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!

Almost Adult

Location:   Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Snug (Venue 24)

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th – 27th

Time: 19:00

Price: £12 Concessions £11

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

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m Charlotte Anne-Tilley. I am an actor-writer-producer and I’ll be dancing around Edinburgh in a dinosaur costume this summer.

How did you come up with the name of your show that you’re taking to the Fringe?

The show is about that sticky time when you’re not a teenager anymore but you’re not quite an adult. Almost Adult was the title that captured this “almostness” and, I’m not ashamed to say, my mum came up with it.

Tell us all about your show!

Almost Adult is a tragicomic solo show based on my own experiences moving to London when I was 19. Gloriously naïve protagonist, Hope, finds an ally in the audience as she goes on Hinge dates, struggles with awkward flat-shares, and gets a job at a dinosaur-themed bar.

However, her illusions of London come crashing down when it dawns on her that her manager is, I’m sad to say, a massive creep. Almost Adult asks the question: what happens when someone just beginning to navigate early adulthood faces systemic sexism and abuse of power?

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

Gosh, loads! I’m buzzing to see so many FemiFringe shows this year. Among them are…

– The Queens of Cups, Bad Teacher

– Francesca Moody Productions, Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder

– Anna Marie Simonsen and Cecily Nash, Troll

– Frankie Thompson and Liv Ello: Body Show

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 made my Fringe debut last year and learnt A LOT. My main advice would be to find your allies. There are thousands of brilliant creatives at Fringe. Rather than seeing Edinburgh as a competition, seize the opportunity to meet people making work with similar themes to your own work.

Last year, I was part of the FemiFringe Movement which brought together female and non-binary creatives at Fringe. It meant that we all had a community supporting us through what can be a difficult month.

What has been one of your favourite shows to date and why?

Hotter by Ell Potter and Mary Higgins is still one of my favourite Fringe shows. A dance party with first class wit and an important message about body image. Glorious.

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

“I accidentally left a used period pad on the bathroom floor. That caused a bit of a stir”. It’s from Almost Adult. I love it because it sums up how overwhelmed the character is in one ridiculous mishap..

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

I recently saw It’s a Motherfucking Pleasure at Soho Theatre. It’s a boundary-pushing show about the monetisation of identity politics. It’s not only the most accessible show I have ever seen but it’s electric in its unexpected gags and shocking twists.

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

Soak it all up and try to enjoy the crazy, wild ride that it is.

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

Because you do the show so many times, you really get to experiment and try things out. If a moment doesn’t land, it doesn’t matter – you get another go tomorrow.

The most challenging thing about performing at the Fringe?

The fact that you are constantly teetering on the edge of losing your voice. It’s a scary place to be when you are performing a solo show.

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

• AN UMBRELLA!
• some kind of throat sweets 
• A pot noodle, for when times get tough
  

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Make it a party. I love playing music, getting in my dinosaur costume and dancing around. If the people are coming to you for a flyer, you know you’re doing something right.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

I actually love it when people get involved. When I get a groan, a laugh or a big dramatic facial expression it shakes everything up and it gives me a chance to have spontaneous interactions in the audience which isn’t always possible with theatre.

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

Twitter: @charannetilley

Instagram – @charlotteannetilley

TikTok: @charannetilley

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

I like it.