“There are weird coincidences most years, like the time there were lots of shows about the sad lives of battery chickens, as a metaphor for the human condition.”
WHO: Gerry Carroll
WHAT: “Scrooge is not just for Christmas. Gerry tells you his favourite Charles Dickens story – in August. A Merry Fringe for all, with singing and dancing. Come and be scared by ghosts! Enjoy the Fezziwigs’ Christmas party! Gerry first read the book when he was 10, so this show has been 62 years coming, and it’s worth it. Yes, Gerry is 72 and still going. He didn’t finish it in time for Christmas last year, but he’s here now with a brilliant 2025 Christmas show, four months early. Come and see!”
WHERE: Just the Attic at Just the Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288)
WHEN: 14:40 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
My first time in Edinburgh was 11 years ago, as a visitor to the Fringe for a weekend to see friends in shows. I loved the atmosphere- there were little rooms with black curtains that turned into stages, and you never knew what you might see. One student group showed us the destruction of the environment by inflating a huge globe and then bursting it with a pin. There are weird coincidences most years, like the time there were lots of shows about the sad lives of battery chickens, as a metaphor for the human condition. But there are also wonderful, weird finds that you couldn’t see anywhere else. Like a couple of actors being slugs in a mud bath, that was very funny and poignant.
Even as a punter, Edinburgh can be overwhelming. There’s just so much to do and see. People who are really organised start doing spreadsheets as soon as the Fringe brochure comes out, and they know exactly which shows they’re going to see. But you also have to be flexible and be open to going to a show you’ve never heard of, that may turn out to be great.
On my second visit to the Fringe, I came back as a performer with an improv group. It seems that Fringe takes over the city, you can see performances on the streets, in basements, everywhere. It’s like a month-long carnival. Whatever you prefer, improv or stand-up, or storytelling, there’s something for you. From a tiny solo show – someone doing the Trojan war in a room with thirty people, to a huge immersive production about the settlement of the western United States in a huge warehouse space, to Shakespeare and old-fashioned musicals.
I went to lots of solo shows and I envied the way the performers held the stage for an hour. I thought I’d love to do that, so I put together bits of stand-up and made them into my own first show in 2018. I’ve done a solo show most years since, and I’ve tried to make each show more personal and also better technically.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is to follow my instincts and make a show that I love, which I hope that the audience will love too. I’m doing a full run, 24 shows, and I can’t wait to share what I’m doing.
This year I’ve adapted Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as a solo show. Using someone else’s story has allowed me to express myself through acting and clown. Last year, I depended on my own script and I was more focussed on the writing. I don’t have to worry about the writing this year- Charles Dickens is the best there ever has been! I hope to do him justice.
The Carol is 182 years old, and I hope to reveal why it has lasted so long. Everyone from the Muppets to Jim Carrey has made their own versions, but I go back to the original, in Dickens’ own words.
Tell us about your show.
It’s A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by me for a solo show. I use Dickens original words and story. There have been many versions since 1843, because it’s such a great book, and I hope to let my audience see why it’s lasted for 182 years. It’s a solo show, and I’ve done everything myself, with very little outside help.
I’ve got to know the stories and characters very well, and I’ll introduce you to them.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Michelle Burke’s Mind How you Go at Zoo Playground, 12.45 for the full run, original songs and story, is a great show about Irish roots, a lovely way to spend lunchtime. Michelle is a great talent with a lovely voice. Tickets from:
https://zoofestival.co.uk/programme/mind-how-you-go/
The show just after mine in the Attic at the Mash House at 4pm every day is Narin Oz’s Inner Childish. She’s very funny and genuine and well worth seeing. Tickets from:
https://edinburgh.justthetonic.com/event/88:4705/
Also, One Eyed Scouts present Improvised Movie Fun at 6.05 pm, 17th -24th August, part of PBH Free Fringe, at Brewdog, Lothian Road. They do really fun stuff based on films and film stars. There are four of them, all from different countries, and they usually perform online. This is only the third time they’ve met in person and they’re a joy to watch. It’s part of PBH’s Free Fringe, so just turn up and enjoy.
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