Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: Ludwig: Unfinished Business

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve never worked so hard in my life.”

WHO: Mike Hatchard

WHAT: “Van Beethoven has unfinished business! Pushed by his relentlessly ambitious father as “Ze next Mozart!”, battling a broken heart, broken body, broken ears, and certain he is nearing his demise, Ludwig reincarnates “to put ze record straight!” Combining virtuoso pianism with Teutonic stand-up comedy, concert pianist, Mike Hatchard, provides an hilarious insight into ‘The Mad Pounder’ coming to terms with life, death, music, Amadeus, Bach, Chuck Berry, and his wretched final sonata. Hatchard, who has accompanied Spike Milligan, Frankie Howerd, Cleo Laine and David Essex, among others. Directed by Olivier winner Guy Masterson (The Shark Is Broken).”

WHERE: Front Room at Assembly @ St Andrew Square (Venue 172) 

WHEN: 12:35 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I started coming to the Fringe in the late eighties. I performed a show at the Pleasance where I used to interview a guest and draw their caricature at the same time; if I couldn’t find anybody famous I would use the guy who was on after me, an unknown comedian called Graham Norton. He was grateful for the exposure as even I was outselling his show…

I also used to run a show called (somewhat negatively) ‘Obscurity Knocks’ at the Festival Club. One of the first people to guest on this was an unknown Lee Mack who’d just won ‘So You Think You’re Funny’. The negativity of the title didn’t seem to affect him too profoundly.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learn that learning a script verbatim is very difficult. It’s a lesson I’m still absorbing.

I’ve also discovered that whilst I can play a Beethoven Sonata very accurately doing so whilst delivering a monologue over the top is very difficult. I’ve never worked so hard in my life.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it with Guy Masterson. We discussed this around 1988 when I wrote a score for his new one-man-play ‘Under Milkwood’ (which went on to over two thousand performances). I think it was mooted because Guy liked my piano playing and thought I resembled Beethoven (something that many people have commented upon). Over the years we discussed bringing the concept to fruition but we were both too busy, I guess…and now, just thirty eight years on and we’re actually doing it!

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

Guy Masterson is bringing some other very interesting shows to the Fringe, and I am particularly excited to see 11 ½ Angry Men, I’ve heard it’s brilliant. Another of his show’s features Richard Shelton as Frank Sinatra, so for musically inclined audiences I think it will be a wonderful show. Masterson is also working on Call Me Elizabeth, a theatre piece about Elizabeth Taylor…Guy is also twice nephew by marriage to Burton, so to see a piece that does her justice is something I highly recommend.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: The Van Gogh Shogh

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve been developing and touring my show for a couple of years now, but really only in the last six or so months have I felt like it’s really arrived where I’ve wanted it to be.”

WHO: Donna Oblongata

WHAT: “It’s a sip and paint. It’s Sotheby’s. It’s karaoke night. Strap in, because whatever it is, Van Gogh is back and he has a side hustle. This is the real Van Gogh Immersive Experience. Emphasis on immersive. Donna Oblongata (Leeway Transformation Award, Jilline Ringle Solo Performance Award) is ‘brimming with compassion and monstrously funny’ (PlayOnMKE.com). She has sold out theatres in NYC and LA and performed internationally in Slava’s Snowshow. ‘A delightfully unhinged gem of fringe theatre’ ***** (ShinyLife.co.uk). ‘An uproariously good time… side-splittingly funny’ **** (AdventuresInTheatreland.com). ‘Inspired lunacy’ (TalkinBroadway.com).”

WHERE: Front Room at Assembly @ St Andrew Square (Venue 172) 

WHEN: 18:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It’s not! I attended last year for the first time and was blown away by the number of amazing shows I got to see and how many artists I got to connect with from all around the world. Edinburgh Fringe is truly unlike any other festival in the world– simply for the scale of it. There’s nowhere else you can see this diversity of performance in such a tightly packed time and place. It’s exhausting and dizzying, but so incredibly special.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Hahaha. Yes, there’s certainly a difference between learning things and actually absorbing the lessons, isn’t there? I’ve been developing and touring my show for a couple of years now, but really only in the last six or so months have I felt like it’s really arrived where I’ve wanted it to be. I think that’s one of the biggest lessons with theater and performance, is just how much time it can take to really hone something, and that it’s really worth sticking with a project long enough to see it become what you want it to be.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it and I perform it, but I developed it in close collaboration with my amazing director, Francesca Montanile-Lyons, who really gets credit for some of the show’s best jokes. I have two producers I’m working with in Edinburgh– Jess Ducey of Duces Wild Arts, based in New York, and Barra Cohen, who has been a key supporter of my work since the beginning. I am thrilled to have them both with me on this, and look forward to where we’ll go next. Honestly, because I’m not a fan of winter, I’m definitely looking toward Australia and New Zealand for some sunshine in early 2027.

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

I cannot wait to see “Don’t Kill Daisy” by Soleil Kohl. She’s incredible. Also, “Gulp” by Prith Khalsa looks so good. “Be Good: with Paulette” is one of my favorite things ever. I’ve been hearing amazing things about “Bitch Eat Dog” which is exciting, because I love puppetry and actually had a hard time finding much of it at last year’s Fringe. I’m totally obsessed with “The Most Toast” but I’m pretty sure they’re only doing one performance this year. Also cannot wait to see “Emoji: The Hieroglyphics of Our Time” which looks completely delightful.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: A Marriage of Inconvenience

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“We’re always the first person the other one tries a new bit on, so putting on a show together was less a decision than an inevitability.”

WHO: Harsh Thakar

WHAT: “Join best friends and rising comedy stars Abi Sharp and Harsh for a split bill that explores the intersection of Type-A ambition, queer identity and the chaotic search for love. United by their nerdy neuroses and a spectacular track record of romantic failures, the pair present A Marriage of Inconvenience: a show about the logistical nightmare of modern dating, and their pact to enter a sexless lavender marriage if they’re still single by 40. Until then, they’re saying ‘I do’ to the next best thing: awkwardly sharing the stage for half an hour each.”

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

WHEN: 14:25 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

It kind of is. We’ve done guest spots at other people’s shows before, but this is the first time we’re bringing up a full hour of our own – a four-day run at Just the Tonic, then straight down to London for two shows at the Etcetera Theatre for Camden Fringe.

It’s a bit surreal, because I’m a lifelong Fringe punter. I turn up with a giant colour-coded spreadsheet of everything I want to see. This year I’m a row on somebody else’s. I just hope it’s in the must-see category, which is green, obviously.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The big thing I’ve learned is that putting on a Fringe show is basically getting married. There’s a contract, there’s a venue we can’t get out of, there’s a photoshoot, there’s money neither of us has, and we’ve told everyone we know the date. We spent about three months arguing about a poster. And at the end of it we’re sharing a flat in Edinburgh for a week.

Tell us about your show.

We both wrote it. Abi and I met in a standup class a few years ago and became best friends more or less immediately. Since then we’ve done a hundred open mic nights together, sung in a video game music choir together, and sent each other the address of a dodgy hookup at midnight so the other one knows where to send the police. We’re always the first person the other one tries a new bit on, so putting on a show together was less a decision than an inevitability.

We ran the show at Brighton Fringe and London Queer Fringe first, which is where we worked out which bits actually worked. One of our Camden Fringe dates has already sold out, which we’re choosing to read as a good sign rather than a small room.

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

Queer Comedy Club is my local and my favourite place to perform – it’s where most of the material in our show got tried out, badly, before it worked. They’ve got three up this year: Married at Fringe Sight, David Ian: Bad Decisions and Best of Queer Fringe. If you’ve only got one hour spare, make it Best of Queer Fringe – it’s the cheapest way to find the act you’ll follow for the next ten years. If you’ve got two, add David Ian. Watching him do crowd work is the best thing at QCC.

Phil Green: The Boy Who Never Grew Up (WIP) – Phil and I did a few improv shows together years ago and I haven’t missed a run of his since. This one’s about refusing to grow up while middle age closes in on him, which, as I inch closer to 40, I find very relatable.

Alice Keys: Rocket Fan – Alice is bringing an Elton John sing-along rom-com to the Fringe. I’ve been to her sing-along piano nights and her sing-along pub quizzes, and she’s my choir leader. She could get you singing on your grumpiest day.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Armageddon Outta Here

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“Every rehearsal and performance has pushed me creatively.”

WHO: Chris Roberts

WHAT: “An asteroid hurtles toward Earth, threatening total annihilation. Meanwhile ego, denial, faith and petty squabbles ripple through a world teetering on the edge. Dark, loud and gloriously anarchic, Armageddon Outta Here is the apocalypse we deserve. Written by Tom Johnson (Verbal Diary, Chortle’s Top 10 Comedy Plays Fringe 2024) and Chris Roberts, this full-length sketch show grew from their award-winning play, Sacrifice. Starring Tom Johnson and Rob Glenister. ‘Johnson is a comedic tour de force’ (VoiceMag.uk). ‘Tom Johnson is clearly someone we should be paying attention to’ (SALTMag.co.uk)”

WHERE: The Saloon Bar at Just The Tonic at Westside Rodeo (Venue 25) 

WHEN: On Demand (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time doing a show at the Fringe, and only my second time coming to Edinburgh. I always wanted to go to the Fringe; a lot of my favourite writers and performers made their break there, people like League of Gentlemen, Mighty Boosh, and Richard Gadd. Plus, having it in such a beautiful city like Edinburgh with its rich history and beautiful architecture made it all the more tempting to go.

So finally I managed to take a trip last year and had an absolute blast; saw a wide variety of shows, from big shows with large audiences to more intimate ones in little rooms with only a handful of people, but nonetheless still amazing to watch and be a part of. I never knew what I might come across, and it made it all the better. Plus the added experience of meeting fellow artists, getting a drink, chatting about art, and building connections made it more memorable.

Coming back with my own show this time, and not just seeing other shows, is a different experience. There’s now the added pressure to have your show stand out among the other 3000 shows being shown there and the challenges we face trying to get it all sorted. Less time to enjoy other shows and more time focusing on making sure our show has the best experience performing there (though I still plan to squeeze in a couple of shows while I’m there). But it’s not a negative thing going to the festival like this; it’s an exhilarating experience to have this challenge and the chance to be able to put a show on at a festival like the Fringe, to be a part of such a rich community, and a chance for your voice to be heard by a new audience every night makes the stress of it all worth while.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My previous experience in writing and directing was entirely in short films, so branching into theatre with my most ambitious project yet has been an incredible journey over the past year. Transitioning from screen to stage presents numerous challenges, including how to effectively tell a story for the stage and build a connection with the audience.

Every rehearsal and performance has pushed me creatively, showing me what it means to work collaboratively with people with different senses of humour and style, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. It’s opened up new perspectives on storytelling and performance that I couldn’t have fully appreciated without immersing myself in live theatre.

Tell us about your show.

It’s an alternative comedy sketch show about an asteroid heading for Earth, featuring a variety of over-the-top characters in different situations, each dealing with the end in their own funny way. It was co-written by Tom Johnson, who is also performing in it, and me.

It was originally a 10-minute play I wrote for the Short+Sweet UK Festival about 2 bickering astronauts stuck on an asteroid, which is where I first met Tom, who came on to perform it and bring his own humour to the sketch. After a successful performance, we decided to take this a step further and create Armageddon Outta Here with the goal of bringing it to the Fringe. From there, the team grew, with Rob Glenister coming on board as a co-star alongside Tom, bringing his own humour and comedy talent to the show, and Rhys Puddin on as our technician and working behind the scenes, using his knowledge and experience of the Fringe to take this show to the next level. I can’t imagine this project being what it is now if it wasn’t for these three guys.

The show first premiered at our local theatre, Dixion Studio, before then heading to the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival, where it ended with a 24-piece brass band! It received a lot of praise, but we continue working on improving it and adding new things to the show to make it even better. While we’re currently focusing on getting the show ready for the Ed Fringe, we have talked about possibly taking it to other fringe festivals and venues in the future.

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

This is such a hard question, given all the amazing shows coming to the festival this year. The ones that have caught my eye, and that I plan to see for myself, are the comedy-horror Succubus, written and performed by Georgina Collins. I love a bit of horror, and this seems like such an interesting concept that I’m very much intrigued to see.

Another play I look forward to seeing is Boy King, starring Lil Wenker, whom I became a fan of after seeing their hilarious comedy western Bangtail last year. Very excited to see what they do with this new character of theirs.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Steffan Alun: Windows

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“The best stuff I’d ever written.”

WHO: Steffan Alun

WHAT: “Winner of the Pegagus Award for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025, the bisexual Welsh optimist returns with a brand-new hour of brilliant comedy. With strong opinions on pub quizzes, Stranger Things, behaviour on public transport, and why his mother’s pretending his childhood home contained an extra bedroom. ‘Warmth, wit, a proudly offbeat perspective’ (BroadwayWorld.com). ‘His timing is on point and he’s incredibly engaging. If you like stand up, go and see Steffan Alun!’ (One4Review.co.uk). ‘Will lift the spirits of anyone in attendance.’ (AYoungishPerspective.co.uk). ‘Touching, accomplished and heartfelt storytelling’ (FringeHire).”

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

WHEN: 18:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been coming to Edinburgh for over ten years – but last year was my official debut, performing an hour’s show for the entire month. The culmination of 14 years as a standup comic! The best stuff I’d ever written.

And I’m coming back, because I LOVE the festival. Oh, we can moan about the cost of accommodation and the costs of running a show – but really, it’s the best feeling in the world, showing off an hour of new jokes to the festival’s audience.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned that it’s VERY HARD to write a show in 11 months that’s better than a show that took 14 years.

And I’ve learned that I’m stubborn enough to do it! My dream was always to bring a “difficult second album” that’s even better than the debut. Last year was wonderful – a load of glowing reviews, coverage in major national newspapers, and even an award!

But … I reckon this show’s even better. Even funnier!

Tell us about your show.

I started writing it the moment I got back from last year’s festival. Typing up every idea I had. So many terrible ideas! But you have to write them to get to the good ideas.

I do have a team these days! My wonderful producer Ignacio Lopez, a brilliant comedian in his own right of course. My PR Flick Morris, who has such genuine love for comedy, and is so brilliant at spreading the word.

But the writing? That’s still all me. If last year’s show was an introduction to me, this year’s is a deeper dive. My weirder concerns, my more bizarre ideas – a show full of stranger things. I’ve tested it in various small venues across the UK, changing the show drastically after each performance to get it just right.

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

Jake Baker – a sweet, gentle, but devastatingly funny deep dive into modern masculinity.

Cerys Bradley – an hour of facts about road signs that’s also a celebration of the way we love the things we love.

Ignacio Lopez – the rock-solid comic presents a show packed with laughs, but with a twist I’ve never seen before.

Phil Cooper – an incredibly personal show from a wonderfully sweet and very strange man, looking at the past through a subversive modern lens.

2 Truths 1 Lie / Comedians Play Videogames – okay, I’m cheating, because I host most of these. But they’re my favourite game shows, with brilliant guests. 2 Truths 1 Lie is perfect for fans of Would I Lie To You, especially if you enjoy working it out for yourself. Comedians Play Videogames is a late show for the kind of people who love hanging out in a living room playing games with friends.

Shows I haven’t seen but will DEFINITELY catch at the Fringe – Alice Fraser, Robyn Perkins, Dave Chawner, Adele Cliff, Paul Dennis, Bella Humphreys.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: 00:45:00

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“I’ve learned a lot during our previous run of the play about how important it is to utilize everything the audience gives us and to be specific about what success looks like for each character to maintain a driving want in the story.”

WHO: Katie Gaven

WHAT: “Five people walk into a room, and only one will make it out alive. 00:45:00 is an experiment that plays out in real time through the lens of a scientist pursuing an answer to the philosophical question: is one person’s life more valuable than another’s and how can anyone make that decision? This story is about daring those who sit back and watch to do something and exploring what happens when they do.”

WHERE: Venue 45 at theSpace @ Venue 45 &  Stephenson Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Venues 45 & 53) 

WHEN: Varies (55 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, we are all first time Fringers! My entire cast and crew is completely made up of BFA acting majors from the college, UNCSA, and we’re beyond excited to be going to Edinburgh! We’ve been incredibly lucky to talk with some amazing people who have been to the festival before, and everyone has been so kind and helpful with giving some insight on what the Fringe experience can be like. That being said, we have absolutely no idea what to expect beyond seeing some fantastic shows, being really tired at the end of each day, and having the experience of a lifetime!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Oh my gosh, I’ve learned so much from this experience already. 00:45:00 really plays with audience participation and invites the audience into the story in such a pivotal way, which leaves a lot of room for crazy and unpredictable responses. As the director/writer of this piece, I’ve learned a lot during our previous run of the play about how important it is to utilize everything the audience gives us and to be specific about what success looks like for each character to maintain a driving want in the story.

I’ve also just learned so much overall about what it takes to produce new work! Managing the technical components of putting up a show as well as working on publicity and still devoting time to re-writing and refining the material have been such great skills to develop.

Tell us about your show.

Well, do you have 45 minutes? Just kidding 🙂 Here’s what I can tell you:

Five people walk into a room, and 45 minutes later, only one of them will make it out alive. DUN DUN DUUUN!! 00:45:00, written and directed by myself, Katie Gaven, is an experiment that plays out in real time through the lens of a scientist pursuing an answer to the philosophical question: is one person’s life more valuable than another’s, and how can anyone make that decision? Audiences can expect a gripping, immersive story that challenges them to examine passivity and engage in actionable change!

00:45:00 is also so incredibly lucky to be fully supported by the amazing Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts and fiscally sponsored by the renowned Producer Hub! We had our first few performances of the show at the college UNCSA and are hoping to be able to produce it in other venues across the UK and in the states if we get the opportunity!

Jake Bryant is our producer, Rosaline Hodgetts is our incredible publicist, and the cast is made up of 6 ridiculously talented actors; Mary Kathryn Brown, Paris Finch, Grace Hoy, Magda Riha, Zakiya Hall, and Sam Wade.

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

I’m horrible at choosing just one, so I have two recommendations!

Seleka, written by Uliana Klimchuk and directed by Lily Afghani, is a genuinely
incredible one-woman play about a Russian army official, General Seledka who forces
the audience into his recruitment program. The play is a political-satire that uses
comedy in such a brilliant way to make an incredibly important and poignant point about the war and the people of Ukraine who continue to tell their stories. I had the privilege of seeing this show back in March and spent the entire performance laughing and crying before leaving genuinely inspired.

For my second recommendation, I saw Chris Grace’s solo show Sardines in New York about a month ago and walked back from the show in the rain, sobbing to my mom on the phone about how incredible Chris Grace is. Chris combines the perfect amount of comedy and genuine vulnerability to provide audiences with an entertaining and inspiring experience. He’s bringing his hour-long comedy show Chris Grace: 88% to the Fringe this year, and although I haven’t had the chance to see it yet before this interview, I’ve already bought my ticket to what is surely going to be a show not to be
missed!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Seledka

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“Answer your emails! 99% of problems can be solved by reading or sending them.”

WHO: Jake Bryant

WHAT: “In the name of Russia, Seledka and his new troupe are here to stop the war. His goal? Make sure his soldiers eat sleep bleed Soviet. However, his meeting is hijacked by young Ukrainian women recounting tales from the war. Who’s entitled to claim ownership of a country? How different are we from those fighting for their freedom? One-woman show, Seledka, is a political satire written to educate and relate the distant world of Ukraine to audiences who have never had to question what it’s like to live with war. We are more similar than we think.”

WHERE: Snug at Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152) 

WHEN: Varies (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, it’s our entire team’s first time at Edfringe! The worldwide reputation of exciting, fresh, all-day art is something we’re eager to experience first-hand.

While we’re not festival veterans (yet), getting to connect with the larger circle of driven, inspired artists has been (& will continue to be) a treat!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest lesson we’ve learned: answer your emails! 99% of problems can be solved by reading or sending them.

Tell us about your show.

Uliana Klimchuk (recent grad of UNCSA Drama) is our playwright! The play is based off of her own experiences with the war in Ukraine, as well as those of other women in her life—inspired by a devised project late in her 3rd year of school. This past spring, our director Lily Afghani joined Ulia in mounting SELEDKA’s official premiere for UNCSA’s Keys to the Kingdom season. SELEDKA was then selected for support in going to the Fringe by the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts—artistic & producing partners we’re thrilled to collaborate with! That’s when producer Jake Bryant (me!) hopped on board, with D.C. and NYC premieres following soon after. While our next moves aren’t set in stone, SELEDKA will certainly keep finding new venues as the show grows & more people get the chance to hear what we have to say.

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

Our audience should see every show they can, of course! There are 24 hours in a day, aren’t there? 😉

But if we had to make 2 recommendations, we’d recommend 00:45:00, written & directed by Katie Gaven, and Time Travel Postman from our friends Melissa Ingle (director) and Sevrin Willider (performer).

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: American Assholes: Escape to Edinburgh

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“A great festival happens when you get to grow as comics in your writing, performance, and the business side of this industry.”

WHO: Dannielle Slaughter

WHAT: “A Queer, African and Indigenous American trio (HBO, Don’t Tell, Amazon Prime, New York Times – Critic’s Pick, Time Out), unite for a cross-cultural comedy hour dissecting identity, politics, and why Americans might, in fact, be the worst. Smart, sharp, and occasionally unhinged, these comics deliver a Venn diagram of perspectives, overlapping in their desperate pursuit of something better: possibly love, definitely a visa. Featuring modern social satire and a marriage raffle of dubious legality. Free. Irreverent. Potentially inadmissible in court.”

WHERE: Just The Bottle Room at Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 22:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes and no. Lauren LoGiudice did Edinburgh Fringe in 2024. This is the first time for myself (Dannielle Slaughter) and Wayne Charles II at Edfringe.

We have done multiple festivals, but this is the first EdFringe for us as a trio – The American Assholes.

A great festival happens when you get to grow as comics in your writing, performance, and the business side of this industry. Being able to see what so many other comedians are working on, network – but also the panels and meeting with reviewers, managers, agents, club bookers, etc. There are so many aspects to being successful as a standup comic, so growing in each area and utilizing this time to jump into our next steps is great. That’s what we hope to get out of this. We’d love to take the American Assholes show to additional places and cultures.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing we have learned as a group is trust. Standup comics typically work solo on stage and in their writing. So being able to grow as a group has come out of learning to trust each other. We value each other’s individual skills, contributions and voice. A typical club comedy show is a 3 man show, this is also a 3-man show but all with equal time and a trio-collaboration on stage.

Tell us about your show.

American Assholes: Escape to Edinburgh is a trio of stand-up comedians dissecting identity, politics, and why Americans might in fact, be the worst. Our material creates a volatile Venn Diagram of perspectives that somehow lands in a deeply human place. Beneath the surface is a collective search for relief, belonging, and maybe even redemption…maybe.

We just did a preview of our show ahead of our Fringe run, at the Caveat Theater in New York’s Lower East Side. Audiences who attended the show have called it: “Unapologetic” “Really funny – so mean but so funny” “Dark funny, sick funny, wholesome funny, sweet funny, random funny, character funny.” “A blast” “Understanding how you relate to the world” “The most likeable Assholes I’ve ever met” “Gives me the laughter I need to help process the times we’re living in.”

Our trio met on the New York comedy circuit, and quickly recognized a shared obsession in our work; unpacking identity, contradiction, and what it means to exist in modern America – we dissected our own work and found this common thread.

After Edfringe: we are in talks with some producers and clubs in Australia, Japan, and other spots in Europe who want to bring the American Assholes to their stage, so we look forward to announcing 2027 tour dates soon.

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

We would highly recommend seeing Meka Mo who also has a show at Just the Tonic, she’s so funny, so you will definitely want to check her out. Also, Shane Torres is running his hour with Assembly that you wouldn’t want to miss. August 19th, Sammy Obeid will be performing in Edinburgh and always has a great crowd because his standup is smart, hilarious, and so current. Also- check out the showcase shows, we are excited about some of the offerings from RGB Monster this year!

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Kat Higgins: In Memory of Me

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“Never trust trains or Ryanair flights to run on time- plan for delays. Thats a lesson I’m still struggling to learn.”

WHO: Kat Higgins

WHAT: “Kat wants to be remembered. But being the favourite child is impossible when your competition is a literal angel. With Irish charm and cutting wit, Kat explores Catholic guilt, sibling rivalry and the “sainthood” of the dead in her sharp storytelling debut. If you want a saint, go to church. If you want the truth, come to this. Tour support for Rosie Jones, Janine Harouni and Tatty Macleod, Kat made her television debut on BBC One and BBC Three with the BBC New Comedy Awards. Winner of the 2026 Chortle Hotshots bursary awards.”

WHERE: Nic 9 (Nicolson Square Gardens) at Hoots @ Nicolson Square (Venue 63) 

WHEN: 17:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I came to my first Fringe on a whim- I got made redundant in July, and got a new job starting in September, so all of a sudden, I had no work and no plans for August. I’d only started open mic comedy a couple of months earlier and heard everyone talking about “The Fringe,” so I was keen to go see what it was all about. I got a job flyering for a production company and found a spare bit of floor for me to sleep on. By the end of the month, I was running the flyering team, producing one of the shows, and determined to bring my own show someday. And several years later- I’m still a flyerer, but for my own show this time.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

When your corporate company has a “Town Hall” meeting with the new CEO to discuss the restructuring of the business, and they ask, “Any questions?” do not be the only person to put your hand up and DEFINITELY don’t ask if they are planning any redundancies. Inevitably, you will be one of the only people they make redundant.

Also, never trust trains or Ryanair flights to run on time- plan for delays. Thats a lesson I’m still struggling to learn.

Tell us about your show.

My show is about me- hence the title, In Memory of Me. I wrote it about my life growing up- being an attention seeker, the only girl with three brothers, raised Catholic, and how that’s all shaped me into who I am today- which is a bit of a prick. But hw I think being a prick is something that should be celebrated- especially in death. My eldest brother Micheal died, and I think the best thing about it was that he was a prick and we should remember that when memorialising the dead. The best bits of people are often gritty and imperfect- this show is my attempt to argue that’s how they, and mainly I (attention seeker remember?) should be remembered.

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

SO MUCH STUFF!! I’m gonna start with something you should see before me, which is Ruby Carr’s show Bite Me, which is in the same room as me, directly before my show (lovely little double bill for you- can even keep the same seat!) Ruby is one of my favourite people to watch on stage, and having seen previews of the show, it is silly, daft, and hilariously absurd.

Other things you need to go see is Marty Gleeson’s Dog Ear- I love seeing Marty live and this show is top of my must see list. Also on the list are Cecily Hitchcock, Raj Poojara and Shane Daniel Byrne

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!

EdFringe Talk: Jealousy Play

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“When I returned last year as Director of Sluts With Consoles, I fell in complete love with the festival.”

WHO: Rachel Isobel Heritage

WHAT: “Joanne has spent years working towards a life on stage. Neptune arrives there effortlessly. As their paths continue to cross, comparison turns corrosive and envy becomes obsession. In this psychologically driven solo performance, Joanne confronts the trauma, class barriers and survival instincts shaping her ambition. An intimate and unflinching exploration of burnout, neurodivergence and what it costs to pursue a creative life while carrying what remains unhealed.”

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

WHEN: 20:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my third visit to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. My first was as a baby producer in 2021 – a very atypical year at the Fringe. It was much more low key because of COVID and to be honest I was just winging it. When I returned last year as Director of Sluts With Consoles, I fell in complete love with the festival. It was so healing to be surrounded by such passionate storytellers and be witness to so much great work. And I knew I had to come back, so I am so proud that I’ve been able to manage it again this year. We are so blessed to have a space that is so dedicated to platforming new works, the energy of the festival it what makes it so great. Everyone is so full of care for their shows, hope of them taking off and encouragement for each other. It’s a spirit I try to embody year round.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Yeah, massively. After Fringe last year (after 6 years of running around in chaos as an Actor and Self Producer) I had a bit of a massive burnout/ego death. The biggest lesson: slow down. My life used be centered on a constant state of emergency. I was working over full time because I thought that’s what I needed to do to survive in this industry. But to make great art, it is better to thrive than just survive. I’m going into Fringe this year with the goal to simply be to enjoy the festival, and indulge in the art. Being a self producer is hard because you have two voices arguing with each other in your head: the artist and the producer. The artist wants to indulge and the producer wants results. I’ve learnt that if you allow yourself the space to fully commit to the art, the outcomes don’t actually matter. Your story is the priority, let it be.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show and it very much came from my ego death. It’s loosely [she says] based on the past 5 years of my life, exploring my own CPTSD and how that manifested in a codependent relationship with Acting, and ‘the industry’. CPTSD is a very misunderstood mental health condition, and often those who struggle with it go unseen. Symptoms manifest as people pleasing, hyperindepence and masking to such an extreme that you don’t even realise the extent to which you are self abandonment. That’s where I was at, running on desperation at 10,000 miles an hour, blaming external circumstances for a deep rooted pain I couldn’t otherwise explain. That’s what trauma does; it hides and it rules your perception. Until one day, your body says no. Jealousy Play is the culmination if how I learnt to face my trauma and chose myself, letting go of the need for approval and external validation. It’s a show about an actor for actors. And a love letter to all my fellow late realised neurodivergent artists out there.

It’s produced by my company Lockdown Projections, which I set up in 2020 after graduating my Acting Foundation in lockdown. We preview the show at the Pearly Queen in Bow on July 23rd and 24th. No current plans post Fringe – but we are open to booking invites!

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

I was lucky enough to watch extracts of all three of these shows at Lockdown Projections’ own Edfringe showcase ‘WIP IT UP’ at The Divine earlier this month. SUCCUBUS is a hilarious and unique exploration of women’s health, Bloody Mary(s) uses song and storytelling to enlighten the audience with some untold history and You Are What You Eat is brilliantly self aware in its comedy.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!