Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: Situations and Confr/plications

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“For me the Fringe really lies in the atmosphere on the streets, and I’ve been in and amongst that every August since I can remember. “

WHO: Rhiannon Lucy Bird

WHAT: “Logic, you say? Thank you. But, no thank you. Introducing Situations and Confr/plications. A 60-minute sketch comedy, made up of standalone scenes that cross between all decades and have no relation to each other whatsoever. Apart, of course, from the unfortunate fact that they go slightly – awry. 12 actors, 12 scenes. A rapid fire of short, dynamic, bold and outrageously unusual sketches – leaving the audience with a healthy sense of joy, fulfilment, provocation and sense of relief. Not physical though, we urge you (literally). May the Audacity be with you.”

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

WHEN: 14:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Nope! I’m actually from Edinburgh, so I’ve been lucky enough to attend every Fringe since I was born in ‘98. Well, I probably only started attending shows when I was about 4 or 5, but for me the Fringe really lies in the atmosphere on the streets, and I’ve been in and amongst that every August since I can remember. The city just comes alive, and now that I’m a bit older it’s the most amazing excuse to come home and meet up with old friends and family. We’re scattered all over the world now, but most of us find a way to flock back and gather for the festival every year!

It’s a myth that locals hate the Fringe. It can definitely be overwhelming when the population triples basically overnight and suddenly you’re confronted with hundreds of flyers and street performers on your way to work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Performing in it is something else entirely. I first put a show on here in 2018, and it never gets any less exciting. I’ve seen a lot of theatre in my life, and all of the best, most innovative, creative and bizarre shows I’ve ever seen have been in the Fringe festival. I can’t wait to come again this year, especially as most of my cast are about to experience the madness for the first time!

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

I’m fresh out of drama school, so really committing to the freelance professional actor lifestyle has been a monumental learning curve for me! I think one of the hardest lessons has been learning to say no to some things, and prioritise rest. Just because you don’t have a typical 9-to-5 schedule, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a weekend off, or that you need to be thinking about work 24/7. When you work in the arts it can get confusing I think, because your job is often also your passion and something that you started out doing for fun. But it’s important sometimes to treat it as if it were a 9-to-5, have breaks, have evenings off and holidays. Otherwise you risk coming home from your bill-paying jobs and spending all your down time pursuing the acting, which, it turns out, is a recipe for burnout! This is something I’m definitely still working on but I am getting better, little by little, and I will attempt to keep it up even during festival season!

Tell us about your show.

Situations and Confr/plications is an absurd sketch show, with 12 actors, 12 scenes, and zero logic. It’s written and directed by Gwen Ann, a multi-talented Dutch current acting student at a London drama school. The cast is entirely made up of people from her course, and a couple of recent graduates from the same acting school (myself included)! I don’t know if she’d agree, but I think the show is pretty reminiscent of a lot of old-school comedy shows. Monty Python, The Muppet Show (if the muppets were just… humans on a stage), Big Train, that sort of thing. But it’s also fresh, experimental, surprising. The characters are outrageous, the sketches take us through time, from the Greeks to the Middle ages, to Junior Dance Finals ‘24, and beyond. We are doing two previews in London before we take it up to Auld Reekie. After the festival most of the cast will be starting their third and final year of their course, so it will probably be put on the back-burner for a while, but who knows what might happen after that!

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

Hot Girl Summer is a brand-new show by my gorgeously talented friend Isla Fairfield, she’s so funny and the show is outrageously relatable, a must-see for all, but single women in their 20s especially! I always recommend Police Cops to people who haven’t seen it before, they’re doing Police Cops in Space again this year which is the funniest show I’ve seen in the Fringe, I think. My pal Steph is also doing a dark physical theatre show called Birthday Fish, and she’s a beautiful mover so I highly recommend checking that out!

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EdFringe Talk: Tales of Haunted Edinburgh – Echoes From Beyond the Grave

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“EdFringe is a celebration of the arts that brings together performers and audiences in a unique and unparalleled way.”

WHO: Ewan Irvine

WHAT: “Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world. Listen to its tales of the undead from a paranormal investigator as you discover a host of terrifying stories of hauntings from the city’s dark past. From the House of Horrors, in the West Bow, to Greyfriar’s Kirkyard and the infamous George Mackenzie, the servant boy of Queensberry House, to some of the haunted closes on the Royal Mile. These are just a few of the tales.”

WHERE: Arthur Conan Doyle Centre – The Sanctuary (Venue 290) 

WHEN: 19:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

As a resident of Edinburgh, we are fortunate to have the Fringe right on our doorstep. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is not just a celebration of the arts; it’s a month-long cultural extravaganza that transforms the city into a bustling hub of creativity and performance. What makes the Fringe special is its unique blend of established acts and emerging talent, all sharing the same stages and competing for attention. This democratic nature of the festival, where anyone can put on a show, fosters an environment of discovery and innovation.

A great festival, in my view, is one that offers something for everyone. It should be a place where you can expect the unexpected, where you can stumble upon a hidden gem in an unassuming venue, or be blown away by a performance that you had no prior knowledge of. The Fringe excels in this regard, with its vast array of performances spanning theatre, comedy, dance, and music.

Experiencing a festival as a producer is a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s about the passion for your project, the hard work that goes into bringing it to life, and the hope that it will resonate with an audience. As a producer at the Fringe, you’re part of a community of artists and creators, all striving to make their mark. It’s a test of resilience, creativity, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing festival landscape.

Conversely, attending a festival as a punter is all about the joy of discovery. It’s about the freedom to explore, to let the day’s program guide you, or to follow the buzz on the street to find the next big thing. As an Edinburgh resident, I have the luxury of being able to dip in and out of the festival at your leisure, to become part of the audience that fuels the energy and vibrancy of the Fringe.

In summary, the Fringe is a celebration of the arts that brings together performers and audiences in a unique and unparalleled way. Whether you’re a producer looking to share your vision with the world or a punter eager to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of the festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe offers an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable.

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

In taking part in previous Festival Fringe’s, I have learnt to stay informed with Fringe information which is invaluable, producing more innovative in eye catching publicity, and remaining flexible to changes.

Tell us about your show.

“Tales of Haunted Edinburgh” is a captivating and chilling performance that delves into the eerie history of Edinburgh, known for its haunted tales and ghostly legends. The show is a solo performance, written and produced by myself, and also as a paranormal investigator who has a deep interest in the city’s dark past and its supernatural stories.

I am also the performer, and with a background in both storytelling and the paranormal, which has inspired the creation of this unique show. The production is a labor of love, withmextensive research and personal experiences with the paranormal shaping the narrative. T

“Tales of Haunted Edinburgh” , follows “Tales of the Condemned” and “Tales from the City below” The response from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees fascinated by the stories and the immersive experience the show provides.

After the run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, “Tales of Haunted Edinburgh” will hopefully be taken to other venues, reaching out to audiences who are intrigued by the paranormal and the rich history of hauntings in Edinburgh.

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

There are a number of other shows which explore elements of Scotland, such as Alastair
Savage – The Scot’s Fiddler.

I attended a show of Alastair’s in the historic Arthur Conan Doyle building which was the perfect setting for a relaxed evening of fiddle melodies by one of the country’s leading Violinists. Alastair was a prize-winning Scots fiddle player in his youth and has performed traditional and classical music throughout his life, being a member of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for the past eighteen years travelling worldwide. The concert was a fantastic experience.

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EdFringe Talk: Help! My Vagina Is Trying to Kill Me!

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“I want to share my experiences to inspire further conversation. It’s honestly the most authentic and vulnerable thing I’ve ever written, and I’m kinda really proud of it.”

WHO: Yola Jean Lu

WHAT: “Help! My Vagina Is Trying to Kill Me! is a dark, comedic solo show that explores one woman’s journey of navigating STDs, miscarriages and pre-cervical cancer, all while learning to love her vagina and herself again.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall – Stephenson Theatre (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 20:05 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! This will be my first time to Edinburgh and I can’t even begin to tell y’all how excited I am. I’ve seen the pictures and it looks like a dream! I mean, a real castle just casually hanging out there? (got tickets to visit it too!) But I’ve heard that the Fringe is an experience like no other! You have shows from all genres from all over the world there, and people from all over visiting to see the shows! I don’t think I’ve ever had an opportunity to perform for this diverse of crowds before and I’m interested in seeing how my material translate to different audiences.

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

One of the biggest things I’ve learned in 2023 is about the importance of saying “no”. I have struggled with always saying yes to things and barely setting any boundaries for myself, which lead to constant burn out and brought up lots of suicidal ideation. I’m not saying I’m perfect with this yet – but I’ve found myself saying no to things more often now. Especially when the thing asked of me doesn’t excite me! Like, someone I didn’t know from the internet rudely asked me to take a look at her scripts and just sent them to me. Normally, I want to help, and I’ll always say yes, even if I can’t get to the stuff right away. But this time I was like, nah, and literally said “Sorry, I don’t have the bandwidth right now”. But honestly? If she was nicer, I probably would have. Such a small little win, but not joking, I used to CRY if I had to say no to something (in private, not in front of the person, I’m not a weirdo!) and it would make me depressed for the rest of the day. So, seriously, this is some major growth!

Tell us about your show.

My show is literally about the ways my vagina has tried killing me. It’s broken into three topics: herpes, miscarriages and HPV. I know they all sound bleak but as a stand up comedian of 13 years, I painstakingly have found ways to incorporate jokes into this show to provide levity to people watching. It’s taken me YEARS to get the courage to talk about some of these topics. I was so ashamed and felt like people would judge me if they knew these things about me. But I’m braver now, and think comedy (at least in America, where I’m from) is going through some growing pains. There is so much comedy out there now that tears down and makes fun of marginalized groups of people. Things like herpes is commonly made the punchline of jokes. I want to end the shame and stigma with this show. And I want to share my experiences to inspire further conversation. It’s honestly the most authentic and vulnerable thing I’ve ever written, and I’m kinda really proud of it. My hope is to take this show and bring it on tour to marginalized communities and colleges around the USA in 2025.

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

So, I live in Austin, TX and we don’t get the opportunities to see many of the shows at the Fringe! I’ve actually already bought a ton of tickets to see shows that excite me, and are from other Asian performers (I don’t know if you can tell by the way I type, but I’m also Asian). The one I have seen before, and am planning to see again is Anna Akana’s “It Gets Darker” – have you ever cried after a comedy show before? Because that was a first for me. It’s so vulnerable and honest and Anna is a wonderful performer. Other shows I have tickets for are Chris Grace’s “Sardines”, Ricky Sim’s “Coming Out to Dead People” and another Austin, TX local, Katie Folger’s “Getting in Bed with the Pizza Man”. Oh, and Baby Wants Candy, of course. I’ve only seen them once and they blew me away and I’ve been chasing that sort of high from a show ever since!

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EdFringe Talk: The Nadia Quinn Show!

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“I’ve been restructuring my relationship with myself and my art and it feels like it’s coming to the end of a chapter there, which is really wonderful and exhilarating.”

WHO: Nadia Quinn

WHAT: “Do you like… music? Comedy? Prizes? Dicks, boobs and butts? Laughter? Joy? Fun? Smoking? Aliens? Life and death? Surprises? Guitars? Beautiful harmonies? Philosophy? Dance? Magic? Special guests? A xylophone? ….and more? Then this show is for you! Nadia Quinn (Spielberg’s West Side Story, HBO’s Love Life, Succession, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Black-ish, David Wain & Ken Marino’s Middle Aged Dad Jam Band, Broadway’s Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and The Robber Bridegroom, the UCB comedy band Summer & Eve) brings her unique and silly observational music and comedy show to the UK for the first time!”

WHERE: The Speakeasy at The Royal Scots Club – The Speakeasy (Venue 241) 

WHEN: 21:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

YES! We recently did the show in LA at the iconic Dynasty Typewriter (where Shirley Temple learned to tap dance!) and several people asked us afterward if we’d ever considered going to the EdFringe… so my bandmate Matt and I looked into it and were able to secure a little run so decided to go for it. I’ve been performing music and comedy for what feels like my whole life (Mom says I stood up on tables and asked her to introduce me to guests when they were over so I could belt out a few numbers), but have never participated in a Fringe festival before so this is really exciting. We have heard such wonderful things about the experience top to bottom and are really looking forward to diving in and making the most of it. Nothing makes me happier than being on stage entertaining people and surprising them with our music. Being able to do the show for a week in a row is wonderful for us, we’re truly thrilled about it.

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

Since the beginning of 2020 I’ve been restructuring my relationship with myself and my art and it feels like it’s coming to the end of a chapter there, which is really wonderful and exhilarating. The pandemic turned me (and I think many of us!) inward and forced a think about who I am and what I really want to say to the world with my artistic endevors. I took a bit of a break from performing in all capacities, which was difficult but also necessary…. and now I’m back, baby! Something shifted in the world and I wanted to wait for that shift to settle within me as well before diving back in again. My inner pace has slowed down, I’ve leaned into patience and trust more than ever, which feels (mostly) fantastic.

Tell us about your show.

I started writing funny songs in college with my best friend as a means of self-expression and shock, quite frankly. I’ve always been inspired by the folky music from the 60s and 70s, so that definitely influenced the work– it started out as silly songs about vaginas and gay boyfriends and over the years evolved into something (still quite silly) that I was performing in comedy clubs around NYC. I began as a solo performer in the basement of a bar in Midtown Manhattan, and then the group grew into a comedy quintet (Summer & Eve) which I started with my husband Aaron and a few friends, and now we’re back to the two of us and a rotating group of wonderul musicians, singers, and special guests.

The show is a cheeky musical variety show– original tunes about simple and silly things that pop into our heads, as well as deeper contemplations on life and death. We give out prizes and include the audience in sing alongs– the point is really just to be together in the space, forget about our troubles for a little while, and laugh/have fun with each other.

We want to entertain and commune and make a few memories together. Have an experience that hopefully sticks with all of us. What else are we doing here, really?

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

Tim Murray is Witches! Tim is a fellow NY/LA comedy pal and he’s truly so silly and funny. We’ve run in the same circles for years and I’m so happy we’re at the Fringe at the same time! Sadly, our shows are both running in the 9:30PM hour so we won’t be able to catch each other– you most definitely should! Riki Lindhome: Dead Inside is another musical comedy show I love– always been a huge fan of her stuff. I also love Joanna Parson and her show A Transcriber’s Tale. I’m seeing it in NY next week and so look forward to catching her run at the Fringe. So much fantastic entertainment to behold!

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EdFringe Talk: FREAK OUT!

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“This eagerness to make our show as eco-friendly as possible spread to the rest of our show. Props are all recyclable or reused every show, and we try to waste as little as possible.”

WHO: Coin Toss Collective

WHAT: “This VAULT Festival Show of the Week nominee tells the story of UK communities losing their homes to coastal erosion. Performed by a company of seven, this high-energy theatrical cocktail blends clowning, physical theatre and live art to explore climate anxiety, what home means and what we owe to each other. FREAK OUT! was developed with support of choreographer Anthony Matsena (Sadler’s Wells Associate) and Papatango Prize-winning playwright Matt Grinter. ‘Celebrates the beauty of the coast and laments its loss with exceptionally ingenious flair’ ***** (BroadwayWorld.com). ‘A poetically playful and creatively choreographed moment for reflection’ **** (FringeBiscuit.com).”

WHERE: Pleasance Dome – Jack Dome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 14:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Whilst individual members of the collective have been to the Fringe before, this is our first time as a collective and most members’ first time! We were drawn to it because of its unique opportunity to learn, perform and connect with so many different artists from all over the world & across many genres. We were thinking about going to the Fringe for a while; but we were waiting for the right moment! It’s not a secret that the Fringe is a big financial commitment, and we wanted to do it right. We are excited to exhibit our work whilst gaining inspiration from others. As a collective, we are all incredibly different in our preferred tastes and genres, and Fringe is also the perfect opportunity to share these with each other.

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

In 2023, ‘FREAK OUT!’ came to its first festival, VAULT Festival, which was the first time taking the show on the road, and we were so thrilled to get nominated for Show of the Week! As a collective, we learned so much about ourselves and our show. At this time we were still using a set that we had first imagined as a ‘home-based’ show. As we planned, prepared, and performed ‘FREAK OUT!’, we discovered that our set no longer fit us or the show. As such, we began to brainstorm how to create a set that was not only easy to travel with but was sustainable and durable, built and designed by our incredible set designer and Coin Toss member Claudia Kurucz, assisted by set designer Jessica Jones, our now beloved set was developed. This eagerness to make our show as eco-friendly as possible spread to the rest of our show. Props are all recyclable or reused every show, and we try to waste as little as possible.

VAULT 2023 was our chance to truly develop and elevate our script, movement, sound and lighting design. Incredibly, we managed to secure Arts Council funding! As a result, we were able to work with some fantastic artists and creatives, such as Papatango Prize-winning playwright Matt Grinter (‘Orca’) and choreographers Anthony Matsena (‘Shades of Blue’, Sadler’s Wells) and Deepraj Singh (Akademi’s ‘The Troth’), to take our show to the next level. Thus the current version of ‘FREAK OUT!’ was born.

Tell us about your show.

‘FREAK OUT!’ is a show written, directed, produced and performed by Coin Toss Collective. We have spent two years developing and performing the show, using each performance to interrogate further each aspect of ‘FREAK OUT!’. Coin Toss Collective came together as a part of Made in Bristol, a training year with Bristol Old Vic for emerging theatre-makers, during which you work with industry professionals to gain and develop various skills, culminating in creating and performing a new show. The programme has produced many great companies over the years, such as The Wardrobe Ensemble, who were Fringe First winners in 2017 with their brilliant show ‘Education, Education, Education’.

As our time in Made in Bristol ended, we discussed what we wanted from our collective and our work. This conversation highlighted how important it was to us that this collective was a non-hierarchical, collaborative group. This allows everyone to experience different positions within a theatre company, present and direct ideas, write and create movement sequences, and grow together. Our core values of collaboration, playfulness, curiosity and experimentation with physical and narrative theatre allowed us to create the unique theatre piece that is ‘FREAK OUT!’

‘FREAK OUT!’ highlights the reality of people affected by coastal erosion in the UK, particularly East Anglia. Coastal erosion is worsening due to climate change; over 35 homes have been lost to the waves in Happisburgh, Norfolk alone. Over 19% of the Scottish coastline is vulnerable to erosion as sea levels rise. Inspired by and featuring archival documentary footage, interviews, podcasts and other research, ‘FREAK OUT!’ shares the experiences of affected coastal communities using our voices, bodies and audience participation. ‘FREAK OUT!’ blends clowning, live art, projection and movement into a high-energy tragicomic theatrical cocktail. Join us for a night of fun and disaster with a side of cake, but it might also break your heart. ‘FREAK OUT!’ has been performed at four venues before Edinburgh, including Camden People’s Theatre and the Tobacco Factory, Bristol. During this time, it has had a great reception from audiences and critics alike. We are thrilled to be one of the recipients of this year’s Keep It Fringe fund, and we have also been nominated for the Sit-Up awards.

After the Fringe, we will be looking to tour the show on a bigger scale than we have done before — nationally and (potentially!) internationally. We all feel that this story needs to be seen by many; ‘FREAK OUT!’ draws attention to the fact that climate change is already impacting the UK, even though this hardly ever makes headline news. And its global relevance goes without saying!

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

As a company, we would first like to shout out the other great climate change shows at the Fringe this year! Some fab examples are ‘Things We Will Miss’ by Square Product Theatre, ‘Vigil’ by Mechanimal, and ‘Look What We’ve Done’ by Helio Collective.

Here are some of our individual recs:

ROSIE: It would be an understatement to say I’m excited to see ‘Bark Bark’ by Buzzcut – their use of live feed and miniature models is incredibly unique and cool. ‘Scaffolding’ by Documental Theatre, a female-led show with a team also from the South West, sounds really intriguing too. I’m also super looking forward to seeing Freddie Hayes bring her hilarious and quirky brand of character comedy back to the Fringe with her new character, ‘The Magic Lady’ (her previous show, ‘Potatohead’ is one of my all-time faves!).

WERONIKA: Anything on the pop-up Polish Laboratory Theatre/Grotowski scene this year, but I am most excited for ‘Sheol’. I love a Polish theatrical séance! Other highlights include Bert & Nasi’s collaboration with Forced Entertainment & subject.object’s ‘Instructions’. There are lots of awesome-sounding dance shows I am excited to see – ‘Book of Dew’, ‘The Watching Machine’ and bambule.babys’ ‘my home is not your home’, stood out.

CLAUDIA: ‘FAMEHUNGRY’ by Louise Orwin. I’m excited to see Louise’s take on the much-discussed topic of the dangers of social media through performance art! And ‘Sawdust Symphony’ – because, of course, we all need to see a show where carpentry and circus collide!? I also love a bit of DIY me.

BEN: At the moment I’m writing a script of a show about the story of Heracles reimagined for the Windrush generation, so at the Fringe I’d like to catch some cool adaptations as well as shows which focus on cultural and racial identity, and Black stories. Some shows I’m keen to check out are ‘Hamstrung’ by George Rennie, a reimagining of Hamlet told by the character of Yorick, and ‘DRUM’ by Our Day.

SOL: Mike Kunze’s Infinity Mirror – I met Mike on a clowning course and he is a very funny multimedia clown! I am a big fan of the risks he takes in this show. ‘Bill’s 44th’ is a beautiful puppet show with no dialogue. Involves the audience in a charming and subtle manner!

ALYSSA: I will be making the time to see ‘The Academy Trust: Under New Management!’ by Mode Theatre. It’s a show written and performed by teachers about the difficulties of their job. I’m so passionate about teachers being overworked and underappreciated, and I will love to see what they have to say! Another show I’m excited to see is ‘Black is the Color of my Voice’ by Apphia Campbell (Seabright Live). I think powerful work with a message is my favourite kind and I’m eager to support and learn from other artists of colour at the Fringe!

SOPHIA: 1) Sh!t Theatre’s ‘Or What’s Left Of Us’ – I caught one of their shows, ‘DRINK RUM WITH EXPATS’ a couple years ago in Bristol and had such a good time; I’m a big fan of folk music, and these two would break out into some beautiful melodies. 2) ‘Lessons on Revolution’ by Undone Theatre and Carmen Collective – I’m interested in seeing how they’ll present what radical change means today. I’m also intrigued to see how globally their archival research into protest in 1968 will span. 3) ‘Really Good Exposure’ by Megan Prescott – I was a big fan of Skins growing up and honestly, I just want to satisfy a curiosity of what this person I’ve been following on Instagram since I was twelve is up to now!

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EdFringe Talk: My Little Phobia

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“In my imagination EdFringe is like theatre camp on steroids, with all its energy and excitement and need for extra helpings of deodorant.”

WHO: Emily Markoe

WHAT: “Emily Markoe wrote a totally normal comedy show. Her show is not about vomit – how could it be? She has emetophobia, the extreme and debilitating fear of throwing up. So she would never write a show about vomit… Watch Emily perform her show without any interruptions from anxiety-producing characters, obsessive-compulsive rituals or recovered memories getting in the way. And there definitely won’t be a visit from her childhood therapist, Dr. My Little Pony. Emily stopped seeing her years ago! Everything’s fine here. Please note: vomiting at this show is strictly forbidden.”

WHERE: Greenside @ Riddles Court – Clover Studio (Venue 16) 

WHEN: 17:10 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! This is my first time at the Edinburgh Fringe, both as a performer and audience member (or should I say “punter”? Is that right?). In my imagination it’s like theatre camp on steroids, with all its energy and excitement and need for extra helpings of deodorant. Plus at this one, the audience isn’t just your mom and a few bored counselors. The sheer size of Edinburgh Fringe is mind-blowing – and despite my best efforts, I’m never surrounded by theatre and comedy all day every day at home. I can’t wait.

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

I always knew there was beauty in specificity, but writing a show about something I’d kept so close to my chest (phobia/OCD) was a real eye-opener. I had no idea it would resonate with so many people, regardless of their personal relationship to mental health. That was a huge lesson for me: get deeply, vulnerably specific. Tell people about how you spell the word “crow” on street signs to avoid vomiting. Tell them about the complicated decision matrix you keep in your brain every time you try a new restaurant. Tell them about how if you step on a crack you have to step on a second one because two negatives make a positive. Even if they don’t “get it”, they’ll get it.

Tell us about your show.

My Little Phobia is a dark comedy about emetophobia, the extreme fear of vomit*. Yes, you read that right. I wrote, produced, and perform the show, which has a mix of characters, storytelling, and existential dread. And no vomit, obviously.

The show was directed by Julie Pearson, a supremely talented director and writer known for The Girls on the Bus (HBO) and The Boxcar Adults (Roku). We met through See What Sticks, a 6-week workshop in Los Angeles geared toward new works of all kinds. Julie was working on a pilot and I was planting the seeds for this show. In June 2024, My Little Phobia premiered in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, where we ended up selling out the full-run (plus added performances) and received a nomination for the Adelaide Exchange Award.

*Where’s the best place to mention that My Little Phobia doesn’t have vomit? What I’m trying to say is that the show IS about vomit but vomiting is strictly forbidden. Sorry, what I’m trying to say is: you’re not allowed to vomit before, during, or anytime after my show.

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

Where do I start?! I’m so excited to see so many shows like Kenny Gray’s wild character ride Kenny Goes to Sleep (in the slot right before mine at Greenside’s Clover Studio), clowns like Veronica Osorio’s Medicine Woman and Natasha Mercado’s #1 Son. Kelly Reilly’s The Dolphin I Loved, Young & Wise Theatre’s The Kids Might Die, Sarah Alice Shull’s Something to Believe In, Devon Drew’s Pop Star, multilinguart’s Baby Rock, Ben Kassoy’s The Funny Thing About a Panic Attack. Is that too many? Tell me when to stop…

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EdFringe Talk: Defective Inspector: An American Odyssey

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“Richard is played by me (Harrison), who also happens to be the writer the show, resulting in a very strange ongoing Venom-like metasymbiosis between us, stretching back to earlier versions of the show from years gone by.”

WHO: Harrison Cole

WHAT: “Prepare for a hilarious hour of (unconvincing) romance, (sloppy) action and (tenuous) espionage! Don’t miss the debut whirlwind comedy from The Defectors. Richard P Cooper, an eccentric ex-detective, presents his (heavily embellished) exploits on the stage (with mixed results)! He guides the audience through his journey to the USA, grappling with assassination plots and three-legged dogs, while three hapless drama students embody every other questionable character. This laugh-a-minute romp is sure to elate and baffle in equal measure! ‘An utterly endearing romp through the clichés of crime drama… irreverent and irresistible’ **** (LostInTheatreland.co.uk).”

WHERE: theSpaceTriplex – Studio (Venue 117) 

WHEN: VARIES (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

As a company, yes! However, we are a mix of both sparkly-eyed newcomers to the fringe and grizzled veterans with many a highland fling under our belt. Bringing a show to Edinburgh is one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences you will ever have as an artist; from making it, to publicising it, to teching it, to actually performing it. To be at every step of the creative process with a small dedicated team is unlike any other feeling, so once you’re there it almost feels like a bonus when strangers take a chance on your show and (hopefully) love it! (Oh, and we’re also doing all of that for two shows…)

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

The biggest thing we’ve learned (for better or for worse), is if you keep developing a show for long enough – some of the jokes or plot threads you started with will become strangely relevant again… so stick to your guns!

Tell us about your show.

The show centres around egocentric ex-Detective, Richard P. Cooper, who is attempting to stage a production of his own semi-autobiographical exploits in his brand new play ‘An American Odyssey’, with the help of three-hapless drama students he has enlisted to play every other questionable character. Richard is played by me (Harrison), who also happens to be the writer the show, resulting in a very strange ongoing Venom-like metasymbiosis between us, stretching back to earlier versions of the show from years gone by. We’ve been developing the show since 2022 as The Defectors, who are Daniel Hemsley (performer and producer) and James Darby (producer and sound designer), and after some great responses from outings at various London venues, and the Clapham and Camden Fringes, we finally feel it is Edinburgh ready. We will then be taking it (and the whole double bill) back down South for the Lambeth Fringe on the 30th September at the Golden Goose Theatre!

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

Some other amazing shows you should check out are:

Lil Wenker: BANGTAIL is a rootin’ tootin’ hour of interactive clowning from the hilarious Lil, who is the Baddest Man in Texas…

Snake Boy Takes Manhattan is a brilliant piece of surreal character comedy with inventive sketches and interaction from the amazing Alex Richmond.

Pineapple Princess is a genius love story between a woman and a pineapple, we’ve seen a chunk and it was stupidly funny.

Mattia Sedda: Choin, don’t miss the international actor’s showcase of his great (and very funny) talents.

Will BF: Moon Team IIIV, a fantastic sketch comedian who is exploring the great era the DVD.

Good Boys Good Time, some great character comedy from two very good boys.

The Normal Formal, a brilliant night chock-full of the best alternative comedy acts (with a surreal twist).

Freddie Hayes: The Magic Lady is a spellbinding hour of wonky magic and hilarious character comedy.

And of course, we’d be silly not to suggest our follow-up show, ‘Defective Inspector: A Stitch in Time’, which we will be performing in the same venue and timings but on alternate nights to ‘An American Odyssey’!

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EdFringe Talk: The Comedy Games with Coach Mon

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“The power of community has also been highlighted to me over the last year. The kindness and generosity people offer each other, particularly in the arts, is simply wonderful.”

WHO: Monique Warren

WHAT: “After a gold medal run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Coach Mon is pumped for a spectacular sports extravaganza, but her athletes have disappeared! How can The Comedy Games leap ahead with no athletes?! Can you help find them? Skate on over to this Olympic-inspired kid’s clown show filled with music and sports-tastic events like eyebrow push-ups and a slow-motion running race. Your little ones will move, groove and dream, plus you’ll walk away with your very own custom-made medal! Get ready for some serious silliness at this frivolously fun family show.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Niddry St – Studio (Venue 9) 

WHEN: 11:00 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

August holds a lot of firsts for me. First time to Edinburgh, my first EdFringe, the first time working on this show with my wonderful producer Enya Cai and the first time my kids show ‘The Comedy Game with Coach Mon’ will reach international audiences.

As a performer I’ve been part of festivals such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and New Zealand Fringe Festival. What I love about festivals as both a performer and a punter is the variety of works and perspectives you can see from other artists. There’s such joy and inspiration in seeing other artists do their thing and hearing their stories.

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

Last year was the premier season of ‘The Comedy Games with Coach Mon’ (an Olympic-inspired kids clown show). After a gold medal run I decided to pack up my life and head to France to study at Ecole Philippe Gaulier to build my clown skills. My understanding of clown has definitely solidified but there’s more learning and absorbing to come for sure!

The power of community has also been highlighted to me over the last year. The kindness and generosity people offer each other, particularly in the arts, is simply wonderful. I am grateful for my community back in Australia and my Gaulier ‘family’ for helping the Coach Mon team get our show to Edinburgh.

Tell us about your show.

It’s Coach Mon’s biggest dream to coach at a spectacular sports extravaganza. BUT her athletes have disappeared! She almost gives up on the games until she realises the audience members can be her athletes. Throughout the show the audience is invited to participate in this Olympic-inspired kids clown show filled with music and sports-tastic events like eyebrow push-ups and a slow motion running race. Athletes will make their very own custom made medals and partake in a medal ceremony, celebrating their success with colourful scarves, great music and fun dance moves. It’s an interactive sports-themed musical clown show perfect for the whole family and ideal for kids aged 4+.

The Coach Mon team consists of 3 core members hailing from Melbourne, Australia. The writer and performer of the show is me (Monique Warren), Laura Aldous is the director & Enya Cai is the producer. On and off for the past 11 years we’ve collaborated in performing arts education and theatre making spaces, primarily the Australian School of Performing Arts and the Australian Girls’ Choir. As well as being a creative trio, the three of us have been great friends for years, it’s such a joy working with your mates.

‘The Comedy Games with Coach Mon’ premiered at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2023. After our season finishes at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 we’re taking the show on tour throughout Australia, visiting festivals such as Perth Fringe and Adelaide Fringe. We can’t wait!

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

Oh so many fabulous shows! Here are some of the shows I can’t wait to see:

Adults…

Mel & Sam: High Pony – These two QUEENS are hilarious! Their musical comedy is on point.

Cyrano – A gender-flipped retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, I saw a season of this in 2022 and it was HOT! Virginia Gay is a powerhouse.

The Duncan Brothers: Blood Sword – The Duncan Brothers are quirky & silly and their work is hilariously crazy.

Burnout Paradise – Such a fun show to be an audience member of, you are part of the action as 4 actors complete outrageous tasks on treadmills. My director Laura is in this show, she’s one of the superstars in the Ponycam crew.

Mr Cardboard – I’ve seen snippets of this show and Mr Cardboard is a devilishly delightful character. Can’t wait to see more.

Medicine Woman – after her award winning run at Hollywood Fringe I can’t wait to catch this glorious show.

Mel McGlensey is Motor Boat – Mel makes me laugh! I’ll be strapping in for this naughty, nautical show.

End of the World Cabaret – The Bonjour Group have created a wacky show filled with quirky characters. A joyful and playful show!!

Jessica Aszkenasy: BRA SHOW (WIP) – Jessica is a grounded and clever performer. From the bits and pieces I’ve seen of this WIP, it’s both relatable (to people with breasts) and hilarious.

Kids…

The Listies: ROFL – The Listies are funny and very cheeky! I’m ready for a good giggle when I see their show.

Monkeys Everywhere – I’ve seen Gary Starr do a show for adults and it was chaos (in the best way). Can’t wait to see what he has in store for kiddlets.

Best of Edinburgh Fringe for Kids – well if it’s the best then this show sounds like a winner!

Bubba-licious – a beautiful sensory show for babies that sparks joy and wonder.

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EdFringe Talk: I Mostly Blame Myself

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I really knew nothing about the festival. But I realized just how special it was when I told our cast we were going. They were in complete shock. I think 1 or 2 actually cried… so they were immediately fired.”

WHO: Nick Shanman

WHAT: “In 2018, Nick Shanman hired a bunch of his idiot friends to make a ridiculous YouTube pilot… Today, IMBM has over 500 million views worldwide and has found a home performing live monthly shows in NYC. Our shows are a series of dark, weird, hilarious sketches ranging from Disney parodies to historical musicals, to some slightly controversial topics you’ve always wanted to address. Every show is brand new, completely original, and absolutely absurd. Ready to laugh your ass off?”

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

WHEN: 21:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! It’s actually my first time in the UK. I know, I’m a loser American. I’ve been around Europe a bit but for some reason the timing just hadn’t worked out yet. Then after performing in NYC for 2 years… a friend tipped us off on how incredible the EdFringe was, and alas, here we are! I actually studied business before pursuing writing / acting so I really knew nothing about the festival. But I realized just how special it was when I told our cast we were going. They were in complete shock. I think 1 or 2 actually cried… so they were immediately fired. Kidding. We’re an emotional group. From the application process, to attending webinars, to speaking with friends of friends who have attended the festival, it seems like an absolutely magical experience. Not only to showcase talent, but to witness talent, to meet (and drink) with likeminded individuals, and to be part of once-in-a-lifetime artistic community. We can’t wait to be there!

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

Oh god. We’ve learned a lot through a series of terrible mistakes. I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to stop approaching problems as stresses, but as challenges to overcome and conquer. You are ALWAYS going to have obstacles in your way, shifting your mindset to tackling them as opposed to dreading them is a game changer. A more specific thing I’ve learned is that you can make reallllyyyy dark jokes as long as they are smartly written and come from a sincere place. There’s nothing better than starting our Anne Frank musical sketch, hearing people yell “Oh no!” in the audience, then seeing them tearfully clap at the end. Comedy is about risk. And trust us, it takes a lot of clunkers to strike gold. Last thing I’ve learned is to stop drinking once you’re properly inebriated. This one I haven’t absorbed yet.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is called I Mostly Blame Myself. It’s a series of insane, absurd, hilarious comedic sketches and musicals. Imagine SNL, but on cocaine. I’m the head writer but a few members of our cast write as well! I produce the show alongside my associate producer Kaya Simmons whom I met at university in Boston. He used to pay me in whiskey to write short films for his reel. Needless to say, we got along pretty quickly.

IMBM actually started as a YouTube pilot I was hoping to get picked up for a streaming service, but once I released it, the pandemic happened. When the world opened back up again a lot of theatres in NYC were struggling to get acts fast, so I pitched the show as a live sketch show as opposed to a film. I lied and said my entire cast was in NYC (they were all in LA) so we had to find people fast. Kaya and I linked up again, and we formed a team of rag tag goofballs that all bring something different to the table.

This production premiered at our first touring show in Boston, Massachusetts, and now is going to Edinburgh! Afterwards we hope to hit Madrid in the new year, fingers crossed!

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

We love crazy and weird, and the first show that caught our eye was ’44 Sex Acts in One Week. ‘ Mostly because that sounds impossible. I mean… yeah no I definitely couldn’t do that. But it sounds unbelievably funny and absurd! This is what the festival is all about, seeing things that you have NEVER seen before.

Another one, and very very different, is ‘Wood Owl and the Box of Wonders.’ They had us at singing owls. We love some family-friendly content (since we can’t seem to write it ourselves) and we also adore musicals. The story follows an owl made of wood who just wants to fly with his friends. Are you crying yet? I know I am. I’m not that sensitive I swear.

LEAVE ME ALONE!

Lastly, Timothy Booth’s Manhole caught our attention right away, for obvious reasons. Not only has this American comedian placed in the top three of the Seattle International Comedy Competition, but he also speaks about his crevices with unmatched vigor. Watch the manhole, learn about the manhole, dive deep… into the manhole.

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EdFringe Talk: Sell Me: I Am from North Korea

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“I got to meet so many college students who were shocked by the brutal reality of life in North Korea and wanted to learn more about North Korean defectors.”

WHO: Sora Baek

WHAT: “On her 15th birthday, Jisun, a North Korean girl, decides to sell herself to an old man to buy medication for her dying mother. But after risking her life by crossing into China, she learns that her under-developed body is not-sellable. Will she survive as she struggles in a merciless foreign land, where her very existence is illegal? Performed at the U.S. Capitol Center, this powerful and fast-paced solo piece is inspired by the true stories of incredibly courageous female North Korean defectors. ‘Excellent… important’ (Henry Song, North Korean Human Rights Activist).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Below (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 12:35 (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes this is my first time and I am super excited to travel to Edinburgh, work with the most caring staff ever, and meet open-minded theatre lovers all around the world! I grew up in a very small town in South Korea so this is a huge moment for me. I am just so ready to experience this most amazing festival and get inspired!

I am also bringing my kids so we will be running up the hills and jumping in the puddles in this beautiful city. My son’s into unicycles and I hope to find a unicycle act for him somewhere on the Royal Mile.

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

You can only be YOU! I remember crying a lot because I was not able to speak English without a thick accent no matter how hard I tried. I really thought my career was over unless I got rid of my accent. But here I am. I wrote a play in which it made sense for the character to have an accent.
Everything is figureoutable. Just like Ryan Holiday says “Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition”.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it and am producing it.

Inspired by the true stories of incredibly courageous North Korean women defectors, “SELL ME: I am from North Korea” is a solo show that follows a North Korean girl, Jisun, who decides to sell herself to an old man to make money for her dying mother. However, after risking everything by crossing into China, she learns that no one wants to buy her and she finds herself on the streets.

In 2018, right after my son was born, I became deeply focused on the stories of North Korean women defectors after reading a book called “Girl with Seven Names” by Hyunseo Lee. The book literally shook my entire system and kept me awake at night. It was challenging to stay creative and find time to work on the piece while taking care of my newborn son. However, this intense urgency to share their incredibly courageous stories with the rest of the world kept me going.

In 2020, I premiered my first solo show, SELL ME: I am from North Korea, at the International Human Rights Festival in New York. During the pandemic, I recorded the show and virtually toured different colleges. I got to meet so many college students who were shocked by the brutal reality of life in North Korea and wanted to learn more about North Korean defectors.

In 2022, I was part of the Pan-Asian Theater Repertory’s festival in New York. Last autumn, I also had the honour to perform at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. to call on the Chinese government to stop its forced repatriation policy. Recently, SELL ME was part of Soho Theater Company’s the Lighthouse series in NY.

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

The big shout-outs to all the fellow Asian female artists who make incredible work!

A good friend of mine, Carolyn Castiglis, is bringing her amazing one woman show CHUCK @ Uno Mas

Another wonderful friend of mine, Ricky Sim, is bringing an Asian Queer story “Coming Out to Dead People” @ Assembly Roxy Downstairs

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