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!

Mad Ron: Crime School

Location:   Assembly George Square – The Box (Venue 8)

Dates: Aug 2nd-14th, 16th-27th

Time: 22:35

Price: £11.50 Concessions £10.50

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mad-ron-crime-school

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m Steve Lee, massive comedy fan turned performer and creator of the comedy character Mad Ron

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

Mad Ron is a larger than life character who struggles with today’s World – he needs his message to be heard and there is a lot to learn from his life and opinions. Why not see the other side?

Tell us all about your show! 

Fresh from adding a nomination for ‘Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show 2023’ to his extensive list of accolades, multi award winning Mad Ron appears with his Edinburgh Festival Fringe show. In these uncertain economic times, why not take matters into your own hands and turn to a life of crime? At Mad Ron’s Crime School, you’ll learn all the tricks of the trade of a not-so-honest day’s work.

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

The great thing about the fringe is discovering something different – A few years ago I stumbled across Seymour Mace, last year it was Josh Glanc and as a fan in 2000/2001 I saw Jimmy Carr/Count Arthur Strong/ Rob Rouse among many others – I’m looking forward to finding someone new. Having said that, I have to make a point of catching some of my favourites too,  Andy Field, Roger Swift, Masai Graham, Frank Skinner among many others.

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 done the Fringe before and my advice would be don’t eat junk and if you are struggling with Fringe life, reach out to someone. There are a lot of people who have been there and got the T shirt – they know stuff and can help.

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

I went for a beer with a mate called Jean Claude, he’s not French, he got attacked by a cat. I love this because it is a complete change of direction in my set. It takes a few seconds to sink in but gets a great response.

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

For me, and I admit he’s not for everyone, Roger Swift with his prop gags is unmissable. He works so hard on his shows and I love them.

Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe 

I don’t set an alarm so it’s up at mid morning, a coffee (I bring my own machine with me) with a quick check of the changes I want to make to the show. Then it’s off to Dropkick Murphys for the One Liner Show where I do anything from a 4 min to a 10 min spot and generally test what I want to change. Then I’ll take in a couple of shows, grab some spots to refine what I’m working on then get some food. My go to is Nandos half a chicken with broccoli and rice. Then flyer for my show. 30 mins to go I sit down and go through my revised stuff again and then make my way to the room to make sure it’s set up correctly. Then it’s the show, then a couple of beers and then off to bed. It’s a lot of hard work.

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

Catch up with some friends – there are a lot of my comedy mates around and normally it’s a quick hello as we are in a green room and rarely no more than 10 mins – It’s great to have proper conversations with people.

Best thing about performing at the fringe? 

Getting better – whatever your experience is you need to come away a better performer and I believe I’ve done that every time I’ve been up.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe? 

Getting an audience. I had a lot of glowing audience reviews on the Ed Fringe website last year and Lucy Porter tweeted about the show but it was so hard to translate that into bums on seats.

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

Printer, Coffee Machine (2 coffees a day at 16p each against £2.95 x 30 saves a fortune), and proper shoes! Things you can walk in for miles.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

My opening pitch is always “can I tell you about my show?” It’s very rare that someone says no. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member? 

I’ve definitely got a fantasy front row Daniel Kitson, Stewart Lee, Angela Barnes, Gary Delaney, Marcus Rashford, Bridgette Christie, Josie Long, Terry Hall from the Specials, Steve Coogan, Bob Mortimer, Simon Munnery and my mate John.

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

FB and Instagram – MadRon Spanners Twitter @Madronspanners 

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

Gag Rich mayhem