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.

Jamie D’Souza: Stop Drawing Willies on My Poster

Location:  Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Below (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 3rd-29th

Time: 19:10

Price: £9 Concessions £8

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jamie-d-souza-stop-drawing-willies-on-my-poster

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! I’m Jamie, I’m from Staines, and I’m a stand up comedian & writer.

What’s the name of your show this year?

It’s called Stop Drawing Willies On My Poster. Which may sound like a stupid name, and to be honest it is. But if you saw the poster it’d make sense in context!

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

I wanted to come up with a name that immediately gives away that my show is a bit silly and fun. My show is also mainly about school and growing up, and I feel drawing willies on things is a fundamental part of being a teenage boy! 

Tell us all about your show!

My show is all about my first crush, and the terrible emo band me and my mates started in a bid to impress her. It’s also about my nan, although I can’t stress enough that they are two entirely different people.

It’s also more generally about growing up, and how embarrassing almost every aspect of being a teenager can be.

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

Every year I look forward to seeing Mat Ewins. If you’ve not seen him, I can’t recommend him enough. He does a lot of stuff with tech and video editing, but is also without any of that stuff. I’m also really looking forward to seeing Chelsea Birkby, Alex Farrow and Morgan Rees. (Yes, they are all just my mates, but they’re also hilarious and their shows will be great!)

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. 

I’ve not done a solo show before at the fringe, but in 2018 and 2019 I did a split bill show with some mates! I love the fringe, if you’re a comedy nerd like me it’s amazing to see how many of your favourite comedians are milling about in the same bars as you.

My one bit of advice is to learn from my mistake! The first year I went up I was wearing a t-shirt with my favourite comedian on it. I went up to a bar to see my mate and that comedian happened to be on the next table. Which made me look tragic beyond belief.

Also if you’re ever hungry, go to Mosque Kitchen! The food is both cheap and it’s delicious. 

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

​One of the best shows I’ve seen was Heidi Vs Sharks by Heidi Regan. It was really funny, and also had a lot of heart in it, I really like how it mixed personal stuff with lots of dumb jokes (I mean that in the best way possible sorry if Heidi is reading this!!) 

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

A notebook, a spare t-shirt and a Mosque Kitchen loyalty card. (This doesn’t actually exist yet, but a boy can dream) 

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

I think spending enough time away from the busy ‘networky’ spots and heading to somewhere a bit quieter with mates is the best bit of the fringe!

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

I get very self-conscious when I’m flyering. I actually find it a lot scarier than doing stand-up!

What would be your top three items every performer must take to the fringe?

A notebook, a spare t-shirt and a Mosque Kitchen loyalty card. (This doesn’t actually exist yet, but a boy can dream) 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

​Bukayo Saka, I have no idea if he’s into comedy at all, but I’m a huge Arsenal fan and I just love him so much.

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

Twitter: Jamie_DSouza, Insta: JamieDsouzaa

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

Lots of silly-jokes (Sorry I know that’s cheating!)