Category Archives: *Written Interviews

From time to time we encounter an artist or producer toiling away at something pretty special. Here’s what they have to say, in their own words, about their work.

EdFringe Talk: Shower Chair

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The Edfringe inspires creativity, serves as a stage for performance, and unites a community of artists.”

WHO: Ben Fallaci

WHAT: “Writer and comedian Ben Fallaci strips down and gets vulnerable while recounting how he lands broken and stuck in a geriatric shower chair. With irreverence and self-deprecation, Fallaci adds humour to a tale about a toxic friendship, slippery events, and a broken ankle. Where better to come clean than in the shower?”

WHERE: Greenside @ George Street – Lime Studio (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 20:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is where I started performing. During a semester abroad at the University, I performed with a sketch group (The EdRevue) and started stand up comedy. My first ever open mic was at the Wee Pub in Grassmarket. Five years later, I’d return to Edinburgh and pass the Wee Pub flyering for my one-man show Shower Chair during the 2023 EdFringe. Debuting my one man show at the festival, inspired my move to London and my decision to return to the festival this year for the entire run. The Edfringe inspires creativity, serves as a stage for performance, and unites a community of artists.

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

The biggest lesson from performing in 2023/ 2024 is to have fun. After an entire day of flyering and networking about your show, the only thing left to do is to perform it. The Fringe is such a unique opportunity to workshop, experiment, and play with your performance each night.You have to let go and have fun to stay in the moment. Finding routine in performance is rare, so I try to appreciate it as much as possible while here.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote Shower Chair during a 3 month long dog sitting gig in Los Angeles. I work best with collaborators, so I invited my director and personal friend, Fiona Kelly to come on board. Together, we turned a family home into the ultimate rehearsal space complete with a mic stand in the living room, various rewrites in the home office, and choreography sessions in the backyard. In addition to my director, Shower Chair was sculpted by countless conversations over coffee in the kitchen with patient East Side comics, who listened to hours of rambling that eventually were whittled down to a crisp 60 minute monologue.

After previewing Shower Chair at the Broadwater Theatre in Los Angeles, it debuted at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it played 14 performances. Shower Chair reached diverse audiences in Edinburgh and it was met with emotional responses. Last year at the festival, I connected with Zoe Novello and Sophie Visscher-Lubinizki (Speakerphone Productions) who came on board as creative producers, and have helped to shape and develop the show – assisting the team in growing it from a humble stand up comedy set to a full theatrical experience.

The show continues to grow as a consequence of including more creative thinkers. Shower Chair is a queer production. Directed, produced, and choreographed by queer theater makers, it is a true product of queer collaboration and storytelling.

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

After Shower Chair, check out Elen Mcneil’s History of a Heartbreak – a show that heals raw emotions like a warm cup of Yorkshire tea. Serena Freda’s one woman show NO NO NO GOD PLEASE NO is another piece of creative storytelling that explores the psychology of hurt and healing.

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EdFringe Talk: Rollercoaster

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“A great festival is one where you’re going to be constantly surprised.”

WHO: Wes Peden

WHAT: “Ultra-modern pop-punk juggling! Surrounded by a huge inflatable blue structure and accompanied by electro beats composed of distorted rollercoaster sounds, Peden shares his cutting-edge tricks inspired by corkscrews, adrenaline and high-tech seatbelts. The show features a four-meter transparent tube making balls spiral around Wes’ body, contemporary spinning-plate rituals, epic three-ball disco juggling and invisible seatbelts providing the safety to perform some of the most difficult juggling ever done on stage!”

WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Central (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 17:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Last time I performed in Edinburgh was with the trio juggling show Water on Mars back in 2016. We had an incredible time! The shows had some of the most enthusiastic audiences we have ever performed for. The Fringe audience is really special. It feels like everyone there is curious and excited to experience something new. Luckily for me, tha’s exactly the type of person who’s likely to appreciate contemporary juggling inspired by rollercoasters!

A great festival is one where you’re going to be constantly surprised. Where you’ll see art forms you’ve never heard of and have real-life experiences that tickle your brain so much that you forget about your email inbox.

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

I moved to France from Sweden in 2023 and since then I have learned that French people sometimes make a sandwich with baguette and a piece of chocolate bar. I’m happy to say that I have absorbed this lesson many times.

Tell us about your show.

Rollercoaster was written by Wes Peden, who is also the guy pushing the lettered buttons on his computer to write this. I have been juggling since I was 5 years old and have been part of the creation of over a dozen juggling shows including 4 solo shows. This show is by far my best solo work and I’m excited to share it with the Edinburgh crowd!

I’m very lucky to be working with the legendary company Gandini Juggling who are touring Rollercoaster and bringing it to Edinburgh this year. This will be the Scottish premiere of the show. I’ve performed the show 100 times around Europe and the US just to prepare for the Fringe. This is not a drill!

After Edinburgh we’ll tour in Switzerland, Ireland, France, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and hopefully Japan. There are some really good rollercoasters there I’d like to check out.

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

Only Bones v1.9 by Matt Pasquet – Kallo Collective

Matt is an incredibly talented handstand artist and mover. The combination of his boundless
creativity, attention to detail, and humor creates a truly unique universe on stage. I highly
recommend checking out  ‘Only Bones’

Julieta by Gabriela Muñoz

Gabriela is a world-renowned clown, celebrated for her powerful, delicate, and hilarious stage
presence. The generosity and honesty in her performances consistently move me to tears. Make
sure you check the dates for her show as she'll only be at the festival for a week and I'm sure the tickets will go fast!

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EdFringe Talk: Chris Grace: Sardines (A Comedy About Death)

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I plan on being here every August for the rest of my life.”

WHO: Chris Grace

WHAT: “Chris Grace returns to Fringe after his 2023 sell-out show, Scarlett Johansson. Sardines explores the tragic, hilarious and important questions of our time: Can we enjoy life if we know how it ends? Does making art actually help? And if Rihanna’s song is called Don’t Stop the Music, why does the music… stop? Find out in this insightful and vulnerable comedy. ‘If you’re cool like me, you’ll love Chris Grace’ (Ed Gamble).”

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

WHEN: 13:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Nope, this is my eleventh Fringe, and I plan on being here every August for the rest of my life. Aside from the lovely audiences, the universe of creative inspiration, and the beautiful city, the sheer creative upgrade to your work that comes from 27 shows in a row can’t really be matched anywhere else. Most of my creative identity and much of my success can be directly linked to eleven Augusts in Edinburgh.

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

I’m still struggling with the shifting of expectations that comes with meeting your goals. Last year I said I would be happy if 25 people saw the show every night. Then it started selling out and I was overjoyed. Then when a show wouldn’t sell out, I’d be crushed. Ridiculous. This year I’m trying to keep my head out of looking at this year’s sales and reviews and nominations and comparing it to last year, and it’s proving difficult to impossible to do so. This is a huge part of me that I want to work on because I feel other people are so much better at it than me, or at least successfully pretend to be so. It’s hard not to look at other acts in the festival and measure yourself against them. Comparison is the thief of joy, someone said, and I wish I had said something as smart as that.

Tell us about your show.

My show “Sardines” is about five people in my life that died in a short period of time, and how I suffered and grew through the process. I wrote it and I’m co-producing it with Baby Wants Candy, my creative parents at the Fringe. I did some work in progress shows in Austin and Los Angeles but this is the full actual premiere (read: this is the first time I’ve actually memorized the lines. Wait, that’s a great line for the poster: FULLY MEMORIZED. And then under that a quote from my husband Eric Michaud who directed the show saying “… most of the time.”)

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

I saw The Dark Room again after not seeing it since 2012 and it’s still a hoot. Jonny and The Baptists have brought a corker of a show that’s different from years past but arguably better. I always love seeing Sofie Hagen and my friends Dave Ahdoot, Yola Lu, Box of Frogs, Grubby Little Mitts, and Ted Hill all have terrific shows you should put on your list!

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EdFringe Talk: The Cancer Comedy Cabaret

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“As a performer, you’re not just observing the magic, you’re helping to create it. That makes Edfringe an unparalleled experience – both humbling and exhilarating.”

WHO: Désiré Binam

WHAT: “Embark on a raw, transformative journey through one man’s battle with cancer. Laugh and cry as he delves into the depths of his experience, sharing the realities of living with a disease that is changing his life. From relentless chemotherapy to intimate scars, every moment is carving him a new identity, in ways he never could have imagined. Through heartfelt storytelling and exquisite humour, witness the transformative power of vulnerability as it slowly turns into courageous strength. Discover the manifesto for a new artistic movement. ‘This cancer is a true blessing’ (Fellow comedian).”

WHERE: C ARTS | C venues | C alto – theatre (Venue 40) 

WHEN: 15:50 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to Edinburgh before but it is my first time participating in the Fringe Festival, and I’m absolutely thrilled! There’s something uniquely special about Edfringe—it’s a melting pot of creativity where the city buzzes with the energy of artists and audiences alike. What makes this a great festival is this kind of vibrant, inclusive atmosphere where people from all walks of life, and from all corners of the world, come together to share and celebrate stories. As a performer, you’re not just observing the magic, you’re helping to create it. That makes Edfringe an unparalleled experience – both humbling and exhilarating.

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

Since 2023, I’ve learned the profound importance of resilience and adaptability, especially when it comes to telling my story. Life doesn’t always go as planned – pancreatic cancer taught me that lesson. But how you respond to those challenges can shape who you become. I’ve also learned that humor is a powerful tool for healing, both for myself and for others. Absorbing these lessons has allowed me to turn my journey through illness into a funny show that can uplift and inspire others.

Tell us about your show.

My show, “The Cancer Comedy Cabaret” is a deeply personal piece that I wrote, drawing from my own experiences as a pancreatic cancer survivor. My wife suggested I see a psychologist to help me process everything. Instead, I prefer to get up on stage and tell my anguish to an audience – it’s like being a middle-aged rock star. I learnt a lot of my public speaking skills in an organisation called Toastmasters International. Last year I entered their speech competition (in District 91 – that covers Southern England including London, and South Wales). My 7 minute speech about my journey with cancer came second in the contest. I realized my story resonated with people, and that’s what inspired me to think about going to the fringe. With the support of a brilliant director and a passionate production team, I expanded that speech into a full-length show. Edinburgh is it’s premier, and I’m excited to see where the show might go afterward – hopefully to more festivals and venues where I can continue to share this journey.

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

1) “The Crow, (The Princess), and The Scullery Maid.”

This play is a delightful and imaginative journey that transports you to a world where stories are alive, and magic is woven through every word. I was drawn to it because it shares a common thread with my show: the power of storytelling to transform our experiences. Just as I’ve used humor and narrative to navigate my journey, this play explores the magic of stories themselves, showing how they can shape our lives in unexpected ways. The creativity and charm of this production make it a perfect follow-up to my own performance, offering a fresh perspective on the power of stories to change us.

2) “This Is Not the Autistic You Are Looking For.”

Mark’s debut show is a unique and insightful exploration of life on the autism spectrum, presented with humor and authenticity. As someone who has also used personal experiences to create a narrative that challenges perceptions, I admire how Mark blends his story with wit and charm. His award-winning performance promises to be both engaging and enlightening, offering a fresh perspective on neurodiversity that will resonate with anyone interested in the human experience. Don’t miss the chance to see this rising talent before he becomes a household name!

3) “Jo Caulfield Pearls Before Swine.”

Jo Caulfield is a master of sharp wit and biting humor. Her ability to turn everyday annoyances into comedic gold resonates with my own approach to finding humor in life’s challenges. Jo’s show is packed with brilliant lines and hilarious insights, offering a perfect blend of clever observations and laugh-out-loud moments. If you enjoyed the humor and storytelling in my performance, Jo’s show will be the perfect follow-up. Her reputation for consistently delivering fantastic comedy is well-deserved, and you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see one of Britain’s smartest comics in action!

4) “Edward’s Talk – What’s Driving You?”

This unique, interactive drama offers a fresh take on the concept of speed awareness, blending humor with thought-provoking content. Much like my own show, which uses humor to explore serious topics, Edward’s Talk uses an engaging and participatory format to encourage audiences to reflect on their behaviors and choices. The show’s clever mix of audience involvement and insightful observations mirrors my approach to making audiences think and laugh simultaneously. If you enjoyed the interactive elements and the deeper messages in my performance, you’ll find Edward’s Talk an intriguing and entertaining experience.

Also, I highly recommend checking out the events listed on Death on the Fringe. This series of shows explores the profound themes of death and dying in ways that range from serious to comical. What drew me to this collection is its focus on making us think deeply about what it means to live well and die well—something that resonates strongly with the themes of resilience and hope in my own performance. Whether you’re looking to reflect, be inspired, or find a new perspective, the shows in Death on the Fringe offer a unique and meaningful experience that complements the journey we’ve shared together.

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EdFringe Talk: Fearghas Kelly: Whooooooooooo!

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Skyrocketing costs continue to squeeze out emerging artists, and silent discos remain staggeringly legal.”

WHO: Fearghas Kelly

WHAT: “Multimedia madness from one of Scottish comedy’s rising stars. Host of The Stand’s multimedia comedy night, Screen Time, and regular sketch contributor to lockdown-era Saturday Night Live at The Stand, Fearghas Kelly comes home for two shows only. BBC New Comedy Award shortlist 2021 and 2022. So You Think You’re Funny? semi-finalist 2022. ‘Hilarious’ (DeadlineNews.co.uk). ‘Slick’ (Scotsman). ‘Emerging talent’ (BeyondTheJoke.co.uk).”

WHERE: The Stand Comedy Club 2 – Stand 2 (Venue 5) 

WHEN: 14:50 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Once a beacon of artistic expression, it can be argued that the festival has morphed into a capitalist spectacle where the intrinsic worth of art and community is overshadowed by profit and client journalism, where skyrocketing costs continue to squeeze out emerging artists, and where silent discos remain staggeringly legal.

That’s why I’m delighted to be performing at my third Fringe, because some venues remain the vanguard and the Stand are certainly one of them. It’s my first time performing at this legendary venue, and I’m very excited and honoured.

As a punter, to be fair it remains a pretty unmatched day out if you have your prebooked-unplanned ratio just right. As a performer, you’ll leave stage-fit but exhausted, with a Chernobyl level of cholesterol and thighs the size of Luxembourg. It can be as enriching and exciting a place as it can be isolating and lonely. But then Graham Norton will walk past you, and you’ll go “that was Graham Norton!” and it will get you through the next three days.

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

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there’s no point in waiting until you “feel ready”. Doing stand-up, doing the Fringe and doing a solo show is like driving or wondering whether you can do a backflip up a wall like that bit in the Matrix, you can only learn while attempting it, and they all risk significant accidental brain damage.

I had absolutely no business doing a 45-minute solo show last year, and it turned out to be an excellent decision: teaching me lovely lessons and horrible lessons; gunging me with champagne and forward flipping me into a paddling pool of dog shit.

Only my two pals turned up the first day (thus halving my likelihood of going viral for it), then I sold out the following Saturday, before nearly having to pull the Sunday before being rescued by two Americans (they love playing the hero). I put the same effort into all three shows, which I think is important.

I’m going into August with a base level of self-belief which, fragile as I admit it remains, simply didn’t exist this time last year because it was an unstumbled road. Let’s see, I guess.

Tell us about your show.

‘Whooooooooo!’ builds on these last few years gigging away, creating stupid sketches and generally being a big idiot. I host the Stand’s new multimedia night, ‘Screen Time’ (also coming to the Fringe! https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fearghas-kelly-s-screen-time) which is an amazing opportunity to workshop projector-based nonsense. Come for the stories about a sensitive medical mishap, stay for my ingenious way of drinking on trains, and how my dedication to recycling glass bottles saved me from getting my head kicked in. I’m still working my way up towards a full hour – I guess I’ll know by Fringe’s end how close I am.

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

The Stand have a lineup of Scotland-based acts who are all (I think) performing at the venue for the first time, which I’m genuinely honoured to be a part of. I would pick up their brochure and try to cross off as many of us as you can like it’s an old war photo. In no particular order (sorry for missing anyone): Amanda Dwyer, Chris Thorburn, Jade Kelly, Kate Hammer, Michael Welch, Phil O’Shea and Thomas Elvin. Only one show of mine got cancelled last year. Because a man had a gun. Go and see Ralph Brown to find out more about that. My first Fringe stagemate, Paul McDaniel, is going to have a great festival I think, go and see him. And go see Material, Girl!

Mick McNeill was with Paul and I that year – you can catch him at the Beehive! And Erin McKinnie, whom I suffered that weapon-based cancellation with at the Waverley last year, is at Hootenanies. Kathleen Hughes, Chris Weir, Richard Brown and Craig Wilson are dotted about the city as well!

As a punter, my annual Fringe tradition is to see Simon Munnery and Paul Foot. When I was a lowly open spot (was?), I asked Mr Munnery to sign the first page of my notebook. He wrote, “Give up – and carry on!” We’re on the same page of the Stand’s brochure this year, which I’m so childlikely chuffed about. Mr Foot’s ‘Dissolve’ is such a special show. I saw it on tour at the Glasgow Stand and will most likely go and see it again.

If you only have one hour in the entire month, see Stuart McPherson. No question.

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EdFringe Talk: The Expulsion of Exulansis

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I have felt safe here especially against the backdrop of riots across England. I do wish the fringe was even more diverse, and was inclusive for people from lower socio economic backgrounds.”

WHO: Siyani Sheth

WHAT: “Written and produced by a remarkable 18-year-old drama student, this true story delves into deeply personal experiences of depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm, offering a compelling journey of hope and resilience. The play’s moving narrative resonates with teenagers who are battling their own mental health issues or supporting their friends, parents concerned about their children’s well-being, and educators seeking insights into safeguarding students. Set against the backdrop of the growing mental health crisis among teenagers, the writer hopes to create an open dialogue, greater awareness and support for all, with plenty of tears and laughter.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Niddry St – Lower Theatre (Venue 9) 

WHEN: 14:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes it is my first time in Edinburgh and at the fringe. It’s been a really valuable experience to learn about promoting a show, managing money, sustaining your energy, and looking after your mental health for over a month. It has been awesome to be surrounded by people with similar interest, in a hub of creativity. I have felt safe here especially against the backdrop of riots across England. I do wish the fringe was even more diverse, and was inclusive for people from lower socio economic backgrounds.

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

Since doing my first show in East London last year, I have learn to be more assertive as a young female director. It has been great to create work that I am proud of with a diverse, versatile and talented cast that really cares about the message we are shining a light on. Doing it every day has been a lot, we have all had to find time to rest, recharge and have fun!

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the play last year, when I was 17, after my therapist suggested I write down my story. It was a cathartic experience, especially when I got to share it with others and realised I wasn’t alone. I was blown away when so many young people who watched the play told me they had felt seen and so many parents/educators/medical people told me it helped them understand a teenager’s perspective. I am hoping to study English and Drama at university next year and want to build a career writing stories that give a voice to people and topics that are not represented. I have started to write my next play called “intersectional”.

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

So Young – a beautiful and fresh take on growing old, dealing with loss and moving on!

Dear Annie I hate you – a creative approach from a courageous young woman overcoming her own fears and the medical system in dealing with her brain aneurysm (a serious subject with plenty of laughs)

Abrasion – an insightful look at the silent suffering of so many young women in dealing with the medical health system, hilariously portrayed.

Dave Ahdoot: ethnically ambiguous – a very funny perspective of having a face that most cultures relate to and consider as their own, and how that means $$$ for the advertising industry

Vir Das – a brilliant Indian comedian that had us in fits of laughter

What happened to love and hope – I haven’t seen it yet but it’s written by a young person of mixed heritage, exploring some similar themes

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EdFringe Talk: Midnight Cowboy Radio

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I’m constantly grappling with the state of reproductive rights in the US and what my role is in it.”

WHO: Ally Ibach

WHAT: “It’s Labor Day in Kentucky! Time for your favourite late-night-radio-talk-show host, to give you life advice on the air of Midnight Cowboy Radio, entertaining you for those long drives home. This show is written and performed by Ally Ibach and directed by Patricia Runcie-Rice. It has been awarded as a finalist at The Secret Theatre’s One-Act Festival (NYC, 2023), and has had shows at East 15 Acting School (UK, 2022), PBH Free Fringe (UK, 2022), Baltimore Center Stage’s Locally Grown Festival (Baltimore, 2023), Bread and Roses (London, 2023), Theatre Row (NYC 2023), and the Tank (NYC 2024).”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall – Theatre 3 (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 22:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

So, fun fact, I actually did perform a 10 minute set with PBH Free Fringe back in 2022 that a whopping 5 people saw, and boy did they get a show!

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

This play (Midnight Cowboy Radio) has changed and evolved with as I and the political climate in the USA changes. I’m constantly grappling with the state of reproductive rights in the US and what my role is in it.

Tell us about your show.

Midnight Cowboy Radio is a play that follows a late-night conservative radio talk show host in Kentucky arranging an illegal abortion. I wrote it back in 2022 when Roe was overturned, and I was watching it happen from drama school in the UK. In 2023, I moved back to the US and found amazing creative collaborators including my director Patricia Runcie-Rice and who’s here with me! After Edinburgh, one of my goals is to get this play published so people can have access to this story all over the country!

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

You should see Katie Folger in GETTING IN BED WITH THE PIZZA MAN. We have to keep talking about reproductive rights in whatever way we can (including sexy fun stories about pizza men)!

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EdFringe Talk: Titi Lee: Good Girl Gone Baddie

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“Anytime I mention the festival to someone in America, they say “you’re going to love it, it’s beautiful” so there’s a lot of hype and I expect zero disappointment.”

WHO: Titi Lee

WHAT: “Lifelong goody-two-shoes Titi Lee is breaking all the rules, and you are invited. With heartfelt humor and incisive wit, they confront their experience growing up as a first-gen Taiwanese American in the heart of Silicon Valley during the tech boom including coming out to their immigrant parents as bisexual, and then non-binary, getting pandemic boobs, and renouncing their good girl ways. Good Girl Gone Baddie is an endearing take on trading in a desperate need to be good for the freedom of being yourself.”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at Cabaret Voltaire – Just the Liberty Room (Venue 338) 

WHEN: 12:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time coming to Edinburgh Fringe Festival AND Edinburgh in general.

I first found out about the festival in 2014 through Alex Edelman, who I had gone to school with and knew as a very hard-working and talented comedian. He won the Best Newcomer Award for Comedy for his show Millennial at the festival that year, and at the time I remember from stateside seeing his updates about the festival and being mesmerized by the energy and excitement of it all. And I remember there being a lot of fanfare around all of it, and I just thought ‘I have to go there’. I had only been doing standup for a year at that time, so it went on my list to revisit in ten years, and here we are.

Anytime I mention the festival to someone in America, they say “you’re going to love it, it’s beautiful” so there’s a lot of hype and I expect zero disappointment. That’s not to say there isn’t a lot of anxiety and sleepless nights where I wake up thinking ‘what have I gotten myself into’ and ‘why did I think doing all this on my own while in credit card debt was a good idea’ but I have a good sense of what’s to come in that I expect both nothing and also everything.

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

The biggest thing I’ve learned in preparing for the show is that you’re always going to feel like you’re not doing enough, but that just means you’re running as fast as you can, and that’s a good sign. I’ve been preparing for the trip all year, but I still feel like I don’t know anything, and every day I get a new panic attack, and apparently that’s just part of the process. I had a good chat with another comedian who’s going this year (shoutout Catherine McCafferty) who told me “just remember you are a performer first and foremost” and that set me right.

In preparing for the show, I have had to sharpen my toolbelt in other arenas that I’m not typically used to doing. Since I’m coming all myself with no team members, I’m in charge of social media, promotion, budgeting, booking, tech, etc… and well, I have to say, I have so much respect for the publicity and marketing side of things. In May I received a grant from California Cultural Institute to take a digital marketing class at UCLA, and I used that to put together a social media campaign to promote the show. Sometimes I feel silly pushing myself so hard, but then I remember that even the most successful and well-known artists have to do the same. I mean, Ariana Grande’s been dong podcasts to promote Wicked… like, I already know who you are and I AM going to watch Wicked… but it’s all part of the process.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Titi Lee: Good Girl Gone Baddie, and it’s a solo comedy show of mostly standup, some storytelling, a smidge of drag and Kpop dance. I am a standup comedian first and foremost, but I grew up doing musical theater and studio dance, so I’m taking elements of that and infusing it into the standup of it all. It’s a culmination of ten years of material and to be honest, of me figuring out how to be who I am, in all my forms.

The tagline for the show is “be yourself, all of them” and the reality is I feel like I’ve danced around my true self for years (no pun intended), and this is a moment I’m finally comfortable existing in all my extremes, unapologetically and authentically, while also being entertaining to the audience. I want the audience to feel the same joy as I do that I’ve gone through this journey, and I think it will come across by the end of the hour that it’s okay to start as one thing and end up another, but that doesn’t mean those early versions of “you” aren’t always part of who you really are.

Edinburgh will be the official premiere of the show, I’ve previewed it in Los Angeles at a couple theaters, and just came off doing it at Berlin Fringe (which is in its second year and I highly recommend for Fringe performers to apply to for next year! Lisa is the best!) and that was a really wonderful experience, so I’m pretty amped. In terms of where I’m taking this after… that will be for you all to decide! I would absolutely love to take it all over the world, so you tell me where you want this Baddie to go.

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

There are so many amazing comedians I know at the festival, but I’m going to shoutout out my gays… Ashley Gavin, Catherine McCafferty, Anna Akana, Bianca Cristovao is a killer that you may already know but if you don’t, you will.

Plus – Jay Light has a real fun game show called Wrong! That he’s bringing over from The Comedy Store, and Mark Vigeant has ‘Mark Pleases You’ which is phenomenal and he is one of the hardest working goofballs with an inimitable raw energy you’ll just fall in love with.

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EdFringe Talk: Knowledge from the Future

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“We’re thrilled to introduce Taiwan’s culture through this play.”

WHO: Maria Pei / Jen Ting

WHAT: “Knowledge from the Future chronicles Jen’s odyssey through modern life’s complexities. Discovering latent fortune-telling talents amidst information overload, she navigates scepticism and intrigue. Jen’s quest for comprehension forces her to confront doubts and external pressures, challenging her rationality against mystical forces. Through encounters with sceptics and mentors, Jen learns to reconcile her mindset, unearthing insights about fate and wisdom. Ultimately, she realizes that true knowledge transcends belief, achievable only through genuine experience. This narrative invites reflection on truth, destiny and the perpetual journey of self-discovery in an evolving world, weaving together belief, scepticism and personal transformation.”

WHERE: Paradise in The Vault – The Vault (Venue 29) 

WHEN: 14:20 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

YES! This is our first Fringe and our first production!

Edfringe is the perfect place to share our original story, based on true events from Taiwan, and spread love to people around the world. It’s a fast-paced, safe, and open-minded festival where global artists and diverse cultures come together in appreciation.

We’re thrilled to introduce Taiwan’s culture through this play, which is about identity, self-awareness, and self-love. We all need more love, understanding, and acceptance.

Being part of this festival allows us to learn from experienced artists and gives us the courage to keep creating.

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

This one-woman show is about self-identity, self-awareness, self-love, and self-healing. Maria Pei, the producer and writer, started writing scripts in 2023 to share messages she wanted to convey, hoping to heal others who have gone through similar experiences. But the biggest revelation for her was that “Completing this play also healed me. It became the best closure I could give myself.”

Jen Ting, the producer and performer, has been an actress for ten years and finally completed her solo performance this year, thanks to Maria’s script. As sisters, the greatest lesson we’ve learned over the past year is that working together with family and sharing each other’s stories is both precious and empowering. This experience has inspired us to continue telling more stories together.

Tell us about your show.

“Knowledge From The Future”

The show tells the story of the protagonist, Gwen, a young Taiwanese woman in her 30s, who returns to Taiwan after experiencing trauma while working abroad. Once again, she faces the challenge of leaving Taiwan to pursue further studies. In her struggle to avoid and accept the reality of her situation, she discovers she has psychic abilities. Will this newfound ability help her confront her trauma, or will she continue to avoid it? she embarks on a transformative journey of personal growth and healing.

The story is inspired by true events, set against the backdrop of the 2019 Hong Kong protests and her return to Taiwan in 2021. It weaves together elements of Taiwanese folk belief and the spiritual influence on the people.

We hope that this creation, based on true events and stories, will provide healing for those with similar experiences and help audiences unfamiliar with Taiwan to better understand its culture and background story.

Produced by Maria Pei and Jen Ting, written by Maria Pei, and performed by Jen Ting, with contributions from our friends: Director Brad Lewis Cannon , Sound Designer Eye Suriyanon, and Lighting Designer Tom Showell, who have all collaborated with us on this project.

We are an independent production team, “A Dream Come True.” The theme of Taiwanese folk belief in our play perfectly aligns with who we are, a pair of superstitious sisters! We make wishes every day. This is our first presentation, and we plan to perform in London and other countries in the near future to share Taiwanese culture with more people. We would also love to bring this play back to our hometown, Taiwan!

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

We highly recommend all the performances from Taiwan! Taiwanese productions are truly amazing. The four shows brought by Taiwan Season—Lost Connection, Little Drop of Rain, I Am The Boss, and Palingenesis—have all received high praise. Additionally, How To Become a Taiwanese: A Musical and Diary of a Magician World Tour are also Taiwanese productions, and we’ve made plans to support them as well.

As lovers of one-woman shows, we’re also excited to see Sell Me: I Am From North Korea and Gracie the Jellyfish. We highly recommend these to everyone!

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EdFringe Talk: 1954: Ella, Etta, Eartha

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“2024 marks an eight year gap since I’ve been able to get here and I am absolutely delighted to be back.”

WHO: Melissa Western

WHAT: “It’s the year 1954. Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Eartha Kitt are all at the dizzy heights of their careers. With swinging jazz, powerful soul and cheeky kitsch, these women broke new ground for all who followed. Award-winning singer/actor Melissa Western and her musicians pay tribute to this magnificent era in music and inspiring trio of pioneering singers. 50s style abounds. ‘Western is a force of nature… Great storyteller, feisty, highly enjoyable’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Absolutely brilliant… Her aptitude for music is vast and versatile’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Western’s gorgeous singing voice serves her well’ (TheAustralian.com.au).”

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

WHEN: 18:35 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I first came in 2007 with a one-woman show. I’d visited (from Australia) the year before to get a sense of the festival and was blown away and knew I needed to be part of this wild ride. My first festival was exhilarating, enchanting, exhausting and extreme! I fell deeply in love with the city of Edinburgh and the sense of “coming home” to my performing arts family. I came out of that year with an official Sell Out status, some amazing reviews and onward UK touring – it was a dream. Since then I’ve been back regularly – stopping only to have kids and do Covid! This year is the eighth time I’ve brought a show to the Fringe.

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

I was booked to come to the Fringe in 2020 but then this little thing called Covid stopped the world and most certainly decimated any travel from Australia to the UK. 2024 marks an eight year gap since I’ve been able to get here and I am absolutely delighted to be back. We are on our way to having another sell out season and so far have 2 x 5 star reviews. I feel like the universe is telling me I made the right decision to come back!

Tell us about your show.

1954: Ella, Etta, Eartha is my love letter to three women who smashed barriers of race and gender, changing the world with music as their ammunition. The show is full of jazz, blues, cheeky kitsch and early rock n roll focussing on the year 1954 as Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt and Etta James are all at the dizzying heights of their careers. They all had to combat sanctioned racism throughout their careers and in 1954 at the very beginning of the civil rights movement in America it was singers, actors and entertainers who could push through the barriers. This show has toured Australia for the past two years and I’m really hoping to get some UK festival bookings after the Fringe.

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

One of my favourite things about coming to Edinburgh in August is that I get to catch up with some many wonderful performing arts friends from around the world.

I’m from Brisbane, Australia so my first shout outs are to my fellow BrisVegas friends. My astonishing friend Leah Shelton is absolutely smashing it with her show Batshit and just won a Fringe First award. Another Brisbane team, Swamplesque just increased their capacity from 500+ to 800+ per night and the crowds are loving it – as they should because it is ridiculously good fun! By far my favourite improv show at the Fringe is Showstopper, I can’t get enough of those outrageously talented folks. My final shout out is to Tim Benzie who I performed with a lifetime ago when at university – he now lives in London and his solve along Murder She Wrote is an absolute hoot!

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