Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: Thunderstruck

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“It still makes me nervous going against some of the biggest theatre companies in the world but the Fringe has that wonderful knack of finding those gems that don’t necessarily have this biggest budgets.”

WHO: David Colvin

WHAT: “The Herald Angel Award-winning smash hit of modern Scottish theatre returns to the Fringe for a fifth successive year. The tragic, comic and epic tale of the greatest bagpiper that ever lived, a Pitlochry bin man who rocked tradition, flew beyond the summit of his art and changed Scottish music forever. Whatever notions you have of bagpipes, leave them at the door. ‘A stunning, staggering piece of modern Scottish folk theatre’ ***** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). ‘Elucidating, charming and rip-roaringly inspirational’ ***** (TheQR.co.uk).”

WHERE: Scottish Storytelling Centre – Netherbow Theatre (Venue 30) 

WHEN: 18:45 (80 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my 13th Edinburgh Fringe and Thunderstruck’s 5th successive Edinburgh Fringe. In previous years I’ve performed in the Fringe with my university drama group, The National Theatre of Scotland, an Ozzy Singing group, a Welsh children’s musical, a show about builders, a legendary Scottish theatre company and now with my own play and I can honestly say it is still a great pleasure and honour to perform at the Fringe. I still love it, it still makes me nervous going against some of the biggest theatre companies in the world but the Fringe has that wonderful knack of finding those gems that don’t necessarily have this biggest budgets. Nothing compares to being here as a performer, to feel part of the artistic community that makes the Edinburgh Fringe the biggest and best in the world.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I have to keep reminding myself that the Edinburgh Fringe is a marathon not a sprint. You get nothing for free and the fringe doesn’t care how many followers you have on social media. At some point in week 2 there will organically be a bunch of shows that the fringe deems unmissable and it’s not always the ones everyone expects.

Engaging with people whilst flyering is so much more effective than just handing out as many fliers as possible. Talk to people!

Never get complacent, they’ll always be a bunch of performers working harder than you are in an attempt to convince the same audience’s to come see them.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote Thunderstruck in 2017 and since then it has taken me on a roller coaster adventure. It started it’s life playing Folk music festivals in Glasgow, was booked by the Fringe in 2019 won a bunch of awards and in the subsequent years went to Australia (won more awards), went on an 18 date Scottish tour and is returning to the Fringe for a 5th season. We’re working on where Thunderstruck goes next, if I’ve learned anything it’s that sometimes, Thunderstruck has told me what we’re doing next.

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

“Death Becomes us” at Space venue, surgeons hall. Written by and starring the wonderful Hannah Whittingham. She’s self producing and going for it with 22 shows and knowing her as I do, I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.

Everything at the Scottish Storytelling centre, it is a diamond venue and they work hard to bring great established work as well as give storytellers their big chance. In that venue I’d recommend anything with Niall Moorjani as well as The Loud Poets (No 1 poetry show!), The Young Edinburgh Storytellers are back and Hero/Banlaoch by Sinead O’Brien, I saw her show last year and it blew me away, no doubts she’ll do it again.

Finally, finally Ruben Kaye is the Emperor of Cabaret and being naughty while Baby Wants Candy are the unparalleled kings and queens of improv.

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EdFringe Talk: Sing, Sign and Sensory

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“There really is something for everybody, and this year there is our gorgeous show for the very youngest fringe goers, babies aged 0 – 24 months and their families and caregivers.”

WHO: Sara Jackson

WHAT: “Sing, Sign and Sensory offers sensory-based performance workshops tailored to infants between 0-24 months. They are first of their kind and offer an immersive, creative experience in customised, inflatable sensory pods. Each session has an engaging narrative, songs to singalong with and visually captivating animations. The pods are equipped with projectors, fans, textured objects and pleasant aromas to make for an enriching sensory journey. Funded by Lottery Funded Arts Council England and Little Lives UK.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Other Yin (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 10:15, 11:00 (30 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is the first time Effectus Theatre has visited the Fringe. However, Sara has been a frequent performer at the Fringe for many years.

We love the unique experience of the Edinburgh Fringe festival, there is nothing and nowhere else like it in the world.

There really is something for everybody, and this year there is our gorgeous show for the very youngest fringe goers, babies aged 0 – 24 months and their families and caregivers.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We were not at the Fringe in 2023. But over the last year, we have gone on a big learning curve as a company. We are still waiting to absorb it all and see our festival visit become real.

Tell us about your show.

Sing, Sign & Sensory offers sensory-based performance workshops tailored to infants between 0-24 months.

They are a first-of-their-kind and offer an immersive, creative experience in customised, inflatable sensory pods.

Each session has an engaging narrative, songs to sing along to, and visually captivating animations. The pods are equipped with projectors, fans, textured objects, and pleasant aromas to make for an enriching sensory journey.

Our interactive experience will captivate your little ones, taking them on a magical journey they’ll never forget.

Immerse your baby in a morning of adventure as we explore the mysteries of the ocean together, play with the jungle animals, or journey into outer space. Through singing, signing, and sensory play, we’ll stimulate their senses and ignite their curiosity.

With Sing, Sign and Sensory, your little one will develop important communication skills while having an absolute blast.

Devised and performed by Sara Jackson or babies aged 0 – 24 months. Sing, Sign and Sensory has been enchanting babies across the UK since 2023. It sold out at the Brighton Fringe and has received a prestigious Keeping It Fringe Award to visit the Edinburgh Festival this year.

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

We love The Amazing Mr Bubble Man. He is such a crucial part of the children’s Edinburgh experience. We go see him every year. He once turned our son into a steam train. He’s wonderful!

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EdFringe Talk: Body, Pauline Eyre

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“I bloody love Edinburgh!”

WHO: Pauline Eyre

WHAT: “Menopause: the comedy gift that keeps on giving. Until it’s over. Then what? She’s had it all her life and finally, comedian Pauline Eyre is ready to celebrate her body. It’s quite challenging, learning to love yourself, isn’t it? But if you don’t do it now, when will you? ‘A comedy show about what it means to be a woman in your fifties learning to live… with some of the most special and perhaps horrifying experiences of life. Her humour is extraordinarily infectious… you will have a lot of fun’ (BritishTheatre.com).”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at Cabaret Voltaire – Just the Common Room (Venue 338) 

WHEN: 12:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my first full run with a solo show, but I brought split shows with other comedians in 2018 (Better) & 2019 (Buffering, sold out!) & this show (Body) as a WIP for 5 days in 2023
EdFringe is special because of the cobbles & the venues & the people & the buzz & the comedians & the ice cream on Grassmarket & the pipers driving you nuts on Waverley Bridge & the castle looking glorious. I bloody love Edinburgh!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Last year my venue was slightly north of Aberdeen (this may be a slight exaggeration). I wasn’t making that mistake again and am now nestled in the centre of everything at Cabaret Voltaire
I also learned that ice cream every day was a VERY good idea and I shall be building on that important lesson this year.

Tell us about your show.

This is a solo stand-up comedy show – I wrote it & perform it & it’s directed by the incredible Ben Vandervelde. It’s also played comedy fringes in London, Cambridge, Glasgow, Harwich, Manchester, Colchester, Hull, (breathe!) Swansea, Telford, Birmingham, Oxford, Nottingham, Bristol, Bath… er that’s it.

After Edinburgh I will be collapsing in a heap on the floor. I will then think about where to take

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

Two hours after my show ends you can see Louise Leigh Distracted (say it out loud for an extra joke) – if you like my Body, you’ll love hers! Same room, Cabaret Voltaire, 3.30.

Rachel Creeger: Ultimate Jewish Mother is at Whistlebinkies at 1.30 – she’ll make you soup and give you sage advice.

Grace Mulvey: Tall Baby, 7.05pm, Assembly Roxy – glorious Irish Catholic nonsense form a brilliant & hilarious new voice.

And Lauren Pattison puts on her Big Girl Pants 1t 1pm, Monkey Barrel 1. I’ve seen this in preview and once again, Pattison brings it home – she’s bloody wonderful.

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EdFringe Talk: A Jaffa Cake Musical

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“The vibe at the Fringe is just unparalleled, audiences are up for a good time before they’ve even found their seats, which makes staging comedy musicals an absolute joy. I don’t think I could stop going if I tried.”

WHO: Sam Cochrane

WHAT: “Time to decide once and for all… cake or biscuit? Inspired by the 1991 tribunal which determined the true identity of a Jaffa Cake, multi-award winning Gigglemug Theatre (Scouts! The Musical, RuneSical, Timpson: The Musical) present a brand-new family-friendly musical comedy that takes the biscuit (or cake…?). Praise for previous productions: ‘Incredible!’ (Bear Grylls); ‘Laugh-a-minute silliness’ (Daily Express); ‘Winning songs’ (Guardian); ‘Blistering wit’ ***** (TheatreWeekly.com); ‘Simply brilliant’ ***** (NorthWestEnd.co.uk); ‘An utter masterpiece’ ***** (BoxOfficeRadio.co.uk); ‘A comedic triumph’ ***** (WestEndEvenings.co.uk); ‘Absolute bangers’ **** (Stage); ‘Genius’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Two (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 15:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our third time at the Fringe as a company, having previously performed there with our shows RuneSical and Timpson: The Musical. The vibe at the Fringe is just unparalleled, audiences are up for a good time before they’ve even found their seats, which makes staging comedy musicals an absolute joy. I don’t think I could stop going if I tried.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The last time we were performing at the Fringe was in 2022, and it was brilliant to be back post-pandemic – I was amazed at how it all looked exactly the way it did a few years before, but I learnt pretty quickly that audiences would take a lot more convincing to embrace the festival after Covid. Thankfully now it seems like the Fringe is livelier than ever, and I have a feeling this year’s will be the best one yet.

Tell us about your show.

A Jaffa Cake Musical is inspired by the infamous 1991 tribunal which saw McVitie’s face off against the Tax Man to prove that a Jaffa Cake is in fact a cake rather than a biscuit. This has been my first time writing a show based on a true story so I finally got to put my History degree to good use and do some hardcore researching! Gigglemug was actually formed by a bunch of Warwick Uni students, we all met doing improvised musicals which is why I think our shows have that signature zaniness which really suits the Fringe. We’re known for creating seriously silly musicals based on existing brands and, after creating shows about Timpson, RuneScape and The Scouts, a musical all about Jaffa Cakes seemed like the only logical next step! We have two preview shows at The Other Palace on 23rd & 24th July; as we did our workshop performances there earlier this year as part of MTFest it will be great to return with the fully staged production!

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

John Tothill’s stand up last year was my favourite show of the Fringe so cannot recommend enough, also Lorna Rose Treen, Ania Magliano, Finlay Christie and of course you’ve got to catch OG Gigglemug Rob Madge in their brilliant show My Son’s a Queer. Not to mention our very own Alex Prescot and Katie Pritchard performing in their solo shows too!

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EdFringe Talk: Harriet Dyer: Skin

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I like them to be proper shows and I don’t mean with pyrotechnics, musical interludes and all that but a proper story, with an arc, to take the audience on a journey with a beginning middle and end… obviously making it well funny too! Some acts disagree with that and think it should just be jokes.”

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

WHAT: “Give us a cheer if you’ve got skin? Well then, this is the show for you! A new show of story-based chaos with heart and peculiarities from acclaimed stand-up Harriet Dyer (Comedy Central Live, Rosie Jones’s Disability Comedy Extravaganza, The Russell Howard Hour and winner of 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Neurodiversity Representation Award). ‘Harriet Dyer is everything I love about the Fringe’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘We shouldn’t underestimate the importance of Harriet Dyer’s show’ ***** (NeurodiverseReview.co.uk). ‘A fabulous hour with a sense of the joyful absurdity of life. Entirely charming’ ***** (One4Review.co.uk).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Coorie (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 15:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve done Edinburgh many times over the years, it can be such a hubby menagerie of creativity!

I love having something like Edinburgh to work towards each year, I enjoy the circuit gigs for the other months but getting to do an hour is so much different from the shorter sets.

Before I did stand-up I always did dramary stuff and I think subconsciously that comes out in how I create my hours. I like them to be proper shows and I don’t mean with pyrotechnics, musical interludes and all that but a proper story, with an arc, to take the audience on a journey with a beginning middle and end… obviously making it well funny too! Some acts disagree with that and think it should just be jokes, no other nonsense but I do that all the other months in the year so it’s nice to wang more creativity out for August.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Edinburgh fringe can be a wonderful place but it can also be a chuffin’ expensive corporate nightmare! It’s like a toxic relationship – Last time I did it for the full month was 2022 and then after that I was like, “NEVER AGAIN” then as it approached in 2023 it was, “Maybe a little bit wouldn’t hurt” so did a week which I enjoyed so much and was deeply saddened that I wasn’t there for the full whack so here I am, back again for the full month this year… Is there a lesson somewhere in that? Probably not.

I always try to have a better show than the last.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called SKIN and I guess the crux of it is about being comfortable in your own skin… but on the path to that I get swept up with massive shoes, women jumping out of bushes, mental illness, addiction, squirrels, baby squids, pensioners with police radios, wrapping heads in sellotape and ‘Chicken Lickin’.

Phil McIntyre Live are producing it, my wonderful agent Andrew Roach at Insanity put us in touch. I’ve been previewing it up and down the country and I hope to take it on a little tour after.

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

Flippin’ Nora there’s so much good stuff at The Fringe this year! I’m a big fan of folk with a unique voice and ‘ere is a comedic gang of those…

Amy Mason: Feemason – Her delivery has me in stitches, this show has one of the best jokes I’ve ever heard in it… and the best hat!

Tom Lawrinson: Buried alive and loving it – Feel like Tom is a bit of a trailblazer, he’s always original, always daft and it’s always a pleasure to watch anything he’s doing.

Lee Kyle and Friend: Not Morning People and Lee Kyle: Throwing Bottles into the sea – King Daft of all the dafts. So silly, does things his way and always kicking something into the sea!

Kieron Flynn and Rachel Baker: Two reds are better than one – Both hilarious but only saw Rachel for the first time a couple of weeks ago, she had me in stitches, she’s one of those people with funny bones and I must be a sucker for a hat in comedy because her hat bit is sooooo funny too!

David Eagle: The Eagle is Candid – Brilliant comedian with accordion who happens to be blind

Best in Class – Showcasing amazing working class acts which is very much needed at the fringe

Marjolein Robertson: 0 – Marjolein is a whimsical comedy goddess, her show last year was so so good so looking forward to this one!

Lauren Stone: Cool for Cats – Also a whimsical goddess with funny bones, looking forward to seeing what she’s rustled up

Allyson June Smith: Little Smith Sunshine – Circuit legend, a joy to be around… Reckon you’ll feel better after being in her company for an hour as I always do!

Louise Leigh: Distracted – Fellow scatterbrain who sort of whirls you up in a ball of laughter!

Andrew White: Young, Gay and a Third Thing – Smart, unique, cutting. I’m always excited to see what he does next.

Fiona Ridgewell: Believable – Another person that is just great to watch over an hour (in a show,) she’s just really fun and that shows in her shows.

Joe Wells: Daddy Autism – Joe is very hilarious and wise and I feel more funny of knowledge and laughter after I’ve watched him

Aaron Twitchen: Himbo – His confidence and joy is infectious

Alison Spittle: New Stuff WIP – Her stories have me in stitches

George Zacharopoulos: 2024 Greek Comedian of the year, Greek in the sheets and 50/50 – Such a good joke writer, his shows are always very funny.

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EdFringe Talk: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I love inventive and creative theatre and this was done with such enthusiasm I enjoyed it every time and can remember it vividly at a distance of over 40 years.”

WHO: Adrian Palmer

WHAT: “I never met a man I so disliked and yet I can’t describe him. A fusion of storytelling and a one-person show. An intense hour-long dramatic narrative, adapted and performed by Adrian Palmer in a version as close as possible to the timeless literary masterpiece of Edinburgh’s own Robert Louis Stevenson. The original Victorian melodrama of Gothic suspense and horror on the nature of evil and the hypocrisy of a male dominated society. ‘An expressively superb Adrian Palmer held the audience spellbound.’ (Southern Daily Echo).”

WHERE: Paradise in Augustines – The Snug (Venue 117) 

WHEN: VARIES (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe on two previous occasions. First in 1980 in a production of Harold Pinter’s – The Caretaker and then in 2016 in an adaptation of Franz Kafka’s – The Trial. It’s a really special experience. Fringe audiences tend to be knowledgeable about and interested in theatre and very supportive.

It’s a great experience as either a punter or performer. Memories of my first visit include dancing drunkenly with a group of friends on top of a phone box and going to see again and again a performance by Loughborough University students of a devised piece called E=MC2. Looking back it was what people call ‘A level drama’ but I’m a sucker for that type of thing. I love inventive and creative theatre and this was done with such enthusiasm I enjoyed it every time and can remember it vividly at a distance of over 40 years.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I wasn’t at the Fringe in 2023 but I have learnt over the years I have been performing my own adaptations and writing that it’s very satisfying to think small. My venue which is The Snug in Paradise in Augustine’s seats 35 people when full – which I hope it will be – and my performances are at lunchtime. There’s not a lot of technical wizardry, just me acting my little socks off and I hope my two pieces will appeal to audiences looking for something intimate, thought provoking and entertaining in the middle of the day.

Tell us about your show.

It’s two storytelling adaptations of great pieces of literature from the nineteenth century.

It’s more or less a one person venture for me but with a lot of personal support from friends. I run the company, devise the shows and manage myself. I don’t always do what I tell myself to do though. My friends have supported me in getting venues for my performances and helping me sell the tickets and running the shows and doing the marketing.

I have performed Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde many times. I had a week long run at The Theatre Anglais in Southern France and the performances really helped to develop the show and get it running smoothly. I have also performed it at a number of small scale venues – in a church in Wilmslow, in a restaurant in Stockport and online in aid of Macmillan cancer research.

My first performance of this incarnation of The Three Strangers will be a preview at Feed General Store in Heaton Chapel, Manchester on 27th June 2024. I haven’t got any performances booked in after August for either show yet but hoping to get some through my presence at The Edinburgh Fringe this year. There’s a lot of work goes into developing the work and once it’s done I keep it in my repertoire. I would love to take either of them abroad and am looking at International Festival opportunities.

My next big project will be a revival of my own adaptation of A Christmas Carol in December which is on the back burner at the moment but I am looking for a characterful Victorian restaurant or church, probably in the Manchester area where I can put on a ten day or two week run just before Christmas.

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

Talk to people you meet – Edinburgh is a very friendly city – they will tell you what is good and they will probably be right.

The big buzz when I went to the Fringe in 2016 was ‘Counting Sheep’ a Ukrainian immersive piece of folk opera and multi media which was great. The audience ate at a wedding, danced, stoned the police, wept at a funeral and finally joined the army. A Great Show. And how prophetic it proved to be.

Go small, take a chance, see as many shows as you can. Sometimes the big and hyped shows disappoint but the small stuff will blow you away.

I will definitely be planning to see shows that are working in a similar field to my own – literary adaptations, storytelling, one person shows. The following browse through the programme look interesting for a start but I will be wandering about and trying to see as many varied things as possible.

Shows I will be seeing:

• Under Milk Wood
• Don Quixote
• Sherlock Holmes – The Last Act
• One Man Poe
• A Montage of Monet
• Gulliver’s Travels

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EdFringe Talk: My Mother Doesn’t Know I’m Kinky

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“During the pandemic, I felt a strong yearning to pick up the material again. My relationship with my mother has evolved and so have I.”

WHO: Jean Franzblau

WHAT: “A sexy story filled with drama and comedy, love and lust. Jean’s mom liked her new boyfriend and was disappointed when the two broke up. As close as she is to her mother, Jean can’t bring herself to explain the reason: She’d have to reveal that she’s a very kinky girl. She explores the early childhood hints that she was wired differently and shares her bumpy, awkwardly arousing journey towards self-acceptance. Ultimately, mama gets an earful. Featured on Playboy Radio and selected Top Ten in LA by Stage Raw. ‘Beautifully written; perfectly balanced’ (NoHoArtsDistrict.com).”

WHERE: theSpace @ Niddry St – Lower Theatre (Venue 9) 

WHEN: 22:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I felt drawn to EdFringe like a magnet this year. I’m actually not typically someone who takes huge financial risks and flies halfway across the world. But that’s what I’m doing. What kind of spell has the EdFringe put on me! I can’t wait to be immersed in the diverse, creative environment and am honored that I get to be a part of it. Watch out EdFringe, here comes my kinky show!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My mission is to shift the culture to a more compassionate world – whether it’s as a consent expert at universities, an intimacy professional for TV, film and theatre, a teacher of cuddle therapy, or the performer of “My Mother Doesn’t Know I’m Kinky.” In 2023, I got this gut feeling that now is not the time to hold back. Whatever my gift is to the world, I need to give it now. My show is the best I have to offer distilled down to a whiskey shot of love. I’m bringing myself right to your doorstep to deliver it. Meet me there!

Tell us about your show.

My Mother Doesn’t Know I’m Kinky is an award-winning sexy story filled with drama and comedy, love and lust. It’s written by Jean Franzblau (that’s me) and is produced by Fringe Management. The show used to be called Coming Out Kinky. It was developed and directed by Karen Aschenbach and performed in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco.

During the pandemic, I felt a strong yearning to pick up the material again. My relationship with my mother has evolved and so have I. This resulted in a cascade of re-writes and creative activity for the past 22 months. The show is funnier, deeper and sexier than ever. The production is making its European premiere at EdFringe and is available to tour after.

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

I’m excited to see Toni Nagy’s Grape Culture and Ben Kassoy’s The Funny Thing About a Panic Attack. I’ve seen and definitely recommend A Transcriber’s Tale.

And here’s something else exciting. Torrey Shine is putting together free solo show compilations at the Brew Doghouse Hotel. She welcomes us to start each morning with her curated variety showcase featuring the very best solo shows at the Fringe! Rotating daily line-ups include storytelling, theatre, clown, cabaret, spoken word and comedy. We’ll laugh, cry, and feel – while sampling several solo shows at once, in this one hour compilation series. Doesn’t that sound great?

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EdFringe Talk: The Last Laugh

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“Directing a play at the Fringe can be challenging because of the restrictions but I loved the camaraderie between all the different performers and creatives.”

WHO: Paul Hendy

WHAT: “The Last Laugh sees three legendary comedians – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – sitting in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny. Written and directed by the award-winning Paul Hendy and starring Edinburgh Fringe-legend Bob Golding as Morecambe, Damian Williams as Cooper and Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse, The Last Laugh is warm, funny, nostalgic and poignant. Not to be missed.”

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

WHEN: 13:20 (70 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, The Last Laugh will be my second time directing at the fringe and my first time as a writer. I can’t wait to bring the play to Edinburgh as I’m such a huge fan of the festival. Last year, I directed ‘Lena’, a play with music about the tragic life of child star, Lena Zavaroni. I loved the whole Fringe experience. Directing a play at the Fringe can be challenging because of the restrictions but I loved the camaraderie between all the different performers and creatives.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest lesson I learnt was that your play/show has to be something that people want to see. It sounds obvious but the audiences have so much choice so I think the subject matter of the show has to try to entice people in. Hopefully we have that with The Last Laugh

Tell us about your show.

It’s a brand new play. In it, three legendary comedians, Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse sit in a dressing room discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny… really funny! It’s warm, nostalgic and poignant. I wrote ‘The Last Laugh’ and I’m also directing and producing it. I based the story on a short film I directed a few years ago which did very well on the film festival circuit – it won Best Film at the Manchester Film Festival, Best Comedy Drama at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Oxford Film Festival. I’m a huge comedy fan and I think anyone who loves comedy will love this play. We’re planning a UK tour of the play in 2025.

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

We’re also producing a totally different show called ‘Shantify’ – a group of West End leading men sing show tunes, rock classics and pop bangers in the style of sea-shanties. The singers are all incredibly talented; it’s brilliant fun and I think people at the Fringe will really enjoy it.

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EdFringe Talk: Stuart Laws Has to Be Joking?

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2024 by

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“I’ve learnt that a frog can jump seventeen times their height, even if they’re short and unfit.”

WHO: Stuart Laws

WHAT: “Last year Stuart started telling the truth on stage and was diagnosed autistic: he got the best reviews he’s ever got and his show was a must-see. He’s back baby! And has to lean into it further. It’s funny, it’s real, it’s immaculately structured and it’s a chance to see a comedian at the top of his game. As heard on Off Menu and seen on BBC, Prime and 800 Pound Gorilla. **** ½ (Chortle.co.uk). **** (List). ‘You’ll struggle to find a comedian with a better jokes-per-minute rate’ **** (Fest).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive) – Hive 2 (Venue 313) 

WHEN: 16:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

NO WAY! I been doing it for years, have seen so many FringexOlympics years hit hard – the class of 2012 battling to get an audience when the judo is on, the struggles when you knew you were up against dressage or the men’s 20km walking race. I tell you what makes a great festival? Sports not happening. Can we, for just four long, long weeks – not have any sports so that the general public can focus on their real passion: fringe theatre and comedy

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I learnt this: I am autistic. That’s a genuine learning since the start of last year’s fringe. However, if you want a more whimsical answer: I’ve learnt that a frog can jump seventeen times their height, even if they’re short and unfit. So would absolutely dominate any sort of high jump or long jump event if they were scaled up to human height. I’ve also learnt you can say any fact about a frog and most people will just believe it: the stakes aren’t high enough to check.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show, ain’t no one else got any piece of this pie. I’m a genius and unaffected by the work of others. So tough being a tortured genius like myself. Especially when extremely talented people offer me their thoughts or jokes or directing advice and it would actively enhance my show. Because I have to look them in the eyes and tell them they’re wrong and toxic to contribute and I’ll never take their advice.

Also: a beautiful team of people in production and PR and helping to write a stand up comedy show about relationships by someone who has just found out that he is autistic and everything he thought he knew about himself isn’t really true – so what does that mean for relationships with himself, friends, romance and ultimately the audience?

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

I love stand up comedy and I love finding out about a new comedian who I didn’t know anything about before the fringe. Going to dungeons and backrooms and theatres across Edinburgh and spending an hour in someone else’s world is such a treat – especially when it’s brilliant comedians like Chloe Radcliffe, Alex Kealy, Pierre Novellie, Harriet Kemsley, Ruby Carr or Jin Hao Li. Those last two are doing their debut shows this year and I’ve been lucky enough to see early versions and loved both, even more luckily I’m directing Ruby’s and it keeps getting better.

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EdFringe Talk: Mutant Olive 2.0

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“When you get hordes of artists creating their own content, through their own filter & insanely unique vision of the world — it’s explosive!”

WHO: Mitch Hara

WHAT: “(Mommy’s a whore, Daddy’s a hitman). Laugh, cry and see God in this award-winning solo show by writer/performer Mitch Hara. Strap yourself in for a heart-wrenching rollercoaster ride you’ll never forget, featuring sex, drugs, disco balls and blackouts. All during an audition for Hamilton Unplugged. Directed by Carlyle King. ‘Genius! Run!’ ***** (LA Times). ‘Insanely entertaining’ ***** (IndieWire.com). ‘Dark and seductive’ ***** (StageRaw.com). ‘Hilarious!’ ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). Winner: Best Show, Hollywood Fringe. United SoloFest NYC. Whitefire Solofest. ‘Hilarious and heartbreaking’ ***** (TheaterMania.com).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Nip (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 13:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

OMG. I love the creative tornado embracing the artists & supporters. We’re in this together. There’s an electrical current & community of excitement, expectation & effervescence sweeping the Fringe!!! I’ve been involved and won “Best Solo Show” in the Hollywood Fringe, Whitefire SoloFest, UnitedSoloFest NYC. I mean, when you get hordes of artists creating their own content, through their own filter & insanely unique vision of the world — it’s explosive! My moto is: i never wait for 12 people to give me permission to do what i love. Boom baby!! Life is short and so am I. Live theatre is my heart and soul. Sharing my world with an audience is my passion. It’s why I’m here, to effect people with my humor and heart!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned to celebrate my uniqueness and I’ve gown fascinated by myself. I actually love everyone’s reaction to me. Everyone says, I move molecules when I walk in a room. That I disturb the peace. And I’ve also realized, I can’t give two shits about what anybody else thinks about what I’m doing, saying or being. And yes, I’ve absorbed the lessons. The closer I get to death; I just don’t care about the tidbits of nonsense. Plus, why would you put your healthy self-image in somebody else’s dysfunctional hands. Why would you give away your power. But you know, that’s me. Follow me on TicTok @mitch.hara & insta @mitch.hara

Tell us about your show.

It’s about my life, my baggage, my scars, my insanity, my growth, my triggers, my irreverence, my elevation to amazing!!! I wrote it, i lived it, i survived it, I’m taking it on parade and showing the immediate world my emotional roller coaster of a ride to becoming me!!

My parents were speed-freak alcoholics and in the mafia. hence the subtitle, “Mommy’s a Whore, Daddy’s a hitman” and you know, you become what you see. So, I’m a little slutty and if you piss me off, I may hit you with my car. You’ll laugh, cry and see God. I’m you’re designated drunk driver, so hop in mutherfu*kers, it’s a ride you’ll never forget.

Carlyle King is my magical director. Fringe Management is producing, Mike Blaha & Nigel Miles-Thomas & my sponsor John Metzner/Purple Donut. During my sold out run recently in Hollywood, Sony Pictures Execs said, “You’re a cross between, ‘Fleabag’ & ‘Baby Reindeer,’ they’d love you in Edinburgh! Well, Edinburgh, HERE I AM!!! I’m so excited, I’m emotionally hard. PS we’re pitching my show as a series!! PSS Soho Theatre, I’m ready for you!!

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

OHHHH so many!! I wanna see and experience the international creations of like-minded humanoids. Last year I was there for 9 hours picking a venue and I saw 7 shows!!! I was vibrating. There’s something for every palate. Sherlock Holmes Last Act, A transcriber’s tale, Mother had two faces, anything at the GILDED BALLOON!! Shout out thank yous to: Tik Tok, Johnnie Walker, 8ight Plus, The Skinny, Playbill, The list, Red61.

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