It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year! We have also been able to interview some of the acts that are heading up to the Fringe as well.

Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches

Location:  Just The Tonic at the Mash House- Just The Cask Room (Venue 288)

Dates: Aug  4th-14th, 16th-21st, 23rd-28th

Time: 21:05

Price: £7 Concessions £5

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/lil-saffron-ragu-to-riches

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

 Hello! I’m Michael Kunze, an award winning idiot who works as an actor, writer, director and improviser. I co-founded the award-winning Blue Heart Theatre, and in 2021 directed their OffComm winning “Exile”, which ran at the Southwark Playhouse, the Kings Head Theatre, and the Lion and Unicorn. I love basketball, pottery, and FOOD!

What’s the name of your show this year?

“Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches”, a tale of a young chef chasing his dreams of culinary greatness that takes the form of a rap musical with loads of pasta rap bangers.

How did you come up with the name of your show that your taking to the fringe?

The show is a take on classic rap themes with a culinary twist. Some rejected titles were “Lil Saffron: Straight out of the Kitchen”, and “Lil Saffron: Ready to Fry”, “Lil Saffron: Make Quiche or Die Frying”

Tell us all about your show!

“Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches”, is a narrative musical comedy about a pasta chef chasing his dreams of culinary greatness. It’s a big dumb fun night out with a live DJ and lots of rap bangers about pasta. There’re pasta grannies, evil clown celebrity chefs, yummy mummy’s and a talking cowess named Big Mama Milkshake, not to mention classic tracks like “Baby Whatchu Want for Breakfast”, “No Grime in the Kitchen”, and “Is there Pasta in Heaven?”.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

I’m really looking forward to “Ram of God” by Theodora Van Beek, and “In Pursuet”, by Eleanor Higgins. Mostly I’m just super excited that the Fringe is back and I cannot wait to see all the brilliant and wonderful things people have been working on.

Have you done the fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe. 

Big yes! A piece of advice I got recently that I really loved was “Do not be defeated”. Other classics to live or perish by include “It’s a marathon, not a sprint” and the always relevant “Don’t be a dick!”

What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

I love love loved “Don Rodolfo” from a few years back, and whenever I have the opportunity to go see the Bear Pack I go at least five or six times. The list of amazing fringe acts is long long long.

Favourite one liner you have done in a show and why?

A line of mine I’m quite fond of in my current show is: “Will you be my romantic interest because I’m very interested in getting romantical with you.”

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

Shoes to walk in. Tupperware eat from. A set of wings to give the gift of flight.

What have been some of the most unique and different comedy shows you have seen this year and why?

I saw “String V SPITTA” at Soho earlier this year, an epic tale of competing children’s entertainers that was grand. I’m a big fan of the clown Julia Masli. Oh, also I saw Mark Silcox earlier in the year and he had me cracking up.

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the fringe?

Be open to new and wonderful experiences.

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

Just getting to see all the wonderful work people make.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

It’s no mystery – fringe is prohibitively expensive, and unfortunately continues the long tradition of closing off the arts to the working class.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Just be genuine and connect with people. Flyering can be awkward if you make it, but remember that people are there to SEE SHOWS. Make them see YOUR SHOW. A good pitch is just chat at the end of the day.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

I’d love for my mom to see my show. She lives in California so sadly there’s no way she’ll make the trip.

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

Pasta. Love. Rap.