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.

Anthony DeVito: My Dad Isn’t Danny DeVito

Location:   Just The Tonic at The Mash House – Just The Bottle Room (Venue 288)

Dates: Aug 4th-14th, 16th-28th

Time: 19:30

Price: £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/anthony-devito-my-dad-isn-t-danny-devito

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hi! My name is Anthony DeVito. I’ve been an NYC comedian for about 12 years, give or take a couple years off for a global pandemic. I’m originally from Northern New Jersey. I grew up in a super Italian neighborhood. My hometown is actually where they shot the last scene of the Sopranos. And if you like the Sopranos, you’ll love my Fringe show. 

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

Given my last name (DeVito) and being in show business, most people assume Danny DeVito is my Dad. But my father was nothing like him. My Dad died when I was a baby. But I found out the truth about him at 18 years old. 

Tell us all about your show!

My show is a healthy mix of NYC club style, punchy stand up and compelling storytelling. I’ve tried to strike a good balance between rapid laughs and sincerity given the complexity of the story. At 18, when my Mom told me about my father she said “don’t ever tell anyone about him.” She didn’t say this out of embarrassment, she said this out of personal safety. So, due to the circumstances of his person and the nature of his work, I’ve had to toe the line for my own well being. The stakes differ from a regular show. My biggest fear isn’t a bad review, it’s ending up in the trunk of a Cadillac. 

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

I can’t wait to see all the non US acts at the Fringe. Obviously, I’m psyched to see what my own friends have been working on. But I want to have a pint, stumble into a bar and watch a guy from Wales who I didn’t know existed make me cry into a warm beer. 

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 never done the Fringe. So far, I think the best piece of advice I’ve received is to regulate my ego. To remember why I’m there: to simply make my work better. I was warned how there will be plenty of nights without a lot of audience members where I’ll think that I deserve more because of prior comedy accomplishments. But I need to continually remind myself why I’m doing the Fringe. So I plan on getting the message tattooed across my ribcage so I don’t forget. 

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

I like how the US stand up model has recently adopted the UK model over the past couple years. I’ve really enjoyed powerhouse comics like Gary Gulman and Colin Quinn taking the form in more thematic directions. At least, in the US, we’re just beginning to see the possibilities of busting up the traditional stand up infrastructure while still maintaining hard jokes. 

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

My favorite one liner was actually said by an audience member. I was on the road in Virginia doing a comedy club which was just a conference room with a hung curtain. I was doing a joke about my 90 year old Grandmother dating a 65 year old guy she met in her nursing home. A woman yelled out “that’s not a cougar, that’s a water buffalo.” Usually I find hecklers deplorable. But the line was funny so I added her line to the bit. Then a few years later I told that joke on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and her line got an applause break. 

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

Comfy sneakers. Clean underwear. Tylenol. 

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

Due to the pandemic, this past year was full of outdoor shows in public parks, rooftop shows and shows over Zoom. Each of them presented their own challenges. I break from most comics in saying I enjoyed the outdoor shows in public parks because of the freedom. The bar was lower so the comedy felt more pure. I saw comics trying material they might not have so readily if under a roof. Sure, the yelling street people presented a challenge. But we continually deal with hecklers. At least these ones had a good reason. Technically, we were in their home. 

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

Walking around and being open to adventure. I plan on being taken by the wind and copious amounts of alcohol. 

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

 Doing the same show everyday for approximately a month.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Doing the same show everyday for approximately a month. 

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

Comfy sneakers. Clean underwear. Tylenol. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Having a flyering team which actually feels like they know the comic and their show. They’re busting their ass for you. As a performer, the least you can do is make them like there’s a real bond. And heavy amounts of bribery. Whatever they need: guns, knives, fireworks. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

An audience member with a bombastic but not overwhelming laugh who has the stamina to maintain their energy through an hour long show. Nothing else. 

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

Follow me on Instagram and Tik Tok @comediananthonydevito and Twitter @anthonydevito_. More than anything, subscribe to my Youtube channel at youtube.com/devitoanthony. That’s where my free stand up special “Brain Noise” lives, as do all my TV sets and podcast appearances. 

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

Crime Family Fun!