“I’m not here with any expectations rather than hone this new physical comedy show to perfection.”
WHO: Tom Corradini
WHAT: “Physical and visual comedy. A Shaolin monk relives his childish and clownish soul in his Zen practice, discovering a world always full of surprises and which finds its meaning in seemingly insignificant little things. Suitable for all ages and nationalities.”
WHERE: Banshee Labyrinth – Chamber Room (Venue 156)
WHEN: 19:20 (50 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
It’s my second time at the Edfringe. Previously, I was here in 2012 with another solo show (titled ‘Superheroes’). Then, sotospeak, a lot of water passed under the bridge. I produced and written several shows (you can find some of the scripts on Amazon), set up my theatre company, created a physical theatre festival, became a full time YouTuber and also set up a talent agency for film and TV during covid which has taken a life of its own. I did A LOT of festivals around the world (Brighton, Prague, Tallinn, Adelaide) and attended for 6 years AVIGNON OFF (I’ have written the only guide available in English for non-French speaking companies interested in attending Avignon off, titled “The Avignon Off Rough Guide”). Now I’m back to Edinburgh as the final step of a summer tour that took me to Prague Fringe, Athens, Avignon Off and now here.
I’m not here with any expectations rather than hone this new physical comedy show to perfection. As a matter of fact I’m not even listed on the official guide of the festival (I’m part of PBH Free Fringe and I’m listed there).
I just wanted to do as many performances as I could with my show and also go back to Edinburgh to feel its vibe. When you are a full time performer like me and travelling like I do (this season China, India, Germany, France, Italy, etc.) it’s easy to isolate yourself in your own bubble. I like watching shows and see what’s around.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
The most important lesson I learned in 2023 is to care less about what other people think of me and to follow my way. I’m very much into alternative comedy. In 2023 I decided to go full time on YouTube impersonating MUSSOLINI. I have a live feed every Wednesday where I take questions as Mussolini and my channel made over 1 million 200 thousand views in 2023.
I’d like to take this show I have in Edinburgh to countries I have never touched: Iraq, Iran, Algeria and other countries in Asia. The New World… as the old one is crumbling to pieces. I’m not trying to follow mainstream. I don’t want to be ‘discovered’ – I want to create my own destiny.
Tell us about your show.
The idea of the show was born in 2014 after I read a book titled “Shaolin – Du musst nicht kämpfen, um zu siegen!” (Shaolin you don’t have to fight in order to win) by Bernhard Moestl. At the time I was living in Berlin and going through a major transformational period. I started to develop the clown character of a Shaolin monk in Berlin, doing lots of open mic nights there. Then I carried on with my other shows (in 2018 I performed 169 days out of the year) and kind of forgot about it.
In 2022 I performed in Vietnam and South Korea with another show I produced and I had to retrain an actor to perform with me (I usually play this show, titled “The Lehman Brothers” with another actor, you can find the photo catalogue of that experience on Amazon if you search for “The Lehman Brothers Asia Tour”). The whole experience was tyring for me so I finally decided to go solo with a silent comedy show. This is the 3rd silent comedy show I’ve produced (and I written tons of others)
In 2023 I partecipated in the Tallinn Fringe festival and used that opportunity to premiere the show there. Then after a winter/spring pause I’m now touring with it all over the summer.
As I said I’d like to take the show to the Middle East and Asia.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
It’s a funny question. Edfringe is soooooooooooo DIVERSE, so much to see. I’d say watch another show of the PBH Fringe. Discover tomorrow’s new artists. Stay away from the mainstream.
I’d also say go watch Tim Licata A MAGIC MORNING! (for kids) and James UNBEFLEAVABLE! A FLEA CIRCUS MAGIC SHOW – they are before and after my show. Incredible guys.
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