Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: Chelsea Birkby: This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“In the buzz of it all it struck me that part of the magic of the fringe is that instead of that energy being generated for one superstar, it’s being generated for hundreds of performers, many of whom you’ve never heard of.”

WHO: Chelsea Birkby

WHAT: “Following her award-winning debut and sell-out run, Chelsea Birkby’s back with a meditation on lust for life. Playfully combining pop culture and philosophy in this smart and silly show unpacking being in the moment, desire and also ass. ‘Very funny… There’s a sharp mind behind the sweet exterior’ **** (Telegraph). ‘Brilliant… Hugely promising and already accomplished’ **** (Scotsman). ‘A real star’ ****½ (Sunday Post). ‘Deceptively smart’ **** (Fest). Amused Moose Best Debut 2022. Comedian’s Choice Best Show Nominee. Best Jokes 2022 (Telegraph, Times). Writer on Mock the Week. Ass seen on BBC Three.”

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

WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I just got off the LNER back from Edinburgh! I was lucky enough to get tickets for Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour (How? I sold 4 kidneys). It was magical, life-affirming and kinda unhinged- the shows triggered earthquake monitors! As a fringe goer, it was funny walking around town because, for a second, you could imagine it was August with the festival in full swing, just with more cowboy hats, bejewelled bodysuits and ‘tay-keaway frose’. But in the buzz of it all it struck me that part of the magic of the fringe is that instead of that energy being generated for one superstar, it’s being generated for hundreds of performers, many of whom you’ve never heard of.

Last time I brought a show, it was my debut. I didn’t know what to expect or who would come! So I was over the moon to have busy rooms, lovely reviews and even leave with an award and a nomination! That’s only possible because a bunch of comedy fans liked the cut of my jib, thought ‘sure, why not’ and came to see me in my cave! That makes the fringe so special – I can’t wait to wander into pub function rooms and lecture halls and see what people have come up with to share with us!

This time I’m returning with show two. I also don’t know what to expect!

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

I didn’t set a New Year’s resolution this year because I’ve stuck to one in my life. I’m no stats expert, but that’s not a good hit rate. For 2024, I chose a word of the year: motion. I noticed that a lot of words about depression are frozen: ‘stuck in a rut’, ‘standstill’, ‘slump’ . Motion felt like the answer! And if it’s come as a surprise to you reading this that I’ve been depressed, can I remind you that in this interview alone you’ve discovered I’m a stand-up comedian and a Taylor Swift fan (she’s emo at heart, if you know, you know).

‘Motion’ has been so liberating. Somedays, I think ‘motion’ and go for a walk (turns out it’s good for your mental health, boo). Thinking ‘motion’ gave me the confidence to give up on books I’m two-thirds through because I’m just not invested in the plot (sorry, the Dictionary). And ‘motion’ has meant I’ve followed the flow of my writing, even when it leads somewhere I wasn’t expecting. Did I intend to write so much about this horse I met? NO! Did I intend to write about the meaning of ass in today’s society? No. But here we are.

Tell us about your show.

My show’s called ‘This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky’. It’s an hour of stand-up about not intellectualising everything and instead living in my body in the moment. And I do that by … intellectualising everything 🙂

I’m taking direction from Dan Emery and Molly Stacey, who are almost painfully perceptive hehe. I really trust them. They’ve encouraged me not to pull back from being silly and spontaneous, spotting my fear that it’s somehow “not allowed” in a finished show. And I’m on a mission not to be apologetic about my jokiest jokes and most smarty-pants stuff. As a result, the show is extra vulnerable, silly and cerebral!

I’m returning to the Caves with Just the Tonic. I love those rooms they’re just pure fringe. I’m in a bigger one for show two- scary/ exciting! Just a few more work-in-progress shows in June and July before stopping off at Tebay en route to Cowgate! Where it takes me after, we’ll see!

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

Grubby Little Mitts. They’re a sketch duo who get up to lots of mischief. Unabashedly silly and their chemistry is electric. Plus Rosie is a hair icon!

Louise Atkinson – I missed her first show and won’t make that mistake this time!

I can’t wait to see Olga Koch’s new show, she’s just the whole package.

I think this is gonna be Celya AB’s best yet, I’m so excited by what she’s talking about.

And if philosophy has caught anyone’s eye, one of my fringe faves is Stand-up Philosophy with Alex Farrow: comedians tackling the biq questions with big laughs, different lineups every day.

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EdFringe Talk: Old Man

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

“The fringe community is a generous one, we’re all here to create and share art and comedy – I suppose trying to find a balance between pacing yourself and supporting others is what I need to learn. Or maybe I should just schedule things further ahead! That’s a problem for Future Jon.”

WHO: Jon Tilley

WHAT: “Turn on the radio, have a cup of tea – and don’t forget to take your pills! Get ready for an action-packed journey through the imagination of a playful, solitary old man as he discovers treasured memories of raising his late son. Mischievously recreating childlike memories with an undercurrent of grief, Old Man is a masterpiece of modern clowning, where the anguish of loss is beautifully juxtaposed with innocent joy. This show is non-verbal, and blends physical theatre, clowning and mime. Winner of the Brian’s Life Award, Prague Fringe 2023. Directed by Oliver Fife-Nilsson, produced by Ellen Fife-Nilsson.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Red Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 11:30 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this will be my fifth time at Edinburgh Fringe and every year has been unique! I performed with university people way back when and then, the second year (2019) I was part of the Latebloomers performing Scotland! with Ollie Fife-Nilsson and Sam Dugmore. Then in 2022 and 2023 I was performing Attenborough and his Animals with Clownfish Theatre and in 2023 I was also performing with mine and Ollie’s company, Jon & Ollie for our kids show Strictly Barking at Gilded Balloon. The variety is one of the things that makes Edinburgh Fringe stand out as the world’s best fringe festival for both audience and performers – no two years are the same! This year I’ll be performing a solo show at Summerhall, Old Man, and also am part of a sketch comedy show called MIME CLUB.

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

Something I’m trying to learn (and might learn one day!) is how to pace myself. Having been part of multiple shows for multiple years – which I’m doing again this year – requires a lot of stamina both mentally and physically. Plus there is sometimes pressure when performing at fringe festivals to not miss out on anything and support fellow artists – you want to see everything, meet everyone, catch up with friends and make new connections. This year Old Man is on for 11 shows and MIME CLUB is on for 16, both in the first half of the fringe, so I’m not doing the full run as a performer this year (but still am in talks to tech things!). Maybe I am learning to pace myself?! But supporting everyone is crucial for me. The fringe community is a generous one, we’re all here to create and share art and comedy – I suppose trying to find a balance between pacing yourself and supporting others is what I need to learn. Or maybe I should just schedule things further ahead! That’s a problem for Future Jon.

Tell us about your show.

Old Man is a piece of non-verbal theatre that uses clowning, mime and physical comedy to explore play, grief, loneliness and storytelling. It’s a solo show that follows a nameless old man as he searches through a box of his absent son’s belongings, rejoicing in happy memories of parenthood and mischievously recreating childlike memories. But there is an undertone of grief lies beneath the surface, which leaves the audience with tears of laughter, sadness and a longing for family connections.

I created this piece with Ollie Fife-Nilsson, the other half of Jon & Ollie, who also directed the show. We met while studying at Jacques LeCoq in Paris in 2015 and formed our duo company during the pandemic. Jon & Ollie shows are produced by Ellen Fife-Nilsson. So far Old Man has won the Brian’s Life Comedy Award and the Catania Off-Fringe Award, both at Prague Fringe in 2023. We’ve since taken the show to Italy, England and Scotland and are looking forward to see where it can go next!

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

Of course, if Old Man doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, MIME CLUB is unhinged absurdist comedy sketches showing at Gilded Balloon. Also The Ceremony by Ben Volchok at Summerhall (I’d try and avoid spoilers but every show is different!), Murder She Didn’t Write is a terrific improvised classic murder mystery and Motorboat by Mel McGlensey is hilariously naughty, both showing at Assembly. I’m always a fan of Elf Lyons’ comedy shows and can’t wait to see Horses at the Pleasance, and if you missed out on seeing Jeromaia Detto’s MUSH last year you’ve been given a second chance to see it at Underbelly which I highly recommend.

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EdFringe Talk: Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry to Offend

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“I’ve always kind of eschewed marketing as inimical to the endeavour of being in the arts and especially to being funny BUT we live in a brave new world and market ourselves we must.”

WHO: Milo Edwards

WHAT: “Milo is sick of it all. Disgusted with the state of things. No, thank you. Everything is getting worse. In 2023 he got a temporary tattoo on his arse. Award-winning comedian Milo Edwards returns to the fringe with a show about class, Britain, common decency and cum… and other revolting things that are best not talked about. ‘Edwards has quietly become one of the UK’s smartest, most vital stand-ups’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Near perfect’ ***** (TheWeeReview.com). ‘Milo Edwards’ comedy is a little like marmalade’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). Best Show nominee Leicester Comedy Festival (2023 and 2024).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 2 (Venue 515) 

WHEN: 17:45 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, if anything I’ve been too many times at this point – the sixth-formers I saw perform a groundbreaking version of Hamlet set in the trenches of WW1 probably all have receding hairlines now.

But anyway I keep coming back, it’s a great time to really focus on my passion for late-night kebabs.

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

I think one of the biggest things I’ve taken on board since 2023 is how important marketing is (snore). I’ve always kind of eschewed marketing as inimical to the endeavour of being in the arts and especially to being funny BUT we live in a brave new world and market ourselves we must. So this year you can expect a much higher production value Marc Jacobs-esque: Milo Edwards Presents: Milo in association with Milo Edwards by Milo Edwards.

Tell us about your show.

This show ‘How Revolting! Sorry to Offend’ is a show about class in Britain and how we the British, including me (Milo Edwards as mentioned earlier) find it disgusting. The show focuses both on me (Milo Edwards) and the things that happen to me, but also on the general state of affairs in the UK and the much, correctly, maligned field of ‘politics’.

The show has yet to premiere due to not being finished, but hopefully we’ll take care of that before the Fringe – and then maybe Australia in 2024 if it’s any good. Directed as always by the excellent Delyth Jones and produced by Ingenious Fools.

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

Honestly there are too many to list but you must go and see (in no particular order):
Olga Koch, Pierre Novellie, Aidan Jones, Erika Ehler, Chris MacArthur Boyd, Huge Davies, Ollie Horn and so many others I have forgotten.

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EdFringe Talk: J.E.N.

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“You can have next to no audience for a full three week run, and then happen to be seen by the one right person who ends up launching your career to the next level on your last day.”

WHO: Jennifer Kehl

WHAT: “Jen’s Evolution is Nigh: One woman. One TikTok challenge. Seen through the millennia. Popularised by TikTok, “get ready with me” morning videos showcase people’s daily morning rituals through a quick-cut social media lens. But how would these routines differ for a medieval peasant, a Fifties housewife, or a CEO of the future? This commentary on the hilarity of the human race shows the evolution of one woman’s morning routine as seen throughout history – from the Stone Age to the apocalypse.”

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

WHEN: 16:15 (45 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Though I have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe before, this is my first time bringing a self-produced solo show. The Ed Fringe is truly unique if you are a performing artist. You can have next to no audience for a full three week run, and then happen to be seen by the one right person who ends up launching your career to the next level on your last day. Or you can luck out and get a five-star review in your first week and have sold-out crowds for your entire run. Or you can absolutely crash and burn and have to cancel all your shows because a million people take your flyers but nobody shows up at show time. The Ed Fringe is a gamble and a hustle and the most terrifying, exhausting, and wonderful experience in the entire world.

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

For the 2022 Fringe, I had the cushy job of simply being “actor.” Of course, I was out flyering and advertising for the show I was with, but I did not have to do any of the intense marketing. This year presented a truly steep learning curve in terms of the producing and advertising side of things. I completely underestimated how active you have to be on social media and how difficult it is to get reviewers in to come see your show if you haven’t lucked out in the first week with a notable media outlet. We still haven’t received any professional reviews despite some rave audience reviews and non-stop TikTok videos, and I have to be honest – if my boyfriend didn’t have a Twitter account, our show would really be struggling at this point. It’s all about the social media folks! I have definitely learned how to be more confident in terms of flyering, starting conversations, and sending non-stop emails to press. Most importantly, I have learned that it is truly exhausting and distracting to have to do all of this other stuff and THEN have to go on and perform every day with 100% energy. It’s a feat, and I highly recommend coming with a team if possible.

Tell us about your show.

I’m a third year MFA student studying theatre at Rose Bruford college just outside of London. Part of my education involved spending time at the National Theatre Institute in Waterford, Connecticut, where I met the brilliant writer and director Rachel Ropella. We definitely sparked working together at school and so when I approached Rachel asking if she’d like to work on a climate change-themed play to take to the Ed Fringe, I was delighted when she accepted. Rachel and I spent a few months over Zoom doing historical research and writing the play together, and through Rachel’s Minnesota-based company Melancholics Anonymous, J.E.N. was born. We bounced quite a few ideas around in the early days, but the one that stuck was the concept of ridiculous social media trends like the popular “get ready with me” morning routine and what that would have looked like throughout history. Our show uses this concept to explore (in a light-hearted way) how “trending” practices throughout history have led us to where we are today in terms of climate change. The Edinburgh Fringe marks the premiere of J.E.N. and we hope to have a future with the show – though we are currently trying to just survive Edinburgh before determining what happens next.

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

Oh gosh, I’ve seen SO much good theatre this year… here are some of my favourites. For sketch comedy / circus weirdness, “Laser Kiwi – Rise of the Olive” had me in stiches, awe, and wonder, and the performers are super nice to boot. I saw and participated in the most incredible small venue magic / theatre show called “It’s Magic, But Is It Art?” Which was part monologue, part art history lesson, and part intimate magic incredibleness (is that a word?) “Adaptation: Enough Already” REALLY spoke to me as a woman who often feels herself overwhelmed with the people pleasing. It was beautiful and heart-felt and had great, live music. “Klanghaus: InHaus” was just a really cool immersive room with some rockin’ live music and insane projections which I loved (they provide ear coverings for the audience if it’s too loud!)”Chicken” was a bizarre and truly delightful solo show that was just so different from all the other solo shows out there – it’s highly recommended. If you want something slightly funny but also sobering and beautiful, go see “Afghanistan is Not Funny.” Finally, I’ll say that I did the little outdoor escape game through Agent November called “Major X Ploe-Shun” which was actually super fun even though we didn’t solve it in time and all got a button that said “I exploded.” I could go on forever – get out there and see some shows!

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EdFringe Talk: Shoot the Cameraman

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“The help of our host organisation, Assembly, has been invaluable. We learnt a lot about what participating in the fringe entails in terms of the company’s strategic development.”

WHO: Baptiste Hilbert

WHAT: “Shoot the Cameraman. Blend the instinctive and spontaneous quality of live performance with the possibilities of the seventh art by joining camera operators with live dancers on stage. The audience will thus be offered a permanent double reading of the piece and have the opportunity to simultaneously attend a live performance on stage and on screen.”

WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Central (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, and it’s also the first time that Luxembourg has sent an official showcase.

The Fringe is a real experience for us because it gives us another insight into how the market works across the Channel. The cultural market works in a different way here and it’s very important for our future international sales strategies to understand how the different sectors work.

It’s also an ideal opportunity to confront our work with a new multi-disciplinary audience who aren’t particularly used to contemporary dance.

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

Preparing for the Fringe was laborious for us, given that this was our first experience we didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into. The help of our host organisation, Assembly, has been invaluable. We learnt a lot about what participating in the fringe entails in terms of the company’s strategic development. Targeting and making contact with professionals and the press, as well as the importance of well-established communication.

Over the last few months the company has also been working on several other projects for the 24/25 season.

A brand new creation, “Mary’s daughters”, is currently being created and will premiere in Luxembourg during the 25/26 season.

And more recently on the third edition of our dance festival “Plate-Forme AWA” for young European choreographic creation and the bringing together of dance amateurs and professionals. This will take place in February 2024 and will include workshops and masterclasses for amateur and professional dancers, as well as two evenings of performances at the Luxembourg choreographic centre (TROIS C-L) and the Kinneksbond Theatre in Mamer.

Tell us about your show.

Shoot the cameraman was co-written by Catarina Barbosa and myself (Baptiste Hilbert).
We are co-artistic directors of the dance company AWA As We Are (LU).

AWA is a company that works on a project basis and we always put together a team that we know and with whom we have infinite contact in everyday life.

The show is co-produced by some of Europe’s leading dance structures, such as Les Théâtres De La Ville De Luxembourg, CCN des Ballets du Rhin, ….

This is a production for 2019/2020, just in time for the Covid crisis. We have nevertheless managed to tour the show for a few exceptional dates after the crisis, such as Teatros Del Canal in Madrid in October 2022.

The Fringe represents a final opportunity for us to disseminate this work and make contact with any interested organisations.

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

As a dance company, we’d like to unofficially encourage you to check out Dance Base in Grassmarket. The programme is rich and varied, with works that perfectly reflect the different current inspirations in contemporary dance.

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EdFringe Talk: Ada Campe: Naval Gazing

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

WHO: Ada Campe

WHAT: “Ahoy! Sail away with cabaret legend and variety artiste Ada Campe for an adventure on the high seas – and a show that puts the merry in maritime, the naughty in nautical and the oar in awesome! ‘Ada Campe made me laugh more than anyone on the circuit for years. Genius.’ (Sandi Toksvig). ‘Fabulous’ (ScotsGay). ‘Very funny’ (Guardian). ‘A real original and with irrepressible funny bones’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘A marvellous teller of tall tales’ (Scotsman). ‘Totally bonkers, totally brilliant, totally booming unmissable’ (Basil Brush). http://www.adacampe.com”

WHERE: The Stand’s New Town Theatre – Studio (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 14:55 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my 6th Edinburgh and my 4th year at The Stand’s New Town Theatre! This year it definitely feels busier than 2022 on the streets, but nowhere near as vibrant as 2019.

As ever one of my very favourite things about performing at Edfringe is getting to work with chums and meeting new chums whilst doing spots on compilation cabaret, comedy, variety and magic shows. There’s just so much talent and joy out there, and cabaret folk are the nicest, sparkliest people to work with in my experience.

I stay in the New Town so am very grateful that the tram extension has finally opened – and although there are still plenty of roadworks going on the city traffic feels less congested than it did last year. I love walking back to my digs after a late night show on a clear night, watching the seagulls swooping around looking for drunk people who are being careless with their chips.

For me the variety of shows at Edfringe is the absolute best. There’s always something extraordinary to see and be part of. I love the willingness of audiences to take a punt and to be spontaneous, and for those that are prepared to escape the Old Town and venture to the New Town there are lots of goodies to be found. Don’t be George Square – be George Street!

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

Last year’s show Ada Campe: Too Little, Too Soon was forged in the COVID times and so was necessarily less interactive than this current one or my previous show Ada Campe and the Psychic Duck. There was of course still fun interaction and a bit of magic, but the focus was more on the storytelling.

Whilst stuck at home I’d been delving into queer histories of theatre folk, particularly those of the women in my family, and found a love story which would go on to become the heart of the show. This was a new direction for me, and I was thrilled with how much the audience engaged with that love story, and how moved they were at the end of the show.

The biggest thing I learned was how easy it is to shock an audience with a story about a pleasurable one-night stand between two middle aged women! I expected a Fringe-going comedy audience to be unflusterable, but when I said that during that encounter “she rummaged for my clitoris with the enthusiasm of a truffle hound” the reaction was always hilarious! I don’t think people expected it from me – and it delighted and surprised them. It delighted and surprised me too 😉

Tell us about your show.

My show this year is Ada Campe: Naval Gazing. It’s an adventure on the high seas, a joyful hour of nautical titting about, and lots and lots of fun! There’s magic, an inflatable seal called Celia, prizes to be won, and a very special surprise prop I made myself. I’m wearing an incredible hat from Fishheadhats which is worth the price of entry alone to see up close, and having the most fantastic time encouraging my audiences to be playful and silly. The tech team at The Stand’s New Town Theatre are, as ever, wonderful – and my two techs this year Uncle Fraser and Uncle Josh are a joy to work with.

There were only a few previews before Edfringe began – including one very fun one at The Magic Circle in London – so the show as it is now has really been shaped by the fabulous Edfringe audiences. I’d like to take it to other places after the Fringe and need to put some feelers out about that… hopefully there’ll at least be a couple of performances in London in the autumn. Follow me on social media to be the first to find out news!

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

Gosh, so many to recommend, and I’m bound to leave off lots of lovely folk from this list by accident so apologies in advance.

For top magic stuff – definitely seek out Charlie Caper, Griffin and Jones, Magic Arron, Chris Cook, Tom Brace, David Alnwick, and the Absurd Panel Show run by Ava Beaux and Kane and Abel.

Cabaret shows – Magic Faraway and the Lock-In Cabaret (both at the Voodoo Rooms) are an absolute must! Blues and Burlesque features the excellent Belle de Beauvoir who I know from the London cabaret scene. If you’ve never been to ACMS at Monkey Barrel you are missing out. The Creative Martyrs are an Edfringe staple for me – it doesn’t feel like the Fringe has begun until I’ve seen them. Kaisa Ling Thing is an Estonian singer and performer you should seek out. Frank Lavender’s show made me cry with laughter, and Flat and the Curves are just incredibly talented.

Stand ups – Sikisa, Yuriko Kotani, Sam See, Vix Leyton, Alexis Dubus, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Sarah Keyworth, Shelf, Marjolein Robertson, Mary Bourke, Rachel Creeger, Kate Smurthwaite, Adele Cliff, Robin Ince, James Nokise.

Other – Susan Morrison’s walking tour, Jody Kamali, Tom Crosbie’s always excellent nerding, John Robertson’s The Dark Room, The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, The Comedy Arcade, Julia Masli, and the wonderful Lucy Stevens as Gertrude Lawrence.

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EdFringe Talk: My Best Judys

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“I flew all the way from Australia!! One whole day of travel for a week of fabulous shows here at the Fringe. Very worth it.”

WHO: Caitlin Cassidy

WHAT: “Come and enjoy a night in celebration of one of the world’s most beloved entertainers, the one Ms Judy Garland. My Best Judys features world-class entertainers featuring only the best tunes from the titans of the American songbook, Harold Arlen and George Gershwin amongst others. Starring vocalists Caitlin Cassidy, Dani Sicari and Madeleine Joyce. This show received rave reviews at FRINGE WORLD Festival in Western Australia were it was first premiered and is now coming to the UK for the Edinburgh Fringe.”

WHERE: ZOO Southside – Main House (Venue 82) 

WHEN: 22:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first Edinburgh Fringe and it is absolutely fantastic. I flew all the way from Australia!! One whole day of travel for a week of fabulous shows here at the Fringe. Very worth it. It’s brilliant to see the arts and notably the performing arts take a front seat in a city. As a performer I feel very inspired by other artists and the wide range of shows to see!

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

It’s quite a big deal for us to bring this show to Edinburgh and we are so pleased to be at Zoo Venues. The show has developed quite a bit over the years and we are so pleased with where it’s at now.

One thing we decided to do was do some work with a vocal coach to workshop our segues in between songs and speaking with the audience. Her name is Anne Whitaker and she is an amazing coach. We really enjoyed working with her. She has worked with lots of brilliant actors and on West End shows so we felt pretty delighted that she was up for working on our show. She has really helped us add an extra element to this show and build our confidence as a cast.

Tell us about your show.

So we originally produced this show for Fringe World festival 2022 in Perth, Western Australia. It came out of a show that was about three opera singers who accidentally had careers in Jazz as well. When we started brainstorming, what show we should do next… We didn’t have to think twice when Judy’s name came up. The show one a fringe weekly award and we had such a great time producing it! When the opportunity came up to bring the show to Edinburgh Fringe, we were thrilled!

The show celebrates the songs that Judy Garland sing throughout her career. We could never BE Judy… no one else could be Judy. But we can definitely sing her songs and celebrate who she wasn’t as an artist.

The best way I could describe the show is a fabulous stripped back Judy Garland show. We bring guests on every night just like she used to on her television program and our fantastic Pianist , Tom Harris is a musical genius.

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

The other shows at Zoo are incredible! Beasts (why girls shouldn’t fear the dark) produced by Womxnxarts, Why English? By Vibhinna Randev and Calling in Love by Caroline O’Meara.

I can also highly recommend The Easy Rollers: Drop me off in Harlem, which is being performed at the Jazz Bar on the 21st, 22nd, 24th and 25th of August at 4 pm. They are a roaring vintage 7 piece jazz band, exploring the jazz age (1920-1933) and swing era (1933-1947). It’s a good time. Brilliant Musicians, and a very entertaining show. It’s also going on tour there’s autumn around the UK. One of our singers, Dani is in this show!

Our pianist, Tom, is also in another show called What Happened to Agnes? It is staged jazz song cycle with beautiful artwork projections on the set. Brilliant storytelling and stunning music. We can highly recommend this one too which is being performed at C Venues at 1:15pm produced by Ulita.

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EdFringe Talk: Nicole Travolta is Doing Alright

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I dreamed of coming here. It’s a real pinch me moment.”

WHO: Nicole Travolta

WHAT: “Bad with money, great with a (spray) gun. A one-woman show about a compulsive shopper who freed herself from debt and shame (and the weight of a famous last name) one spray tan at a time. Spray tanning is one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets. As a skilled impersonator, Travolta introduces her audience to some of the… how shall we say…. eccentric… clients she’s met on her shockingly bizarre journey through the world of spray tanning. Doing Alright has enjoyed sold out runs at The Groundlings Theatre and Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles.”

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

WHEN: 20:55 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s my first time in Edinburgh, and also my first time at Edfringe! I’ve fallen in love with this beautiful place, it’s magical. Being at Fringe feels so surreal to me. When I opened my show in Los Angeles in January, I dreamed of coming here. It’s a real pinch me moment. I think the most magical part of the festival itself is watching so many talented performers from all over the world showcase their work. Each artist has a different story to tell, and it’s such a supportive community. Something that’s often hard to find in this industry.

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

Since this is my first Fringe, I’m really learning as I go! I can tell you this though. From a personal stand point, a lot can change in one year. Never in a million years did I think I’d be HERE after beginning to write my show in 2022. I’m absorbing so much, and have a better understanding of how it all works for future Fringe performances!

Tell us about your show.

“Doing Alright” takes you on a chaotic journey of my life as a compulsive shopper with a large sum of “mall debt” , divorce, familia trauma…and then freeing myself from it all when taking a job as a spray tanner. I do a lot of characters and celebrity impressions, so I use those skills to animate some of these chaotic stories.

My show really hones in on my relationship with money. A topic that not many openly discuss, and one that many feel a lot of shame around.

I co wrote my show with my Director, Lauren Burns. I came to her with this idea back in February of 2022, and when she heard my story (with her jaw on the ground) she said “let’s do it”. We opened the show in this past January to a sold out run at The Groundlings in Los Angeles, and Dynasty Typewriter. We did two shows in Las Vegas, and after Fringe we are headed to Pittsburgh and NYC!! I’ve been doing this for 8 months, and every time I get up on stage to perform it still feels like magic.

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

Avital Ash Workshops her Suicide Note
Everyone’s Worried About Eve
Courtney Pauroso Vanessa 5000
Maria DeCotis Before the Drugs Kick In

These are all strong female voices whose journeys I’ve been following. Not to miss!!

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EdFringe Talk: Furious

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“’ve only been here a few days but I’m already learning things at a rapid speed.”

WHO: Emily Fury Daly

WHAT: “Zany, fast-paced and poignant, Furious is a wildly honest and hilarious roller-coaster ride of a solo show. Emily Fury Daly weaves together her experiences as a Special Education student in a broken system, a Planned Parenthood Volunteer during the devastating overturning of Roe V Wade, and her own recovery from alcohol addiction in a global pandemic. EFD is your hostess, your clown, and your confidant for a raw and exciting evening exploring Emily’s generational female Fury. Come and get Furious!”

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

WHEN: 17:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! This is my first time! Though, it’s been a long time coming. I’ve been dreaming about coming to the Fringe ever since I was in drama school. As soon as I heard it was a thing, I was like, “wow, I need to do that.” I just love the celebration of everything weird and wonderful. The whole idea of everyone deserving a space to tell their stories is inspiring. Even the chaos is electrifying! It’s just a really special place.

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

I’ve only been here a few days but I’m already learning things at a rapid speed. I guess the most recent one would be regarding flyering – I’ve started viewing it as an extension of my performance in itself instead of something I “have” to do. It’s an opportunity to connect with people and to show myself completely and unapologetically. I’m proud of my work and my show and it’s important that that is reflected in how I speak to folks on the street. So, yes, I’m learning confidence is KEY!

Tell us about your show.

My solo show is called Furious. Topics include but are not limited to my experiences as a kid in the American Special Education system, volunteering at Planned Parenthood, my recovery from alcohol addiction, and generational female FURY! I drew a lot of inspiration from the incredible women in my family – the Fury women. I wrote it and workshopped quite a bit of it while doing stand up comedy in NYC. Furious has had performances at three different venues in NYC. After Fringe, I want to continue taking it around! Perhaps a cross country tour in America? Who knows! The possibilities are endless, but I’m mostly
excited to see it grow and change during its run here at Fringe.

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

There are SO many powerful female performers here at the Fringe this year, it’s been awesome
to see. Directly after my show (in the same venue, even!) is another solo show by a fearless young woman that is already getting great buzz. It’s called “The Wake Of Ur Problematic Fave: Prty Grl” by Claire Tumey. Vulnerable, raucous. Check it out!

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EdFringe Talk: After Shakespeare

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“I’ve learned the value of putting yourself out there – you never know what might happen, or who you’ll meet.”

WHO: Lexi Wolfe

WHAT: “What happens to Shakespeare’s best-loved heroes and most reviled villains after the curtain falls? Come and join a host of familiar Shakespearean characters as they reflect back on their lives: including Lady Macbeth, Portia, Hamlet and King Hal (Henry V). Lexi Wolfe weaves together Shakespeare’s words, historical research, and her own dramatic spark, as she transforms into four distinct characters, to follow their onward journeys. Winner of Best Actress, Buxton Fringe 2021. ‘Lexi Wolfe is a formidable actor’ (Buxton Fringe).”

WHERE: theSpaceTriplex – Studio (Venue 38) 

WHEN: 16:05 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

As a company, yes. I performed here fresh out of training with The Yellow Wallpaper back in the Dark Ages (or so it seems) but this is the first time we’ve brought one of my own one woman shows to the Edfringe. It’s been somewhat of a goal for us to get it here, and it’s my co-creator Andrew’s first time EVER at the Fringe, so exposing him to the wealth of talent this place always has on offer has been something of a treat for me!

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

Oh cripes. Having fibromyalgia – an invisible illness – you need to learn to both pace yourself as well as give yourself a goal to strive towards. That’s the main thing I’ve learned. Also the value of putting yourself out there – you never know what might happen, or who you’ll meet.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote After Shakespeare during Lockdown as one of those Always Meant To projects. I took it to the Buxton Fringe two years ago and managed to get Best Female Actor that year!

I’ve done a number of one woman shows before, so it is as intended. Andrew has been amazing at sorting everything out for me to just have to learn the show and perform every day. We’ve been working together for over six years on the aforementioned shows. After this, we’ll likely be seeing if we can set something of a tour up, as it is doing better than even I hoped!

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

In the same venue is the Standard Short Long Drop – at the moment, the best thing I’ve seen at the Fringe this year. Can also recommend The Mitford Sisters, and Edmund Dehn’s performance in Lear Alone (right before us, and supported by Crisis) is just stunning!

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