“There is no point in doing something unless you are 100% happy with it.”
WHO: Bennett Arron
WHAT: “What’s it like to be a winner? Bennett Arron wouldn’t know. He’s been a presenter on TV and Radio, written sitcoms, starred in the BBC Radio 4 series Alone and even been shortlisted for a BAFTA, but life still laughs at him. Queue early to enjoy disappointment. ‘Genuinely original’ (Times), ‘a Welsh Seinfeld’ (Guardian).”
WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Liquid Room Annexe/Warehouse – Annexe (Venue 276)
WHEN: 16:15 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my 5th solo show but my 7th time at the Festival. The first time was when I was a finalist in the BBC New Comedy Awards. I was runner-up with Peter Kay (I didn’t win, which goes towards the title of my show). The festival has been very good for me in the past and has resulted in three radio series; Bennett Arron is JEWELSH, Bennett Arron Worries About and the sitcom ALONE. It also led to me Writing, Presenting and Directing the Channel 4 documentary HOW TO STEAL AN IDENTITY for which I was BAFTA shortlisted.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I was going to perform a show at the festival last year. I had the venue and accommodation sorted. However, half way thought writing the show I realised it wasn’t good enough. There was no real theme and it just wasn’t as funny as I wanted it to be. So I cancelled it. There is no point in doing something unless you are 100% happy with it.
Tell us about your show.
I wrote the show and, as am producing it myself. I have had 4 previews which, I’m delighted to say, have all gone really well. The premise is….. am I a Loser?
To answer the question, I look back on my life, from being born into the only Jewish family in Port Talbot, South Wales (where Anthony Hopkins used to light the fire for his grandparents), working as a grave digger for a day, being kicked out of drama school (twice), being the first major victim of identity theft in the UK which resulted in my becoming penniless and homeless, being arrested in a dawn raid by Scotland Yard, to celebrating, this year, 25 years as a professional comedian. By the end I/the audience will decide if I am a winner or a loser.
I am hoping to tour it after the festival. But I don’t want to produce that myself!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I have MANY friends performing shows this year. Some well known, some soon to be well known. It’s difficult to name some and not all and I know I will forget people, but ones I’ve seen and recommend are:
Ignacio Lopez – Welsh, Spanish and very funny.
Hal Cruttenden – A fantastic show for a TV regular.
Robin Ince – an Edinburgh regular who will be performing two great shows.
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