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: Don Quixote

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“We evolved the show all the time during the festival,
according to the reactions we got.”

WHO: Tamsin Hurtado Clarke & Scarlett Plouviez: Performer & Director

WHAT: “‘This double act is unmissable’ ***** (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk). With 200 shows and 30,000 spectators a year, Red Nose Company is the most decorated touring theatre in Finland. Now they are back with their five-star show. Join Don Quixote and Sancho Panza on their road trip as they attack all the injustices in the world. ‘Warm-hearted, clever and very funny!’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). ‘If you think you hate red noses, this might just be the show to cure you’ **** (AllEdinburghTheatre.com).”

WHERE: Assembly Rooms – Bijou (Venue 20) 

WHEN: 14:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our second time to Edinburgh. We came here last year with the same show, received
great reviews and wonderful feedback from the audiences, so it was an easy decision to
return! When we came here last year, we fell in love with the Fringe at once. What we love
most is the TOTAL experience that surrounds you 24/7 – not just the shows but all that buzz.
And because we have to be so fast to put up and take down our show, it means that even
we artists have plenty of time to stroll around and see other people's shows!!!

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

In our shows the most important element is to connect with the audience. Last year’s gigs
were for us our first in the UK. We evolved the show all the time during the festival,
according to the reactions we got. So this year we're even better than last year (expecting 6-
star reviews 😉

Tell us about your show.

We've been working together as a clown duo since 2012, and together we have created six
shows. We write and direct our own shows. Don Quixote premiered in 2019, and we've
played it over 100 times in Finland. We created it together with director Otso Kautto.
Don Quixote is produced by Red Nose Company, our theatre group.

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

The Blind Summit: The sex live of Puppets seems hilarious. I will definitely want to see that
show. Distraction by The Umbilical Brothers is amazingly funny and skilfull. Big
recommendation for both!

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EdFringe Talk: Rory Cargill: Television 1

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Despite the all-consuming physical and mental battering, I love it here.”

WHO: Rory Cargill

WHAT: “100 years of television in one hour. Comedian Rory Cargill celebrates the centenary of national broadcaster Television 1 in a multimedia sketch and parody show that spans decades of British TV evolution. ‘A blissful 60 minutes of silliness.’ ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). ‘Really well made.’ **** (ThreeWeeks). ‘Truly exemplary.’ (AYoungishPerspective.co.uk). ‘Excellent, professionally slick visual mania.’ (TheQR.co.uk).”

WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Downstairs (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 19:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second full run in Edinburgh. Despite the all-consuming physical and mental battering, I love it here. Having the chance to reset and give the show another bash every day is very freeing. It’s a place of kindred spirits too – most of my friendship group I met at previous editions here.

I came as a punter for years before finally taking the plunge with a concept I felt was worthy of a run here at the ripe old age of 32. I wish I’d done it sooner but better late than never.

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

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I have not absorbed this lesson but I’m working on it. My show is quite physical so I’m grabbing power naps wherever I can – in parks, pub booths, in the middle of my show, in the middle of other people’s shows. It’s good practice to sleep in the front row of a show so the performer can clearly see not to disturb you.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Rory Cargill: Television 1. It’s a narrative sketch, character and spoof comedy that parodies 100 years of British television in 1 hour. I do a new show and character for every decade starting from the 50’s, including Blue Peter, Big Brother and How to Look Good Naked.

It’s packed with pop culture references from over the years and combines live and filmed portions that interplay with each other. It’s very silly and high-energy and features some cool tech and AI gimmicks.

It’s written by me and it’s first version premiered in Edinburgh in 2023. This is it’s 3rd version and it’s quite different now – I’ve since attached a main character – a Noel Edmonds parody ‘Beau Creme’ , who hosts the show -and moved it from a more traditional sketch show to something with a narrative arc that connects each sketch.

I’m looking to attach a production company for future outings in London and beyond and am already looking towards Edinburgh ’25 for version 4.0.

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

Tom Lawrinson is the funniest standup in the U.K. His show ‘Buried Alive and Loving It’ is his best work yet – you’ll laugh so hard.

Cecily Hitchcock and Jen Nolan are my other favourite stand ups. They’re doing a split bill called ‘Schrödinger’s Yats’ that’s extremely fun.

For sketch – Grubby Little Mitts, Bishops.
For clown – Ollie West and Claire Parry (unfortunately her run is done but check her out in London, my fave new discovery of the Fringe.)
For plays – Chokeslam and Don’t Call me Chinadoll – both by WWWC.

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EdFringe Talk: Window Seat

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“eing one project among many and tapping into this collective experience is thrilling – we rarely get that in everyday life.”

WHO: Cleopatra Coleman

WHAT: “‘I became the Jeremy Clarkson of tits.’ In this tender off-beat comedy, a mother and daughter survey the changes in their lives while waiting onboard a plane. One is getting used to an empty nest, the other to adulthood. They both hold high hopes for the coming trip together but, with their flight delayed, reunion proves more turbulent than anticipated. Like passengers eavesdropping, we overhear a relationship in need of renewal between two women unsure of how to navigate change. Negotiating emotional crosswinds, they surprise each other with a mischievous, zigzagging honesty.”

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

WHEN: 11:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time at the Fringe, both as attendee and as show-maker, although various members of my company have participated in the festival before. What a revelation the Fringe is! Being one project among many and tapping into this collective experience is thrilling – we rarely get that in everyday life. It’s carnivalesque, varied, surprising; you never know what you will find or who you will meet. To quote a friend who regularly works at the festival, Edinburgh during the Fringe is ‘a sexy, pumped up place’. Agreed.

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

As a 22-yr-old newbie to the scene, developing ‘Window Seat’ for EdFringe has surpassed the rigorous education I longing for. At every stage in the process, but particularly during the festival itself, there has been no other option but to learn and adapt – on the spot. This is hugely exciting and leaves me feeling very lucky.

It’s also great fun. Of course, there’s A LOT of work in putting together a show and finding a public, but fun is what makes it irresistible, to audience and performer. Both in what I have watched at the Fringe and what I have sought to bring to ‘Window Seat’: playful remains paramount.

Maud May and Helen Rose-Hampton, Window Seat’s two actors, have taught me so much. We’re at different ages and came to the project with various artistic, personal and professional experiences, but their openness and their willingness to be challenged has been inspiring.

Other golden advice I keep returning to:
– It’s about doing what you love, being courteous and open, and staying in the game.
– Without fear there can be no courage!
– Never be shy asking for advice. People love to help where they can, especially if you start with a manageable request…

Tell us about your show.

I first wrote and staged ‘Window Seat’ as a university production last spring, at the Burton Taylor studio in Oxford. We were on for 5 nights and were delighted by our audiences. Shout out to the amazing cast at the time: Avanthika Balaji and Marianne Nossair (who is currently at EdFringe starring in ‘Placeholder’ @roselaneproductions and ‘Bucket List’ @showdonttellproductions).

I wanted to tell the story again, to adapt and re-write it, this time casting an age-appropriate duo. The scenario still interested me – mum and daughter at a cross-roads in their lives, forced to sit next to each other – as did the tongue-in-cheek, ever-revolving and highly “fem” mode that ‘Window Seat’ tunes into.

I joined with Nick Yale just before Christmas, co-producer and a student here in Edinburgh, to form Swoop Productions. We held open auditions, and eventually found the wonderful Maud and Helen. The ball was rolling, fund-raising under way, and as rehearsals kicked off, my brilliant peers Hortense Duchemin and Comfort Maseko completed the team as co-producers/marketers.

We would love to bring ‘Window Seat’ to a theatre after the Fringe, to follow on from all the creative fermentation and insights gained here at the festival. It’s a simple (and highly portable) show: two airplane seats will do. The festival has brought us confidence in ourselves and in our audience. Thank you, Edinburgh!

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

Where to start!

Playfight – fast-paced and extraordinarily performed by three very talented women. Too absorbed to realise you are crying and then lights are up!

A Silent Scandal – emerging from Trinity College Dublin. Very well-written and Eoghan Quinn masterfully portrays a very conflicted headmaster.

Free Footlights – hilarious, dark, imaginative sketches devised by the young comedians themselves. Especially love Frankie Browne’s!

Dick. – Not afraid to tackle tricky issues and very well acted. We especially enjoyed the story about the sandwich.

Umbilical Brothers – Cerebral, whacky and mesmerising

With All My Fondest Love – a young man’s beautiful exploration into his grandfather’s life

Suitcase Show by Trick of The Light Theatre – timeless multi-media story telling about journeying

Mythos: Ragnarök – Epic norse mythology told through WWE wrestling

Carter Morgan: The Death of Cool – I haven’t yet made it to Carter’s show yet, but after standing next to each other in a queue for several hours, I say GO!

Same goes for Intelligent Bisexual Woman – some wicked comedy coming out of NYC atm!

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EdFringe Talk: In This Body of Flame

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Performing at an open access performing arts festival is a unique experience because it gives emerging artists the ability to perform and allows them to connect with audiences around the world.”

WHO: Madelynne Kestner

WHAT: “‘Oh good God prepare me!’ were the last words Samuel Pepys dedicated to his companion of ten years, to whom he gave his life and sight: his diary. The stage is the precinct of his mind and all he witnessed, intimately retelling a decade that shaped London. From the Plague to the Fire, and the people that wandered the pages of his journal: fact, memory and fiction dance swiftly, ignited by the light of a candle. The stage is desolate, every word is a step, entrancing you into the consciousness behind the flame.”

WHERE: Paradise in The Vault – The Vault (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 18:10 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my first time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Fringe is unique because it gives a platform to new performs and writers. Performing at an open access performing arts festival is a unique experience because it gives emerging artists the ability to perform and allows them to connect with audiences around the world.

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

I personally was not apart of the Fringe last year. However, 2023 was a big year for my writing. I am developing my playwriting skills since I primarily focus on screenwriting. In the last year, I began working on smaller stage scenes and developed my writing into this play. A large lesson I learned is the difference between film and theatre. I am very excited to bring our show to a live audience.

Tell us about your show.

In This Body of Flame is an experimental historical drama about Samuel Pepys, his diary and the people from his life. I wrote and co-directed this play alongside Sofia Sculati taking inspiration from his diary entries. Our idea for this show was to meld history with drama. We wanted to showcase how all elements of theatre can create an immersive experience, we focused a lot on sound and how that helps performers and audiences to navigate shows. The University of Stirling Drama Society is a student led theatre group that performs multiple shows year round. As a committee, we decided it was time to take our work to a larger audience and premier our new show. We do not currently have plans to take a further step with this show, however, we are thrilled to see its audience reception and continue from there.

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

I think that audience members should go and see plays by other student societies as I believe it’s really important to give a platform to emerging young artists who are trying to step into theatre professionally and supporting them at The Edinburgh Fringe can open so many opportunities to new writing and new performers. A few of our members went to see The University of Edinburgh’s play ‘Slash’ at Bedlam Theatre and we really enjoyed the powerful and professional performances that each of the students gave. It was funny yet dramatic and had us excited waiting for the twist! We are also excited to see PASS (Edinburgh College’s) take on Steph Del Rosso’s play ‘The Gradient’ We wish the best of luck to all the other university societies!

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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)

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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)

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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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