“The past 12 months have felt like a complete clean-slate, new-chapter kind of year.”
WHO: Phil Nichol
WHAT: “Lou Reed. The lottery. Ecstasy. Prince Andrew. Punk. Barenaked Ladies. Crisps. Terry Jones. Leukaemia. Butterflies. Dizzy Gillespie’s cheeks. Chance. Scat. Sunshine on Leith. Boo-bee-dee-do. Wasps. Double helix. Comedy. Dennis Hopper. Scrotums. Life. Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner, Phil Nichol is back with a brand-new show. An acclaimed actor, award-winning comedian, producer, presenter, writer and musician, there is no end to his talent. As seen on The Graham Norton Show (BBC One) and Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC Two). ***** (Scotsman). ***** (List).”
WHERE: Lounge at Gilded Balloon Teviot (Venue 14)
WHEN: 17:20 (60 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I’ve been coming to the Fringe since 1990. This year marks my 28th Fringe, where I’ll be presenting my 25th solo hour-long show. Before that, I performed six hour-long shows with Corky and The Juice Pigs, bringing the total to 31 full-length Fringe shows, not counting the countless gala appearances, mixed bills and guest spots.
Alongside stand-up, I’ve produced 21 theatre productions with Comedians’ Theatre Company and performed in 17 stage productions. I’ve also played with numerous bands over the years, including Bill Bailey’s Beergut 100.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Creating ‘Aren’t We Lucky’ has genuinely made me a more positive and hopeful person. It’s been surprising how the show’s message of positive reaffirmation has shifted my perspective.
I turned 60 last year, moved in with my partner, became a stepdad to her two young boys, and recently got engaged. The past 12 months have felt like a complete clean-slate, new-chapter kind of year.
It’s also been a time of real reflection. If you want to hear more about that journey and where it’s led me, you’ll have to come and see ‘Aren’t We Lucky’.
Tell us about your show.
‘Aren’t We Lucky ’is a heart-warming show exploring chance, love, magic, and loss. Through the deeply personal yet funny story of my friend Kevin Hearn’s battle with leukemia, and the extraordinary chain of events that followed, I’ll be reflecting on regret, good fortune, and the simple, visceral act of appreciating what we have right here, right now.
The ever-present magic of reality fuels this show, I’ll share high-octane, hilarious and unforgettable stories: growing up in the Brethren Assembly, moving from Glasgow to Toronto, becoming a world-renowned comedian, and witnessing his parents fall in love again in their nineties. From conspiracy theories to Lou Reed, from World War II to old-age pensioners, and even the now-banned Swedish word “ogooglebar,” no subject is off-limits. These rib-tickling threads collide with bigger questions about why we’re here—and how to make the most of it.
The show was written by me with a little help from the inimitable Carey Marx and directed by John Gordillo. It is self produced in association with Lee Martin at Gag Reflex. This is a World Premiere.
We are all hoping for an international tour in 2027. My last show ‘Your Wrong’ toured for 150+ dates in 13 countries ending with a 10 day sold out run at the Soho Theatre London.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Sarah-Louise Young: The Bob Ross Effect! Sarah-Louise Young is an cabaret performer and the creator and star of the internationally celebrated tribute show An Evening Without Kate Bush. The Bob Ross Effect is her new show for Edinburgh 2026. It explores grief, mental health, and creativity through live painting, storytelling, and original songs, celebrating the enduring legacy of the beloved Joy of Painting host, Bob Ross.
Also, see my other show, ‘The Naked Racist’. It’s the 20th anniversary of my 2006 Edinburgh Comedy Award winning show. The show is an unhinged re-telling of an Amsterdam trip gone wrong ending with an epiphany of epic proportions. Guaranteed laughs.
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