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!

Tom Ward: Anthem

Location:  Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 1 (Venue 515 )

Dates: Aug 3rd-7th, 9th-14th, 16th-21st, 23rd-28th

Time: 22:25

Price: £8

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-ward-anthem

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

My name is Tom Ward and I’m 28 – 40 years old. I am a professional comedian and voice actor living in London. 

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

I showed a list of names to my closest few and asked them which they though best reflected me. Then I ignored all of them and went for my favourite. 

Tell us all about your show!

It’s all about the juicy stuff: Sex, death, climate, class and identity. I’ve been told off more by audience and industry for this show so far than any other I’ve done so that’s something isn’t it? 

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

Other acts? I haven’t even thought about that yet – I’ll wait to see what the app says…oh yeah there isn’t one. 

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 have – six! Three of those were solo shows. Advice I’d give would be – don’t read your reviews till after the fringe, have a day off a week, don’t drink every day if you can, sleep, eat healthily, and don’t buy in to either the highs or the lows, neither of them are real (or real enough to be trusted anyway). And remember – it’s supposed to be fun.

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

2017 was the best year (Love Machine) – I had a lot on my mind that year what with living in the empty house of my first love, and also processing a major reveal in the family. The show felt crucial (to me anyway). I loved being at Tron and felt like I got a lot off my chest. 

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

Ooh tough one – 12.59 is when I meet my girlfriend, ‘cos we like that 1 to 1 time.

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

This year? Rich Hardisty’s debut ‘Silly boy’ will take some beating. All about the experience of mental health, eating disorders, drug use and absent fathers. Intense, hilarious and epic.

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

Exercise, cinema, walking, crying when necessary (frequently)

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

The gorgeous feeling of telling a room about your stuff and feeling them with you 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Stamina – having to do the bloody thing every day! The déjà vu is almost palpable.

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

Smoothie blender, ear plugs, swimming trunks

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Talk while you’re handing the paper out, just shoving things towards people without saying anything is useless. And don’t be fake, who wants some cloying, shit eating grin and shrill voice coming at them on the Mile? (sorry drama students)

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Anyone between 18 and not so old that they can’t hear me. People who know that we’re being sold a load of old bollocks by media and news but don’t take that seriously or wear tin foil on their heads. 

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

Insta: @tomwardcomedian
Facebook: tomwardcomedian
http://www.tomwardvoice.com

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

4 years work