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.

Michael Akadiri: No Scrubs

Location:  Pleasance Courtyard – The Cellar (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 3rd-15th, 17th-28th

Time: 20:35

Price: £11 Concessions £9.50

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/michael-akadiri-no-scrubs

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! My name is Michael Akadiri and I’m a born and bred Londoner who lives a double life as junior doctor & a comedian. 

I’ll be administering a dose of laughter every evening this Fringe with my debut show, No Scrubs!

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

You’ve got to go short & snappy init. 

So I thought I needed a title which encapsulated my background as a doctor (Scrub) but also references how I’m perceived outside Medicine (Scrub again) compared to how I see myself (No Scrub).

This may not be immediately clear but hopefully after the show, the audience will clock onto this triple entendre. 

Tell us all about your show!

As the title clearly suggests…Lol!

Essentially it’s about my life in the NHS, my life outside of it and how I ended up in court which has changed my perspective and outlook on the profession. 

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

I’m debuting at the same time as a lot of my friends on the circuit who I’ve come up which is exciting. Moreover, there are acts who I’ve seen 20s from, but keen to see their full hour.

For example, looking forward to seeing Aurie Styla’s show Green, Thanyia Moore’s Bully and Ali Woods’ hour about being a better friend (I’m rooming with him for the month so was obliged to mention him!).

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 come up for weekends in the past for competitions and short spots but this is a full blown debut so I need the advice as much as they do!

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

If you are going to watch shows, a great sense of humour, a good pair of shoes (you gotta be comfortable as you get those miles in!) and a credit card with a large limit (Extend.That.Overdraft!) – Please don’t I’m not qualified to give ANY financial advice!

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

What with working through covid for the NHS and working on No Scrubs, I haven’t seen as many shows as I would like over the last few years, I am looking forward to changing that this August though

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

See as many shows as possible and avoid Haggis at all costs

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

I’m genuinely excited by the prospect of becoming a better comedian. 25 hour shows in a month at the very minimum, this is before considering the number of mixed bill shows I’ll likely do – it’s a comedic boot camp I won’t have the fortune of experiencing anywhere else.

Anything above this will be a bonus. 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

I anticipate having the stamina and energy to put in an hour performance daily without a dip in quality. 

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

Water (Scottish water is pretty dece incase you forget), positive mindset, a great show

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

A great flyering team – THEY WILL MAKE OR BREAK YA SHOW!

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

Someone who comes to the show with an open mind, equally aware of their politics, popular culture and doesn’t mind hearing a bit about the NHS. Come on through!