Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: #1 Mexican in Estonia

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2025 by

“I am very fortunate because I have experienced the two sides of Edinburgh: both as the world capital of comedy and theatre during August and the cozy big city it is the rest of the year.”

WHO: Ana Falcon

WHAT: “Have you ever dreamed of being #1? Ana Falcon’s high-energy, late-night stand-up dives into her journey of becoming the #1 Mexican in Estonia. Because if you can make it in Eastern Europe, you can make it anywhere! This show premiered to rave reviews at the 2024 Tallinn Fringe: ‘A powerful feat of storytelling and stand-up’ (SourCreamAndDill.com). Ana Falcon, crowned the 2024 Comedy Roast Champion, is a Mexican comedian based in Estonia. She is part of Pussy Jam Comedy, a collective which creates safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people and their friends can enjoy stand-up in English.”

WHERE: Las Vegas at Laughing Horse @ City Cafe (Venue 85) 

WHEN: 23:45 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

As a comedian, yes. As a muggle, no.

I spent a semester studying my MA at Edinburgh back in 2017, and even as a hungry and broke student, I loved the vibes! It reminded me of my Mexican hometown, in the sense that here people work hard, play hard, and laugh even harder.

I came back in 2023 as an EdFringe punter and I was impressed at how different the city is during the festival. It is a Princess Fiona-level of transformation. I am very fortunate because I have experienced the two sides of Edinburgh: both as the world capital of comedy and theatre during August and the cozy big city it is the rest of the year.

What makes EdFringe special is that, in the time and age where everything happens on a screen, it is quite human. You see thousands of people performing at the beat of their own drum, telling their own stories. It is like summer camp for adults. You get to play like a kid again, not to win, but just for the fun of it.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Never order 4-alarm fire hot wings on an empty stomach.

Last year I could not come to Edinburgh, so I did a few shows at the Tallinn Fringe instead. On a particularly busy day, I skipped lunch and met my husband for dinner at a TexMex restaurant. I was craving hot wings, but the only option they had was the 4-alarm fire ones.

I thought I could handle them because I’m Mex-I-can, but I learned a valuable lesson later that night: You might get them in, but getting them out will make you see in technicolor.
I am taking protein bars to the EdFringe this summer to avoid this situation.

Tell us about your show.

‘#1 Mexican in Estonia’ is my first solo stand-up and is all about the human yet impossible aspiration to be number one at something. That goal can easily carry you away, and in my case, it took me all the way to Estonia, a tiny nation sandwiched between Finland (yay!) and Russia (oh no!). In Estonia, sometimes I do feel like the last Mexican on Earth. Especially in mid-December, when temperatures drop to below -10 and the night lasts 16 hours.

I wrote this comedy show last year, and premiered it at the 2024 Tallinn Fringe. The audience’s reaction inspired me to take it abroad, and so far this year I have presented it at FinFringe in Finland and now I look forward to perform it at the EdFringe.

I might take a break after the craziness that is the EdFringe, but I’d love to take this show around the world, including the Fringe festivals in Adelaide and Edmonton

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

If you like showcases, ‘100% C*ntinental’ by Mari Volar and Sharon VS always has the best female performers!

You should definitely see Aleksandr Popov, an Estonian comedian that finds humor in the darkest of places. His ‘Why I stayed’ show is a great example of the twisted quirks of Estonian comedy.

Also, Phil Ellis steals my breath away, literally. Because I had a mild asthma attack after watching him dressed in a catsuit back in 2023 (thanks Fringe flu!).

And I’ve already got my tickets to see Emmanuel Sonubi’s ‘Life After Near Death’ because game recognises game.

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EdFringe Talk: And All That Jazz – a half hour by Gillian Gurganus

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“I’m naturally a huge planner and I want everyone around me to be happy.”

WHO: Gillian Gurganus

WHAT: “A half hour of sharp, witty and glamorous comedic storytelling from gorgeous American comedian, Gillian Gurganus – a triple threat who has definitely never been fired from a job! Come on this journey and witness Gillian looking for her big break… in all the wrong places! She might even sing and dance for you, if you’re lucky.”

WHERE: Just Up The Stairs at Just the Tonic at The Caves (Venue 88) 

WHEN: 14:25 (30 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This IS my first time in Edinburgh! It’s my first time in the UK ever, actually – I went to Spain in 2023 but trust me, that’s a story for another time! I could not be more thrilled to be making my international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe, some of my favorite comedians have done runs at the Fringe – they inspire me to aim higher and higher! I think something that makes an arts festival great is diversity – I think that a lot of times we as artists get in the groove of supporting acts that sound like us, look like us, and think like us. I’m pumped to see shows produced and performed by people from so many different experiences and perspectives at the Fringe!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

2024 was all about rebuilding and reassessing both my short and long term goals – it felt like a time in my life where so many new things were starting! All of those new beginnings made me want to savor being present in the moment and not wishing for time to speed up. I’m naturally a huge planner and I want everyone around me to be happy (Libra sun, Capricorn moon AND rising here!) so sometimes living in the moment can be hard for me, I love to be 18 months ahead of myself! Honestly, preparing for my Edinburgh Fringe run this year has shown me how important it is to balance both savoring the excitement of it all while keeping my eyes on the road ahead, so to speak. Sure, I have goals like “get good reviews, connect with other performers during Fringe” but most of all I just want to enjoy my time, explore Edinburgh, and try vegetarian haggis!

Tell us about your show.

Not only am I the star of And All That Jazz – but I wrote it too! This is my first half-hour solo show, all about my journey to fame and stardom, one horrible, mind-numbing, job at a time. I performed the very first version of the show at my monthly storytelling comedy show, Messy Queens, in 2023, and then a 15 minute version as a part of The PIT’s (The Peoples Improv Theater in Manhattan, NY) Annual SOLOCOM Festival in 2024. I debuted the glamorous half-hour version it is now at Brooklyn Comedy Collective as well last year! Who knows where I’ll take it next – the Gillianaires (my fans!) are everywhere!

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

I love a good plug! After you see my show, you MUST see these 3 shows from my fellow New Yorkers – Bailey Swilley’s Gimme a Sign! Andrea Coleman’s 3 White Guys Named John, and Douglas Widick’s Paperclip. All of these artists are incredible performers with strong comedic timing and the writing chops to back it up! Plus, all of them are certified Gillianaires!

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EdFringe Talk: Barry Ferns: My Seven Years as Lionel Richie

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“I first came in 1995 as a child when I was in the competition “So you Think you’re Funny. I didn’t with the competition – a man called “Lee Mack” did. I wonder what happened to him?”

WHO: Tamsin Hurtado Clarke & Scarlett Plouviez: Performer & Director

WHAT: “A new show from Barry Ferns about being a stand-up comedian since the age of 15, the Edinburgh Fringe, going from being homeless to being offered half a million pounds as a TV presenter and living seven years of your life as the Grammy award-winning artist, Lionel Richie. Nominated for Best New Show at Leicester Comedy Festival, 2025. ‘A marvelous, personal, beautifully constructed and laughter-packed hour’ ***** (ThreeWeeks). **** (Scotsman). **** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Unnecessarily Sadistic’ * (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Just Out Of The Box at Just the Tonic at The Caves (Venue 88) 

WHEN: 18:40 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my 20th time at the Fringe – I first came in 1995 as a child when I was in the competition “So you Think you’re Funny. I didn’t with the competition – a man called “Lee Mack” did.

I wonder what happened to him?

I maik joak of course.

Of the two of us – One of us is a multi millionaire comedy superstar – and one of us is me.

I’ve onlyt ever been up as a “punter:” along when I was 15, 16, 17 adn 18, all the other time I’ve been a performer. But I remember being wow-ed the non-stop-crazyness, of what all these people were doing with their lives. It was so inspiring. It felt like running away to the circus for a week.

A human circus.

Where the animals treat themselves badly.

Of course with so many shows and performances, there is so much on offer that you stop being able to appreciate it any more. Edinburgh is the few places you’ll hear the line “Oh, not ANOTHER sword swallowing Mexican”

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

2024 was a great year for me, and led to this show!

I worked closely with a storyteller called Debs Newbold and it was like going back to performer-school again.

I am also going to much more theatre and music gigs in teh fringe as some of those were highlights last year (Though not Oasis)

I believe more than ever that you should follow your dreams. Of course experts would say, no, don’t follow your dreams. Dreams are expressions of your subconscious, so that is dangerous psychotic behavior. If you follow your dreams you’re insane. My last dream involved hanging outside post offices untying tethered dogs and putting them in taxis. So fair point.

The caution about Edinburgh Festival, is you often only hear about the successes – The Eddie Izzards. History IS written by the winners

(Okay, well I guess it’s written by Historians. And they’re rarely winners. At least not socially. Though of course history won’t record that. 200 years from now academics will be saying “Yes, and apparently Historians were the sex gods of the 21st century”)

So in short – no, I prbably haven’t absorbed the important lessons….

Tell us about your show.

My Show! I am producing it, and I wrote it. I have acting friends who look at Stand Up Comedians and think we are mad for writing and putting on our own shows.

I did take it to another festival this year too – The Leicester Comedy Festival and got nominate for “Best New Show” which was a great delight.

Oh and I really recommend Hastings Comedy Festival too – it’s always great and the organisers Jake and Chris care so much about comedy.

If the festival goes well I hope to take it to Australia in 2026

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

My HOT TIP is Thor Stenhaug. I’ve known him since his first gigs and his show is the funniest I’ve seen this year and he’s worked incredibly hard on it. Really meaningful, moving, funny and charming.

I also recommend Alasdair Beckett King. I’ve done shows with him in the past but his solo shows are enviously well written and enjoyable.

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EdFringe Talk: Doktor Kaboom: UNDER PRESSURE!

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2025 by

“I learned that self harm among young people is on the rise as are most other mental health issues, and there is little to no awareness of it on a national level, anywhere! Families and teachers are generally on their own with no guidance or tools. No one is talking about it, so I decided to.”

WHO: David Epley

WHAT: “Be amazed by the power of pressure – and what it can teach us! Doktor Kaboom’s new show is fit to burst with astonishing live science experiments, stand-up comedy and lessons in empowerment – using the physics of pressure to explore the stresses of real life. Back for a fourth year with brand-new experiments for 2025, don’t miss this spectacular hour of ‘perfect family entertainment’ (POWShowbiz.com). Commissioned by the John F Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington DC. ‘One of the most fun, educational and hilarious family-friendly shows Edinburgh Fringe has ever seen’ ***** (TheatreScotland.co.uk).”

WHERE: Beyond at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 13:40 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my fourth time in Edinburgh and all for the Fringe. I first came in 2022 as a bucket list event, but was immediately hooked! August has become my favorite month of the year. The exceptional confluence of incredible performers and intelligent audiences from all over the world create an incredibly unique event for everyone, every time. I simply cannot get enough of it. There are a few successful imitators around the globe, but none come close to the feel, the excitement, and the pure adventure of Edinburgh. I get to perform for fantastic audiences, see and befriend amazing performers, spend the month in one of the most beautiful cities, and live in a house filled with street performers, comedians, theatre artists, writers, it is pure joy!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I had an idea for a new show, based on some observations I’d made. I was able, since 2024, to put it together and see if it really had the potential I saw. I am fortunate enough to learn that it does. It is adding value to the lives of audience members, creating family memories and discussions.

Tell us about your show.

I write all of my shows, myself. This one is unique in that, while I’ve always included moments of personal empowerment in my performances, this is the first time I’ve decided to specifically take on a single primary topic. Touring after the pandemic shutdowns I came to realize that audiences had subtly changed in their behaviour. Most of my shows around the world are in large theaters with over a thousand students brought in, and I’m alone on stage with no fourth wall. I interact with them directly for the full hour. So, I get a good feel for where they are in that moment. I eventually realized students had been psychologically traumatized by the shutdowns. Looking into it, I learned that self harm among young people is on the rise as are most other mental health issues, and there is little to no awareness of it on a national level, anywhere! Families and teachers are generally on their own with no guidance or tools. No one is talking about it, so I decided to. When I began to work on the show, The Kennedy Center’s Theatre for Young Audiences Program reached out and asked to commission the piece, and we premiered it there last October. For the international premier, I reached out to Suzanna Rosenthal Productions and The Pleasance, for their assistance making it come together here. They are magnificent teams to work with, and I am so grateful to have them on my side!

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

For the whole family, I highly recommend, “Out of the Box” from Darryl J. Carrington. Darryl is a personal friend and I’ve watched him create this show from a few ideas while street performing to a full on award-winner of a show! He is multi-talented, and brilliantly comic. For adults, only, I really cannot impress enough the brilliance of “Fuselage” by Annie Lareau. Full disclosure, she is my wife, but I am in awe of what she has created. Annie was meant to be on Pan Am 103, destroyed over Lockerbie, but couldn’t afford the £75 fee to change her reservation. As a result she sat in her London flat and watched the news of 35 of her friends, along with so many others, having their lives violently destroyed. She does a masterful job with this 3-hander she has written, exploring the event’s effects on her life as well as on the people of Lockerbie. It is a piece of potent theatre about survival and being human in this modern world. See it, but bring tissue.

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EdFringe Talk: Fuselage

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“To bring this piece to the Edinburgh Fringe is not only an artistic milestone—it’s a chance to honor those lives lost, to remember, and to remind. There’s no stage in the world that feels more appropriate for telling this story.”

WHO: Annie Lareau

WHAT: “On the 21st December 1988, a bomb exploded aboard Pan Am 103 over the quiet Scottish town of Lockerbie. Annie Lareau was meant to be on the flight with 35 of her Syracuse University classmates, heading home for Christmas. She was left behind. The lives of a tight-knit group of friends intertwine with the voices of Lockerbie locals in this electric ensemble piece – set against the ticking clock of prophetic nightmares and a terrorist plot. Through youthful buoyancy, debilitating grief, international media scrutiny and self-punishment, Annie’s journey is a poignant tribute to treasuring relationships in an unpredictable world.”

WHERE: Above at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 15:45 (70 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my first time onstage at the Edinburgh Fringe, but certainly not my first time experiencing the festival. I’ve spent the past two summers in the thick of it with my husband, David Epley—better known to Fringe audiences as Doktor Kaboom. Before that, I was immersed in the world of comedy improv festivals, so I’m no stranger to the marathon days, multiple-show schedules, and the electric atmosphere that define a great festival experience.

What makes the Edinburgh Fringe truly special is its sheer scale—it’s the largest arts festival in the world, a place where performers across all disciplines gather to take risks, share stories, and connect with audiences from around the globe. But beyond the numbers and reputation, what makes this Fringe unforgettable for me is that I’ll be bringing a very personal story to a stage that feels intrinsically right for it.

What sets this experience apart from my past festival roles is the gravity of the story we’re telling. Fuselage revisits the tragedy of Pan Am 103, the bombing over Lockerbie that bound Scotland and the United States in shared grief. While in America that event has faded from memory, overshadowed by later tragedies, its echoes are still felt deeply in Scotland. To bring this piece to the Edinburgh Fringe is not only an artistic milestone—it’s a chance to honor those lives lost, to remember, and to remind. There’s no stage in the world that feels more appropriate for telling this story.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Since 2024, I’ve learned a great deal—both by observing others and by preparing for my own debut as a performer at the Fringe. While this is my first time onstage here, I’ve had a front-row seat to the realities of the festival through my husband, David Epley, and many friends who’ve performed in everything from traditional theatres to the street pitches. The lessons are many, and yes—I’m already putting them into practice.

First and foremost: Take care of your body. Twenty-plus consecutive performances are both exciting and intense. Treat hydration, nutrition, and sleep as non-negotiables, not luxuries. It’s about preserving your voice, your focus, and your spirit and so you still have something left to give.

Second: I hope to pace myself. The fringe is overwhelming in the best way, full of brilliant shows and artists I admire. But trying to see it all is a recipe for burnout. I’ve learned to pick a few must-sees while leave space for spontaneity, and sometimes just going home to rest.

Another big takeaway I hope to remember: Edinburgh is not just a backdrop—it’s part of the magic. The city itself is something not to be missed.

Tell us about your show.

Fuselage is a brand-new theatrical work written and performed by myself and two other actors. The play is based on my memoir, which I began writing in 2019 and completed a first draft of in 2021. The story draws from my deeply personal connection to the tragedy of Pan Am Flight 103. As a Syracuse University student set to travel with my friends and classmates from a study abroad program, by a twist of fate, I could not get on the plane. The production explores the aftermath of that moment: survivor’s guilt, the search for meaning, and the voices—both American and Scottish—that were forever altered by the bombing over Lockerbie.

Blending humor, memory, and grief, Fuselage is told through the eyes of a three-person ensemble and features multimedia elements including original sound and lighting design, projections, and movement. The creative team came together over the last six months, assembling a director and designers to help bring the story to life visually and emotionally. Once the script was in strong shape, the team began a series of rehearsals and workshops to develop the piece further.

The production held a limited run of three workshop performances earlier this year in Seattle, giving audiences a first look who also offering crucial feedback that was used to sharpen the storytelling and pacing. Edinburgh Fringe marks the official premiere of Fuselage, and while no post-Fringe tour dates have been confirmed yet, the team is actively exploring future opportunities to bring the play to other stages—particularly in communities with strong ties to the events it portrays.

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

Well, I am a bit bias, but I would encourage anyone to see my husband’s brilliantly fun family show, Doktor Kaboom. Bring your friends, your kids and a joyous heart and learn something along with way.

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EdFringe Talk: Do You Accept These Charges?

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“Edfringe is like this big fantastical wonderland to us over in Los Angeles and I feel like I have a key to a magical kingdom or something.”

WHO: Laurie Magers

WHAT: “A bad boy? Hot. A bad person? Not. It’s Christmas Day and Laurie’s on her way to visit her boyfriend… in prison. A must-see fringe debut from US comedian Laurie Magers (Netflix’s Obliterated, Upright Citizens Brigade) about the time she dated an incarcerated multi-felon. Unapologetically hilarious and unflinchingly honest, Laurie reflects on her real-life relationship with a guy behind bars – from phone sex to prison letters, visitation to vaginal drug smuggling. This true story confronts love addiction, sexuality, abuse, and the complexities of the American prison system. But don’t worry, it’s super funny.”

WHERE: Below at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 15:10 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to the city before and I LOVE it, but I’ve never been during the festival and I’m out of control stoked to be attending as a performer this year. Edfringe is like this big fantastical wonderland to us over in Los Angeles and I feel like I have a key to a magical kingdom or something. I truly can’t wait. I’ve done the Hollywood Fringe Festival as a performer and director, which is the biggest one we have in our country and by all accounts it doesn’t even hold a candle to the intensity of Edfringe. I’m ready and raring to go.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned that I need rest. I’m so used to going a million miles a minute and saying yes to everyone and everything that comes my way. I love walking down all paths and leaving no stone unturned. I most certainly have not absorbed this lesson yet. I still suffer from FOMO more than anyone I know, and have a really tough time taking a break.

Tell us about your show.

My show is about the time I dated a guy in prison. It’s a truly wild story and the show is a wild ride. It’s non-stop emotional whiplash and is as funny as it is heavy. I wrote it, and I’m producing it with Suzanna Rosenthal Productions who was recommended to me by my publicist as well as a couple friends. I had a limited run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and I plan to take the show to New York, London, and anywhere else that will have me!

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

They should see Heavenly Baba from Ismael Loutfi. Just like my show, it’s also an unbelievable but true story from his life that is poignant and funny. His experience is uniquely Floridian and Muslim. I haven’t heard a story like his. They should also see One Man John Wick from Woody Fu because it is silly and fun and insanely well done. And who doesn’t love John Wick? Finally everyone should go watch Murder, Oops! from Molly Sharpe. It is the most unhinged solo play I have ever seen and I mean that as the highest compliment. I nearly cried from laughing every minute of watching that train roll off its tracks.

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EdFringe Talk: When We Were Young

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“We also learnt how expensive parking is in Edinburgh , but we got a lovely wee space using JUSTPARK that will make the travel to and from Edinburgh every day less expensive.”

WHO: Liam Lambie

WHAT: “This five-star production tells a powerful and hilarious story about the realities of gang culture and young team mentality in Glasgow during the 90s, as we follow the lives of one of the many young teams who polluted the streets of the city during a time it was known as The Murder Capital of Europe. This heartbreaking story is both a hilarious and eye-opening look back to 90s Glasgow and the notorious postcode wars.”

WHERE: Space 3 at theSpace on the Mile (Venue 39) 

WHEN: Varies (55 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Although I am a regular visitor to the festival this is my first year bringing a production – it’s been scary , it’s been daunting but it is so exciting.

Knowing that a production myself and the team have worked so hard on is going to be seen at thee biggest arts festival in the world is AMAZING!

We have all put our blood , sweat and tears into making this happen, endless hours of fundraising and promotion but it is so worth it to be part of something so incredible.
I always get excited about fringe season coming up but this year knowing we will have a show playing part of it makes it even more exciting! I can’t wait to get into Edinburgh and get started!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Whilst visiting the fringe 2024 myself and partner Ross decided we HAD to bring WHEN WE WERE YOUNG to the festival for 2025 . It was scary however after speaking to several other producers and performers we learnt it’s all about taking that plunge and #DaretoDiscover just how amazing the outcome can be and that’s exactly what we done; we let go of any reservations we had and threw ourselves into it whole heartedly. Although as we get closer to the festival the main thing we are all feeling now is excitement.

We also learnt how expensive parking is in Edinburgh , but we got a lovely wee space using JUSTPARK that will make the travel to and from Edinburgh every day less expensive.

Tell us about your show.

I am the writer of WHEN WE WERE YOUNG and myself and my partner are producing it with our company Geez a Break Productions!

The show tells the story of one of the many Young Teams who polluted the streets of Glasgow during a time the city was named ‘The Murder Capital of Europe’ – the show tells a tale of Friendship, survival and stolen youth as the group struggle to navigate the harsh realities of growing up the poverty stricken schemes of the city.

Although set in Glasgow during the 90s the themes and issues the play tackles is just as relevant in today’s society ; The show is main aim is to raise awareness of youth violence and the Knife Crime Epidemic that we are currently facing in the UK

The show has toured all over Scotland and Northern England since its initial tour in 2023 and has gained public and critical acclaim every where it went.
After the fringe we are delighted to be bringing the production to the iconic PAVILION THEATRE in Glasgow this October (for the third time due to demand).

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

If you are looking to catch another show after seeing WHEN WE WERE YOUNG we would recommend seeing THE WEE MAN- Mr and Mrs at the stand comedy Club. We caught the show when it was on this year at the GICF.

The play is performed by Neil Bratchpiece as the Wee Man and the very talented Dionne Frati as his wife. Dionne just so happens to also be a cast member in When We Were Young.

I think if you enjoy our show you will like The Wee Man too, it’s centered around the same topic , life in the schemes of Scotland and firmly shines a spotlight on a group of society who are often neglected in main stream theatre.

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EdFringe Talk: Jess Robinson: Your Song

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“This year feels extra special because my show is joyful, unfiltered, and full of music I adore.”

WHO: Jess Robinson

WHAT: “Elton John’s greatest hits are reimagined by multi award-winning Jess Robinson (Dead Ringers, The Last Leg), renowned for her pitch-perfect impressions. Celebrating Elton through the voices of iconic women: Britney, Barbra, Amy, and more. ***** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). ***** (Edinburgh Evening News). **** (Chortle.co.uk). ‘It’s like a mega concert with all your favourite stars’ (ITV). ‘Naturally funny, pitch perfect’ (Telegraph). ‘Slick impressions, super powered ballads’ (Guardian). ‘A star is born’ (Metro).”

WHERE: Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens (Venue 3) 

WHEN: 18:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been doing the Fringe since 2013, but I’ve been coming even longer — first as a kid, then as a teenager with my friends when we could just about afford a hotel and would cram in 21 shows in three days. Things have changed a bit since then.

What makes a great festival for me is the sheer variety, the atmosphere, and that buzz when you see something properly brilliant and unexpected.

This year feels extra special because my show is joyful, unfiltered, and full of music I adore. I’m not contorting myself into something I think the industry wants to see — I’m giving them something I love performing. And that feels like a mini-festival win already.

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 joy. For years I twisted myself into knots trying to make the “right” kind of show — the one I thought the industry wanted to see, something clever or edgy or showcase-y enough to tick all the boxes.

But this year, I’ve done something different. I’ve made a show that I’m genuinely, wildly proud of — not because it’s trying to impress anyone, but because it’s fun. It’s full of music I love, impressions I enjoy doing, and it celebrates everything I find joyful and ridiculous and fabulous. And in doing that, I think it’s actually the most “me” I’ve ever been on stage.

So yes, I’ve absorbed the lesson — and I’ll hopefully hang onto it beyond August too.

Tell us about your show.

The show is called Jess Robinson: Your Song – Elton Reimagined. It’s a joyful, camp, glitter-soaked celebration of Elton John’s greatest hits, reimagined through the voices of iconic women — living, dead, and occasionally unhinged.

I wrote the show myself, and I’m co-producing it with the wonderful Heather Ruck through her company Topper and Fred. Heather’s been an incredible champion of the work and a total Fringe superhero. . . (She used to programme Assembly)

My musical director and collaborator is the brilliant Matthew Floyd Jones — you might know him as one half of Frisky and Mannish, or as the composer of Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder. Working with him has been a joy: he’s helped bring the show to life musically and comedically, and he’s joining me on stage too (though I’m not allowed to make eye contact with him because I’ll corpse).

We had our first full run at Soho Theatre in London over four nights at the start of July, and it was honestly magical. We had a standing ovation every night, and the response gave me so much confidence that the show really connects with people. We also did some previews in Brighton, and now Edinburgh is the show’s proper festival premiere.

After the Fringe, we’re planning a wider tour, more London dates, and hopefully some fabulous international bookings too!

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

Trygve Wakenshaw, because he’s a rubber-limbed genius and watching him feels like stepping into a cartoon drawn by Salvador Dalí.

Jessica Fostekew, because she’s razor-sharp, hilarious and full of heart.

Robin Morgan, because he’s as warm as he is witty — and ridiculously clever with a callback.

Elf Lyons – The Bird Trilogy She’s doing three shows (Swan, ChiffChaff, Raven) at Pleasance Dome… A truly boundary-pushing performer who won Best Show in 2024.

Abbie Murphy – Garage Girl (WIP).

A love letter to UK Garage, full of energy and nostalgia. She’s magnetic, fearless, and incredibly brilliant in this work-in-progress.

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EdFringe Talk: The Anti “Yogi”

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2025 by

“I’ve had to really trust my intuition, even while working with collaborators who may have more experience.”

WHO: Mayuri Bhandari

WHAT: “Are you worthy of the Goddess’s blessings? Or her wrath? Join Mayuri Bhandari and Kali, the Goddess of Death every day as they navigate the absurdities of Western Yoga culture. Liberation, not Lululemon! This award-winning Hollywood Fringe show blends dance, drama, comedy, poetry and live percussion by renowned musician Neel Agrawal. Mayuri gives voice to the true ethos of yoga, weaving together cultural appropriation, decolonisation and community. Come peel back the yoga mat and join the revolution! PS: You don’t need to know anything about yoga to see this show!”

WHERE: Jade Studio at Greenside @ George Street (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 12:40 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my first time at the Edinburgh Fringe—and honestly, I couldn’t be more excited. I visited Edinburgh once, many years ago, but coming here as an artist for the Fringe will be an entirely different experience. There’s something about this festival that feels almost mythical. I’ve heard so many stories—about the artists, the energy, the chaos, the breakthroughs, the opportunities. It’s the mecca of theatre festivals- so to speak- a rite of passage for so many performers. It’s where solo shows I really admire, like Fleabag and Baby Reindeer, first took off. And now, I finally get to be part of it.

What makes this even more special is that there are a lot of firsts: performing, producing, and bringing my first solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time. I premiered THE ANTI “YOGI” at Hollywood Fringe last year—it was my debut as a writer, performer, and producer—and I was really touched by the response. While it’s a one-woman show, I’m definitely not doing it alone. I’m so grateful for the incredible folks helping bring this piece to life—my brilliant percussionist Neel Agrawal, my visionary co-directors and co-dramaturgs Shyamala Moorty and D’Lo, my producers (Mike and Nigel at Fringe Management), Syona Varty, Rena Patel, and my social media team: Trish Hosein and Amie from Fringe Management. It truly takes a village.

I didn’t get the chance to go to theatre school, but I’ve always been a performer from a very young age—I was that kid putting on spontaneous plays, making up poetry on the spot, and belting out and reenacting every Disney sing-along in the living room. So in a way, this moment feels like I’m reconnecting with my inner child, but from a place of awe and wonder as an adult.

Last year, Hollywood Fringe had around 400 shows. Edinburgh is nearly 7 times that. The sheer scale alone is mind-blowing. I’m excited (and a little nervous) for the challenge—the stamina it’ll take, the intensity, and the rush of being surrounded by artists from all over the world, each telling bold, edgy, deeply personal stories. I can’t wait to share my work with international audiences, witness and connect with other artists, and see what journey lies in store.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Set a deadline, and just focus on the work, not the outcomes—the rest will come. That has rang true for me. If I’m truly committed, I can trust the process. Because I put so much in, I’ve been able to actually enjoy performing and be present. I’ve also learned to give myself grace along the way.

Since 2024, I’ve really started to understand the importance of holding space for both the artistry and the business. It’s called the entertainment business. I’ve had to learn how to promote the show, especially by connecting one-on-one with people in a real way. I found that social media can be an advantageous tool – to have the show reach and connect with so many international audiences. And that’s been powerful—because this solo show isn’t just about me. It’s about practices and issues much bigger than I.

I’ve also learned to invest in myself—not only financially (this was the first time I ever put this amount of money in my own work- but who will believe in me more than myself?), but also emotionally and creatively. I’ve had to really trust my intuition, even while working with collaborators who may have more experience. I absolutely take advice, but I’ve learned to hold on to the parts of the work I feel deeply connected to—because no one else will see the show exactly the way I do.

One surprise? The admin work never ends—and it only grows as the show grows. Figuring out how to expand the team has been both exciting and challenging. I’m very intentional about who I bring into the process, and having a team that truly believes in the purpose of the show makes a huge difference.

And then there’s the voice—literally. I’m learning how to bring together my activism and my artistry so they’re not separate—but part of the same, evolving conversation.

Tell us about your show.

The Anti “Yogi”: Liberation, Not Lululemon is a theatrical critique of Westernized yoga culture, told through the lens of an Indian American artist and yoga professor—me. As someone from the very culture yoga originates in, I explore what it means to be a minority in a practice deeply rooted in my heritage, yet often distorted, exploited, and commodified in the West.

The show dives into themes of cultural appropriation, identity, decolonization, and the erasure of South Asian voices. A “yogi” isn’t someone in Lululemon doing hot yoga—it’s someone who renounces worldly life in pursuit of truth. What we often see today is the exact opposite. I wanted to create work that doesn’t just talk about these issues like a lecture, but allows people to feel them— it resonates differently.

Even though I teach these topics at the university level, I realized I needed to express them through my art. This show brings together all the forms I love—live sound, rhythm, movement, visual poetry, and character work. It’s deeply personal, but it’s not just about me. I created it for everyone—but especially for South Asians and people of color to feel seen, to connect, and to reflect on the erasure of our own histories.

I wrote, performed, and originally produced the show at Hollywood Fringe 2024, where it premiered to wonderful reviews. Now I’m working with Fringe Management to bring it to Edinburgh, alongside an incredible team: my co-directors and dramaturgs Shyamala Moorty and D’Lo (who inspired me with To T or Not to T), and percussionist Neel Agrawal, who joined close to showtime but elevated the piece with his live instrumentation—he plays 9–10 Indian and Western percussion instruments and truly raises the frequency of the show. (There are so many more beautiful collaborators who make this possible.)

Jessica Johnson supported the early development, which led to my connection with Fringe Management (Mike, Nigel, David, Amie), and later with producers Syona Varty and Rena Patel. Incredible Trish Hosein handles our social media, and I’m excited to work with our tech lead, Alexei Veprentev.

After Edinburgh, I intend to take the show to Adelaide Fringe and New Zealand, followed by a wider international tour—across the U.S., and hopefully U.K., India, Canada, Europe, and South America. People have reached out from all over via social media asking to bring the show to their cities, and I’d love to make that a reality!

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

There are so many shows I want to check out—but I’d like to give a shout out to the ones coming from here in LA! I’m genuinely excited to see these myself and support my fellow creatives:
Alongside our show at Greenside, we’ve got some kind peeps doing a double whammy of two shows each!

Olivia Raine Atwood is performing in Faking It, a true-to-life comedy about her classified mission evaluating NYC hospitals, and Oops, a hilarious piece about professional matchmaking. Also at Greenside is Soness Stevens, bringing two very different shows: Bigger in Japan, a solo stand-up storytelling piece about finding fame abroad, and Anime-Zing!, a game show where voice actors dub anime clips live on stage!

Another show from our Hollywood Fringe crew is There’s Something Seriously Wrong with Cyrus by Cyrus Deboo—a one-man show about an Indian-Persian gay man navigating the complexities of his identity. Outside of the LA circle, I came across Kanpur: 1857—based on Indian historical events. It’s a new play by Niall Moorjani that comically satirizes contemporary conflicts around gender, colonial violence, and making art in times of crisis.

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EdFringe Talk: Josh Elton: Away With The Fairies

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2025 by

“I no longer need to get sports injuries by playing sports. I but my back out recently by having sex – in a dream.”

WHO: Josh Elton

WHAT: “Josh Elton’s brand of barnstorming comedy is the perfect show to start the day. Razor-sharp jokes, unshakeable confidence and an award-winning comedy mind. A Welshman, a Jew and a damn fine comedian, Josh Elton takes a sidewise look at life, the universe and why Swansea is a bit rough. ‘Rocks every show’ (Ignacio Lopez). ‘Really really funny’ (David Baddiel). Winner: Welsh Unsigned Stand-Up Award.”

WHERE: Hoot 4 at Hoots @ The Apex (Venue 108) 

WHEN: 20:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

The Fringe is like Mecca for attention seekers and I am making the holy pilgammage for the fourth time. This is my debut year! That’s industry jargon for the first full hour you do. Which means I’m throwing everything at it. I’m. doing my best stuff, at a good time for comedy (8Pm) in an air-conditioned room (thank God), the show is looking great. It makes it so much easier when you haven’t walked 20,000 steps hungover at midday, trying to convince someone to come see your show in a dilapidated phonebooth with a rickety mic stand.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

That is the year I left the 18-34 bracket. The lesson I’ve learned is that I no longer need to get sports injuries by playing sports. I but my back out recently by having sex – in a dream. Nowadays if my friend says “smell my fingers” it means he has new moisturiser. I’ve become a tax paying adult. Which is disgusting. To be honest I’ve spent the year for the first time as a full time comic, which involves driving, driving, doing jokes, driving and driving. I’m basically a long haul trucker, who delivers punchlines, eats out of a thermos and drives 4 hours home. That’s why I’ve cannibalised my life story for this show.

Tell us about your show.

This show is the story of my life. A story of bullies meet boy, boy meets puddle… comedian origin story, then a big chunk of 2017 with nightmare gigs, the world’s most embarrassing car crash, being humiliated on BBC News and a very silly life saving event starring fairies. I wrote it all with a pen, a dream and mountain of credit card debt. My good friend Ignacio Lopez (of Live at the Appollo and HIGNFY fame) is producing the show which has been AMAZING.

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

Ignacio Lopez is producing my show but he’s also previewing a work in progress called Nada. I’ve been lucky to see him work up new stuff. It’s taught me a work ethic that if people turn up to your show it doesn’t matter if it says “work in progress” on the ticket, they paid to see you, you’d better be funny. He’s also producing Steffan Alun: Stand Up, which the debut of a friend of mine, who has been a stalwart in the Welsh comedy scene for years. Both of these guys totally big brothered me (by which I mean mentored, not installed telescreens to spy on my house). If you like me, you should go see them.

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