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: Narin Oz: Inner Child(ish)

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“I have stopped believing in time and birthdays.”

WHO: Narin Ozenci

WHAT: “Narin Oz is not good at real life. Simple things neurotypical people are great at: being indirect, insensitive to stimuli, compulsively socialising and talking without purpose. So she has decided to fix the problem by avoiding reality altogether: hiding inside her imagination. Isn’t this what everyone does in their 40s? Unluckily, her now only friend is an inflatable emoji named Dr Fecal Matter. A bit like Wilson ball from Cast Away but a budget version. Will she be able to face her inner child and find joy in reality? Or draw all over it in crayon.”

WHERE: Just the Attic at Just the Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 16:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 7th time as both the performer and punter. As a performer you get to perform there everyday and meet other creatives if you want to. The other option is to perform connect with your audience and meet with the locals plus see the nature. Or you can do both options. I tend to find the experience very intense and overwhelming so I take my time and rest in the local parks when I need to. This year I will be going to Arthurs Seat and visiting the beach. I have really become quite a nature creature. Once rested I will be indulging in many fantastic shows of the alternative kind from unheard performers. If you keep your nose and ears open you can find alot of alternative unique shows that can expand your mind and that is exactly what the heart and soul of the Edinburgh Festival is about.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I am not understanding this question but from this stand point I have stopped believing in time and birthdays. Unless I have to go for a work thing then I have to buy into it. The time nonsense. I think when someone appears in our reality grow into our peak and then we gently rot away back into the ground where the tree ingests our flesh for its nutrients. Then when it exhales oxygen for us all to breath, we are actually breathing in one of our deceased relatives. This is true go research this or if you like audiobooks listen to The Circle Of Life by Elton John.

Tell us about your show.

Narin Oz: Inner Child(ish) is a clown comedy show about how I reclaimed my self worth by reenacting scenes from The Cast Away Movie. If you ever felt like your own brain is pranking you everyday this show is for you. Ive tried every self help YouTube video there is and only Cast Away has sorted me out. It stars Narin Oz and her inanimate costars: balloons and an inflatable poop emoji called Budget Wilson. If you haven’t seen the movie Cast Away starring Tom Hanks dont worry about it because this show will tell you everything you need to know. Hopefully this will inspire people to also reenact their own favourite movie instead of paying lots of money on self help workshops or some hippy retreat. So if you felt like you have wasted time on people who did not value you, come watch this show and take charge of wasting time on your own terms. This show is relaxed performance for the whole run designed for the neurodivergent so a trigger warning for any neurotypicals that may attend: There will be nothing indirect, vague or ambiguous in this show so if you’re going to have a melt down about this take it outside no one wants to see it!

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

If you want to see more shows without set up punchline go watch Cheekykita’s Batshit! Cheeky Quita changed my life and got me into clown performance. She is bold, funny and ridiculous. She writes her own stuff and creates her own music. If you love alternative comedy and love belly laughs check her out and just like mine it will be difficult to know why as there aren’t any punchlines!!!!

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EdFringe Talk: I Regret This Already

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“The show is about all the regrets I have, including; upsetting Sir Anthony Hopkins, my mother’s suicide attempt and telling a girl on a first date that I loved her.”

WHO: Bennett Arron

WHAT: “You know what it’s like when everything’s going well? Bennett doesn’t. He was in the Top 10 Jokes of the Fringe 2023 and he’s BAFTA shortlisted, yet life still laughs at him. Queue early to enjoy disappointment. ‘Genuinely original and funny’ (Times). ‘Had the room creased up’ **** (Scotsman).”

WHERE: 16:15 (Venue 276) 

WHEN: Liquid Room Studio at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Liquid Room (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No.

Oh, you’d like a bit more. Nosey. Well, this is my 6th solo show but my 8th time at the festival. The first time was for the BBC New Comedy Awards. In 1654. I was the runner-up with lesser-known comedian Peter Kay. The following year I was part of a compilation show for Screaming Blue Murder and then I did my first solo show IT WASN’T ME, IT WAS BENNETT ARRON, which led to a TV documentary HOW TO STEAL AN IDENTITY and a BAFTA nomination. My following show led to three Radio series. So here’s hoping that I REGRET THIS ALREADY does okay too……

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I was going to perform a show in 2024 but I was ill – which is the subject of half this show. It also ideals with dementia, depression and death, you know the usual comedy subjects. It is funny too, I promise. What I’ve learned is, take the bad things that have happened to you and turn them into something positive.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote, directed, produced and am performing in it. I’m too much of a control freak to have it any other way.

The show is about all the regrets I have, including; upsetting Sir Anthony Hopkins, my mother’s suicide attempt and telling a girl on a first date that I loved her.

I’ve had one preview at the time of writing this and it went well. There were tears and laughter. But that was mainly from me.

I am hoping to tour it around the whole world after the festival, and then to take it somewhere else the following year.

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

I have helped to write quite a few shows this year, over 25, but I won’t recommend those as that’s cheating.

So I recommend:

Ignacio Lopez – Welsh, Spanish, Funny…. what’s not to love?
Hal Cruttenden – a stalwart of the Fringe who works very hard to make a good show. He also mentioned me in his last show so it’s the least I can do.
Mary Bourke – acerbic, sarcastic, bitter and funny. The best concoction.
Richard Herring – his podcast is one of the best around and you can see a live recording of it.

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EdFringe Talk: Ada and Bron: The Origin of Love

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“The show wasn’t built through gigging, it was written entirely in a rehearsal room, so it exists in this totally unfiltered, mad bubble of what we both find funny.”

WHO: Ada & Bron

WHAT: “BAFTA-nominated newcomers Ada and Bron invite you to third wheel an unmissable hour of weirdo soulmates and ‘hilarious doomed romances’ (Chortle.co.uk). With debauchery, live music and cuckolding to the eleventh degree, The Origin of Love is a spectacle for lovers of the strange, stupid and sexy. A cursed couple’s character comedy from the creators of Channel 4’s Peaked. Music by Ed Lyness. As heard on BBC Radio 4’s Time of The Week and Funny Women Comedy Short winner (2021). ‘Beautifully tragicomic’ (Times). ‘Delightful oddballs’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Attic at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 23:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We’ve been to Fringe before but never with a full month show! Ada was Front of House at the Pleasance with one of those big lollipop sticks, herding crowds into venues. I (hello it’s Ada!) saw about 80 shows. It was MIND BLOWING. I’m so excited about this year. it’s going to be such a beautiful thing to have so many friends in one place. Everyone has made such brilliant work, and Fringe is such a wonderful way to celebrate that!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In 2024, we released a Channel 4 pilot called PEAKED, which was a huge learning curve – and this year it was nominated for a BAFTA and won a Broadcast Digital Award for Short Form (which was MAD!?) It’s a totally different tone to The Origin of Love (much more deadpan) so we were nervous about following it with something so much bigger, campier, and weirder.

For ages, we treated the live show like a passion project – something we loved, but weren’t sure what anyone else would think. But the response has been genuinely exciting, people have really gotten it, which has been wild and thrilling. We’ve learnt to be a lot more confident about putting it out there now. The show wasn’t built through gigging, it was written entirely in a rehearsal room, so it exists in this totally unfiltered, mad bubble of what we both find funny. Fingers crossed people stumble across it and love it as much as we do!

Tell us about your show.

We’re a real-life couple, our debut show The Origin of Love is a cursed couple character comedy about weirdo soulmates. It’s cartoonish and silly, but full of heartbreak and emotional carnage. We play 17 characters. All go on big, stupid emotional journeys, trying (and mostly failing) to find love.

The show started with improv and silly voices, but gradually, every character we created seemed to be stuck in some kind of doomed romance. It turns out all we write about is LOVE! So we decided to link them all under one big, messy theme – sort of inspired by Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. We set out to make something grand and epic… and also completely dumb.

It’s underscored by beautiful giant, Ed Lyness, who plays the piano throughout and makes everything feel HUGE.

We have a brilliant team behind the show but particular shout out to our amazing producer, Queenie Miller and, lead director, Jake Detenber. Also massive thanks to the wonderful Miranda Holms, John Luke Roberts, Joz Norris, Eleanna Amias, Christian Brighty, and Mikey Bligh Smith, who gave us such insightful feedback throughout! (It takes a village!)

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

There are so many: Lorna Rose Treen is hilarious, pure silly, Joz Norris is funny AND clever, Lachlan Werner is a STAR and VERY strong, Siblings are so much fun, Joe Kent Walters, Kathy Maniura, Alice Cockayne, Soft Play, Mr Cardboard, Ozzy Algar, Will Owen, Katie Norris, Luke Rollason, Christian Brighty, also one our favorites is not up there this year but worth saying, we love Ele Mckenzie and whatever show she makes next will be ELECTRIC.

Excited to see the play, Brainsluts, as well. Ahhh! The list is endless!

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EdFringe Talk: It Was Really Good to Know You

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“Taking a nap every day was key to surviving last year, so I’ll definitely be doing that again.”

WHO: Sevrin Willinder

WHAT: “A solo silent clown show about a time traveler who needs the audience’s help to recover the defining moments of his life. “It Was Really Good to Know You” takes audiences through time and space, from the prehistoric period of the caveman to the disco era of the 70s. Featuring showdowns in the wild west and express mail deliveries across the galaxy, this engaging story invites audiences to embrace the unexpected and explore the beauty of human connection.”

WHERE: Wee Container at Hoots @ Potterrow (Venue 243) 

WHEN: 22:20 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time going! Last year we took a show called Shakespeare Translate where we put all of Shakespeare through Google Translate 15x and then back to English and performed the garbled nonsense it gave us. We just performed the last week of the festival, but attended for a week before that, and we were blown away. Going to the festival had been a dream for a long time, and it really lived up to it. This festival is like heaven for theatre lovers. It’s a nonstop party and celebration of art in the best way possible! I’m so happy to be involved in any way at all. As an attendee all I wanted to do was go to as many shows as I could, and as a participant all I wanted to do was play with as many audiences as possible. I truly cannot wait to return this year, and for the whole month this time!!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’m much more mentally prepared to live off the Tesco Meal Deal than I was last year.

Taking a nap every day was key to surviving last year, so I’ll definitely be doing that again. At some point last year I had to accept that I couldn’t see every single show I wanted to, so I hope I can remember that immediately going in this time (otherwise I’m gonna be very exhausted for my own show).

I’m so glad we went last year for a short period of time to scope everything out because I feel infinitely more prepared this year. We got the venue and timeslot we wanted (Potterrow at 22:20), and we have a good momentum of support from a lot of amazing people who will be at the festival this year.

Tell us about your show.

It’s a solo silent clown show about a time traveling mailman. It’s heavily reliant on audience participation. Think of it as a “take your friend to work day” kind of vibe, and the mailman wants every audience member to be his friend. There is also live sound operation done by Melissa Ingle, my director and artistic partner, so it’s much more like a 2 person show disguised as a solo show. She and I created the whole piece from scratch using a lot of improvisation and weird devising techniques that she is a lot better at speaking on than I am. It was a lot of free association set to jazz and our favorite songs that slowly became a show that now makes a lot more sense than from when we first began.

She and I are producing it under the name Devon Loves ME! Productions, a company that came about from our need to create shows because we weren’t finding any opportunities that excited us. We did a few preview performances in NYC (we’re based in Brooklyn), and are planning on bringing it back here for a full run in the fall/winter. After that we’re looking at touring internationally — definitely Australia for at least Adelaide Fringe, and then hopefully we can meet the right people to get us to tour around Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, Antarctica, literally any and everywhere that will have us.

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

Can’t Find My Way Home (amazing, vulnerable storytelling show also from NYC!!)

Night of Drama (hilarious improvised clown with banana peel throwing from the audience. You’ll never love to watch someone fail to be a good actor more than this! I’ve done guest spots with them and it’s endlessly fun)

The Great Pistachio (we’re also producing this fun absurdist comedy about making art at the end of the world)

Mr Cardboard (these clowns are such a delight, and surprisingly sentimental as well for how ridiculous they are)

Dirty Work (Jess is the best high status clown of all time, and I’m so excited to see my friend KILLING IT this year)

Furiozo: Man Looking for Trouble (easily top 3 favorite shows of any kind that I’ve ever seen in my life, and a huge inspiration for this piece. Piotr is a master clown, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt so taken care of as an audience member before)

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha (also easily in my top 3 favorite shows of any kind for pretty much all the same reasons as Furiozo. This show might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It made me laugh a lot, and cry a lot)

Readymades (I haven’t seen this yet, but Levi is an amazing performer, and a show about a urinal that walks away already has me hooked. Also the videos of the shadow puppetry I’ve seen have really blown me away).

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EdFringe Talk: Jess Carrivick: For Your Consideration

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“Despite the unpredictable Fringe pendulum that swings in a different direction everyday, it’s a bubble I wish I could stay in forever.”

WHO: Jess Carrivick

WHAT: “A character comic ‘gearing up to conquer’ (Dawn French). In 2024, her WIP Attention Seeker was a ***** ‘masterclass’ (GetYourCoatsOn.com) at the Edinburgh Fringe. This BAFTA Rocliffe shortlist writer hosts the sell-out night Laugh Lines and is a Sketch Off 2025 finalist. Her debut solo hour, directed by Elf Lyons, takes you back to when stories were for family, not viral views. Inspired by her own home movies, Jess creates a universe of characters once meant for her living room. Each vignette is a cinematic tribute to her dressing-up box.”

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

WHEN: 13:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my 4th time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe BUT this will be my official debut comedy hour! Last year I workshopped a WIP character comedy show ‘Attention Seeker’, which received 5 Stars from GYCO. (Reviewer Chris Goulding automatically became my favourite person of 2024).

Being able to workshop something for a month, performing every day to people you don’t know, is what Edinburgh is all about. You get to try new things, fail and flourish in real time. Despite the unpredictable Fringe pendulum that swings in a different direction everyday, it’s a bubble I wish I could stay in forever.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Looking after yourself is your no.1 priority! In a solo show, you don’t have anyone to cover you, so treat yourself well. I ate lots of bananas, went to bed early (when I could) and avoided alcohol. I am sure that makes me sound really fun but last year I didn’t go up to just have fun, I went to work. After my 8th show my neck and shoulder muscles were so tight that it was straining my voice. My first Saturday night at the Fringe consisted of a Thai massage on Blair Street, takeaway pizza, a bubble bath and in bed by 10pm. Luckily I then had a day off, put myself on vocal rest and was back to full health for my 9th show. Listen to your body and give it what it needs.

This year, I am going into it knowing what my body can and can’t handle. I am ready to have more fun, socialising and network but always with a banana in my pocket.

Tell us about your show.

I’ve taken seeds from my WIP show ‘Attention Seeker’ and used inspiration from my home movie catalogue to form new characters for my debut comedy hour. My show ‘For Your Consideration’ started as a love letter to my dressing-up box but has secretly become a love letter to my siblings. Watching old video clips has reminded me how magic it was to play with them and share an imagination together. There is something so special about watching kids with a video camera knowing that it was never meant for anyone else but them.

Edinburgh will be the first time it really gets tested and I am looking forward to seeing how the show evolves and adapts this August. I hope to give it more time in London and potentially explore international Fringes.

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

It goes without saying, my amazing director Elf Lyons is performing her bird trilogy… Raven, Chiff Chaff and Swan. She’s bloody brilliant – you have to see her!

If you like a little alternative character comedy, I think the following people will tickle your pickle:
Lorna Rose Treen, Kit Lloyd, Christian Dart (Gumshoe), Christiaan Hendriksen, and the whole BigHead Comedy line-up.

Some other shows I am desperate to see include Abbie Murphy, Adele Cliff, ‘People We Bury Alive’, ‘L.A. Baby’ and ‘Emily Wilson: Undressed’.

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EdFringe Talk: Grace Helbig: Let Me Get This Off My Chest

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“A cancer diagnosis is like a bird crashing through your windshield while you’re driving. Suddenly everything is a mess and you have to take your car off the road and figure out how to fix it.”

WHO: Grace Helbig

WHAT: “Grace Helbig has amassed millions of views as an OG YouTube star. As a comedian, New York Times bestseller, podcast host and true internet kid, she’s built a career on quick wit, awkward charm and heartfelt storytelling. But at 37 everything paused when she was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer. Let Me Get This Off My Chest explores her unexpected “hero’s journey” through breast cancer treatment. Grace is bursting out of her computer screen and bringing her signature comedy to the stage for a night of unpredictable laughs and unforgettable stories.”

WHERE: Jack Dome at Pleasance Dome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 19:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time stepping into the chaotic wonderland of Fringe. I feel so youthful and naive! I’ve watched a couple Youtube videos and have heard about its exhausting magic from other performers, but you have to see it to believe it. It seems like a Narnia for passionate weirdos and I can’t wait to hurl myself through the wardrobe.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Well, damn. I’ve learned A LOT over the last couple of years, against my will no less. My one woman show is all about my unexpected breast cancer diagnosis in 2023 and all the weird and wonderful things I experienced/learned throughout the treatment process. A cancer diagnosis is like a bird crashing through your windshield while you’re driving. Suddenly everything is a mess and you have to take your car off the road and figure out how to fix it. Thankfully, through some trials and tribulations, I was able to get my car fixed. And one of the biggest lessons I’ve continued to learn since, is about getting back on the road and learning to drive again. I drive differently than I used to, but that’s because I’ve gotten up close and personal with how my car works (or doesn’t). And one of the most potent salves that has kept me grounded through the whole experience has been comedy. Creating a lighthearted show from a very dark time has helped me keep the wheels spinning. Bringing the show to Fringe is a bucket list experience. It’s an incredible opportunity, and a huge step in getting my car back out on the road.

Tell us about your show.

Let Me Get This Off My Chest is my debut hour of storytelling about my experience being thrust into a healing journey after a surprise breast cancer diagnosis in 2023. The show was born from the journaling and vlogging I did throughout the treatment process. On top of being a breast cancer survivor, I’ve been an online content creator for seventeen years. This show also explores the pressure of identity and the way we present ourselves, or don’t, online. The show blends awkward charm, psychological insights into my own identity crisis, and reflections on social media, all while taking you through my breast cancer journey. Does that not sound fun???? I promise it’s fun. I’ve been taking it around in the states and now AEG has helped me bring it to Fringe.

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

This is a vague and broad answer, but I think audiences should try to see things they wouldn’t normally expect themselves to see. When in Rome Fringe. There is art for everyone at this festival, I think we should be pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones.

I’m excited to see anything I can get myself into after the initial paralyzing shock from the overall overwhelm of the festival as a whole dies down – this includes some amazing women like Britt Migs in her show ‘Dolphin Mode’, Lily Blumkin’s character show ‘Nice Try’, and for something truly out of your comfort zone, a play by Laurie Magers called ‘Do You Accept These Charges?’ which is the actual story of her relationship with a guy in prison.

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EdFringe Talk: Su Mi: THISMOTHERPHUCKER

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

” The wonderful thing about humanity is that we can always find some sort of reliability and empathy towards each other which is why I try and tap in to human part of my comedy work.”

WHO: Su Mi

WHAT: “THISMOTHERPHUCKER is a public nuisance. A dysfunctional anti-clown whose only mission is to destroy ego. Award-winning stand-up and drag performance artist Su Mi presents their debut show: an immersive surreal experience resurrecting every nostalgic moment left forgotten, healing the inner child and seeking to destroy archaic stereotypes and challenge the narrative of comedy whilst navigating a predominantly white cis space. BBC New Comedian of the Year nominee, finalist of Funny Women Awards and Musical Comedy Awards, and Top of the Slops drag superstar. ‘Star comedic quality, difficult to craft’ (FunnyWomen.com). ‘A hugely entertaining force of nature’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Iron Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate (Venue 61) 

WHEN: 18:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been an avid go-er of the Fringe for several years and will be making my 10th year this year! I know , CrAzY. Bloody hell am I old. Edinburgh Fringe festival is a bit of magic really. That one place you can watch a woman in a crab suit lose her mind whilst devouring copious amouns of mac n cheese toasties. The ultimate healthy combination. You can always clamber your way up to Arthur seat to cool down by the locke. Or say pop down to Hive til five and have your shoes permanently stick to the ground whilst sinking cheap jagers. Then you wake up and do it all over again. Magic.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing I’ve learnt this year is that everything that makes me “different” is my super power. The strength and knowledge of being from two cultures is what makes my life so interesting, negative or positive and I’m so excited to share that. The wonderful thing about humanity is that we can always find some sort of reliability and empathy towards each other which is why I try and tap in to human part of my comedy work. The gift of knowledge of being born in two cultures is highly relatable to a grand scale of audience. I really think the industry is missing a trick when it comes to putting ESEA representations on our screens.

Tell us about your show.

I’ve been comedy writing on my own for over 12 years. The show is written by myself and directed by my wonderful friend, Bruce Tang. We both met at an ESEA development programme called Laughing matters , which is comedy collective funded by the BBC and produced by Milk Tea Productions which is driving to show Asian representation in Comedy and Film.

Bruce is also a comedy writer and improviser. His writing includes BBC’s Drop the Dead Panda (Best Scripted Comedy nominee for the BBC’s Audio Drama Awards and Best Radio Sketch Show nominee for the British Comedy Guide 2021 Awards) and Comedy Central’s East Mode with Nigel Ng. Bruce’s writing is driven by contemporary British culture, with a particular focus on class and queerness which I love and resonate with. The reality of trying to find a Queer Asian / POC director was near to impossible (as in ZERO) so me and him joined forces to become the representation we always needed. I wanted my director to be POC/ Queer as there are a million one intricacies of being a Queer, Asian and working class performer that need to be acknowledged. If the roles aren’t there , then we have to make the roles. I also am a part of Bighead Company productions who specifically love working with performers from unique backgrounds and help create shows that are not only funny, but also unique and exciting to watch which is why we are a perfect fit. .

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

There are so many great shows this year! Cabbage the clown (Cinemadrome) which I’ve seen 3 times already is just an expert mix of clowning and sapphic beauty. Shalaka Kurup, (Get a grip) is honestly one of the most smartest weirdest joke writers I’ve ever met. Holly Spillar (Tall Child) has a voice of angel and really echoes the feelings of creatives who are working class. Will BF and Noah (Too much time on your phones) freaky sketch comedy at its finest. Daniel Mckeon (Boy Boss) such a relatable nice lad who’s a wonder at crowdwork , Roger O Sullivan (Fekken) who inarguably had the best poster of 2023, Rohan Sharma (Mad dog) funny ha ha hoo ha but also woof. Jessie Nixon (Dont make me regret this) a joy to watch, its in the title! Rosa Garland (Primal Bog) very necessary slimy good times. Anna Hale (Control Freak) is a musical mogul and great singer / song writer. Hasan Al Habib Death to midwest, the way he intertwines cultures and also imitates accents so talented! Alex Prescott Cosy an expert in improvising musical comedy. Alice India (See you in Hell) constantly showcases girl boss behaviour) and there are so many more!

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EdFringe Talk: Ria Lina: Riabellion

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“Edinburgh Fringe is special because it’s the only place where you can do a 28-day run, in a room smaller than your kitchen, to an audience that includes three comedy nerds, a Norwegian hen do, and a toddler (who am I kidding, that’s my whole month’s worth of audience in that list!).”

WHO: Ria Lina

WHAT: “Following her killer debut tour last year, the ‘fearless, provocative, and very funny’ Ria Lina (Scotsman) realises that she is ready to rebel. Named by the Evening Standard as one of the Hottest Comedians You Should Be Watching Now, expect a relentless stream of hilarity as Ria explores the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules. From Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, News Quiz, Live at the Apollo and Pointless. Top 10 Best Stand-up Shows of 2024 – Telegraph. ‘Ridiculously gifted’ (Evening Standard).”

WHERE: CabVol 1 at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Cabaret Voltaire) (Venue 338) 

WHEN: 14:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is not my first time, this is my 6th full run, but my first time back after a nine-year hiatus. And trust me, coming back to the Fringe after nearly a decade is a bit like returning to an ex you were once in a long, messy relationship with: you know the chaos, you know it’ll be emotionally draining, but you also know… deep down… you missed it and can’t wait for the roller coaster again.

Edinburgh Fringe is special because it’s the only place where you can do a 28-day run, in a room smaller than your kitchen, to an audience that includes three comedy nerds, a Norwegian hen do, and a toddler (who am I kidding, that’s my whole month’s worth of audience in that list!), and somehow still discover something new about your show every night. But the energy of Edinburgh is the same for everyone: electric, exhausting, and absolutely addictive, whether you’re up for a day, a week or the whole shebang (which is the right word for that sentence, but written down, looks sooo wrong).

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned that rest is not a luxury, it’s a skill – and one I intend to get good at, after this festival (and the tour). I’ve also realised that there’s a fine line between rebellion and burnout, and if you’re not careful, you’ll cross it wearing a badge that says “Empowerment” and wondering why your eye won’t stop twitching.

I’m learning (slowly) to let go of perfectionism. That maybe the point isn’t to do everything flawlessly, but to do it with purpose, and ideally, without throwing my back out, but other people’s backs are at their own risk.

Have I absorbed these lessons? Well, like I said, I am aware they are there, and need to be learned; I’m dreading a pop quiz, but I should be good for the final exam.

Tell us about your show.

The show’s called Riabellion and I wrote it with the help of many many audiences who patiently attended my work-in-progress shows and were so kind at the end that I was able to not cry about it till I got on the train. They really deserve the credit. It’s deeply personal, about autism, womanhood, logic, anger, motherhood, and the deep need to rebel in a world that keeps demanding you conform, but only in ways that benefit someone else.

I’m being brought to the Fringe by my management team, Blue Book Artist Management (thank you guys in advance for shovelling me off the payment at the end of the month and sticking me on a train back to London). After the Fringe, it goes on a full UK tour this autumn, with dates up and down the country. Bring your brain and maybe a friend who thinks they know everything, they’ll learn something. Or I will. Either way, win-win.

😁

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

So first of all, you should see a bit of everything if you can. It’s the largest arts festival in the world, you have the chance to see theatre, circus, comedy, dance, spoken word, all in one day – unless you really hate student theatre (and there is a lot to hate), why not give them a chance? They are learning like the rest of us, they are just earlier in their journey. And who knows, maybe one of those kids goes on to be the next Idris Elba – you could say “I saw them when!”

Also, see a range of ticketed and free. The difference is no longer an indication of quality. Don’t assume free shows are new acts or rubbish, there are a lot of good acts making good money on the Free Fringe/Festival that ticketed acts aren’t. Such as Ian Stone – who always brings a storming hour of new stand up each year and ends up with queues around the block for his shows.

But here are three shows to go see if you really don’t know where to start. Allow me to fill your “female comedian” box on your fringe bingo card:

Marjolein Robertson – I love her unique voice and chaos and her openness that leads to very raw visceral (hilarious) genuine art. But you also have to be open minded too. It’s a two way street and well worth the traverse (does that work for the metaphor?)

Shaparak Khorsandi – I’ve known and loved her for years, she’s my partner in crazy parenting crime… always worth it. If you’re only up for a few days, it’s a safe bet of ticket money well spent.

Robyn Perkins – is doing a few shows while she is up. An absolute engine of energy. – She does great science comedy, so go see at least one of the shows she is doing!

I just realised that if you come and see me I would fill that box on your bingo card, so why not put me in the free box in the middle, and use one of the above for the ‘female comedian’ box, and then you’re twice as close to a bingo as you were before. What fun.

 😁

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EdFringe Talk: A Jaffa Cake Musical

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“This is the first time we’re returning with a show which we know works and that definitely takes some of the pressure off!”

WHO: Sam Cochrane

WHAT: “Time to decide once and for all… cake or biscuit? Inspired by the 1991 tribunal which determined the true identity of a Jaffa Cake, multi award-winning family-friendly musical makers Gigglemug Theatre (Scouts! The Musical, RuneSical, Timpson: The Musical) return to the Fringe with their latest sell-out smash-hit comedy that really takes the biscuit (or cake?). ‘Spectacularly fun’ ***** (NorthWestEnd.co.uk). ‘Pure delight’ ***** (ThreeWeeksEdinburgh.com). ‘Phenomenal’ ***** (ThePhoenixRemix.com). ‘Wildly funny’ ***** (TheatreWeekly.com). ‘A Jaffa Cake Musical is a hit!’ ***** (TheatreAndTonic.co.uk). ‘This show is ready for the West End’ ***** (Fringesider.com). ‘Ridiculously catchy songs’ **** (Stage).”

WHERE: Forth at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 14:00 (70 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 10th Fringe and our 4th Fringe as a company! Previously we were here with our productions Timpson: The Musical & RuneSical. We brought A Jaffa Cake Musical to the Fringe last year and it went down better than any of us could have possibly imagined, so it was a no brainer to bring it back this year!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Although we’ve been to the Fringe three times previously it feels like every year is totally different to the one before and we definitely learnt a lot from being there in 2024. However, this is the first time we’re returning with a show which we know works and that definitely takes some of the pressure off! It was also a nice reminder that the Fringe really has the best audiences in the world and we can’t wait to be back there.

Tell us about your show.

A Jaffa Cake Musical is inspired by the real life 1991 court case which saw McVitie’s face off against the Tax Man to prove that a Jaffa Cake is a cake rather than a biscuit. The show premiered at the Fringe last year and we were lucky enough to sell out our entire run, so we’re thrilled to be bringing the show back this year in a bigger venue! This will also be the production’s final performances so it’s the last chance for people to catch it. We have all the original cast returning alongside some new faces, and have expanded the show to include new scenes & songs too!

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

Our very own Alex Prescot & Katie Pritchard are performing in their own solo shows which are both fantastic! We can’t recommend them enough. John Tothill is always my favourite stand up show of the Fringe so he is always worth catching. Garry Starr, Crybabies, Lorna Rose Treen, Cat Cohen are also all acts I’ve seen before who I can’t wait to see again, and I’m looking forward to catching Anna Hale and Alasdair Beckett King for the first time.

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EdFringe Talk: All These Pretty Things

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“This year I’m doing four festivals in four weeks, which means an avalanche of posters, flyers, press emails… and mistakes.”

WHO: Tracey Yarad

WHAT: “An emotionally raw blend of memoir and song, Tracey Yarad’s All These Pretty Things is a phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes story, taking the audience from Australia and the fallout of a devastating divorce following her husband’s affair with their teenage goddaughter, to New York City and an inspiring new life. An evocative portrayal of one woman’s capacity to come back stronger than ever – an inspirational testament to the human spirit.”

WHERE: Fingers Piano Bar at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Fingers Piano Bar (Venue 221) 

WHEN: 16:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time at the Edinburgh Fringe. I performed the same show last year with a full month-long run. As much as I loved the experience, I wasn’t planning on coming back this year — mostly for the usual reason: money. Like so many artists, I found the costs overwhelming — venue fees, advertising, posters, PR, accommodation — it all adds up fast. I told myself, “Don’t do it again unless someone offers you the Big Tent!” (Which, of course, didn’t happen. Ha!)

Then, earlier this year, I was performing at Adelaide Fringe and happened to meet a Free Fringe regular at a bar. We were commiserating over something (I’ll keep that off the record), and although we’d never met before, we got chatting. He came to my show, liked what he saw, and said, “Let’s see if we can find you a Free Fringe venue in Edinburgh.”

And now — here we are. I’m performing at Fingers Piano Bar with a gorgeous grand piano ready and waiting for me. How could I say no to that? Even if it is at 16:40 each day… I mean, what better time for a cocktail and a show before the evening kicks in?

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Honestly, I had no idea I was supposed to keep working the same show. After Adelaide, I figured I’d put it to bed and move on. But my Adelaide producer gave me a reality check: “You’ve got to come back again and again. After about five years, you’ll start seeing real momentum — full houses, strong reviews, word of mouth.” That was a big lesson. Don’t count your chickens after the first festival. This is a slow build.

I’ve also learned I can do my own publicity — although let’s be real, a bit of help wouldn’t go astray. This year I’m doing four festivals in four weeks, which means an avalanche of posters, flyers, press emails… and mistakes. Just yesterday, I sent out a batch of emails to journalists, only to be politely informed that my links went to the wrong festival — and my website redirected to an iPhone ad. Jesus. So yes, maybe I do need help.

The biggest lesson, though, is resilience. You need a thick skin in this game. Some audiences are small — really small — and that can be demoralising if you let it. But I’ve learned that if even one person shows up and truly feels something, then I’ve done what I came to do. That’s the goal. That’s the win.

Tell us about your show.

So let’s begin with the pitch on the show: What do you do when your husband leaves you for your teenage goddaughter? You dye your wedding dress black, write some killer songs and make a show.

That’s exactly what I did.

This is my real story — raw, painful, sometimes funny, and absolutely true. In this one-hour performance, I bare it all on stage through original songs and spoken word. I co-wrote the script with my director, Tessa Souter, who originally came on board to help edit the book version of the show.

I met Tessa during COVID in 2021. She’s also a jazz singer and was performing at Soapbox Gallery, a venue I was running in Brooklyn with Jimmy Greenfield. We were one of the only places still hosting live music during the pandemic — live-streaming from our listening room six nights a week. Tessa came in, we clicked immediately. She’s a Londoner, I’m an Aussie — there was something in the shared humour and outsider perspective that sealed the deal. We knew we were going to be best mates.

The show premiered in its current form at New York’s 59E59 Theaters, then went on to Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, followed by Adelaide, Brighton, Eastbourne, Manchester, Durham, and Camden — and now it’s come full circle, back to Edinburgh.

After this run, I’m heading to a festival in Scranton, Pennsylvania. I’m based in New York now, and in 2025–26 I’m hoping to focus more of the tour across the U.S. It’s time to plant deeper roots on home turf.

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

Her Raving Mind
I’ve heard this is intense and honest and I’m drawn to anything that tackles mental health without sugarcoating it. I feel like this one will leave a mark — in the best way.

Jane Does Comedy
She’s got a rep for being seriously funny and sharp — I’m hoping for smart laughs with a bit of bite. Also, I love a woman owning the stage with zero apologies.

You Oughta Be In Pictures
I’m a sucker for film nostalgia and stories about dreams that don’t quite go to plan. This one sounds heartfelt, and a little glam. Curious to see where it goes.

Gay Disabled Vegan
I mean — what a title! I’m in already. I love shows that tear up expectations and serve truth with a side of wit. Can’t wait to see what this one brings.

Magic Faraway Cabaret
The name alone makes me want to wander in. I want glitter, absurdity, and something that feels like a dream you can’t quite explain the next day.

Shit Show
Yes. Just yes. If you’ve ever had a year (or decade) that felt like a disaster movie, this feels like the perfect place to laugh and cry about it.

Dark Folk Music
Moody music is my comfort zone — give me melancholy melodies and lyrics that bite. I’m going for the atmosphere and to maybe brood a little in the corner.

The Superkrauts
They sound completely bonkers in the best way. I love a show where you just surrender to the madness and enjoy the ride. Also — costumes!

Rebecca Maree & Friends
I want to go to this one to feel held. There’s something really warm about the idea of a musical hangout — real songs, real people, nothing flashy, just heart.

The Creative Martyrs
I’ve heard they’re gothic, satirical, and musically brilliant — I don’t even need to know more. I want to see them just because they sound like they’ve crawled out of a Kurt Weill fever dream.

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