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.

Sugar

Location:  theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Theatre 3 (Venue 53)

Dates: Aug  5th-13th, 15th-20th, 22nd-29th

Time: 19:05

Price: £9 Concession £7

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/sugar

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hi, my name is Mabel! I graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in June of 2021 (ew, pandemic graduation, I know) and moved back to Atlanta, Georgia in the US. My hobbies include giving my cat unwanted affection, reading books written for people a lot younger than me and learning far too many song lyrics.

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

I knew I wanted something simple and easy to remember, because it seems like pieces with longer titles inevitably get them shortened by audiences/people discussing the show. And (as pretentious as it sounds) it just kind of came to me after I’d finished writing the first draft.

Tell us all about your show!

One girl. Five ages. Many morally ambiguous choices. What critics called ‘Witty, well observed and at times devastating; a must see!’, Sugar follows Mae as she grows up an ambitious young woman in a world ready to see her fail. Sugar is a rollercoaster of laughs and poignancy, a piece that will leave the audience thinking. Everyone needs a pinch of Sugar to sweeten their Fringe.

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

I’m really keen to see a bunch of the other debut solo shows being brought to the fringe by some amazing folks, specifically: 

Poles: The Science of Magnetic Attraction by Millie Pitcher (Pleasance)

Daddy Issues by Anna Krauze (Pleasance)

The Best Ideas Happen On The Toilet by Claudia Saavedra (SpaceUK)

Almost Adult by Charlotte Anne Tilly (Gilded Balloon)

Destiny by Florence Espeut-Nickless (Underbelly)

Dear Little Loz by Lauren-Nicole Mayes (SpaceUK)

Lightweight by Amie Enriquez (Underbelly)

Look, No Hands by Lila Clements (Summerhall)

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. 

Last year I presented my show digitally (basically I hired some filmmakers from my school to record the piece as a hybrid film/play and then put it up through SpaceUK’s digital fringe platform) and it was a great “taster” of what the fringe was like what with tweeting, emailing, chasing reviews etc. but I’m SO excited to do it in person this year (and for the whole month) because I think it’ll be a much more intense experience!

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

I’m a huge fan of the solo-show because it’s an immensely vulnerable experience for the performer and they’re afforded complete creative control. Two of my faves have been Naomi Sheldon’s “Good Girl” and, of course, “Fleabag”

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

We’ve come a long way as a society from typing 80085 on our calculators for entertainment. That’s progress, and I think that’s beautiful.

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

I’ve not yet done a live fringe but pragmatically since everything is online these days a decent device and internet connection seem pretty vital to reaching a broad audience. Also a great water bottle (hydrate or die-drate!) and chapstick because there’s nothing worse than having chapped lips.

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

Eating a Tunnock’s Teacake. They are the best dessert ever made. And seeing theatre…I suppose.

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

I’m really excited to see other people’s shows and make new friends! Also, I’m thrilled that people other than just my family and friends will be able to see my show.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

There are so many fantastic shows to choose from, making yours stand out is a challenge.

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

Chapstick (as I mentioned before, it is essential), a great water bottle (hydration is key), and a good, snuggly pillow (sleep is paramount)

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Having not yet flyer-ed I don’t have the secret. But I suspect positive reinforcement (a cool/novel treat along with flyers) or negative reinforcement (threat of extreme violence if flyer is not taken) would both be fairly effective.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

The head of a big network’s new work development team. Or Jessie Buckley, because I’d really like to meet her. She seems awesome.

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

@SugarThePlay on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

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

It’s funny, you *won’t* be bored, and it addresses a social issue (sex work) that no one seems to talk frankly about. Also it’s just really good. Why not?