHO: Dave Chawner

WHAT: “Last year Dave won an award who’s title felt like a back-handed compliment. That led to a crisis of confidence and an exploration of what success really looks like. As seen on BBC, ITV and Channel 4. As heard on Radio 1, Radio 2 and Radio 4.”

WHERE: Laughing Horse @ The Counting House – The Loft (Venue 170) 

WHEN: 18:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is the 11th time I’ve been to The Fringe, my 9th full run and my 7th solo show. Still, I don’t feel ready! How is that even possible? I’ve got to the age where I am finding myself saying, “Where has the time gone?” without any sense of irony, but I can’t believe it’s nearly Fringemass again! And, what is worse, I guarantee you, in a month, I will be lamenting, saying, ‘Ah, I can’t believe it’s over’.

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

This show is about imposter syndrome, getting older and what ‘success’ means. I think as more time goes on, I think I know less. So, I think that would be my lesson is that I am less sure of stuff since 2023 (and beyond in fairness).

Tell us about your show.

Oh, I think I jumped the gun there a bit – I’ve already told you about it! But I can chat some more. Basically, this year’s show is actually about last year’s show. I won an award whose title felt a bit like a backhanded compliment. That led to a crisis of confidence, and in that period, it made me consider and question, “What really is success”? After all, it means different things to different people. And, often, you can accidentally adopt other people’s definition of success, which means you end up chasing a dream you don’t even want. I love an underdog story, and The Fringe is the perfect place to showcase an idea about imposter syndrome.

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

I think the beauty of The Fringe is that there’s so much stuff. My biggest piece of advice would be to go and see something you never normally would. Robyn Perkin does a great science-based stand-up show called ‘Comedy For the Curious’. ‘Boardgame Smackdown’ is a Fringe must, hosted by comedian James Kook, is a comedy panel show where comedians play board games live. I always try to see Robbotron Dark Room. Personally, I think ‘Stand Up Philosophy’ is a brilliant, unique and fun show with the ace Alex James Farrow; anyone interested in politics should see Ashley Haden’s ‘Political And Correct’. If you want something a little more ‘x-rated’, there’s Nik Coppin Shagger’s (a show all about shagging!), yet on the completely other end of the spectrum, Donald Vaughan does an amazing show for all ages called Science Magic. For any comic book nerds, there is Rik Carranza’s show ‘Marvel vs DC’ and Juliette Burton’s show ‘Going Rogue’, and then there is Steffan Alun’s show “Free Stand-Up, but at What Cost”. Steffan Alun’s ‘About Identity’, which I will be going to see, and of course, not forgetting, is one of my favourite titles in The Fringe Richy Wright’s show ‘Married At First Wright’.

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EdFringe Talk: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

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“Every Fringe is a learning experience that brings its own challenges and lessons – I cannot wait to see what Fringe 2024 will teach me.”

WHO: Beth Cunningham

WHAT: “Please spell ‘entertaining’! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee follows six quirky and sometimes obnoxious students in their quest for the coveted first place trophy. Accompanied by three even quirkier adults, audience members, juice boxes, community service requirements, magic feet, and the unfortunate effects of puberty, the spellers must make their way through a series of increasingly difficult (and hilarious) words, whilst also dealing with their own stressful, embarrassing, or occasionally upsetting personal lives. This show is guaranteed to leave you laughing, crying and wondering if ‘hasenpfeffer’ is even a real word.”

WHERE: Paradise in Augustines – The Sanctuary (Venue 152) 

WHEN: VARIES (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my fourth time partaking in the Edinburgh Fringe, and my first time as a director! The Fringe is a truly unique experience as a performer, production team member, and a visitor. There’s no place quite like it on Earth, and I am so unbelievably grateful to the people who have given me the opportunity to be apart of the past 4 Fringes. I have spoken about directing at Fringe to anyone who will listen for the past two years and getting to live out this silly little dream has been an utter joy so far. I am so looking forward to seeing the wealth of new-and-upcoming talent Fringe offers – I always make its priority to see as many different shows in as many different genres as I can, and I have discovered some amazing performers through the Edinburgh Fringe who I continue to follow to this day. Whilst visiting the Fringe is a fantastic experience, partaking in it and being immersed in the environment and culture as a performer or creative is just an indescribable feeling, and I am so looking forward to experiencing it once again this year.

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

Last year, I definitely overcommitted myself a little bit – whilst I still had an amazing time, I think dedicating my time this year solely to one show has meant that I have been able to be fully emotionally invested in Spelling Bee. A lot of love, time, blood, sweat, and tears has gone into this production, and I hope that it will show in the final product.

Every Fringe is a learning experience that brings its own challenges and lessons – I cannot wait to see what Fringe 2024 will teach me.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin, presented by the Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group (EUSOG). My production team is utterly incredible – my fantastic co-director, Hunter King; my wonderful choreo team, Amelia Brenan and her assistants; my incredible musical direction team, Emily Paterson and her assistants; and last, but certainly NOT least, my incomparable producers, Ching Zhan and Faye Xiang. Auditioning for EUSOG in my second year of university is truly one of the best things I have ever done, and completely changed the trajectory of my university experience. I am so unbelievably grateful to the society for the opportunities they have afforded me, and especially for letting me take this show to Fringe this year. Spelling Bee is a show that is extremely near and dear to my heart – it’s the first show I ever did at Fringe, so directing it this year feels very full circle for me. The show has all the components for a successful Fringe show – audience participation, comedy, gay dads, juiceboxes, as well as tender moments that tug at your heartstrings. The cast is incredible and have worked so hard to bring this amazing show to life. If you like words, big dance numbers, or jokes about the unfortunate side effects of puberty, this is the show for you!

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

Our sister society, the Edinburgh University Footlights, is putting on Pippin by Stephen Schwartz in the final week of Fringe. Their productions never fail to impress and I am sure Pippin will be indescribably fantastic. You can purchase tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=pippin.

Other shows I am so excited to see are Slash and The Improverts at Bedlam Theatre, Paradok Platform at Just The Tonic at The Caves, Spring Awakening at The Space @ Surgeon’s Hall, and Kinky Boots at Hill Street Theatre.

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EdFringe Talk: Wallis

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“Make sure you have your note and that you just have to be confident with it. Even if it’s wrong. Wrong but strong.”

WHO: Rhys Anderson

WHAT: “After their success with 2023’s Guilty of Love, BramwellBrand’s latest musical tells the story of a woman swept away by circumstance, and the King who gave up his crown for her. Prince Edward, bored with the constraints of monarchy, falls in love with an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and gives up everything for her. Fans of The Crown will instantly recognise the first enactment of this royal twisted tale in the story of Wallis Simpson: but is it a love story, or is she a woman trapped by her own ambition, fuelled by the eye of the media?”

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

WHEN: 10:40 (80 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is actually my 4th show at the fringe. My first being in 2015 and then in 2022 and then last year too. It is very exciting as a performer to be a part of the Edinburgh Fringe. I’ve met some great people along the way and had the chance to perform in front of amazing audiences and that’s what I love about the fringe.

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

The show I performed in last year was a musical with a lot of tricky harmonies and difficult ACapella singing which was quite new for me and the biggest thing I learned from that experience was how important it is make sure you have your note and that you just have to be confident with it. Even if it’s wrong. Wrong but strong. This was something myself and another actor from that show would joke about. But of course we were pitch perfect every time.

Tell us about your show.

Our show this year is by the same writers as the show last year so I was really honoured to be asked back by the producing team. Last year it was all about Alan Turing and the events that happened during and after Bletchley park. This year we are focusing in on Wallis Simpson and her somewhat complicated relationship with Edward VIII and the abdication crisis. I absolutely loved the script and the music reminds me of that jazz period in the 1930s. It all feels very glitz and glam and like we are going to take the audience on one big party. The team met for a read through last week and it was great to meet the rest of the cast before we jump in to rehearsals. This is the world premiere and after Edinburgh we play it for a few shows down in London at The Other Palace. Which I’m really looking forward too and I love playing real life people too. I get lost in the research and there is so much out there about Edward and people have varying opinions on him so it will be interesting to see what people think of my portrayal.

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

I think people should get along to see ‘One sugar stirred to the left. I have had the pleasure of reading the script written by Jon Lawrence and it’s really beautiful. A great mix of comedy and moments of real tragedy!

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EdFringe Talk: Situations and Confr/plications

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“For me the Fringe really lies in the atmosphere on the streets, and I’ve been in and amongst that every August since I can remember. “

WHO: Rhiannon Lucy Bird

WHAT: “Logic, you say? Thank you. But, no thank you. Introducing Situations and Confr/plications. A 60-minute sketch comedy, made up of standalone scenes that cross between all decades and have no relation to each other whatsoever. Apart, of course, from the unfortunate fact that they go slightly – awry. 12 actors, 12 scenes. A rapid fire of short, dynamic, bold and outrageously unusual sketches – leaving the audience with a healthy sense of joy, fulfilment, provocation and sense of relief. Not physical though, we urge you (literally). May the Audacity be with you.”

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

WHEN: 14:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Nope! I’m actually from Edinburgh, so I’ve been lucky enough to attend every Fringe since I was born in ‘98. Well, I probably only started attending shows when I was about 4 or 5, but for me the Fringe really lies in the atmosphere on the streets, and I’ve been in and amongst that every August since I can remember. The city just comes alive, and now that I’m a bit older it’s the most amazing excuse to come home and meet up with old friends and family. We’re scattered all over the world now, but most of us find a way to flock back and gather for the festival every year!

It’s a myth that locals hate the Fringe. It can definitely be overwhelming when the population triples basically overnight and suddenly you’re confronted with hundreds of flyers and street performers on your way to work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Performing in it is something else entirely. I first put a show on here in 2018, and it never gets any less exciting. I’ve seen a lot of theatre in my life, and all of the best, most innovative, creative and bizarre shows I’ve ever seen have been in the Fringe festival. I can’t wait to come again this year, especially as most of my cast are about to experience the madness for the first time!

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

I’m fresh out of drama school, so really committing to the freelance professional actor lifestyle has been a monumental learning curve for me! I think one of the hardest lessons has been learning to say no to some things, and prioritise rest. Just because you don’t have a typical 9-to-5 schedule, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a weekend off, or that you need to be thinking about work 24/7. When you work in the arts it can get confusing I think, because your job is often also your passion and something that you started out doing for fun. But it’s important sometimes to treat it as if it were a 9-to-5, have breaks, have evenings off and holidays. Otherwise you risk coming home from your bill-paying jobs and spending all your down time pursuing the acting, which, it turns out, is a recipe for burnout! This is something I’m definitely still working on but I am getting better, little by little, and I will attempt to keep it up even during festival season!

Tell us about your show.

Situations and Confr/plications is an absurd sketch show, with 12 actors, 12 scenes, and zero logic. It’s written and directed by Gwen Ann, a multi-talented Dutch current acting student at a London drama school. The cast is entirely made up of people from her course, and a couple of recent graduates from the same acting school (myself included)! I don’t know if she’d agree, but I think the show is pretty reminiscent of a lot of old-school comedy shows. Monty Python, The Muppet Show (if the muppets were just… humans on a stage), Big Train, that sort of thing. But it’s also fresh, experimental, surprising. The characters are outrageous, the sketches take us through time, from the Greeks to the Middle ages, to Junior Dance Finals ‘24, and beyond. We are doing two previews in London before we take it up to Auld Reekie. After the festival most of the cast will be starting their third and final year of their course, so it will probably be put on the back-burner for a while, but who knows what might happen after that!

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

Hot Girl Summer is a brand-new show by my gorgeously talented friend Isla Fairfield, she’s so funny and the show is outrageously relatable, a must-see for all, but single women in their 20s especially! I always recommend Police Cops to people who haven’t seen it before, they’re doing Police Cops in Space again this year which is the funniest show I’ve seen in the Fringe, I think. My pal Steph is also doing a dark physical theatre show called Birthday Fish, and she’s a beautiful mover so I highly recommend checking that out!

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EdFringe Talk: Tales of Haunted Edinburgh – Echoes From Beyond the Grave

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“EdFringe is a celebration of the arts that brings together performers and audiences in a unique and unparalleled way.”

WHO: Ewan Irvine

WHAT: “Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world. Listen to its tales of the undead from a paranormal investigator as you discover a host of terrifying stories of hauntings from the city’s dark past. From the House of Horrors, in the West Bow, to Greyfriar’s Kirkyard and the infamous George Mackenzie, the servant boy of Queensberry House, to some of the haunted closes on the Royal Mile. These are just a few of the tales.”

WHERE: Arthur Conan Doyle Centre – The Sanctuary (Venue 290) 

WHEN: 19:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

As a resident of Edinburgh, we are fortunate to have the Fringe right on our doorstep. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is not just a celebration of the arts; it’s a month-long cultural extravaganza that transforms the city into a bustling hub of creativity and performance. What makes the Fringe special is its unique blend of established acts and emerging talent, all sharing the same stages and competing for attention. This democratic nature of the festival, where anyone can put on a show, fosters an environment of discovery and innovation.

A great festival, in my view, is one that offers something for everyone. It should be a place where you can expect the unexpected, where you can stumble upon a hidden gem in an unassuming venue, or be blown away by a performance that you had no prior knowledge of. The Fringe excels in this regard, with its vast array of performances spanning theatre, comedy, dance, and music.

Experiencing a festival as a producer is a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s about the passion for your project, the hard work that goes into bringing it to life, and the hope that it will resonate with an audience. As a producer at the Fringe, you’re part of a community of artists and creators, all striving to make their mark. It’s a test of resilience, creativity, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing festival landscape.

Conversely, attending a festival as a punter is all about the joy of discovery. It’s about the freedom to explore, to let the day’s program guide you, or to follow the buzz on the street to find the next big thing. As an Edinburgh resident, I have the luxury of being able to dip in and out of the festival at your leisure, to become part of the audience that fuels the energy and vibrancy of the Fringe.

In summary, the Fringe is a celebration of the arts that brings together performers and audiences in a unique and unparalleled way. Whether you’re a producer looking to share your vision with the world or a punter eager to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of the festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe offers an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable.

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

In taking part in previous Festival Fringe’s, I have learnt to stay informed with Fringe information which is invaluable, producing more innovative in eye catching publicity, and remaining flexible to changes.

Tell us about your show.

“Tales of Haunted Edinburgh” is a captivating and chilling performance that delves into the eerie history of Edinburgh, known for its haunted tales and ghostly legends. The show is a solo performance, written and produced by myself, and also as a paranormal investigator who has a deep interest in the city’s dark past and its supernatural stories.

I am also the performer, and with a background in both storytelling and the paranormal, which has inspired the creation of this unique show. The production is a labor of love, withmextensive research and personal experiences with the paranormal shaping the narrative. T

“Tales of Haunted Edinburgh” , follows “Tales of the Condemned” and “Tales from the City below” The response from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees fascinated by the stories and the immersive experience the show provides.

After the run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, “Tales of Haunted Edinburgh” will hopefully be taken to other venues, reaching out to audiences who are intrigued by the paranormal and the rich history of hauntings in Edinburgh.

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

There are a number of other shows which explore elements of Scotland, such as Alastair
Savage – The Scot’s Fiddler.

I attended a show of Alastair’s in the historic Arthur Conan Doyle building which was the perfect setting for a relaxed evening of fiddle melodies by one of the country’s leading Violinists. Alastair was a prize-winning Scots fiddle player in his youth and has performed traditional and classical music throughout his life, being a member of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for the past eighteen years travelling worldwide. The concert was a fantastic experience.

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