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!

Melissa Stephens: HOT DOGS & TEARS

Location:   Assembly Rooms – Powder Room (Venue 20 )

Dates: Aug 4 th-14th, 16th-27th

Time: 19:40

Price: £13 Concessions £12

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/melissa-stephens-hot-dogs-tears

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

I’m a comedian, writer, and director from the Peach State (Georgia). I wrote on Brett Goldstein & William Bridges’ AMC anthology series SOULMATES, now streaming on Amazon Prime (I wrote ep 5). I’m currently developing a dark comedy series with AMC Studios and UK based Two Brothers Productions, as well as penning a pilot “HOMEBREW” for eOne and Mark Gordon. This is my Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut. I’m a founding member of IAMA Theatre Company, was a member of Groundlings’ Sunday Company, and regularly performs stand-up around Los Angeles. My directorial debut, PEEN, was a Vimeo Staff Pick, and the short series I wrote and directed, FINDING THE ASSHOLE, was chosen to show at Slamdance. You can find more of my work at http://www.melmstephens.com

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

I wanted the title to have weight and describe the vibe of the show. HOT DOGS & TEARS does just that. It is evocative, tells a vibe and when you leave the show you understand even more about the title.

Tell us all about your show!

When I first started stand up, I realized after I did a set that a lot of the jokes that got the most laughs were unexpected and not usually what I wanted to go well. Those things were about my cringe worthy family, the wild South, and my bizarre perception and actions. HOT DOGS & TEARS has material that I did from very early on and then a lot of new stuff peppered in.

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

The Idiot Circus, Tom Detrinis, and Jinx Monsoon.

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 never done it before. A lot of what I have been told is get ready for small houses and lots of hustling.

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

Any show where I can tell the performer is having fun. In their element. At ease in their body. No matter how the audience is responding. If they are responding bad a performer who can use that and turn it around. Basically, when we are all in the moment and the flow.

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

The first time I did heroine was while I was watching Requiem for a dream. – This is HOT DOGS & TEARS

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

Come with friends, and aim to have fun.

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

Never done it, but seems people are stoked I’m going.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

I think that will be the combination of hustling and shows every night.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Tom Hanks or one of the actors from Band Of Brothers. If any in Edinburgh. Please come to my show.

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

@melmstephens on instagram.

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

You will Laugh.