“As a performer, you’re not just observing the magic, you’re helping to create it. That makes Edfringe an unparalleled experience – both humbling and exhilarating.”
WHO: Désiré Binam
WHAT: “Embark on a raw, transformative journey through one man’s battle with cancer. Laugh and cry as he delves into the depths of his experience, sharing the realities of living with a disease that is changing his life. From relentless chemotherapy to intimate scars, every moment is carving him a new identity, in ways he never could have imagined. Through heartfelt storytelling and exquisite humour, witness the transformative power of vulnerability as it slowly turns into courageous strength. Discover the manifesto for a new artistic movement. ‘This cancer is a true blessing’ (Fellow comedian).”
WHERE: C ARTS | C venues | C alto – theatre (Venue 40)
WHEN: 15:50 (45 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I’ve been to Edinburgh before but it is my first time participating in the Fringe Festival, and I’m absolutely thrilled! There’s something uniquely special about Edfringe—it’s a melting pot of creativity where the city buzzes with the energy of artists and audiences alike. What makes this a great festival is this kind of vibrant, inclusive atmosphere where people from all walks of life, and from all corners of the world, come together to share and celebrate stories. As a performer, you’re not just observing the magic, you’re helping to create it. That makes Edfringe an unparalleled experience – both humbling and exhilarating.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Since 2023, I’ve learned the profound importance of resilience and adaptability, especially when it comes to telling my story. Life doesn’t always go as planned – pancreatic cancer taught me that lesson. But how you respond to those challenges can shape who you become. I’ve also learned that humor is a powerful tool for healing, both for myself and for others. Absorbing these lessons has allowed me to turn my journey through illness into a funny show that can uplift and inspire others.
Tell us about your show.
My show, “The Cancer Comedy Cabaret” is a deeply personal piece that I wrote, drawing from my own experiences as a pancreatic cancer survivor. My wife suggested I see a psychologist to help me process everything. Instead, I prefer to get up on stage and tell my anguish to an audience – it’s like being a middle-aged rock star. I learnt a lot of my public speaking skills in an organisation called Toastmasters International. Last year I entered their speech competition (in District 91 – that covers Southern England including London, and South Wales). My 7 minute speech about my journey with cancer came second in the contest. I realized my story resonated with people, and that’s what inspired me to think about going to the fringe. With the support of a brilliant director and a passionate production team, I expanded that speech into a full-length show. Edinburgh is it’s premier, and I’m excited to see where the show might go afterward – hopefully to more festivals and venues where I can continue to share this journey.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
1) “The Crow, (The Princess), and The Scullery Maid.”
This play is a delightful and imaginative journey that transports you to a world where stories are alive, and magic is woven through every word. I was drawn to it because it shares a common thread with my show: the power of storytelling to transform our experiences. Just as I’ve used humor and narrative to navigate my journey, this play explores the magic of stories themselves, showing how they can shape our lives in unexpected ways. The creativity and charm of this production make it a perfect follow-up to my own performance, offering a fresh perspective on the power of stories to change us.
2) “This Is Not the Autistic You Are Looking For.”
Mark’s debut show is a unique and insightful exploration of life on the autism spectrum, presented with humor and authenticity. As someone who has also used personal experiences to create a narrative that challenges perceptions, I admire how Mark blends his story with wit and charm. His award-winning performance promises to be both engaging and enlightening, offering a fresh perspective on neurodiversity that will resonate with anyone interested in the human experience. Don’t miss the chance to see this rising talent before he becomes a household name!
3) “Jo Caulfield Pearls Before Swine.”
Jo Caulfield is a master of sharp wit and biting humor. Her ability to turn everyday annoyances into comedic gold resonates with my own approach to finding humor in life’s challenges. Jo’s show is packed with brilliant lines and hilarious insights, offering a perfect blend of clever observations and laugh-out-loud moments. If you enjoyed the humor and storytelling in my performance, Jo’s show will be the perfect follow-up. Her reputation for consistently delivering fantastic comedy is well-deserved, and you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see one of Britain’s smartest comics in action!
4) “Edward’s Talk – What’s Driving You?”
This unique, interactive drama offers a fresh take on the concept of speed awareness, blending humor with thought-provoking content. Much like my own show, which uses humor to explore serious topics, Edward’s Talk uses an engaging and participatory format to encourage audiences to reflect on their behaviors and choices. The show’s clever mix of audience involvement and insightful observations mirrors my approach to making audiences think and laugh simultaneously. If you enjoyed the interactive elements and the deeper messages in my performance, you’ll find Edward’s Talk an intriguing and entertaining experience.
Also, I highly recommend checking out the events listed on Death on the Fringe. This series of shows explores the profound themes of death and dying in ways that range from serious to comical. What drew me to this collection is its focus on making us think deeply about what it means to live well and die well—something that resonates strongly with the themes of resilience and hope in my own performance. Whether you’re looking to reflect, be inspired, or find a new perspective, the shows in Death on the Fringe offer a unique and meaningful experience that complements the journey we’ve shared together.
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