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 DeTrinis: I HATE NEW YORK

Location: Assembly Rooms – Powder Room (Venue 20)

Dates: Aug 4th-16th, 18th-27th

Time: 18:20

Price: £13 Concessions £12

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-detrinis-i-hate-new-york

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

HI! I’m Tom DeTrinis and I am an actor/writer/director/producer/chef  – we got a do a lot to stay alive HONEY – based in Los Angeles but from Long Island, New York.

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

Well, I started working on this show during summer 2020 after I was doom scrolling on Insta. I was getting jealous and angry about SOMEONE and I started to take it out on my keyboard. Originally the show as called MAKING FRIENDS, but then after working and working on it, my friend Ryan was like ya know. This is REALLY about your relationship and opinions about New York and you should just GO for it. My director, Drew, agreed and THUSLY my angry, bitchy title was born.

Tell us all about your show!

So I call myself a rage-a-holic, but when you first meet me you would NEVER know about the fire that smolders and fumes inside of my soul. This show is a lot about the double nature of my personality and about secrets – family secrets, friend secrets  – and how keeping those in can deeply affect you. It is a definitely a hilarious character filled experience about me, but I hope that people can relate to what I am describing, which I don’t think a lot of people talk about.

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

MY OTHER SHOW LOTTIE PLACHETT TOOK A HACHETT!! I am producing and performing in that WONDEROUS play by Justin Elizabeth Sayre and Directed by Jessica Hanna with Tom Lenk, Ryan Garcia and Lauren Lopez. It is so fucking funny you must see it. AND… HOT DOGS & TEARS by Melissa Stephens. That is a MUST! ANNNND… IDIOT CIRCUS!!

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. 

YES! I directed TILDA SWINTON ANSWERS AN AD ON CRIAGSLIST and I brought 30 Minute Musicals back in 2019 as well. I got SO addicted to it all that I brought two MORE shows this year. My biggest advice is it costs more than you think. A LOT more. And plan, plan, plan, plan way ahead of time. OH, And have an objective – why are you coming to do your show, what are you trying to get out of it?

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

Two of my fav fringe shows – Ballet Boys from 2019. Magical. I love any kind of dance and I especially love ballet dance. The dancers and choreography were STUNNING. And then I thought Peter Groom as Marlene Dietrich was OUTSTANDING. I will never forget that performance. 

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

SantaLand Diaries – “I’m going to have you…KILLED.” OHHHH FOR MY RAGEFUL INSIDES THIS IS JOYOUS TO SCREAM ON STAGE!!!! It comes right at a light shift and I get out ALLLLL of my aggression in that one simple line. It is GLORIOUS.

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

Dina Martina. Always. And forever. She is unbelievably hilarious and I can’t get enough of her. So unique and astounding and free. 

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

SLEEP AND SAYING NO. Hahahaha! There are SO many people and so many things to do, know yourself and know when to take that ALONE time. Maybe a nap, OR maybe a LOOOONG walk up to Leith? I did that once and it took hours and was fantastic.

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

The community that is built there or artists from around the world. So many people being so supportive of each other.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Avoiding sickness….. DIFFICULT.

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

A sweatshirt, great shoes, a foam roller.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Not forcing, being kind, creating a dialogue with people? Maybe do something different with the flyers? Tom Lenk built people dresses and hats with our flyers and that was the BEST.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

One who tells their friends to come and see the show!

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

@detrinis on insta!

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

LOTS’A D*CK TALK.