Comedians

The Latebloomers: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? The Latebloomers
What? Scotland!
Where? Assembly Rooms – Bijou (Venue)
When? 16:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

We are all very excited to hit the stage! The size of the fringe is quite intimidating however we feel ready and have some solid support going into the Fringe.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Our show is called Scotland! The premise is three silly men take their audience on a wild ride through the ancient lands of Scotland. We have taken the world’s view of all things Scottish and mashed them together as a celebration of this great nation.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

What was the best short bread and whisky to use for the show. Very important. Oh and putting together a self-devised comedy without a director or clear storyline is a challenge. But we got there in the end!

© The Latebloomers

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

This is our first time performing together at the Edinburgh Fringe so it’s all new for us. We know how big it is and how it’s hard to stand out, however it’s a wonderful platform for new artists to showcase their work and talents.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Oh yes! Sir David and His Animals by Clownfish Theatre, Chameleon by Britt Plumber, The Establishment: Le Bureau de Strange, Serena Flynn in Baubo: Goddess of Filth, Claire Parry: Intolerable Side Effects, On The Run: The Re-Birth of Meadow Rain.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Touring our show Scotland! in France, Russia, Finland and China. Also playing our upcoming, untitled new show. The shows must go on!

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE LATEBLOOMERS: ‘SCOTLAND!’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Helen Wood: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Steve Ullathorne
Who? Helen Wood
What? The National Trust Fan Club
Where? Gilded Balloon at the Museum – Auditorium (Venue 64)
When? 15:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I’m excited to be in the Edinburgh bubble for four weeks away from the realities of real life – a non-stop round of performing shows, seeing shows and socialising – but also knowing I really have to pace myself to last the course.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s my year-long attempt to go to loads of National Trust sites and properties, avoiding eye contact with the room volunteers, coping with the winter opening hours and eating lots of scones!

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

There was more than one obstacle. Would I manage to get to the number of properties I’d set myself before my year long membership ran out? Would the dog have to stay in the back of the car at each National Trust site visited? Should I put jam on first or cream on first?

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

I’ve been coming to the Fringe for several years both as a punter and a performer and I’m delighted that the average age of the audiences has increased. There is now a huge number of Fringe visitors over 50 and many are looking for shows that they can relate too. I’m hoping that my show fits the bill.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I love improv shows and always enjoy the Maydays: Happily Never After and although Honest Amy has a tough subject matter it is delivered by a highly engaging, enthusiastic and funny performer.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Back in Edinburgh please – it’s crazy but addictive and I’d like to be selling out a 200 seater every night.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR HELEN WOOD: ‘THE NATIONAL TRUST FAN CLUB’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Edinburgh Review: Tony Law – Identifies

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© Storm Davison
4 out of 5 stars

‘Tony Law Identifies what?’ I hear you ask. Well, according to Law, his show’s namesake could be referring to absolutely anything. Just pick something from the hour of madness; anything.

You can really notice a difference in Law’s onstage persona compared to previous years. From the top, he gives off the same frenetic energy that fans know and love. But Law’s own self-discipline and the structure of the material in general feels far more controlled now. This newfound stability doesn’t take anything away from the comedy itself, however, with Tony covering a characteristically broad array of topics, including time travel, performing for the Russian aristocracy with a violent chimp, and the new addition to his family: a rabbit named Woodstock.

And despite what he tells us, Law can do observational comedy, even if the things he observes are not entirely based in reality. He also utilises his aptitude for accents, dipping in and out of various dialects with such fluidity that we barely notice the transition until it’s already happened.

While last year’s show, A Lost Show, explored Law’s relationship with alcohol and the changes he’s discovered since quitting drinking, Tony’s road to sobriety doesn’t get much of a mention in this latest hour. In fact, Identifies feels as though Law has moved beyond this, and in doing so he invites his audience to really get to know other parts of him.

Perhaps it’s unsurprising, then, that it’s the material about his home life that is most pleasing, as audiences rarely get this glimpse into the everyday Tony, who is a husband, father and pet owner. The way his eyes light up when he talks about his beloved German Shepherd, Wolfy, could stir even the coldest of hearts.

Identifies is a highly energised hour of whimsical observation from a true absurdist comedy powerhouse. Catch the show at Monkey Barrel 3 at 12.15pm throughout August.

Edinburgh Review: Adam Hess – My Grandad Has a Fringe

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4 out of 5 stars

© Matt Crockett

Adam Hess sprints around the stage with boundless energy. His observations are creative. It feels as though he is generating these ideas out of nowhere, with random ideas popping into his head, and somehow forming them into inventive, hilarious short-form jokes.

My Grandad Has a Fringe is a show that follows in a similar fashion to Hess’ previous shows, with the comic speaking of his family’s weird quirks (his audience are left wondering where he gets it from), as well as uncomfortable social situations his own awkwardness and anxieties have got him into. Topics covered are wide-ranging, from his mother’s knitting obsession to Hess’ own habit of enthusiastically waving at people he has met while waiting outside toilet cubicles.

Hess’ bright-eyed, genuine childlike glee personifies the homely feel of the entire show. It feels like going round to your friend’s house to play when you were little, Adam of course being the needy, attention-grabbing high-maintenance child (but this is somehow why we like him).

It’s refreshing to see a show that doesn’t drone on about one’s own privilege or the current socio-political climate. Hess presents an hour of true, hectic escapism.

Fionn Foley: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? Fionn Foley
What? Brendan Galileo For Europe
Where? Assembly George Square Studios – Five (Venue 17)
When? 13:30

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I am very excited to bring the show to the festival. We’ve toured it around Ireland and had an overwhelmingly positive response. My feeling is that the show will feel more at home in Edinburgh than anywhere else. It’s a somewhat hybridic blend of comedy, music and theatre which I think audiences here have a real appreciation for.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

The show follows a young politician Brendan Galileo as he attempts to save his granny’s music school from destruction at the hands of the local political establishment. In an attempt to bolster his public profile, he enters the greatest political catfight in Europe, the Eurovision. It’s a fast-paced satirical comedy full that asks pertinent questions about contemporary politics, through an energetic and music-infused hour of fun.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

The show has an incredible team behind so no challenge has proved too much so far. And it does have it’s fair share of tricky challenges. The show has over 200 sound queues, which are incredibly sharp and snappy. With satire there is always the worry that what you write may not have the same relevance even a few months later. Fortunately, issues like Brexit are still in as purgatorial a state as ever and the show seems to resonate strongly with audiences.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

It’s my first time bringing a show to Fringe, so in that sense, I view it differently this year. Not necessarily with any less enthusiasm or joy, but I definitely look at it as an opportunity to bring my work to an international platform. So this year brings a quiet determination with it.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Of course. Comedy-wise, I’m looking forward to Josh Glanc’s new show- he was hysterical last year. Dreamgun’s Film Reads are always an absolute blast and I’m a massive Tommy Tiernan fan. Theatre-wise, Sarah Jane Scott’s Appropriate in Summerhall is a real gem.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

I think everyone involved in the show would love to see it travel further afield. Luckily (or unluckily, depending on how you look at it) the subject of disharmony and cultural identity within a changing Europe is as pertinent and is has ever been. As long as audiences are able to laugh at the absurdity of it all, I think the show will have a great lifespan. So naturally, I’d like to be reclining on a deckchair somewhere south of the equator signing a TV deal and drinking Fanta from the skulls of my enemies.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR FIONN FOLEY: ‘BRENDAN GALILEO FOR EUROPE’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Robyn Paterson: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© The South Afreakins
Who? Robyn Paterson
What? The South Afreakins
Where? theSpace on the Mile – Space 2 (Venue 39)
When? 15:05

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I’m a bundle of nerves bringing up two solo shows. The first show, The South Afreakins, did so well in 2016, I feel myself putting pressure on in order to help the second show The South Afreakins: The Afreakin Family, be as successful.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

The South Afreakins (Show #1): Gordon and Helene are stuck in South Africa and in their rut. One longs to get out and experience everything retirement has to offer while the other won’t leave his milk tart. When they finally immigrate to New Zealand, the result is hilariously heart breaking as they discover ‘home’ is hard to find.

The South Afreakins: The Afreakin Family (#2): Set in the present day, parents Gordon and Helene are joined by sisters Rachel and Kelly on the day when the family reunite to celebrate Gordon’s 70th birthday. The South Afreakins: The Afreakin Family offers audiences a witty yet achingly raw look at real family life. Old tensions, misunderstandings, regrets, jealousies, longing, choices made, fairness and unfairness are all up for debate as emotions erupt not unlike Helene’s extravagant chocolate lava birthday cake.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

Juggling the responsibility of giving both shows equal attention and making sure that The Afreakin Family matches the energy, pace and emotive energy of the first successful show. I found the new show really took a lot of my energy and focus and it was hard not to let the creative input fall to the wayside while also producing both shows.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

Nope! I’m as excited for it as I’ve always been!

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

The Hiccup Project – Lovely Girls; Hitting Head Productions – The Struggling Life of an Artist; Sone of Dyke.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Touring the world with The South Afreakins and The South Afreakins: The Afreakin Family.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ‘THE SOUTH AFREAKINS’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Joe Sutherland: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Peter Fingleton
Who? Joe Sutherland
What? Sour
Where? PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth – Cinema Room (Venue 156)
When? 22:10

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

All of them. All feelings. Excitement, dread, occasionally indifference. The more Fringes you do, the more you develop a routine for getting into the rhythm of it. I wish I could go back and tell myself five years ago that six hours of yoga (aka re-watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the only way to get through it.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

How the reunion of a certain 90’s girl group gave me an existential crisis.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

The many court appearances I’ve had to make to defend libellous jokes against former Eastenders stars.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

Having done a few, I now see it as a chance to work and just get on with doing what I do and learning how to make it better. I try to tweak the show every day so that by the end of the month it’s perfectly aerodynamic. Some people would have you believe that a show should be in that shape at the beginning of the month but when previewing to five drunks in the back of a pub, who all have one eye on the telly above the bar, is not always going to aide the development of your narrative arc.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

So many: Helen Bauer, Sophie Duker, Mickey Overman, Maisie Adam, Chloe Petts and Sam Lake, Nathan Roberts, Kai Samra, Janine Harouni, Yuriko Kotani, Patrick Spicer, Huge Davies, Olga Koch – they’re all brilliant performers doing first or second shows so they’re buzzing with fresh ideas and creativity.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR JOE SUTHERLAND: ‘SOUR’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Francesco De Carlo: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Karla Gowlett
Who? Francesco De Carlo
What? Winning Hearts and Minds
Where? Underbelly George Square – The Wee Coo (Venue 300)
When? 17:20

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

This is my third time at the Fringe and I hope to be able to use all the stuff that I’ve learned in the previous editions. I want to eat healthy, don’t drink too much alcohol, run in the morning and go to sleep early at night. It is a very stressful experience and I really hope to behave in a proper way. At least for the first couple of days.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

I want to investigate why liberal ideas are not convincing people anymore, in Europe as in the States, in Italy as in the UK. If we are so clever why we are losing elections basically everywhere? I’ll do it telling the audience some personal experience and the story of my (very) Italian family.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

Translating it. Given that it is a second language, I would need more stage time, but it is very hard because I spend too much time in Rome and in the UK there are so many good comedians. I use every chance to test new material. Can you believe that I’ve tried new jokes during a showcase, where you are supposed to bring well rehearsed material?

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

I deeply love the fact that art and culture change so much during the years. Comedy is not an exception: it keeps changing year after year and I like it because it stays alive. In the UK I have the feeling that every comedian can contribute to this progress and that it is very important to describe the present and anticipate the future. In Italy we love to celebrate the past (dead comedians, dead actors, dead directors…) and it is very hard to create a new scene. Even if recently something is changing.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I’m sharing my flat with three great friends and amazing comedians: Anuvab Pal from India, Loyiso Gola from South Africa, Orlando Baxter from the USA. I can’t wait to see their new shows, even if I feel that the best entertainment would be in the house.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

For an Italian is very hard to not spend August on the seaside, drinking white wine and eating spaghetti with clams. In the last years I’ve been in Scotland, so I hope to spend some time on the beach in twelve months. But I promise this to me every year, and every year I end up in Edinburgh. I’m in love with the Fringe Festival.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR FRANCESCO DE CARLO: ‘WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Naomi Karavani: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? Naomi Karavani
What? Dominant
Where? Just the Tonic at Marlyn’s Wynd – Just the Wyndy Room (Venue 296)
When? 20:05

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I always feel pretty corny saying ‘I’m excited’ so I won’t say that. But I am ‘charged’ and I have a thesaurus. A lot of comedians I love and respect have done the Fringe. I think it takes you up a level in talent and skill when it comes to stand up. It’s rare opportunity to do this many shows in a short amount of time.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

The show is about how women can be assholes too, not just bitches. It’s stand up about evil things that I think and do, and also how white men don’t have a monopoly on evil. I think that’s important to consider as we enter an age where everyone is talking about how having female leaders will solve all of our problems.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

I wanted to avoid talking about the president as much as possible, because everyone is so tired of Trump jokes in the US. But the way the election impacted my family was so tragic and funny, I had to talk about it.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

This is my first year doing it, so I always thought the festival was so cool and out of reach. But now it’s less cool because I’m doing it now.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Some of my favorite comedians will be at Edinburgh this year. Anna Drezen @annadrezen; Langston Kerman @LangstonKerman; AndersLee @andersleehere; Liza Treyger @GlitterCheese; Catherine Cohen @Catccohen.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Hopefully back in Edinburgh, if this year doesn’t lead to some really specific performance related trauma.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR NAOMI KARAVANI: ‘DOMINANT’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

The Wonder Jam: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? Lorna-Rose Treen, Belinda Anderson-Hunt, Dougie Baldwin and Rose Maher (Director)
What? The Wonder Jam
Where? Heroes @ Black Medicine – Basement (Venue)
When? 00:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

Excited. Nervous. Terrified. Delighted. Eager. Funny.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s a late-night clown comedy party. It’ll be a new show every night where we’ll be improvising, working on characters, and clown numbers. It’s basically an experimental workshop to develop material for future shows with an audience. We believe the best way to write and find stuff is with a live audience. We’ll have fantastic guests every night trying out new material too. It’s exciting because we could do literally anything. The show is a safe space for new clowns to incubate and grow as performers. We inherited the show from Luke Rollerson, Christian Brighty and Tom Curzon this year (the team behind Planet Earth III – SOHO Theatre, ★★★★★ Ed Fest Mag), and in a few years we hope to pass it on to other young clowns.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

As we inherited the show, we’ve really tried to make it our own, and put our own twist on things. We have no MC, and we’ve tried to nail down a format which works for us, our guests and our audiences. The show is framed as a party, and our aim is to have as much fun as possible.

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

Lorna: I’ve been doing the Fringe for the past six years. I went to university here, so first got involved with the student scene. I then joined the Improverts, Edinburgh’s longest running Improv group and a Fringe staple, and you really get to see the inner workings of the fringe by doing a half-midnight show, every night. The Fringe has changed a lot since I first came – there’s much more recognition for women and clowns (two sections of humanity which I love).

This will be Belinda and Dougie’s first year here, but Bel is quite familiar with the Auzzie scene. She says that Edinburgh feels huge, full of history and magic. She’s been on two ghosts tours already. Dougie loves Harry Potter.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I Just Want Someone to Know I Was Here, as part of A Play, A Pie and A Pint. It’s a beautiful story telling show about life and death, and you get a bloody pie! 12th-16th at McSorley’s (venue 280). 12:45.

Privates: A Sperm Odyssey: Luke, Christian and Tom’s hilarious show. Saving Private Ryan meets a sex ed talk. They’re insane. Heroes at Boteco’s, 17:20.

Luke Rollason’s Infinite Content. Luke’s a genius idiot. Monkey Barrel 4, 12:00.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Dougie: To have at least an hour of character material I feel confident in! To be smarter too! I want to be smart!!

Lorna: To be in the position to start writing a solo show that I’m excited about. Also to have loads of money. LOADS. I want too much money.

Bel: I want to be free of this flesh vessel.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ‘THE WONDER JAM’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019