“It’s not easy living in pain, and it’s unfortunately a battle against contributing to the statistics that earned the disease the nickname “Suicide Disease,” but laughing at it helps.”
WHO: Kyle Ayers
WHAT: “US comedian Kyle Ayers (Conan, Comedy Central) tries to make light of having Trigeminal Neuralgia, a rare nerve disorder known as Suicide Disease. Inherently already a funny topic. Featured in the LA Times for both his comedy and the disease, Kyle performs his show about his experience living with the disease, getting misdiagnosed for years, getting brain surgery, the successful brain surgery eventually wearing off and what life looks like when you may have tried everything and nothing works.”
WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Caves – Just Up the Road (Venue 88)
WHEN: 19:25 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my first time at Edinburgh Fringe! I am excited for the sheer size of it. Its reputation as a premier place for creative in the world is confirmed every time I talk to a friend who has done the festival. I want to see things I’ve never seen, meet people I’ve never met, and hopefully share my unique experience with great audiences, in the funniest possible way.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I’ve never been to Fringe, but if someone could forward me their lessons and let me get a head start on learning and growing and getting ready for this year, I’d appreciate it!
Tell us about your show.
My show, “Hard to Say,” is a solo comedy show about living with Trigeminal Neuralgia, aka ‘Suicide Disease.’ I am in pain most every day, and it ranges from “real bad” to “absolutely incapacitating” when it flares up. After what seemed like successful brain surgery wore off, I’ve gotten other surgeries, injections, dozens of medications, and endless other types of treatments, and nothing works. I explore what life looks like when the worst thing happens to you, then happens to you again, and then nothing can fix it. I have to laugh at this or I will spiral. Sometimes, both. The show developed out of stand up comedy I would do about living in pain. I’ve found that framing it as a single show helped people come in with proper expectations. It’s not easy living in pain, and it’s unfortunately a battle against contributing to the statistics that earned the disease the nickname “Suicide Disease,” but laughing at it helps. I’ve been doing the show for a while, now, and I’ve been in pain since around 2017. The show has helped me meet so many wonderful people going through so many different things, and I hope it helps them laugh and escape, too. After Fringe, I’m back to Los Angeles, but doing some touring around the US, including Chicago and New York.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
You’ll see me at as many shows as I can attend. There’s so much I’m excited for! Let me properly format this so you can copy/paste and meet me there:
Ian Lockwood: The Farewell Tour – Ian is an incredibly funny musician and comedian, and built a show around a LOT of original comedy-pop-music songs. I love “just below the surface it’s all about to break” comedy characters, and Ian portrays that hilariously.
Mo Fry Pasic – Worse Than You – Mo has always been inventive and funny and committed to whatever she is doing. Seeing her put on a personal solo show, directed by SNL writing alum Sudi Green who also does such great work, will certainly be as funny and unique as Mo.
Kevin James Doyle: After Endgame – Kevin is a Fringe alum so I’m excited to see what is surely a polished, well-crafted show show about such a specific niche, teaching chess around New York City, and the world that opened up to him. I know Kevin is a veteran comedian who will make it hilarious, relatable, and have something for everyone.
Fielding Edlow – Gaslighting Is My Love Language – Fielding is exploring her marriage with her ex-husband, and, well, I can’t find a more Hollywood line than saying the show “is about being gaslit for 13 years by a character actor husband.” Fielding is hilarious, this topic is incredible, and I can’t wait to see it.
Titi Lee: Good Girl Gone Baddie – Titi has always been one of the funniest, hardest working, creative comedians around Los Angeles. They are incredible at mining personal stories and their life for jokes. A whole show about finding themselves, like coming out to their parents as bi, will definitely be a powerful, funny hour.
Aidan Jones – PIanoforte – I shouldn’t have to pitch people on hearing stories about MDMA and murder while the storyteller plays Chopin at the same time! This sounds incredible. Also, a bunch of comedians I’ve talked to about coming to Fringe, has mentioned Aidan and his show
Alexis Gay – Unprofessional – Alexis’ show seems to be selling out everywhere she goes, performing this show about her time working in the tech industry. Overworking and making your job your life is about as relatable of an idea as there is, and Alexis is hilarious both on stage and online.
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