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.

Yasmine Day: Songs in the Key of Me

Location:  PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms – Speakeasy (Venue 68)

Dates: Aug 6th-8th, 10th-15th, 17th-22nd, 24th-28th

Time: 19:40

Price: Free

Ticket Link:  https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/yasmine-day-songs-in-the-key-of-me

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Surely you know who I am?? For those who don’t, I’m Yasmine Day – eighties pop diva known the world over for my Top 200 Hit ‘Love Hurts when Eagles Fly’, and my six month stint as part of a scatting ABBA tribute act, ABBA BA BA BA. We performed it on a farm to a group of sheep and they loved it! Best audience so far. 

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

‘Songs in the Key of Me’, is a completely original name for the album I am releasing this summer. I’ve ordered 500 CDs, which I’ll be selling out of the boot of my Ford Mondeo after the show. I only accept Cheque.

Tell us all about your show!

The show is an artistic masterpiece of music, sound and voice, where I’ll perform songs from my fifth debut album. I’ll also throw in a few amusing anecdotes about my time in showbiz. My Nephew will accompany me on ‘keys’ – that just means keyboard, it’s an industry term – you’re welcome. 

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

I am looking forward to seeing my own show, played back to me after it’s inevitably filmed by MTV. But I am also looking forward to Jen Ives Peak Trans, Heidi Regan Gives Birth Live on Stage Every Night or Your Money Back, who is in the same venue as me, and James Barr Straight Jokes.

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 took my last comeback concert extravaganza, An Audience with Yasmine Day, to the fringe in 2019 and I learned a lot about what makes a show successful. I would say, ‘Backing dancers essential’ and ‘Don’t worry about PRS’.

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

I’d have to say, all of my own shows are my favourite shows. But I very much enjoyed all of the Mr Swallow shows, Jordan Brookes and Nathalie Palemides. They performed using their words – rather than through song – which I thought was very brave.

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

‘I’m Yasmine Day.’ (Some people might say it’s because I like the sound of my own voice, making the sound of my own name, which people could mistake for arrogance. It’s actually confidence).

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

Vocalzone, backing dancers, and a good understanding of copyright infringement. Between you and me, I have a number of copyright cases against me and my music. I was recently sued by Celine Dion’s legal team for my hit song ‘Think Thrice’.

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

I don’t watch comedy – everyone else seems to know when to laugh but I struggle greatly. Nevertheless,  I very much enjoyed Crizards’ new show when I saw it a few weeks ago. They are very funny. 

Ha ha ha. 

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

My Nephew and I like to relax on my crushed velvet sofa (imported), stick on the smoke machine and watch old reruns of ‘The Darling Buds of May’ (Little known fact: I played Catherine Zeta Jones’s hands in all the close ups! She refuses to sufficiently moisturise her own, but the director was adamant that Mariette should have youthful paws)

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

Meeting my adoring fans. I love it when they come up to me at the end of the show and say nice things to me like ‘Your rendition of Phil Collins In the Air tonight was “hard to unhear.”‘

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

I have a phobia of dog statues and so walking past Greyfriars Bobby is always a huge challenge. It was a bit of an issue last Edinburgh where I had to walk past it everyday to get to the Baked Potato Shop – I go there every breakfast, lunch and dinner during the fringe. (Potatoes are very good for coating the vocal cords – Beyonce, Adele – all the greats live off them).

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

Vocalzone, backing dancers and one very good lawyer.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Make your Nephew flyer for you. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Myself, watching me, performing ‘Songs in the Key of Me’.

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

@diva_yasmineday in Instagram and Twitter 

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

Musical concert extravaganza!