Tag Archives: EdFestivals

+3 Interview: Ada Campe and the Psychic Duck

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“There’s a mystery, a dance, a bit of magic and lots of jolly nonsense.”

WHO: Naomi Paxton, Writer and performer

WHAT: “Variety! Comedy! A psychic duck! Join 2018 NATYS winner, Ada Campe, for a show about wonderful women, strange encounters and a fairground mystery that occurred on the Welsh coast many moons ago… ‘Extravagantly mischievous persona… brilliantly crowd-pleasing act’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Resembles an unhinged super-villain’ (Diva). ‘Sorcery wrapped in the kind of storytelling that would make Scheherezade jealous’ (Kate Copstick).”

WHERE: The Stand’s New Town Theatre – Studio (Venue 7) 

WHEN: 14:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I first performed at Edinburgh when I was a student at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) in Glasgow in 2001. Since then I’ve been back as both an actor and as a magician’s assistant in various shows… but performing as Ada Campe is definitely the most fun I’ve had at the fringe so far!

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

Ada Campe came Top of the Bill at the 2018 New Act of the Year Show (NATYS) – the third woman to have done that ever! She also won the 2018 Old Comedian of the Year competition, held by the Museum of Comedy. It’s never too late to be discovered!

Tell us about your show.

The show is about Ada’s experiences of working at a funfair when she was younger – and how the women she met have influenced her career. There’s a mystery, a dance, a bit of magic and lots of jolly nonsense. It’s variety, comedy, magic, cabaret, and good fun!

I wrote the show and have produced it too – there have been previews in London and I’m now raring to release Ada Campe and her Psychic Duck on Edinburgh. I’d love to take her on tour afterwards…

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

Mat Ricardo vs the World, The Creative Martyrs, Charmian Hughes’ new show Bra Trek, Singalong Sitcom Quiz, Magic Faraway Cabaret, That Daring Australian Girl.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: My Kind of Michael

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“The show is about my childhood hero Michael Barrymore, his life and how it influenced me.”

WHO: Nick Cassenbaum, Performer and Co-creator

WHAT: “Ever since he was a kid, Nick has loved Michael Barrymore. In this heartfelt and playful tribute, Nick invites you to examine the turbulent relationship between showman and spectator. Using his unique and praised style of storytelling, and Barrymore’s iconic shticks, Nick intertwines his own personal stories with tales of Barrymore’s rise to fame and ultimate downfall. With live music and gags-a-plenty, it promises to be ‘Alwight’! Nick returns to Summerhall after his 2016 hit Bubble Schmeisis. Created with Danny Braverman (Wot? No Fish!!).”

WHERE: Summerhall – Red Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 19:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time bringing a show. I came in 2016 with Bubble Schmeisis, which was on at Summerhall and had a ball. The show has been touring since, this year Malta and Detroit! before that I used to work as a technician at the Pleasance, that is what got me excited about the fringe. Cramming in as many shows as possible. And then there was the year i bought my first street show to the Royal Mile. I did a trick with a cucumber….we made about a tenner.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

Oh it has to be taking Bubble Schmeisis to Detroit. The University of Michigan brought us over. The show is all about going to steam baths in East London. The venue they got us was an actual steam baths call the schvitz. It was fantastic, it is a real historic place in Detroit and to be there was a real treat. Everything about it was amazing, the tiles, the history, the people and most importantly the steam.

Tell us about your show.

The show is about my childhood hero Michael Barrymore, his life and how it influenced me. But more than that it is about the relationship between entertainer and audience, and how disposable entertainers are to us. It borrows a lot from Barrymore’s style and features live music, storytelling and audience interaction. I wrote the show with Danny Braverman, we worked together on Bubble Schmeisis after I saw his show Wot! no FIsh? and thought…I have to work with this person. S

Sian Baxter is producing who I have been working with for a couple of years now. The show was previewed at NOW18 at the Yard Theatre and will be headed to the Batterseas Arts Centre in the Spring…where else…who knows?!?!

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

I am super excited to see Thatcher Queen of Soho back. It is a fantastic show, hilarious with plenty of audience interaction. If people like my show…I think they will love this one.
My mates Sh!t Theatre who are bringing back DollyWould, a great show.
The really funny Top Joe. He’s great and wears a high vis so you can’t miss him!

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: The Red Shoes

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“We have a very short rehearsal period to create a huge, glamorous ensemble show which is really exciting and a completely unique experience.”

WHO: Josh Myers, Performed

WHAT: “A reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, the ‘superbly talented’ (List) Young Pleasance bring the glitz, glamour, and seedy underworld of interwar Berlin to life with characteristic high production values, ‘sheer professionalism and talent’ (EdinburghGuide.com). Follow Lotta as her Red Shoes lead her on a rags-to-riches journey from the steps of the orphanage through the hedonism of its dance halls, and finally as an actress on the silver screen as Germany teeters on the brink of disaster. Vivaciously light with disturbingly dark undertones. ‘Always one of the hottest tickets at the Fringe’ (The730Review.co.uk).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Beyond (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 15:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time performing at the Fringe (I also performed with Young Pleasance last year) but I first visited with my family when I was 8 and have done a number of times since. And while just going to see shows at the festival is exciting and hectic, performing is even more so!

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

Turning 18 and supposedly becoming an ‘adult’. It’s weird because I definitely don’t feel like one.

Tell us about your show.

It’s based on Hans Christian Anderson’s ‘The Red Shoes’. Our version is set in early 20th-Century Berlin, so as we see the protagonist grow up we move from the seedy yet glamorous nightclubs of the Weimar period to the Nazi’s rise to power. We have a very short rehearsal period to create a huge, glamorous ensemble show which is really exciting and a completely unique experience. Working with new people has been lovely and has meant I’ve been learning a lot in such a short amount of time, as well.

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

They should, of course, come and see our show again and recommend it to everyone they know! But Incognito and Spies Like Us, two companies of Young Pleasance alumni, promise to put on brilliant shows (‘Tobacco Road’ and ‘Woyzeck’ respectively). I also love seeing comedy at the festival and last year Adam Riches’ show made me howl with laughter.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“I’m just as excited as ever to be in Scotland.”

WHO: Chris Grace, Producer

WHAT: “Before Voldemort was He Who Must Not Be Named, he was just Tom Riddle, another moody teen at Hogwarts. Join Tom and his best friend/snake Nagini on a hilarious musical adventure packed with magic, hormones, and more than a few murders. From two co-creators of Thrones! The Musical and fresh from sold-out performances at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles comes a Harry Potter musical parody that is sure to leave you spellbound!”

WHERE: Assembly George Square Studios – One (Venue 17) 

WHEN: 17:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, it’s my seventh in a row in fact, and I’m just as excited as ever to be in Scotland.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

I got married! Well, I was already married, but my husband and I had a public ceremony and reception, so we threw a big party and everyone watched us so lovely things to each other. It was very nice, sorry we didn’t see you there!

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a loving prequel to Harry Potter following Tom Riddle as a teen before he became He Who Must Not Be Named. It was written by Zach Reino, Fiona Landers, Richie Root, and Scott Passarella, all great friends of mine, and I saw their show a year ago and loved it and thought “I want to bring this to Edinburgh”. It did show in LA before and it sold out, and after Fringe we’ll be doing it again in the US and also licensing the show out if UK companies want to put it on.

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

They should see as much circus and magic as possible, and then see Baby Wants Candy (which I’m also performing in) and then go see a random show that you have no idea about! And then go see Jordan Brookes, who I saw for the first time last year and loved!

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: Bilal Zafar – Lovebots

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“A hairless cat wondered into my room through my window … it took me 30 seconds to even figure out what it was.”

WHO: Bilal Zafar, Writer / performer

WHAT: “Best Newcomer nominee 2016 and Hackney Empire (NATYS) winner is back with a brand-new show! Social media has been taken over by bots spreading hate, fear and influencing how we vote. In Lovebots, Bilal has made his own bots to fight back, except these bots only want to spread love and compassion. As seen/heard on BBC Three, Channel 4, MTV, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Radio 4. ‘Witty and absorbing… highly entertaining’ (Times). ‘Delivers big laughs’ (Guardian). ‘A natural storyteller with a very likeable stage presence’ ***** (Shortcom.co.uk).”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Mash House – Just the Cask Room (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 15:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Nope, this is my third show in a row. The first one was nominated for an award, the second wasn’t but I still like it. This is the third which will be completing a little trilogy of shows that are predominantly about social media and how it affects our lives. I’m very excited to be back.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

I got to record my latest show for BBC Radio 4. I loved getting an opportunity like that and it all went a lot better than I expected. Apart from that, a hairless cat wondered into my room through my window and it took me 30 seconds to even figure out what it was.

Tell us about your show.

I always write my stuff, although this year I have a director for the first time and it’s my friend Josie Long. The show is all about how we have been manipulated in recent Western elections with twitter bots and all sorts of other scary stuff. In my show, I’ll be trying to fix the world by creating my own bots that only spread love and compassion. I have been previewing it around the UK and will hopefully be taking it around the country as a finished tour show.

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

Trevor Lock. He does the same show every year but it’s heavily improvised. One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen and it’s free!

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: Imran Yusuf: Saint, Sinner, Sufi

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“It’s a show for grown ups with plenty of club comedy style laughs and both well-informed and experienced anecdotes of life.”

WHO: Imran Yusuf, Performer

WHAT: “Everyone is offended, everyone is a victim, no one is happy. A show for bleeding heart liberals and angry disenfranchised victims. A show for good guys, bad guys and those who know better. Woe is me, the pariah. I am not to blame, that is the fault of others whom serve me to overlook my own faults. A show cognisant of human patterns, taking ownership of my own hypocrisy and realising that we become who we judge. It’s only funny because it’s true. http://www.imranyusuf.com”

WHERE: The Stand’s New Town Theatre – Studio (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 17:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to Edinburgh many times. I had been up a couple of times before I did my first full run in 2008, doing a three-hander and honing my craft, doing 20 mins every day for 25 days. Then in 2009 I went up and did a whole month of compering, and in 2010 I went up to learn how to do an hour’s worth of comedy and accidentally got nominated for Best Newcomer. I’ve done 3 solo shows in total and this is my fourth one.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

I reached entry-level enlightenment at age 38 and understood why indeed life begins in this era of the the 40’s. The naive idealism of youth is exhausted from its nonsense but the remaining dreams are reinvigorated by the experience of enduring failure for so many years beforehand.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Saint, Sinner, Sufi. It is a coming of middle-age show in understanding my life through the matured view of having lived through the naive and judgmental saintly-self, through to the bitter truths of indulgent sinning, all the way through to observing the middle path between these two extremes. It’s a show for grown ups with plenty of club comedy style laughs and both well-informed and experienced anecdotes of life.

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

Go and watch Gamarjobat, they are pure unadulterated fun and so finely skilled in their craft. Also, I am keen to see what Phil Ellis is up to, he is quite possibly the most naturally funny man in the UK.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: Sisters: On Demand

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“As a comedian you’re whole year seems to revolve around August so we’re really excited to head back. It’s a bit like a summer camp for comedians.”

WHO: Christy White-Spunner & Mark Jones, Writer/performers

WHAT: “After a sell-out debut show, innovative sketch duo Sisters are putting you in control of their highly anticipated second hour. ‘A genuinely exciting new voice in sketch comedy’ (Telegraph). ‘Stands out as a must-see’ (EdFringeReview.com). ‘Given the double act genre a real shot in the arm’ (List). ‘A fantastically dark sketch duo with a bright future’ (BroadwayWorld.com). As seen on BBC Three and heard on BBC Radio 4.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance That (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 20:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This year will be our second full show, the follow up to last year’s sell-out debut show: ‘White Noise’. In terms of fringes, this will be the 7th year we’ve been at the fringe, either performing on our own, testing out material or working on other shows. As a comedian you’re whole year seems to revolve around August so we’re really excited to head back. It’s a bit like a summer camp for comedians.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

Taking our debut show to London’s Soho Theatre in April was an amazing experience. We’ve seen so many incredible acts perform there over the years so to do a run of our own was a real milestone for us. We also played Latitude festival for the first time this Summer. I heard The Killers were really excited to warm up for us.

Tell us about your show.

This year’s show is the product launch of our own sketch On Demand service, in which we attempt to hand over control of the show to the audience. If all goes to plan then it should run in a different order each day. Like last year it’s entirely self produced and written by the pair of us. We’ve previewed it in London for a couple of months and at Latitude Festival and would love to take it further afield after Edinburgh.

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

Some of our favourite sketch acts are returning to the Fringe this year like Sheeps, The Pin, Beard and Lazy Susan as well as new double-act Moon, so sketch fans will be spoiled for choice this year. Other than sketch, Ben Pope’s debut stand-up show is a must.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: Robyn Perkins: 10,000 Decisions

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“In a former life I was a landscape architect, so actually worked on Quartermile quite a bit.”

WHO: Robyn Perkins, Performer

WHAT: “Everyone makes bad decisions, right? But let’s be honest, bad decisions make you who you are. In this brilliant new stand-up show, comedian Robyn Perkins (English Comedian of the Year finalist) uses a series of hilarious personal anecdotes, family stories and even some neuroscience to come up with a well thought out decision for one random audience member. Don’t miss this delightfully funny show about why we make the decisions we do, and whether we can decide to be happy. ‘A golden performer whose charisma alone on stage is refreshing.’ **** (VoiceMag.uk). **** (ThreeWeeks).”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Daisy (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 17:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have been performing at the Fringe since my first visit in 2012. Additionally, in a former life I was a landscape architect, so actually worked on Quartermile quite a bit and have been since 2009. Finally, my former water polo coach is in Edinburgh, so I have been up for many random reasons. I love the city!

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

I had major ankle reconstruction surgery, which means I now have several screws in my left leg. It’s not the most glamorous, but being part robot isn’t all bad.  More interestingly, in January I had coffee with a neuroscientist (Gabija Toleikyte). We discussed how our brains make decisions, what influences them, and why I am so indecisive. This has been crucial in developing the show.

Tell us about your show.

The show is called 10,000 Decisions. In short, it is about why we make the decisions we do; if you are indecisive, this is the show for you. The show is a fun mix of relate-able personal stories, neuroscience, an improvised lie decision, and a surprise ending. I have been working on the show since 2017. John Gordillo has been directing the show, starting right after the 2017 Fringe. I have been previewing the show at a lot of the smaller Fringes around the UK, but it is premiering officially at the Edinburgh Fringe, 2018.

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

Ian Smith has in incredible and fun idea for a show. Sindhu Vee is a really great storyteller and breakthough act. Richard Wright is doing a show called Virgin, which is really interesting. And Jim Cambell is a great act doing his first hour. I am excited to see it. Darren Harriott is incredible and I am very much looking forward to his second hour. After that, John Hastings, Jarred Christmas, Ivo Graham, Ed Gamble and Tom Stade are all amazing stand-ups that you cannot go wrong with.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: Luca Cupani: God Digger

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“It’s about my exciting life as a practising Catholic and an observant hypochondriac.”

WHO: Luca Cupani, Performer

WHAT: “Luca’s hypochondria and survival instincts have helped him live a fairly safe and sin-free life so far, but his imaginary diseases and unfulfilled dreams of being the poster child for over-the-counter painkillers have lead Luca to further question his Catholicism for life’s answers. This So You Think You’re Funny winner, Italian comedian and all round lovely guy is here to entice the masses with his endearing and brutally honest storytelling. ‘Funny and fresh and so, so moreish’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Lines that will make you laugh for the rest of the day’ **** (Scotsman).”

WHERE: Underbelly, George Square – The Wee Coo (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 17:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It is my fifth time at the Fringe. My first experience was in 2014, I loved the atmosphere and I spend every August in Edinburgh since then. What I like the most is the chance to meet loads of talented artists and to perform every day in front of people from all over the world!

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

I managed to write another show for this Fringe 2018!

Tell us about your show.

My show is called ‘God Digger’ and I wrote it: it’s about my exciting life as a practising Catholic and an observant hypochondriac. The show is promoted by my agent Mick Perrin Worldwide Ltd. Edinburgh will be the world premiere and after the festival I’d love to bring the show everywhere!

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

There is a long list of shows that I hope to see, here is just some of them (in alphabetical order):
Anuvab Pal: Empire
Austentatious
Ed Night: An Aesthetic
Romina Puma It’s all my mother fault
Tim Renkow Tries to punch down

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

+3 Interview: Ashley Blaker: Observant Jew

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2018, Plus 3 2018 – Features by

“I have just finished a five-week run Off Broadway in New York.”

WHO: Ashley Blaker, Performer

WHAT: “Ashley Blaker isn’t your average Orthodox Jewish man. He’s also an internationally acclaimed comedian and now, for the first time, is performing a show for us gentiles, direct from his off-Broadway run. How did a secular Jewish comedy producer end up becoming ultra-orthodox? How does he live between two very different worlds? As heard on BBC Radio 4. ‘Has audiences on the floor’ (Jerusalem Post). ‘Relentlessly funny… Blaker brings something totally unprecedented to stand-up’ (Jewish Chronicle). ‘A wittier man than I’ll ever be’ (Matt Lucas, Little Me).”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Daisy (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I came to Edinburgh as a punter in both 1992 and 1993. I then came several times as a TV producer looking for talent for different show. This is my first time though as a performer.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’17?

The last year has been incredible. I have performed shows in South Africa, Israel and Canada; made my first BBC Radio 4 show; and I have just finished a five-week run Off Broadway in New York. Coming to Edinburgh to perform my debut show will be an equally exciting experience.

Tell us about your show.

The show is about how I went from being a secular Jewish TV producer to being strictly orthodox and not even owning a TV (it’s forbidden!). And considering how crazy my life is now, hopefully I’ll be able to explain why on earth I still do it. This is the show’s premier apart from three previews in July so it is completely unchartered territory for me. As for where it will go next, that really does depend on how it goes down I guess. Maybe I will retreat back home and not want to come out for a few months! Ideally, I’d like to tour an extended version of the show around the UK at some point soon.

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

It will all be a let down thereafter so maybe they just need to stick to the Tattoo. I do love Keiran Hodgson though and Max and Ivan are peerless when it comes to sketch comedy. I am sure both of those shows will be amazing. However, if I am wrong, please don’t come to me asking for your money back. That’s not how this works.

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!