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!

Unstitching

Location:   theSpace @ Niddry St – Studio (Venue 9)

Dates: Aug 14th-22nd

Time: 19:20

Price: £8 Concessions £6

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/unstitching

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

 I am an actor, a writer, a constant crocheter, and an obsessive Eurovision fan. I have been described by a reviewer as having a “Unique personality”. (I don’t know what that means). I like to ask big questions and make the audience laugh.

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

The show uses lots of yarn metaphors to explain self-expression. I also wear an entirely crocheted outfit that unstitches itself on stage.

Tell us all about your show!

Unstitching is a one-woman play-within-a-play where my character desperately wants to connect with her audience and create “art”. She attempts to do so by switching from cynical stand-up to spoken-word to dancing, all the while breaking off in rants about Eurovision. It is funny and wild but builds to an unexpectantly poignant ending about how we connect with others.

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

I particularly love comedy and avant-guarde shows, but I really love being surprised by things. My favourite thing to do at the fringe is to join the end of a queue not knowing what the show is. You can find real hidden gems in work you wouldn’t normally see.

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 as an actor in the past. My advice would be to see as much as you can, prepare for all types of weather and give every audience a good show, whether you get 3 people or 30.

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

I have lots of favourites in Unstitching, but one of the best is when I turn to the audience and ask “Is this boring?”. It comes after a very “arty” spoken word part and it’s fun to turn the table on the audience with a sudden fourth wall break. Sometimes audience members genuinely answer me too.

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

A friend of mine directed “A Thong For Europe” which was a Eurovision comedy that played at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre. It had a very pantomime-esc feel but still managed to capture the heart of why we love Eurovision. Somehow they managed to make the show campy, funny, cheesy, and moving.

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

Breakfast and a big coffee in the morning, putting on my show make-up so I won’t feel rushed later, walking into town, flyering on the mile, lunch, a show or two, flyering again, doing my show, go back, sleep and get ready to repeat.

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

Seeing really good shows that inspire you, then sitting out in the sunshine with a drink.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

It teaches you so much about what you’re capable of as a performer.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

It requires a lot of stamina, and getting attention to your show in a sea of others can be discouraging if you let it get to you.

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

Sun cream, a waterproof coat, good shoes (there’s a lot of walking)

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

I personally like flyering in character. It makes me feel less silly, and you get people curious.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Robert Pattinson (I’m a big fan)

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

@ruby_shrimpton on twitter and instagram

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

Existential Eurovision Comedy