“It’s no secret how tough comedy can be. Most people I know make money by running compilation shows (taking the ticket money—and some don’t even pay the guest comics). And for those of us who don’t manage to earn enough, we end up topping up with “anyone-can-do-it” kind of jobs a few days a week.”

WHO: Tomas Bepalo

WHAT: “A dark comedy exploring my chaotic life as a neurodivergent, nonbinary person navigating sex, dating, family and loneliness. From being a late-diagnosed neurodivergent to starting testosterone, I share exaggerated stories with humour, using catchphrases like: ‘I put the ‘T’ in Testosterone.’ This show highlights my struggles with dysphoria, mental health and the harsh reality that life doesn’t magically improve – but we get better at handling it. Through stand-up, storytelling and clowning, I aim to spark conversations and offer relatable laughs. It’s personal, emotional and a little messy – just like life.”

WHERE: Just the Club Room at Just The Tonic Legends (Venue 27) 

WHEN: 18:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

---

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Not my first time here, but it is my first time doing a full-length solo show!

I first experienced the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018—initially just as an audience member with the occasional guest spot. Over the years, that turned into double bills and work-in-progress shows.

To me, the Edinburgh Fringe is like breaking up with someone for the first time. There are so many memories and emotional attachments that, when it’s over, you feel sad and empty… but also a bit relieved. You promise yourself you won’t do it again because it hurts, but next thing you know, you’re dating the same kind of clown by the following year. What can I say? I’m a romantic—I can’t live without love. Fringe.

The Fringe is special to me because it’s the one time I genuinely feel like a professional in this industry. So far, I’ve written, performed, and produced all my shows. It’s no secret how tough comedy can be. Most people I know make money by running compilation shows (taking the ticket money—and some don’t even pay the guest comics). And for those of us who don’t manage to earn enough, we end up topping up with “anyone-can-do-it” kind of jobs a few days a week.

So that sense of achievement—feeling like you actually belong—for a whole month? That’s precious.

It becomes part of your life. Pretty much everything you do before August is in preparation for it. You get to see old friends who come back every year—your “Fringe family”—and you meet loads of new, talented people too.

It’s busy. It’s exhausting. It’s rewarding in its own unique way. It’s a display of passion—or maybe an inner, unsatisfied desire to feel included. To feel like someone.

It’s Fringe.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve realised that people remember you. Even when you wish they wouldn’t. For the longest time, I genuinely thought I was going unnoticed by most people in the industry, and, to be honest, by pretty much everyone. However, in 2024 I became aware they do notice me. They know who I am. They probably don’t know my name or where I come from, but they know I’m a comic – or at least that I called myself a comic and I hope it catches on.

And yes, there is an embarrassing story behind this realisation—one I’m not entirely sure I can share so publicly! Still, this year, I’m planning to be more mindful and just give it my all. Perform at my best, every time.

Tell us about your show.

Let me start by making one thing very clear: I’m behind all of this. I am The Ideal Man Productions.

I’ve been writing this show for over a year now, and it’s changed dramatically from where it started. There’s a particular section where I try to address the latest Supreme Court ruling and how it affects the transgender community—primarily trans women. But because things keep changing (and not for the better), it’s been difficult to keep up. One day a joke makes sense, and the next, it’s completely outdated.

I also had the idea of creating a video—an animated cartoon—and producing a song to go with the show. That idea shifted quite a bit over time. In the end, there’s no video anymore (which makes travelling easier—no need for a projector), and the song evolved into the show’s theme tune, used at the beginning and end.

This is the first time I’ve ever written a song—and I know absolutely nothing about music. So I called my friend Pauline Vallance, who composed the music. Then my mate Stephen Davidson from the London Trans Choir brought together some of his members to record the vocals. My friend Xavier Velastin, a sound engineer, helped me pull it all together and also worked with me to create the full soundtrack for the show.

I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a perfectionist—especially when it’s something I care deeply about. That’s part of why it’s taken so long for me to finally debut the show. I’ve tested those jokes countless times and kept tweaking them until they felt right. I booked comedy writing sessions to go through the full script with both Viv Gee and Adele Cliff. I’m genuinely proud of what I’ve put together. My only hope now is that people either resonate with it—or just have a good time.

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

First, thank you for coming!

I think you should see a large number of artists. Start with my friends and don’t expect “normal” stand up:

Phil O’Shea: Something About Dogs. 4th, 5th & 12th August at 19:25. The Stand 2. The Stand Comedy Club.

Narin Oz: Inner Child(ish). From 31st July to 24th August at 16:00. The Mash House (Just the Attic). Just the Tonic.

My bestie, me dearest friend Angela Legg who is very talented and is doing 8 shows:

Hexes and Exes- 2nd-16th (even dates) at 12:00. The Outside- Upstairs room. PBH’s Free Fringe.

My Mind is A Maze(ing)- 3rd to 17th (odd dates) at 12:00. The Outside- Upstairs room. PBH’s Free Fringe.

We Have to Think of a Really Good Show Name – 2nd-16th (even dates) at 15:30. Satyr Bar. PBH’s Free Fringe.

SCREWED- 2nd-16th (even dates) at 19:00. Satyr Bar. PBH’s Free Fringe.

A Real Live Scratch Night- 3rd to 17th (odd dates) at 19:00. Satyr Bar. PBH’s Free Fringe.

Legg’s Fishnet Of Talent – Numerous dates and venues for this one.

The Great Dane’s Kennel Club- Numerous dates and venues for this one.

I would also recommend the following people as I know they are talented. Kate Hammer, Kathleen Hughes, Amanda Hursy, Ruth Hunter, Adele Cliff, Gabriel Featherstone, Hooky Productions and Shelf (technically a kid’s show, but they’re stupidly funny).

---

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

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!