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!

Joe McTernan: Life Advice That Won’t Change Your Life

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

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th-23rd, 25th-28th

Time: 18:45

Price: £11 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/joe-mcternan-life-advice-that-won-t-change-your-life

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hello! My name is Joe McTernan and I’m a stand-up comedian, actor, online comedy content creator and I can’t stand the noise of water being poured into a cup.

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

I tried following some motivational life advice which in turn didn’t change my life. 

Tell us all about your show!

I spend an hour going through a checklist of life advice that I tried and why it didn’t work for me. I then offer alternative advice that will help you maintain the life you have rather than trying to live the life other people say you should have.

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

I’ll usually wait until the programme is released and then have a good flick through and circle some things I fancy. I always make sure I see Paul Currie as I love the energy and creativity he puts into his shows. I’d love to grab a ticket for Rhod Gilbert too.

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 performed shorter sets at the Fringe but this is my debut hour. Basically the show I’ve been working on for the last 5 years (jeez it better be good) I think the best advice I’ve been given is to realise before you start that there will be good days and bad days. The Fringe is beautiful but it can really tire you out so it’s good to keep calm and look after yourself. Try to avoid eating at kebab every meal.

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

I used to open with ‘Hello, how are you?’ which I’ve now changed to ‘Hello’. I like it because it shows how tight my writing is getting.

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

I just watched ‘Baby J’ on Netflix the other day. Seeing John Mulaney being so honest about his experience was really refreshing. I haven’t seen a lot of shows live this year yet. I think because I’m busy performing myself, I sometimes don’t want to watch stand-up and opt for eating a big tub of ice cream in the dark instead.

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

At the start of the run I’ll wake up early and have a hearty breakfast, walk into town and look over my show. Perform it and then go home to rest my voice.

Near the end of the run I’ll wake up much later regretting drinking the night before and have a bag of crisps. Crawl into town and perform my show and then stay up too late talking to other comics.

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

I think going with the flow is the best way to do the Fringe. Seeing a show that wasn’t planned and then really enjoying it is the best feeling.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Getting to perform every day is great. You feel so slick by the end of the run. You also get to hang out with a lot of comedians that you don’t usually get to see as much. 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

It can be exhausting. Mentally you can start to get run down worrying about ticket sales or bad weather. Some days you just wake up already missing your bed.

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

Headphones. It’s good to drown the noise out while you’re walking around.

Your partner or a friend.  Who else better to complain to about how tired you are.

New Shoes. You’ll feel great kicking about in your new sneaks.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Paying someone who is much better at social interaction than you are.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Someone who constantly throws £50 notes at me.

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

Type in Joe McTernan on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, TikTok  and Twitter.

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

Because you can (said in the voice of a motivational speaker)