Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: Mario Adrion: Live a Little

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“Audiences can handle much more than we sometimes give them credit for.”

WHO: Mario Adrion

WHAT: “A darkly funny show about a boy from a picturesque German town who leaves it all behind to become an international fashion model. Armed with a need for approval, Mario dives headfirst into the modelling world, navigating the chaos of pseudo professional relationships, the European runway, and sketchy modelling gigs. Along the way, Mario faces unhealthy power dynamics, constant rejection, and significant sexual abuse within the industry. The show explores themes of self-love, the need for acceptance, and grappling with sexual trauma from a male perspective. It’s a story about being hot — and sad.”

WHERE: Attic AND Pleasance Two at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: Varies (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! I’ve wanted to come to the Fringe for years because it feels like the Olympics of comedy. Thousands of artists from all over the world taking over one city for a month is such a ridiculous and beautiful idea. I love that audiences are willing to take chances on shows they know nothing about. As a comedian, that’s incredibly exciting.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned that audiences can handle much more than we sometimes give them credit for. If you’re honest enough, they’ll follow you almost anywhere. I’m still working on applying that lesson every time I write. It’s tempting to play it safe, but the interesting stuff usually lives on the other side of discomfort.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show over several years, with my director Bill Dawes. It’s produced by RBM Comedy and my team, Stephen Gordon Walker, Jordan Henry, and Emily Jones. The show has been evolving through previews in the US, and Edinburgh will be its Fringe debut. After that, I hope to keep touring it internationally because the themes seem to resonate with people wherever I perform.

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

I’m looking forward to seeing Gianmarco Soresi and Daniel Sloss. They’re both brilliant at balancing big laughs with smart storytelling, and I’m curious to see what they’ve created for the Fringe.

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EdFringe Talk: Jonathan Rudge: Stay at Home Son

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I absolutely love Scotland, and the restaurant scene excites me a lot. I’m belly-led.”

WHO: Jonathan Rudge

WHAT: “In this, his brand new show ‘Stay at Home Son’, Londoner (oh shut up) Jonathan dives into the world of messed-up-millennials and manifesting adoption into the Beckhams now there’s a spare seat at the table (Love heart hands Brooklyn x). Nominated for no awards and never a sold-out show – Jonathan is fresh meat. This is a chance to see him before he hits the big time so don’t miss out. *Not written by ChatGPT.”

WHERE: Just The Snifter Room at Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 20:35 (55 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third time at the Edinburgh Fringe. My first was a short run of shows in 2024, then in 2025 I came back as a punter, and this year is my debut full run. The year I wasn’t performing, I could feel the cosmic electricity pumping out of every performer, polluting the air with their enthusiastic desperation. I’d never felt anything like it before. I loved it. I can’t wait to return. I absolutely love Scotland, and the restaurant scene excites me a lot. I’m belly-led.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I learned a bit of French on Duolingo and discovered that dating Gen Z can be… educational. Stand-up-wise, the biggest lesson was to stop thinking of an hour as an hour and start thinking of it as six lots of ten minutes. For some reason that completely rewired my brain. Life-changing. The lesson that keeps getting reinforced, especially over the past 12 months, is that creativity is part of one’s self, do not let anyone change it.

Tell us about your show.

Stand-up is incredibly personal. It’s basically reading your diary aloud and hoping people laugh. The show pokes fun at the strange generational moment we’re living through: the boomers who had everything, millennials who are technically proper adults but still feel like they’re winging it, Gen Z hot on our heels telling us how to behave, and poor Gen Alpha, who’ve barely had a look in yet. I wrote the show this past year and recently had some help from Bobby Mair who sprinkled his magic over me.. Sorry, I mean over the show. I’m producing it myself, and Edinburgh will be its premiere. I managed to orchestrate my redundancy after 19 years with the same company, which has funded the trip north. Massive thanks as well to my adopted Edinburgh parents, Norma and Alister, who are putting me up for the month. If all goes to plan, I’d love to keep taking the show on the road after the Fringe. A spot at the Soho Theatre is the dream, I’ve seen so many great things there. It’s a special place being a Londoner.

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

The Queer Comedy Club, who have a lovely home in Elephant and Castle, are bringing ‘The Best of Queer Fringe’ to Edinburgh every night. It’s always a guaranteed hoot.

Rohan Ashar and Mani Ahmed’s ‘Other’ is fantastic. I caught it at Brighton Fringe where it completely sold out, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Michael McPheat’s ‘Brutal’ is a love letter to his hometown of Milton Keynes, told through his younger queer experience. I saw a preview in his flat, and it’s proper LOL.

Finally, AJ Adams’ ‘Is He Bothering You?’ is on at 12.10am in The Wee One with Just the Tonic. I had that slot in 2024, so it feels only right to send people his way. I left a good energy load in that room!

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EdFringe Talk: Finlay Christie: Champagne Casanova

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“This will be my third proper FULL hour of stand-up comedy, which is a completely different beast, and the most fun you can have doing stand-up.”

WHO: Finlay Christie

WHAT: “Finlay misguidedly believes that his muggers fancied him, that being a f*ckboy is cool and that Kim Jong Un would love him. Funny, self-aware and internet-brained, this is an hour about the myths constructed by incels, billionaires and even human people, that mean we don’t have to admit we’re ordinary, rejected or wrong. There’s also a strong section on air fryers. As seen on social media (1M+ followers), Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. ‘The voice of a generation’ **** (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel 4 at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Venue 515) 

WHEN: Varies (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be the eighth year I’ve performed at the Fringe, in some form. I performed twice as a child, with the Comedy Club 4 Kids. I was 10. When I went to university I then performed two years on the trot with my university comedy club (UCL Comedy Club) doing 10 minutes.

But this will be my third proper FULL hour of stand-up comedy, which is a completely different beast, and the most fun you can have doing stand-up. You get a sense of control and command of the room that dwarfs that of regular comedy club stand-up. You can completely set the tone and the expectations, and take the audience on more of a journey.

A great Fringe is one where audiences feel adventurous enough to see people they’ve never heard of. That’s the magic of Edinburgh. I just hope it stays accessible enough that the next generation of comedians can still afford to be discovered there.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My show is actually about how little I’ve learned from the past year. It’s basically about not learning anything from your actions.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show, with help from comedian friends who have seen bits and pieces of it. The direction of it has been helped greatly by comedians like Sam Eley and Bobby Mair.

Bobby Mair is a fantastic comic, but often more off-the-wall than me. He may sometimes suggests I improve a routine by, for example, jacking off onto a dead kids’ face, which suits his comic voice much more. He is very emotionally intelligent, and knows how to draw things out of me that I feel, but I’m not sure how to say.

Sam Eley is very gifted. He always knows how to read an audience, and take a joke in the most interesting way once their perception of me has been thoroughly analysed.

The show has mainly been inspired by one event — me being robbed in New Orleans by two women who led me to believe they wanted a threesome with me. A lot of material around that has seemed to keep on the same theme: Believing stuff just because it benefits you.

I’ve done lots of previews of it around the country to my online fans, and after Edinburgh I’ll be taking it on a tour of UK and Ireland.

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

Phil Ellis, Eric Rushton and Chris Kent. They’re my favourites at the moment, and hugely underrated.

Chris Kent had me crying laughing the last time I saw him in Kilkenny. Before that, I can’t remember the last time I cried laughing at stand-up.

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EdFringe Talk: The Woman in the Mirror

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“If I pet a baby Highland cow and leave with my first tattoo, that will just be icing on the cake.”

WHO: Dayna Steele

WHAT: “A fearlessly honest, bitingly witty and unexpectedly uplifting true story of a mother and daughter navigating the realities of caregiving. Blindsided when her mother receives a life-changing diagnosis, Dayna writes a Facebook post. Waking up to hundreds of responses she realises she isn’t alone, and begins to share all the ups, downs, hilarity and heartbreak with her new-found cyber support network. An award-winning play from Radio Hall of Famer Dayna Steele, based on the best-selling book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook and a Really Big Glass of Wine. ‘A love letter to caregivers.’ (Houston Press)”

WHERE: Studio at ZOO Southside (Venue 82) 

WHEN: 15:15 (70 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No. This will be my fourth visit to this magical city, but my first time attending and performing at Fringe. I’ve fallen in love with Edinburgh over the years, made wonderful friends there, and honestly can’t imagine a better place for this next chapter. If I pet a baby Highland cow and leave with my first tattoo, that will just be icing on the cake.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned it’s never too late to do something completely unreasonable.

At 66 (turning 67 during the production), I somehow find myself an actor, am taking my first play overseas, and am raising the money to make it all happen. None of that was on my bingo card.

And, it’s okay to ask for help whether you are a caregiver or a playwright raising money to bring your uplifting comedy to Fringe.

Tell us about your show.

The Woman in the Mirror is based on my bestselling book Surviving Alzheimer’s with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine. It’s inspired by my journey with my mother through Alzheimer’s—the heartbreaking moments, the hilarious ones, the ones that made me question my sanity, and one surprise ending audiences never see coming. I wanted to pass on all these lessons I learned to others with storytelling and humor. And love.

The project began in 2019 as something closer to a one-woman show. Then came what felt like 150 rewrites. (No one warns you that “playwright” mostly means rewriting.) Today it’s an award-winning two-person play.

In 2024 I was introduced to director Laura Stearns for a production in Palm Springs, California. Laura had also cared for both her mother and grandmother through Alzheimer’s, so she understood this story before I even finished telling it. She coached, challenged, encouraged, occasionally threatened me with another rehearsal, and somehow turned a former rock radio personality into an actor. Thanks to her, my co-star Rebecca McWilliams and I received Best Actress nominations from the Desert Theatre League. The production won Best Play, and Laura was honored as Best Director.

Over the past two years we’ve shaped this into something I hope audiences will never forget—a funny, honest, deeply human love letter to caregivers, parents, families, and the people who show up when life gets hard.

I’m producing the Edinburgh run through Blue Squirrel Productions alongside the wonderful team at Suzanna Rosenthal Productions.

If you laugh, cry, call your mother afterward, hug someone a little tighter, or simply walk out feeling a little less alone, we’ve done our job.

If you’ve ever had a mother or simply wondered how people survive impossible situations with laughter intact, this show is for you.

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

Find a first-time performer. Wander into a tiny venue with a queue outside. Take a chance on the show someone passionately recommends over coffee (or wine). Some of the biggest success stories in theatre began as unknown Fringe productions, and there’s something magical about being able to say, “I saw it before everyone else did.”

As a former business speaker, one of my favorite pieces of advice was simple: be quiet and listen. It’s amazing what you’ll hear—and where it might lead. It’s how I somehow kept ending up in the front row of Rolling Stones photos. (That’s a story for another day.)

The joy of the Fringe is discovering something you never planned to see. But if you are planning ahead, I recommend seeing brilliant women like Michelle Shocked, Women of Rock, and Chrissie Hinde!

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EdFringe Talk: In Other Words

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I couldn’t believe the scale, the variety, the uniqueness, and the originality of all the shows.”

WHO: Maya Shoham

WHAT: “Maya is going through something. It’s something to do with feeling… this thing of… ummm… like… maybe not even… you know… Actually, she can’t find the words to articulate what it is. So Maya does what any normal person would do: she invites an audience to help her invent new words. Word invention is an art form that requires an audience. Conveniently enough, so is theatre. The play twists and turns as Maya the playwright gets in the way of Maya the performer (and vice versa), on this increasingly chaotic journey of trying to articulate herself.”

WHERE: Just The Attic at Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 16:00 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my first time performing! I’ve known about the festival for years, and I travelled last year to do some research and see a bunch of shows – 24 shows in 5 days, how about that?

I was blown away. To say it’s the biggest arts festival in the world is still, somehow, an understatement. I couldn’t believe the scale, the variety, the uniqueness, and the originality of all the shows. It felt like everything was possible there, art-wise. I knew I had to be a part of it, and it’s surreal that I’m about to be.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

When people told me “word of mouth is everything at the Fringe”, they weren’t kidding. It’s EVERYTHING. I’m getting great advice that I’m currently trying to actualize: working with social media, which is something I’m notoriously quite terrible at (thank god my director does that for a living and took charge), creating strong images for the poster and flyers, and coming up with physical gifts for the audience to take home. Something small, but actual. A thing to remember the show by, and hopefully help spread the word with.

Tell us about your show.

I started writing the show after receiving a birthday letter that changed my life and made me reexamine my relationship to words. I became obsessed with the idea that words have this unbelievable, taken-for-granted power. They can shape us. They can define us. Sometimes, they can even create realities.

When I started writing, I was mostly thinking about words themselves. But when my colleague-turned-director Eden Zamir joined the team, there was an important pivot: we started looking at what words can do specifically in theater.

We worked on the script for nearly a year. I would write a draft, read it to Eden, we would discuss it, and then I would rewrite and workshop things. In October, we put on a workshop performance at The Chain Theatre in Midtown NYC, in front of an intimate group of trusted artists whose opinions we really wanted. That’s also when Tessa Faye, our now-producer, joined the team. Tessa is a rock star, and we’re beyond fortunate to have her on board.

Since then, we’ve been rehearsing, rewriting, and throwing ideas around to make sure the show is ready for the Fringe. Our most recent addition is Yair Ben-Dor, who has a bit of a secretive part in the creation of this show. If you want to know what that means, you might just have to come see our show.

This is the first professional step for the show, and we hope the Fringe will help give it a future beyond Edinburgh.

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

First on my watch list are Cadel with Connor Delves, and the newest Xhloe and Natasha show, Bigfoot Ripped My Dog In Half, I Saw It. My strategy has been to be at the Fringe and hear what everyone is talking about (word of mouth IS everything), but other shows on my radar are: Britney: Holy Mackerel!, Crying At My Podiatrist, and The Sound Within with Eisenberg and Stern.

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EdFringe Talk: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“This will be my 14th consecutive year going to Ed Fringe. It’s now labelled simply in my diary as “Ed,” which I like because it does kind of feel like an old friend.”

WHO: Ali James

WHAT: “The Olivier Award-winning West End smash hit and Fringe favourite is back! The Showstoppers improvise a hilarious new musical every show, totally inspired by audience suggestions, in ‘the funniest improv on the Fringe’ (BroadwayBaby.com). The mind-blowing, must-see phenomenon where it’s opening night of the hottest musical in town… every night! With over 1,500 hilarious made-up musicals to their name, The Showstoppers never perform the same show twice. ‘So polished, it defies belief’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘A consistent audience favorite for a reason.’ ***** (Playbill). ‘Achingly funny… worth seeing again and again.’ ***** (Time Out).”

WHERE: Grand at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 17:20 (70 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this will be my 14th consecutive year going to Ed Fringe. It’s now labelled simply in my diary as “Ed,” which I like because it does kind of feel like an old friend.

In fact, Ed is a great pal; I’ve had some of the best experiences of my career and indeed life directing, performing, spectating and, yes, partying over the years with Ed. The sheer variety of Ed’s interests really keeps me guessing and broadening my horizons as to what I enjoy. From Peter Pan inspired club nights where we refused to grow up to masked theatre shows exploring thought provoking themes like mental health as we age, the programme is FULL.

At the same time, I know what I’m in for and nowadays know when me and Ed need our downtime. Did you know there is a little garden down the ramp next to the Pleasance Grand entrance? Hardly anyone knows about it and Ed and I often enjoy an iced tea and plan your next exploit there with the all encompassing Fringe Guide. Or maybe grab yourself a healthy smoothie at Hula on the Grass Market and catch up on the latest hot goss (either from reviews or word of mouth). Carving out these little pockets of time together is essential for maximum friendship benefit.

Like all great friends, Ed listens well. When things aren’t as good as they could be the Ed Fringe Society and board members respond, having made it their year round commitment to deliver a festival better than the last every time. And their recommendations (eg 2-4-1 deals and mixed bill shows like Pick of the Fringe) are more often than not bang on, so do take their advice to heart.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’m currently learning to boundary my time more effectively (challenging as a freelance director and performer!) so I can continue to give the absolute best of me to each of my respective projects (three of which will be part of Ed Fringe this year). Fitness, rest and relaxation have to be part of my everyday routine now. I try to take care of my body so I can keep moving dynamically in Showstopper and am constantly thrilled by our artistic developments as a company. Ed’s audiences are very loyal and have helped Showstopper galvanise and grow annually for the last 17 years, for which I’m very grateful.

Tell us about your show.

Showstopper is a 70 minute improvised West End/ Broadway musical. The concept is simple; a theatre writer’s producer calls and asks for a new musical. Out of ideas, they turn to their audience for inspiration. We, the seven strong cast and three strong band spontaneously bring to life the imagined story, choreography and songs celebrating the audiences brilliant suggestions. Produced by Suzanna Rosenthal, Showstopper has been running since its porta cabin inception of 2008 inspired by the work of British theatre director Ken Campbell. We tour the UK year round and occasionally have stints abroad too. We’ll be back in the autumn in lots of UK cities and continuing our London West End residency at the stunning Cambridge Theatre.

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

I will always suggest Austentatious! (An improvised Jane Austen novel that makes me laugh so hard I sometimes cry) and The Bob Ross Effect (also an SRP show) from the mind and heart of legendary Fringe performer Sarah Louise Young where you get to (if you’d like) draw along with Sarah and explore how art can help us all.

So from me and Ed, join us this August for a summer friendship fest like no other!

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EdFringe Talk: Jamie Wolf: Psycho

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve done stand up for almost a decade and have never done an hour almost every night for nearly a month. It’s gonna be a fun crash course.”

WHO: Jamie Wolf

WHAT: “A story about loss, grief and the meaning of life, Psycho should be a slow, plodding, tear-jerker of an hour. Instead, join Jamie as he shares an uproariously funny, heartwarming and life-affirming outlook on tragedy. One of Time Out’s Comics to Watch 2025, Jamie Wolf is a comedian, writer, actor and former opiate user with a penchant for tackling dark and taboo subjects with a dynamic stage presence that not only makes it work, but makes it kill.”

WHERE: Wee Room at Gilded Balloon Tevio (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 21:40 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes and I’m super excited to bring my hour there! I’ve done stand up for almost a decade and have never done an hour almost every night for nearly a month. It’s gonna be a fun crash course. I’ll probably want to quit a few times, too. I’m also pumped to try the food: I’ve heard it’s fantastic.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I have learned over the last few months that roughly a thousand ways of performing certain jokes DOES NOT work. This show is a testament to the fact that I HAVE absorbed these lessons and my show is the leftover parts that worked, over and over, in different environments.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it and Richard Bucknall is producing after coming to see a run of this hour in the States. He’s been absolutely outstanding thus far. Afterwards, I plan to record this hour to pitch it to streamers. When they inevitably pass, I will put it out on my YouTube channel.

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

Watch Sam Morrison’s show!! He’s one of my best friends and truly so talented. Hilarious and unique and a massive inspiration for me. Geoffrey Asmus is also an outstanding US-based comic that absolutely rips. If you want an hour of great jokes, go see him.

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EdFringe Talk: Target Audience

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“After our run, the theatre went into liquidation, and we lost £6.5k… So I suppose the big thing I learned over the past 12 months is that even if you do a really successful show at Edinburgh and get a transfer, you can still lose thousands and thousands of pounds.”

WHO: Dan Bishop

WHAT: “A TV production company gets word from Whitehall that they must adapt their programming to align with the government’s new policy to rapidly prepare the country for war. Panicked, the producers offer writer Tobias an exorbitant amount of money to pen a ‘pro-weapons sitcom’, forcing him to choose between his morals and his mortgage. Comedy play from Dan Bishop, writer of smash hit Brainsluts. Previous praise: ‘Bishop writes so well’ **** (Guardian). ‘Laughs come fast and furious’ **** (Stage). ‘Bishop’s witty play could easily be the pilot for a sitcom’ **** (Times).”

WHERE: Above at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 16:50 (70 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve actually been to quite a few Edinburgh Fringes and this is my second year on the trot. Last year, I brought up my comedy play Brainsluts and as soon as I got home I knew I had to go back. The adrenaline is so addictive. Last year I was performing in the show too, but this year I’m quite glad to be more behind the scenes.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Well, last year we were successful enough at Edinburgh that we managed to secure a London transfer! However, after our run, the theatre went into liquidation, and we lost £6.5k… So I suppose the big thing I learned over the past 12 months is that even if you do a really successful show at Edinburgh and get a transfer, you can still lose thousands and thousands of pounds. But something that awful can’t happen two years in a row… can it?

Tell us about your show.

So, Target Audience is a new comedy play about a TV production company which is owned by a tech company with links to a weapons manufacturer. The producers are then tasked with developing a ‘pro-weapons sitcom’ in an attempt to sanitise the image of the defence sector.

The show was inspired by the current domination of big tech companies who seem to have infiltrated all aspects of our lives, particularly our media landscapes and the military industrial complex. Take Amazon for example, they are simultaneously a huge movie studio whilst also owning a platform that hosts AI software used in drone warfare. I find all of this confusing and weird, so I thought I’d try to make it funny.

The cast is composed of four actors who I just find really, really funny. One of them, Molly Windust, is actually my comedy partner – we do a sketch act together called Mudfish. Our venue, Pleasance, are helping produce the show and we really couldn’t have done it without them. Edinburgh will be the show’s debut, but after Fringe, we’re hoping to tour it around the UK and possibly the world.

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

SEE EVERYTHING! This is a chance to experience many of the plethora of shows of the Fringe in a more accessible and affordable online format. Our wonderful friends The Wardrobe Ensemble are presenting The Great Gatsby which has taken on a digital life after live shows were cancelled in January, and which Tamsin from Popelei happens to also star in. Patricia Gets Ready (for a date with a man that used to hit her) also looks incredible. We were lucky enough to see the brilliant Gobby live and we will certainly be re-watching on the sofa with a bag of popcorn.

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EdFringe Talk: Spin Cycle

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“‘Spin Cycle’ is by lesbians for lesbians (and allies too!). It’s queer, it’s Irish, it’s absurd, and it’s bittersweet- it’s for anyone who has a first love who still spins around in their head.”

WHO: Zofia Zerphy

WHAT: “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets The L Word in this bittersweet, absurdist launderette meet-cute. Eyes lock. Hearts thump. Palms sweat. But something is off. Secrets of the past are whispered, hidden under the thrum of the washing machines – can what’s forgotten be remembered? This OffWestEnd Award-nominated five-star Irish play examines the space between loving someone and not, forgetting and remembering, dirty and clean clothes. A seriously refreshing show on queer love, whirring memory and finding the truth in it all. ***** (AYoungishPerspective.co.uk). Part of the 2026 Culture Ireland Edinburgh Showcase.”

WHERE: Clover at Underbelly, Bristo Square (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 14:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be our first time in Edinburgh with a show, and we are excited to see how the piece develops by performing it every day in August. I love how the city transforms for the fringe, and, as a theatre kid, it is so incredible to see so many people making and enjoying theatre. Unfortunately, there can also be a lot of pressure around the fringe, and I think it’s important to remember that while this is an opportunity to showcase your work and develop it further, it is also a huge celebration of all the work that has brought us to this point, and we plan on doing an equal amount of celebrating and hustling.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing that we have learnt in the past 12 months is PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE. Showing up imperfectly is miles better than not showing up because of fear or wanting it to be ‘right’. Social media and networking are tools that can be used to your advantage and connect you with some amazing people that can bring opportunities or even better – friendships!

We are still figuring out the social media part and sometimes ‘putting yourself out there’ can feel relentless, followed by a wall of rejection. Sometimes it’s just a numbers game and you can’t “be in the right place at the right time” if you don’t try and put yourself in as many places at once.

Tell us about your show.

“Spin Cycle” is by lesbians for lesbians (and allies too!). It’s queer, it’s Irish, it’s absurd, and it’s bittersweet- it’s for anyone who has a first love who still spins around in their head. In typical lesbian fashion, Zofia and Rhiannon, who play Kitt and Noel respectively, are a real-life couple. “Spin Cycle” was written by Zofia, but it was co-created and workshopped by the team in three countries over two years to make it the play it is today. It debuted last year at the Camden Fringe to sold-out audiences and 5-star reviews, and we were incredibly grateful for both the audience and critical response. This was followed by an Off West End award win in April of this year, which has propelled us toward Edinburgh at full speed!

There are endless people along the way who have supported us by showing up, providing rehearsal space, feedback, and fundraising support, and we quite literally could not have made it to Edinburgh without them. As for what’s next, that’s a great question. I guess like any lesbian we’d love a nice theatre to ask us to move in with them- we’ve got our U-Haul ready.

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

Our audience should try and see as many shows as they possibly can at Edinburgh Fringe – it is the richest theatre festival and best opportunity to see any kind of show you can imagine. Our “Can’t Miss List” is ‘Redacted’ by Voloz Collective, ‘Trans People are Awful’ by Ros Watt, and ‘Pitch Play’ by Moya Jane Productions .

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EdFringe Talk: Remember, Remember!

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“When you’re working as a collective of 4 writers, you are constantly having to compromise and adapt because we naturally all have different tastes and processes.”

WHO: Lucy Buncombe

WHAT: “Gather around the bonfire, girlies. You think you know the story of the Gunpowder Plot? You don’t! Get ready for an incredibly misinformed, inaccurate retelling of one of Britain’s most infamous tales of treason. Expect hilarious songs, forbidden love and explosive action in this ridiculously camp new musical by WIT? – four razor-sharp actor-writers from Fringe-favourite comedy show, NewsRevue. ‘If Operation Mincemeat and SIX had a child’ ***** (FairyPoweredProductions.com). Winner of the Glitch Award at the Lambeth Fringe 2025 and the Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Fund 2026.”

WHERE: Queen Dome at Pleasance Dome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 17:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s WIT?’s first time taking a show up to the fringe, however a few of us have gone up in previous years as audiences and performed in other shows. We’re really excited to be heading up to the festival and have the opportunity to share Remember, Remember! with wider audiences and see how the show lands. I think what makes EdFringe so special is the sheer quantity and variety of productions on offer – there’s no place like it.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

As a company we’ve definitely learned more and more about how to adapt and evolve with each iteration of the show. We’ve performed several short runs of Remember, Remember! in various theatres, and each time we’re tweaking and tailoring, and really fine tuning down to the last second so the piece is as strong and as current as it can be. I think when you’re working as a collective of 4 writers, you are constantly having to compromise and adapt because we naturally all have different tastes and processes, so we’ve really learned how to truly collaborate as a team.

Tell us about your show.

Remember, Remember! is a comedy musical about the Gunpowder Plot. It follows the story of Robert Catesby, our unlikely protagonist, who was the true mastermind behind the infamous tale of treason. Audiences can expect hilarious songs, forbidden love and explosive action in our incredibly silly, very camp show. It also features the voice of Sir Stephen Fry as the Narrator!

Our theatre company WIT? first met in 2024, working on NewsRevue together. We started co-writing the show in 2025 and took it to Lambeth Fringe, then to the Old Red Lion for Bonfire night, and then to HullTruck. We are currently co-producing the show with the Pleasance after winning the Charlie Hartill Fund this year, which has opened so many doors in so many ways. After Edinburgh, we are transferring the show to the Pleasance in November – (perfect for Bonfire Night!) and then we’d love to tour it elsewhere.

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

I absolutely love what TheatreGoose are doing and am very excited to watch The Plot that’s on at Summerhall – another show about the Gunpowder Plot! Emma Howlett is fantastic, and actors Sophie and Abby are both beyond brilliant.

I also can’t wait to watch Thermodrama from Love Lock Productions, at Summerhall. Their previous production BLANDY was one of my favourites last year – it was so excellent – and Coco Cottam’s writing is 10/10, so I think this will be equally as exciting. And it’s set in a sauna?!?!

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