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: Liz Guterbock: Nice

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“I took the year off in 2024 and I learned that it’s okay to have a year off!”

WHO: Liz Guterbock

WHAT: “Toxic positivity? Yes please! American-born Brit comedian Liz Guterbock (Guardian and Dave Joke of the Fringe Top 10s) remains f*cking nice despite the world increasingly being run by bullies. With everything going on right now, Liz would swear more, but she’s not even sure she’d do it in the right accent. Americans say she sounds British. Brits say she sounds American. Liz thinks she might just sound like a jackass – but come and judge for yourself. She’ll be nice. Promise… ‘Emanates sweetness with added LA charm’ **** (FunnyWomen.com).”

WHERE: Southsider at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Southsider (Venue 148) 

WHEN: 19:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 5th time doing the Fringe, and I’m so excited to come back. The nicest part is it’ll feel even more like a homecoming because I’ll be doing my show at Southsider with PBH’s Free Fringe, which is where I did my first ever split bill of stand-up comedy with my buddy Louise Bastock back in 2018. The Fringe is such a special event because whatever kind of show you’re into, it’s going to be there. There really is something for everyone. As a performer, it’s all too easy to just get laser focused on performing my show every day. However, it’s my goal this year to see a lot more shows than I have in past years. There are so many incredible people in town all at once – might as well try to see as many of them as I can!

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

I took the year off in 2024 and I learned that it’s okay to have a year off! I also learned a lot from previous Fringes – mostly I’ve learned that even if City Restaurant does amazing gluten free fish and chips, that doesn’t mean you should have it every day. But I’ve also learned that the best thing to do at the Fringe is to focus your energy on the people who are coming to your shows, whether that’s one person or 40 people. I think I’ve absorbed both those lessons – I don’t eat fish and chips every day, and I’ve done previews to as few as two people in the run up to the Fringe…and it was a lot of fun!

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show all by myself like a big grown up and I’m very excited to share it. Ingenious Fools are producing it – I’ve always self-produced in the past, so it feels special (and incredibly helpful) to have a professional production company behind me this time. This is a premier for the show up in Edinburgh. After the Fringe I’d like to do a little tour of the UK with it, but I’ve got to think about this year’s Edinburgh first! Then grand plans can be hatched!

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

See Nick Everrett – he’s one of the funniest men I know. His style is unique, and his writing is skilful, not to mention he’s got incredible improv chops. He’s always surprising – check him out.

Desiree Burch – she’s a total powerhouse and I’m so excited she’s back at the Fringe. Desiree is wise, witty and unflinchingly honest. A breath of fresh air and I can’t wait to see her new show.

Ball and Boe – John Kearns and Adam Riches are bringing their brilliant show Ball and Boe up to the Fringe, about Alfie Boe and Michael Ball, and it’s one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in a long time. They’re charming, ridiculous, and crucially, can sing. And this version of the show is Christmas themed – what’s not to like?

Heidi Regan – Heidi is intelligent, silly, and just plain fun. Her new show is called Jekyll and Heidi – I’m laughing already and I haven’t even been to the show. Imagine what it’ll be like AT the show! Go see her!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“I only hope that the rising costs can be brought under control so that artists from all backgrounds are able to take part. That vision must be protected. Please don’t let it be an event for rich kids only.”

WHO: Adam Meggido

WHAT: “The Olivier Award–winning West End hit is back! It’s opening night for the hottest new musical in town… every night! There’s just one problem – the writer hasn’t written a note and needs your help… See your suggestions turned into a brand new musical ‘the funniest improv on the Fringe’ (BroadwayBaby.com). Now in their 16th year, your Edinburgh experience is incomplete without it! ‘So polished, it defies belief’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘This festival mainstay is a consistent audience favorite for a reason’ ***** (Playbill.com). ‘Achingly funny… worth seeing again and again’ ***** (Time Out).”

WHERE: Grand at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 17:20 (70 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 21st Fringe. I first came with the National Youth Music Theatre in 1986! I remember being thrilled by the sheer scale of the festival and that hasn’t changed. Every year I marvel at the range of extraordinary acts, plays, events, storytellers, dancers, musicians, and artists of all kinds. The boundaries between us all come down – we are all punters, artists, producers, all making art and watching others do the same. I am still hugely enthusiastic about the festival. I only hope that the rising costs can be brought under control so that artists from all backgrounds are able to take part. That vision must be protected. Please don’t let it be an event for rich kids only.

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

Don’t worry so much. Enjoy each moment. I have also learned a great deal about the effect I have on other people. I won’t share that here, but suffice to say I’m working on it 🙂

Tell us about your show.

It’s a musical – but everything is made up on the spot. Nothing is prepared in advance. And we’ve been doing it since 2008! Back then, a few of us were working with Ken Campbell, the inspirational theatre maverick, improvising at the Royal Court and Shakespeare’s Globe. It was a blast! Ken always enjoyed it when some of us sang, so we got used to improvising songs and ‘moments from a musical’ and it always seemed to go down well.

One day I sat down with Dylan Emery (who at that point was playing the keyboard for us) and we discussed doing a whole musical – entirely improvised. There were other improv musical shows in the world, but I had never seen anyone do something that looked and felt like a real musical, so that’s what we aspired to. We were lucky that audiences were prepared to come on that journey with us.

Now it’s played all over the world and runs in London’s West End. I think we will continue to tour, play the West End, and play the Fringe, for as long as people want to watch us. I enjoy the show now more than I’ve ever enjoyed it. It’s endlessly fascinating and we are constantly working to improve it. The novelty is yet to wear off and I love doing something different every night.

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

Literally anything. That’s the joy of the Fringe. You can have everything! Something similar, something contrasting… whatever you fancy. Personally, I love to go and see dance at the Fringe. Or clowning from overseas. I’m always keen to see something I can’t see when home in London. Something that will inspire me and make me think differently.

Two shows specifically are Susan Harrison’s ‘Should I Still Be Doing This?’ – Susan has been to the Fringe many times as a performer in Showstopper! and is now bringing a new character comedy show to the festival. I also think people should see Nina Conti’s show ‘Whose Face Is It Anyway?’.

But I love to hear people talking about our show as they exit – they can’t believe it’s improvised. Sometimes they don’t believe it’s improvised. (It is, but we take that as a great compliment.)

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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!!!!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Ada and Bron: The Origin of Love

Posted in *EdFestivals 2025, *Written Interviews by

“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!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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).

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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’.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

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.

 😁

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!