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!

Ellie MacPherson: Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Location:  Underbelly, Cowgate – Big Belly (Venue 61 )

Dates: Aug 4th-15th, 17th-28th

Time: 21:30

Price: £11 / Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ellie-macpherson-happy-birthday-mr-president

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

My name is Ellie MacPherson, I’m a NYC based comedian, actress and historian. Well, amateur historian. I mean I guess I have a history degree but my day job is being in The Play That Goes Wrong here in NYC. But for fun I read alot of history books and day dream about Abe Lincoln. 

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

I have been doing a version of this show since a certain President’s  birthday in 2018. The date was June 14th, 2018, I will leave it up to you to find out whose bday it was! (side note, the date was purposefully ironic.)

Tell us all about your show!

My show is a history of the US Presidents in story and song. I’ve always loved the Presidents and wanted to know what made them so special that they got to lead a country. Turns out they’re not that special, they’re just weird. I tell stories about their lives through jokes and pop music. Like telling the story of President Grover Cleveland, a man who married his ward Frances, and then singing Creep by Radiohead. Cause buying your ward her first stroller and then marrying her 21 years later is the act of a Creep.

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

 If I say all of them you will think I’m lying. But I truly am looking forward to seeing as many shows as I can. Especially my buddies at Mischief Theatre Co’s:  Mind-Mangler, Mischief Movie Night and Charlie Russel Aims to Please. Also my family has been obsessed with Taskmaster for the last year, and it seems like almost every contestant has a show at the Fringe this year.  I can’t wait to see them live!

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 not, but I have a lot of friends who have. And they’ve all said to see as many shows as I can and to make sure I take care of my voice. So I bought a personal steamer that Cat Cohen recommended. Thanks Cat!

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

I loved Mike Birbiglia’s  The New One. It’s more than a standup show, it’s almost like a theatre piece but the funniest theatre piece I’ve ever seen. Similarly I loved all of James Acaster’s Repertoire. I wish I could have seen them live at the Fringe! 

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

“I like things that hurt me, so I majored in US History.”     Which is both sad and true! 

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

I saw Alex Edelman’s show Just For Us a few nights ago and I can not stop thinking about it. He is such an incredible writer and performer.  It’s so funny and thoughtful and I fully believed he was coming up with bits in the moment. I highly suggest you see it if you’re in NYC this summer. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Abe Lincoln. Or Dolly Parton. 

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

 @ellmac5 on instagram! 

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

        Sexy silly history