Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Take a punt on younger unknown performers.”

WHO: Alison Skilbeck

WHAT: “A play about six wildly different people, coping and connecting during one year on the Common, telling their unexpected tales of love, life, death and downright dottiness, while a seventh character lurks mysteriously. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, with music by composer Simon Slater (Constellations) and lighting design by Mark Dymock (Once). With the world premiere of her latest play, this is Alison’s fifth time performing at Assembly. She is the writer and performer of three critically acclaimed plays: Are There More of You?, The Power Behind The Crone and Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London.”

WHERE: Assembly Rooms – Front Room (Venue 20) 

WHEN: 12:40 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I first came as a student in the Oxford University revue decades ago. This will be my seventh time this century, and my fourth one-woman show. Edinburgh is special, because of the size, variety, and range of shows on offer, the opportunity to meet amazing people, and the glorious setting of the city, which has its own character and energy. I’ve played the Buxton Fringe a few times, and had awards, but do you know, it rains even more in Buxton than in Edinburgh; and reviews often don’t come out until you’ve left!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learnt that the whole experience can be so distracting, with social media, and events to attend, as a perfomer you really must keep your mind on the job, and just place all your energy in that magical space, and give every fresh audience the best possible experience, rather than always looking ahead, or over your shoulder. It’s also important though, to energise, encourage, and value all your team, as they go out there, talking to people and getting the bums on seats.

Tell us about your show.

The show is called ‘Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground.’ I wrote it during the pandemic, and it’s set roughly from May ’20 to Jan ’21. I play 7 different characters, male and female, with minimal costume and props, so one one level it’s all about acting and theatre, and how ‘less is more’. It’s also about how actors CAN and SHOULD play anything; the 7th character is not even human… It’s very much about how our stories interconnect, and how much we have in common; it’s mad, funny, and sad too. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, whose ‘Shylock’ is still a classic among one-person shows. Jacqui Garbett of Hint of Lime has been my Manager/Producer since 2008, and now Publicist too, on all my shows, which I think speaks for itself. Can’t even recall who recommended her! When things go wrong, she just laughs! I did the show twice last year at the Buxton Fringe; and once for charity, for the Bedford Park Festival in London, in June. So it is a Fringe First.

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

What to see? well, obviously ‘The Trials of Galileo’ at Greenside, Infirmary St, also produced by Hint of Lime, and starring Tim Hardy; last seen here in 2015. Then I’d just suggest NOT seeing as a priority shows by celebs, they’ll be OK, but take a punt on younger unknown performers. And see things wildly different from yours – circus, dance, story telling.. can’t say more as have not yet had time to study the brochure!

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EdFringe Talk: The Trials of Galileo

Posted in EdFestivals 2023 by

“The most important lesson of the last year has been that no matter what happens – pandemic, political upheavals, financial emergencies – theatre survives.”

WHO: Tim Hardy

WHAT: “In 1634, Galileo is ordered to stand trial for heresy. Galileo never understood his differences with the Church were not about reason, logic, and scientific fact. They were about politics. When he finally came to realise this, it was too late. Written by Nic Young, Hardy has toured the Trials of Galileo throughout the UK, America, Malta, and Spain and had a sold-out run at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe. Winner of the Best Actor Award, Buxton Fringe 2022. ‘The superb Tim Hardy triumphs as Galileo. His acting is outstanding in a spellbinding story…’ ***** (EdFringeReview.com).”

WHERE: Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Mint Studio (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 10:15 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve played ‘The Trials of Galileo’ twice before in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and happily it seems to be a piece of theatre which attracts a lot of attention. The Edfringe is special quite simply because it is so famous and attracts talent from all over the world. And by its very nature you can see outstanding and entirely unusual work it would be impossible to mount in any other context. It has been said that theatre brings people together, and this is never more true than in this festival.

I’ve also recently played The Brighton and Buxton Festivals, both of which – by their very size – had an intimacy which allowed a real sense of being part of the local community. Also, in Buxton I was very pleased to be awarded ‘Best Actor of the Festival’.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The most important lesson of the last year has been that no matter what happens – pandemic, political upheavals, financial emergencies – theatre survives. And this is most obviously true at a festival such as this, where almost literally a ‘hole in the wall’ or a converted classroom can contain a wonderful piece ofn drama: indeed ‘Two planks and a passion’ is all we need.

Tell us about your show.

The Trials of Galileo started life on BBC Television. A series called ‘Days that Shook the World’ included an account of Galileo’s trial. Written and directed by multi-award winner Nic Young, he subsequently developed our one-man show, which opened in America in 2009 and has been playing around the world ever since. The issues examined in our show resonate very much with a modern audience: freedom of speech, the courage of the outsider to speak his truth no matter what dangers might befall him. The show enjoyed a very successful run at one of the world’s great Catholic centres – Notre Dame University in America, and this gives a clue as to one of the reasons Nic’s text has been so well received; it is not a polemic against the church, it is much more even-handed in presenting the argument between a Pope who had to deal with the real world and a man who’s tragedy was that he never understood the issue was not about proof but politics until it was too late.

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

No question: ‘Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground’ at Assembly Rooms: a unique piece of writing and acting which is brilliant and all that this festival is about. Also produced by ‘Hint of Lime’. And anything else that just takes your fancy – follow your instinct and you may see something wonderful that you will never forget.

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EdFringe Talk: Breaking Up with Jesus

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I learned that if you ask a coffee shop/bookstore to host your fundraiser and they have never hosted an event like yours, you take the lead and give them the space to say no if necessary.”

WHO: Joseph Richards

WHAT: “Getting out of a toxic relationship is hard, especially when you happen to be dating Jesus Christ. Joseph Richards blends stand-up and dramatic storytelling on their journey back home to the Southern US to revisit their toxic ex. Along the way, audiences will meet a loving stepdad, a Baptist preacher and a pivotal nightgown. Join Joseph as they break up with Jesus nightly in this one-person show dealing with family, gender, sexuality, religion, loss and forgiveness.”

WHERE: theSpace on the Mile – Space 1 (Venue 39) 

WHEN: 21:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time to Edinburgh after a path that began with watching The Young Ones and Suzy Izzard whenever they appeared on US television in the 1980s and 90s. I soon learned that all that wit and mayhem ended up and was honed at the Fringe, which was a magical place for absurdity, failure and beauty, often at once. Now that I’ve created my own show, I finally have the chance to be a part of that. A great festival is one that is a mad jigsaw of possibilities where pieces are odd, yet they fit together. A great festival is a series of planned accidents and unplanned encounters. It is hearing human (and other animal) sounds emanating from a tent, or church, or street and dipping in with no expectations.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Since 2022, I have learned that a homemade scone is better than one you can purchase because you end up with dough under your fingernails. I learned that if you ask a coffee shop/bookstore to host your fundraiser and they have never hosted an event like yours, you take the lead and give them the space to say no if necessary. I’ve learned that I like kombucha, which is embarrassing and feels like one step away from starting my own detritus-fueled tofu farm in California. I have absorbed none of these lessons because I prefer to relearn until the pain of the same mistakes finally etches knowledge on my skin.

Tell us about your show.

To paraphrase Joan Osborne, what if Jesus was one of us and what if that Jesus was a pansexual, cheating, jealous manipulative partner? This show is a way to reckon with my history of being an evangelical Christian, so wrapped up in Jesus that I “spoke in tongues, but forgot my own name.” And what better way to deal with the toxic effects of a judgy Jesus than through a classic break-up story that moves through the three major ways Jesus betrayed me. I wrote the show as part of a performance class during my doctoral program (still ongoing). The premise of the show originally started on a stand-up stage with a naughty and not-so-great punchline. Fortunately, the course instructor, Joseph Megel, saw potential and agreed to direct the show. I debuted it over four performances in North Carolina December 2021. I’m taking it wherever people will have me after Edinburgh. My biggest goal is to get this show into a church one day.

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

People have to see Untrue Diana by Linus Karp. It looks to encapsulate exactly what the Fringe is about. People also need to see Breaking Open, the debut show from my friend Oskar Saville, former lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs. I’ve heard her talking about the origins of the show and the story and I have a feeling that everyone who sees her perform will walk away moved. People should see Isabel Klein’s Showstopper. She’s hilarious on Instagram and the show will be a blast! Nicole Nadler’s Why Am I Like This? is a beautiful, funny and painful story of ADHD. YUCK Circus looks like it is going to be phenomenal! And I’ll end by suggesting Vanessa Larry Mitchell’s Teardrops on my Dildo. I mean, how can you miss that one?

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EdFringe Talk: Walking Home

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“The pandemic taught us to dream big and go for it, because you never know when the world, or YOUR world, will come to standstill.”

WHO: Chantelle Micallef Grimaud

WHAT: “It’s just another day in the office when news that a colleague has been sexually assaulted reaches the boardroom. Emotions run high, but deadlines need to be met. Walking Home is a devised performance exploring the politics and tensions within the issue of sexual violence against women and people of marginalised genders. Shedding a light on the community’s role in this conversation, it’s built on real experiences collected from people of diverse genders, nationalities and walks of life.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Wine Bar (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 17:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to come up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a number of years, twice as a performer and several other times as a punter. I love the energy, the creativity and I always leave the festival truly inspired and ready to create. What I love about this festival is that anyone can participate. I have seen the most beautiful work there but I’ve also seen, what I consider to be, some of the wackiest, daring and nonsensical pieces too. But they stay with me and I’ve taken something valuable from each and every one of them.

This year I return as a producer and director and – not going to lie – I am excited but also a little scared. I know I’m in for a tough month but I’m sure it’ll be truly rewarding. I have a great team with me that I am truly grateful for.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I myself am 31 and the other half of Prickly Pear Productions, my partner-in-crime, Zoe Farrugia, is 30. We spent our 28th, 29th and 30th years improvising, thinking outside of the box and trying to make theatre and projects happen during the pandemic. We managed, and we’re really proud of ourselves but I think by the end of the pandemic we were ravenous to get certain projects going again and we went all out chasing any opportunity we got a whiff of. The pandemic taught us to dream big and go for it, because you never know when the world, or YOUR world, will come to standstill. So, I’d say that’s the lesson we learned and now we’re here for this massive ride.

Tell us about your show.

Walking Home is a devised, political piece which explores the social issue of sexual violence against women and people of marginalised genders in public spaces.

Zoe and myself, at Prickly Pear Productions, started thinking about creating this piece when the world was angered and grieving after the rapes and murders of Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa and Paulina Dembska, to name a few. We knew we had to do something with the cries, the outpouring of emotions and the stories and experiences people were sharing with friends and strangers over social media.

So, we did. Thanks to the support of Arts Council Malta, we carried out months of research and development which included a lot of reading, interviews with professors in gender studies, psychologists and activists and theatre-makers. We also published a survey and collected over 40 responses from people of different genders, all over the world. They shared their experiences and their opinions with us, which we took into a devised process with our fantastic cast of four actors, a movement director and intimacy director. Together we went through all the research and explored several forms until we settled on a language for the piece, we all connected to.

The actors were all asked to write sections that represented the characters they each had crafted. I then went away and connected the pieces, wrote the in-betweens and solidified the structure. The team gave me feedback throughout the writing/crafting process and the final result is a truthful reflection of our collaboration. We’ve performed six previews of the work so far in our native country; three at Teatru Astra in Gozo and another three at Spazju Kreattiv, Malta.

We’re excited to be premiering this work now at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with an entirely Maltese team.

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

Oh Lordy, there are so many. We think you should definitely check out F-Bomb theatre’s The Beatles were a Boy Band, happening at Gilded Balloon. It also discusses the issue of sexual violence against women and won a fringe first last year. They are also the team behind the FemiFringe guide at this year’s fringe! Do you need anymore reasons to see this show?!

On a lighter note, we think you should see Jesus L’Oreal: Nails It! I know him personally so maybe I’m biased, but Chris is hilarious and I’ve seen him perform as Jesus L’Oreal maybe four times now? It’s hilarious, respectful, witty, brilliant work.

We’re also really looking forward to seeing Laura Ramoso in Frances at the Pleasance Dome. Her reels are posted to my girls’ group every other day. We love her.

And we can’t help but suggest God Catcher the musical. It’s a show we are co-producing with the insanely talented Petrichor Productions team. It’s a retelling of the Greek myth of Arachne, the only mortal who ever dared to defy and successfully beat a god. It’s a show that addresses themes like the erasure of the female narrative and what happens when we hold abusive power structures accountable. It’s full of great songs too, promise!

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EdFringe Talk: Not My Audience! The Interactive Panel Show You Control with an App!

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“Ultimately, it is that dialogue and feedback loop between artists and the audience that I believe creates such strong art coming out of the festival each year.”

WHO: Stephen Case

WHAT: “The Fringe’s cult-hit stand-up comedy panel show that you influence in real time is back. Three top comics answer the daft questions you pick on our exclusive app, you vote on which answers you liked the best, and choose who will take on our fiendish stand-up challenges! Never the same show twice, a must for comedy fans who want to see some of the sharpest comedy minds at the festival be put through their paces. No need to reserve, just rock up with a charged smartphone!”

WHERE: Laughing Horse @ 32 Below – Main Cellar (Venue 442) 

WHEN: 15:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I am now in my fifth Fringe. Really, the special thing about the Fringe for me is the ability to experiment and try new things. I come from a video and board game design background where fast iteration on designs and ideas are incredibly important. I don’t think there is a better place in the world to be testing and trying out new comedy formats and ideas the Edinburgh in August. Acts are willing to try new things, people are willing to take a chance. Ultimately, it is that dialogue and feedback loop between artists and the audience that I believe creates such strong art coming out of the festival each year.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Obviously the shows we put on in 2022 were the product of three years of ideas and we wanted all those ideas to get showcased. Honestly, that was probably too much. In game design we often talk about is the game doing one thing well. This is also true of shows. There is a very natural tendency to want to show off absolutely everything you can do when you get the platform to do something. However, you only need one thing to resonate to make a connection and to have a good show. You will get other opportunities to put other ideas front and centre. There is more than one boat, so keep a focus on doing one thing well for this ride.

Tell us about your show.

Not My Audience is a panel show where the audience decides what stand-up challenges the panelists do. Ollie Horn, comedian and host of the show, knowing my design background, had the brilliant idea for me to have an idea for the show. I was keen on exploring the idea of how audiences want to feel part of shows but do not necessarily want to be the focus of them. So we designed the show ground up with these ideas in mind to create an experience where audiences could have a direct effect on the show but from the comfort of their own phone! The show flirts with the anarchy of this daily. I personally love the fact that despite having done the show hundreds of times all over the world I still just do not know what the audience have in store for the comedians. Comedians love it because they have permission to be a bit wild, after all, they can blame the audience – they told them to do it!

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

My favourite question! The show I go see again and again is The Dark Room by John Robertson. It’s an interactive video game and a show like no other. There is a kids version too! I will always get a ticket to Josh Glanc – stand-up comedy at its most joyous and silly. Tom Little and Adele Cliff are two comedians who always smash it on our shows. Go see them! Police Cops pack so many laughs and moments into their plays I always try and get a repeat viewing. Grubby Little Mitts was great last year, perfect sketch comedy, will see again.

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EdFringe Talk: Kevin Quantum: Momentum

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“The city comes alive in August, like a child who’s had too much sugar.”

WHO: Kevin Quantum

WHAT: “Epic scale stunts and mind-blowing magic in a spectacle that swings from edge-of-your-seat astonishment to belly laughs. Illusionist and inventor Kevin was trained by Penn & Teller, has had sell-outs at Edinburgh Fringe and reached the final stages of Britain’s Got Talent with his death defying, stunning magic. ‘A mixture of magic, science and derring-do, you’re like a sexy Doctor Who!’ (David Walliams). ‘Astonishing’ ***** (Edinburgh Evening News). ‘Master illusionist’ ***** (Advertiser, Adelaide). ‘Epic Stunts’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). Edinburgh Fringe sell-out 2021, 2022. Winner: Best Magic, Adelaide Weeklies 2018, 2019. 2022 Scottish Comedy Awards nominee 2018, 2019.”

WHERE: Assembly Rooms – Music Hall (Venue 20) 

WHEN: 16:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I live here, it’s my home. I’ve done Fringe since 2006.

I’ve worked up from a 30 seat church hall in an unpopular part of town, with an average audience of 7 people, to one of the biggest, most comfortable, and most air-conditioned rooms at the Fringe. The city comes alive in August, like a child who’s had too much sugar. I mean the place is lovely year round but in August it’s feckin mental. Human traffic everywhere. Parties, plays, people, polka dancing.

As a resident who wasn’t interested in the arts back in the early noughties, it was a pain in the arse, but now I love it and just couldn’t do my career without it.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The main lesson, especially looking at my past shows, was how much of an impact on growth consistently high quality shows give you.

Before you come to Edinburgh, do your show somewhere else. I used to premiere my shows at the Fringe but I will not ever do that again. These days I’ve done at least 30-40 performances before I land in Edinburgh.

This is the biggest arts marketplace in the world, so show your best work.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show, perform in the show, directed the show, built the lights for the show, wrote the theme tune, sung the theme tune…

OK, I didn’t do it all… Part magic consultant – part dramaturg Dusty contributes in many ways to the show.

Jack Harris kindly helps me with the lighting.

Set design is really my props, apart from one big huge LED triangle that I designed. So I’m taking credit for that.

And my muse/co-collaborator/co-writer Svetlana McMahon pulls the whole thing together, telling me what’s shit, and what’s not – and – most importantly – offering solutions to every problem.
The team’s been together almost 5 years now so we’re just about getting it right most times…

My thing is Magic, Science and Adventure.

The show is about MOMENTUM, in life and science. The geeky side of me loves the HUGE magic props that I’ve created.

The Harmonic Pendulum that dwarfs the stage is the main item. Kinda like a EPIC sized Newton’s Cradle (one of those science desk toys with the balls that bounce off each other) I’ve made something genuinely massive for a magic trick / stunt / experiment like you’ll have never seen before.

Ever wondered what a first date with a magician/engineer would look like? Me neither but I throw it down your throat with charm and amazement… when you see me engineer the shit out of a first date.

Some audience members will experience the effects of the Bermuda Triangle live on stage.

My illusions are always unique, mind blowing and delivered with punch and heart. There’s literally blood, sweat and tears on each one and it means the world to me to bring joy and amazement to my audiences.

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

With soooo much on I thought I’d take a moment to give you a few of my absolute favs. It’s not exhaustive, but I thought I’d start with these.

Mc Hammersmith – Such a job working with this improv legend around the country, amazing talent, amazing work ethic. Go see.

Billy Kirkwood – Top Scottish Talent! Always buzzing whenever I get to watch this pro at work, such lovely playful energy. A real joy.

Zach Zucher- Zach is a clown, an absolute clown. Absurly talented, soulful, uplifting, dark and a bit dirty. A real jem of the Fringe.

Viggo Venn- BGT Winner! Probably needs no help shifting tickets, I worked with him in 2016 and watching him win BGT was like watching our cohort win. He’s lovely, silly, beautiful and Norwegian. Go see.

Josh Glance- Josh has some of the most intricate layeree, surreal and hilarious set pieces on the comedy circuit. A wonderful man – watching him is like watching a new kind of comedy. New and bloody brilliant.

Stamptown- Stamptown is where all the best clowns/standups/magicians and everything in between hang out in August. It’s the most outrageous mixed bill show in the entire festival. It always sells out so fight for a ticket.

Mark Nelson- Comedian’s comedian Mark Nelson’s delicately crafted, hammer blow lines and the best in the Fringe. No wonder he’s now playing the Kings in Glasgow and earned himself the title: Comedian’s Comedian.

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EdFringe Talk: Aaron Simmonds: Baby Steps

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”

WHO: Aaron Simmonds

WHAT: “Aaron has been doing stand-up comedy without standing up for eight years now, and it’s time for that to change! So he’s attempting to do something he’s never done before… Stand-up comedy, standing up. ‘An amazing storyteller… never a dull moment… hilarious’ ***** (NeurodiverseReview.co.uk). ‘Simmonds is hysterically funny… a great show’ **** (Voice). ‘A superb storyteller… it is easy to see why he is an award winner’ **** (Scotsman). ‘A natural storyteller… the audience are rapt’ **** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘Refreshingly different’ **** (Metro). Seen on The Russell Howard Hour, Guessable and The Stand Up Sketch Show.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 16:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I have been going up to the Fringe every year in some capacity since 2014. I only done 3 open mics at that stage and was so excited to be there, and I almost certainly told comedians that had been performing for years that I was also an experienced comedian.

But I love the festival, it’s my favourite time of year, having people come choose your show out of thousands of shows that they could see is a remarkable thing. Especially when people come back year after year which luckily, so far they have.

But what makes Edinburgh special is the hills. I get that most cities in the world have hills, but if you go from A to B and it’s up hill, when you go from B to A, it’s downhill. Not in Edinburgh. It’s like an Eschar painting.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing I learnt in 2022 was how important therapy has been and continues to be for me. It’s not particularly funny, but therapy is really good.

But I think it’s bigger than that, I think it was more about looking after myself and doing anything and everything I can to be at my best. During 2022 I didn’t drink, I prepped food everyday and ate plenty of veg. It’s something that I am going to do again as this year I have to contend with the physical demands of doing a show on my feet for the first time. Which’ll be interesting to say the least.

Tell us about your show.

This show is my third Edinburgh hour and the first on my feet. As a comedian with cerebral palsy you can see why this is a big deal. When I agreed to do it I could only stand for 15 minutes. I wrote it based off an innocuous comment and I thought fuck that and then decided to this show. There’s a chance that I’ll loose my disability benefits, but I think it’s worth the risk.

I wrote the show and it is produced by Gag Reflex.

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

Alice Fraser, I saw her do her show Twist and it’s incredible. I saw it 5 days ago and am still thinking about it.
I haven’t previewed with too many folks this year, but here’s a bunch of people that I think are great.
Adele cliff – one of the best joke writers around
Glenn Moore – the funniest show I saw last year
Best in Class – a showcase for working class acts at the fringe
Don Biswas – one of the only people that makes me laugh whilst talking about politics
Ian Smith – the most natural performer I’ve seen.
Janine Harouni – she’s wicked and she’s going to be taking a break for a bit, so catch her whilst you can!
Sam Lake – the best thing to come out of Cornwall since pasties.
And if you like Harry Potter, go see Harry Potter or My girlfriend… Who do I love more? It’s a show all about Harry Potter, sex and Cerebral Palsy. Why wouldn’t you love it?
But also, go see something that you’ve never heard of. One of the best things about Edinburgh is going to see a show where you’re one of three people in the audience, that’ll be an experience you won’t forget!

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EdFringe Talk: Biscuit Barrel: The 69-Sketch Show

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“There were some days where I would do five or six straight hours on the Royal Mile alone… dressed as a pizza. “

WHO: James Horscroft

WHAT: “‘An excellent comedy show’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). 69 sketches in an hour – the speed of the internet put on a stage! The Fringe’s quintessential quick-fire sketch show returns. However, a bandit has broken into the production, stealing sound effects, characters, and even dialogue. ‘Best of the rest of the fest’ ***** (Scottish Daily Mail). ‘The hit rate of their sketches are high’ (List). ‘An A+ sketch show’ (Seagull.news). From sentient self-checkout machines to an awkward reunion for the iceberg and the Titanic, it’s all inside this Barrel. Featuring DazzReviews (YouTube).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Teviot – Sportsmans (Venue 14) 

WHEN: 15:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my fourth time participating. I have been taking Biscuit Barrel for full runs of the festival since 2018, and have been attending the festival since 2014. That first year single-handedly shaped the subsequent nine years of my life. I didn’t realise there was a place where someone like me could put their own show together and be part of something so huge.

There is nowhere else playing over 3,000 completely different productions at the same time. Each one made by people who genuinely care about what they are doing; it is too much effort for those who don’t. The festival carries with it a sense of infinite potential, whilst also celebrating the finite experience. You could see something that will end up on Broadway in six years. You could see a truly phenomenal show that then NEVER gets performed again. That is Fringe.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Last year’s Fringe taught me that you cannot treat a month like it’s one long weekend. When you’re both advertiser and performer, you need to pace yourself. There was one week where half the group was ill, and I picked up the slack so they could rest before the show. Consequently, there were some days where I would do five or six straight hours on the Royal Mile alone… dressed as a pizza. I had some laughs, but I was working so hard on the street that, by the time the show was over, there was nothing left of me to enjoy the evening. In short, the thing I’ve learnt is to never do that again.

Tell us about your show.

We’ve made a show for terrible attention spans. Not only is it quickfire, but we’ve also loaded it with slapstick and physical comedy. It’s a format we’ve worked on since we began in 2016, but then TikTok’s explosion during the pandemic gave us a whole new audience and timeliness. Likewise with our co-writer Daryl Reader, whose YouTube channel (DazzReviews) recently surpassed 100 million views. Both in concept and experience, the group is unquestionably connected to that internet influence.

But why stop there? Why not also add a running storyline, where a police officer tries to stop a burglar who’s broken into the show? It’s a plot-point that has allowed a lot of creativity; the bandit could steal anything, from dialogue to even the audience.

The show’s written by myself and Daryl, with songs penned by Capriella Monique – a recognisable name to those familiar with the Bristol stand-up circuit. The three of us are also in the cast, joining Lily Maryon (Rose Bruford) and our newest member Harry Brown (Mountview). Directing, we have Holly Meechan, who has previously worked with the Tobacco Factory Theatre (Bristol), Bristol Academy of Drama, and London-based improv troupe Rhinoceros.

Before Edinburgh, we decided to do something a bit different with our Bristol preview. Whereas our comedy night runs at Bristol Improv Theatre, we previewed this show at a community space to raise money for Bristol Refugee Rights. We didn’t charge much for tickets, but still managed to raise over £200. We also took the show to Brighton Fringe, where we sold out a 180-seat theatre!

Following Fringe, we are going to pitch it for a London transfer. Daryl’s YouTube following is predominantly American, so we’ve been flirting with that idea as well.

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

The first Fringe shows that I ever saw were ‘And Now For Something Completely Improvised’ and ‘…And This Is My Friend Mr Laurel’ (clearly have a taste for the ‘Ands’), so I was delighted to see that they have BOTH been resurrected for this year. The former’s a fantastic long-form improv troupe, which has a similar anarchic flavour to us. The latter’s a heartfelt monologue from an elderly Stan Laurel, speaking to his beloved friend for the final time. Stan Laurel’s my greatest influence, and the reason why slapstick’s in our show at all.

There’s also a strong Bristolian flavour infiltrating Edinburgh this year. You’ve got two brilliant solo shows from Chelsea Birkby and Eva Bindeman. You also have two of Bristol’s comedy nights relocating for the month, with the boys from ‘IC3 Comedy’, as well as ‘White Bear Comedy Club’, brought to you by the awesome Mr Harry Allmark (also see him in ‘Murder She Didn’t Write’).

What’s exciting about this year is that our audience will get a different recommendation each day, as our villain/burglar keeps ‘stealing people from other shows’. We’ve got guests from shows of all genres, so it won’t just be comedy we’re plugging. Just another way to add a sense of fun, whilst effectively supporting twenty-six other shows in the process!

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EdFringe Talk: The Madwoman

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“We have been to Edinburgh, Texas! But I don’t think this is what you were asking…”

WHO: Cara Johnston

WHAT: “France 1817. The French Revolution is over for all except one. Théroigne de Méricourt has stepped out of the revolution and into the asylum. Left unsupervised, she spends her final days crafting her life’s great work, an opera about the revolution she never left behind. As the self-cast leading lady of her own imagination, Théroigne performs to an illusory audience and a standing ovation.”

WHERE: Paradise in The Vault – The Vault (Venue 29) 

WHEN: 14:00 (40 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We have been to Edinburgh, Texas! But I don’t think this is what you were asking…

My sister and I made our Edfringe debut virtually in 2021 (returning in 2022) with our 5-Star reviewed play, “The Little Glass Slipper as Performed by the Queen of France and her Friends.” This is our first in-person Edfringe and our first time in Scotland! So, if you see two lost girls wearing cowboy hats, you will know it is us. Say “Howdy,” y’all!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My sister and I planned to take our play, “The Little Glass Slipper as Performed by the Queen of France and her Friends” to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2020 and the world shut down. We (thankfully) got our venue deposit back and we pressed forward, planning to attend in 2021… On the day of our first read-through with the cast, my sister received the bad news that she had cancer. We filmed our production from Dallas, Texas and participated in Edfringe online. Now, in 2023, with Covid vaccinations and my sister’s cancer in remission, we have a brand new show coming in-person to Edfringe 2023! The biggest lessons we have learned are to bet on yourself and fight to fulfill your dreams! Also, to have fun and celebrate being alive!

Tell us about your show.

In research for “The Little Glass Slipper as Performed by the Queen of France and her Friends,” I came across Théroigne de Méricourt. She was an opera singer turned French Revolutionist who survived the Reign of Terror by being committed to an insane asylum where she spent the remainder of her life speaking about the Revolution despite it having been over for decades. Théroigne’s story resonated with my sister because she, too, was an artist with a need to create art, despite dire circumstances. Théroigne’s story resonated with me because I, too, had become hyperfixated on the French Revolution, waiting for any excuse to bring up Robespierre in daily conversation. We love bringing a woman forgotten by history back where she loved to be – the spotlight!

Our production team consists of my sister and me. My sister does our show’s visual elements (costume, set design, and graphics) while I do the theatrical elements (writer, director, and performer.) Our set is hand-painted. Our mom even sewed the costumes! We produced and funded the show ourselves by painting murals. You can see our work on instagram: @DallasMuralSisters.

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

After you see The Madwoman, go support other one-woman shows at the Edfringe! These are on the top of our “Must See” List. What can we say? We have a thing for historical stories and female voices.

Tennessee, Rose (The Style Theatre) – A show about Tennessee William’s sister? We are only mad that we didn’t think of this first.

Victorine: The Artist’s Model (Moon Rabbit) – We’ve been following this group online since their production of “Philomena McGuinness” and we are excited to finally see their beautiful work in person!

Tituba (Africanus World) – Tituba is the most interesting character in The Crucible. A show from her perspective will be nothing less than amazing.

The Last Flapper (Belle Savage) – The Jazz Age through the lens of an insane asylum? Yes, please! This group is also coming from Dallas, Texas! Texans support Texans.

Marie Lloyd Stole My Life (Blue Fire Theatre Company) – Scandal, betrayal, AND set in a Victorian Music Hall! What more could you possibly want in a show?

Being Sophie Scholl (Acting Coach Scotland) – We loved the Sophie Scholl biopic, “The Final Days,” so we are really looking forward to seeing this one. We won’t tell you how the story ends but after you watch it, you’ll understand why a show set during the French Revolution would recommend this one…

Grown Up Orphan Annie (Katherine Bourne Taylor) – We can’t wait to hear what our favorite orphan has been up to after all these years!

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EdFringe Talk: Bishops

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“We also don’t really fall into the classic straight man/fall guy double-act dynamic, we’re both as stupid as each other and will do literally anything to get a laugh– which is great when writing an Edinburgh show but slightly inconvenient in our day to day lives.”

WHO: Noah Matthews & Chris Curran

WHAT: “Chris and Noah aren’t real Bishops, but what they lack in divinity they make up for with sensational sketches at a ‘cracking pace’ (Chortle.co.uk). With back-to-back, sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs under their belt, a British Comedy Guide Video Award nomination and a trip to Leicester Square Theatre’s Sketch-Off semi-final, Bishops launch their debut hour of hilarious sketch comedy. Absurd, riotous and unapologetically funny, watch these burgeoning comics bring ‘all the youthful zing you can hope for’ (Chortle.co.uk) despite only having a year left on their Young Persons Railcard.”

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

WHEN: 15:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We’ve performed at Edinburgh a few times as students with The Manchester Revue at TheSpaceUK, and we were fortunate enough to get a great response each year. Together we wrote the Revue’s show in our final year, which had a sold-out run at the Fringe, and we continued writing and performing together since graduation. This year is our first time heading to the Fringe as a double act, and if people liked our work with the Revue, they’ll definitely enjoy our debut show, Bishops, at Gilded Balloon.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We saw loads of shows in 2022 which really informed what we’re writing now – being exposed to so much new comedy really helped us create our own distinct style of surreal sketches, which which hopefully will result in a room of knee slappers and loud clappers (note this is the only rhyming couplet, so savour it). We also learnt to not overcomplicate it, and that the recipe for a happy and successful fringe is through just creating a show which is as fun to perform as it is to watch– you’re doing it everyday for a month so you may as well enjoy it. But our biggest lesson was probably to make sure we put our new material in front of audiences as often as possible, so we’ve spent the last year relentlessly gigging to find out what was actually good and what was just nonsense that we found funny after going slightly mad in a writing session.

Tell us about your show.

The show was written by us (Noah Matthews & Chris Curran); we met each other making comedy films at university and instantly didn’t hate each other, so have decided to rest any chance of comedic success on each other’s shoulders. Which would add a bit of pressure to the relationship if we didn’t already get on so well. We also don’t really fall into the classic straight man/fall guy double-act dynamic, we’re both as stupid as each other and will do literally anything to get a laugh– which is great when writing an Edinburgh show but slightly inconvenient in our day to day lives.

The show itself? Well, it’s a sketch show! How different can it be? That’s something we’ve also learned writing sketch comedy for over 6 years, a conceptual sketch show doesn’t automatically make it better. We’ve not set Bishops on a spaceship or anything wacky, it’s just a chaotically surreal show about two blokes trying to do their debut show–so no connection to the real us at all… I guess you could say it’s all about how important first impressions are, and what happens when they go wrong. But ultimately it’s an unhinged hour of laugh-out-loud sketch comedy that can’t really be defined or pigeon-holed into one specific style. We began writing it last autumn, and performed extracts on the comedy circuit and got through to Leicester Square Theatre’s Sketch Off Semi-Final before taking a preview to Brighton Fringe where we enjoyed a sold-out show.

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

Definitely go and check out the shows by The Manchester Revue, Will BF, Dirty Laundry and Pear– they’re all amazing up-and-coming sketch comedians who’s shows never miss a beat. If you want to catch the next generation of alternative comedy you should definitely catch their shows! There’s also some great Fringe staples coming back to Edinburgh who don’t need any introduction (let alone from us) such as Max & Ivan, and Britanick. Also go see Mr Thing at Underbelly, they were the best show we saw at Fringe 22” and totally deserve a wider audience– it’s like a late night chat show on acid, yet also somehow the most wholesome show you’ll ever see.

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