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.

Tom Brace: Embrace the Impossible!

Location:   Underbelly, Bristo Square – Ermintrude (Venue 302)

Dates: Aug  3rd-15th, 17th-29th

Time: 16:55

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-brace-embrace-the-impossible

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

So I’ll always try and find a magical pun on my surname. My debut was called “Brace Yourself!”. My follow up was “Brace of Spades”. I’ve got 100s of puns on my phone but it was actually Richard Wiseman (@RichardWiseman) who inspired my latest title. He was giving a talk at the Blackpool Magic Convention in 2020 and said that folks should “Embrace the Impossible!” It really stuck with me and I emailed him to ask if I could use it as my show title!

Tell us all about your show!

Cluedo, Roald Dahl and one film in particular from 1985…

Tom Brace takes a trip down memory lane with a brand-new magic show inspired by his past.

Join him as he showcases his unique but totally pointless magical abilities, which he discovered growing up in the 90s/00s. Jam packed with nostalgia, expect the unexpected with homages to classic board games, TV shows and films with magical twists.

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

There are so many things I’m looking forward to. It’s been 3 years since the Fringe was fully in swing and I’m so excited to see what everyone has been up to. Firstly for kids, I’m excited for Superhero Academy at Pleasance. It’s an interactive workshop tackling the difficult topic of global warming. It’s lots of fun and super educational.

In terms of magic, I can’t wait to see what Ben Hart has created for Pleasance Grand this year. He is a wonderful magician and I’ve heard lots of exciting things about this new show. Also at Pleasance, I’m looking forward to Joz Norris’s BLINK and the Mindmangler from ‘Magic goes wrong’.

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. 

So this will be my 7th Edinburgh Fringe. There’s nowhere I’d rather be in August. Pace yourself. It’s a long month and the last thing you want to do is burn yourself out. Listen to your body and give it what it needs! But that being said….throw yourself into every opportunity you physically can. Go to that party, have that crepe at 4am, meet someone new! There’s nothing like this on the planet. Get something out of it.

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

Mr Swallow – Houdini is one of the reasons I quit my job to become a magician. It made me laugh so much and brought me so much joy. I love Nick Mohammed and I’m gutted he’s not there this year. Another favourite of mine is Colin Hoult’s superb character Anna Mann. Guaranteed to make me cry with laughter. 

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

Water bottle for staying HYDRATED! Sturdy backpack for snacks, flyers and a waterproof. Crazy sour Skittles. I use them as a warm up. The intense chewing, mixed with the sour face scrunching is the perfect way to wake your face and jaw up for all that performing.

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

I saw a preview of Tim Key’s show in London. By far one of my favourite hours I’ve seen in a long time. His poetry and commentary on the lockdowns of 2020 were achingly funny and relatable. You gotta grab a ticket to see it this August!

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

Throw yourself into the action. Don’t overthink. You’ve spent a fortune making this happen. Enjoy it. 

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

The people. By far. Take your time to get to know everyone. The staff, the performers, the audience. You’ll make friends for life. I met my two housemates at the Fringe back in 2015!

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Being ON for an entire month. I always start the day shattered and promising myself I’ll go home. Then I find myself at that god damn crepe fan at 4am most nights…

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Talking and engaging with each person you meet. Ask them about their day. Find out what they like. What they’ve seen! We are all human beings and we like being connected. You’ll have way more success with your flyering if you ask them some questions!

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Oooo good question. I’d love to see Derren Brown at my show? We’ve got very different shows but he’s a huge inspiration to me!

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

Tom Brace Magic on all socials!

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

Pay. My. Rent.