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!

Tim Murray is Witches

Location:   Underbelly, Bristo Square – The Dairy Room (Venue 302)

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th-28th

Time: 21:20

Price: £13 Concessions £12

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tim-murray-is-witches

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I am gay, homosexual and also gay! I’m originally from the Midwest in the United States  and after living in New York City and doing comedy there for seven years I now live in  Los Angeles where Sissy Spaceck is my landlord and Julia Louise Dreyfuss is my  gardener. Ok, not really, but did I did see someone who I thought was Billie Eilish at my  coffee shop last week. It wasn’t her.  

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

I wanted to create a comedy show all about one of my favorite super gay subjects:  witches and when I was thinking about names Tim Murray is Witches came to mind and it  made me laugh. I love the idea of Patti LuPone is Evita but its my name as just the  generic idea of all witches.  

Tell us all about your show! 

Witches is a stand-up comedy show with original songs about my favorite pop culture witches  throughout herstory. The show is a tribute to LGBTQia people and how we discover our magic  once we find our coven. I am in full green wicked witch of the west make up and drag the entire  show while telling these ridiculous jokes. It’s a blast.  

From ‘The Craft’ to ‘Wicked’ to the ‘Sanderson Sisters’ to ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ and  Angelica Houston’s ‘Grand High Witch,’ I celebrates famous sorceresses and use their stories  as a parallel to the queer witch hunt.  

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

Patti Harrison! I’ve known Patti since the early 1960’s when we were coming up together  in New York City playing basements and she’s truly one of the funniest people to ever  live. Also my hilarious friend Chris Grace’s show Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson,  Nalini Scharma’s Until Death, Katy Berry’s Diamond Goddess Crystal Pussy and Sophie  Santos… is Codependent.  

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 acted in Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical parody in 2018 and then did that  same show plus one week of my own stand-up show in 2019. The key piece of advice I  would give to new groups at the fringe is manage your expectations fairly and to enjoy  the ride. Going to fringe is a gamble. There are so many shows and the competition is  very stiff, but it’s also one of the only times in your life that you will be SURROUNDED by  art and other independent artists producing the things they’re the most proud of. If you  tell yourself you can’t control the outcome of reviews or number of seats you sell but you  can work your ass off and hope for the best it will be a very rewarding experience.  

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

I am a teacher and there is legislation being past in the United States to stop teachers  from saying “gay” in the classroom. My favorite one liner is “The next generation is  already so gay… my teenage students tried to convince me that the book Curious  George is about a Bisexual monkey. Then they starting chanting Bicurious George!  Bicurious George!”  

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

Nalini Sharma’s show is so hilariously weird and fun! She plays several different  characters and I saw that show in the same venue in LA where I saw Kate Berlant’s new  show which is also hysterical. I love these character shows because these women just  LIVE in these oddball’s heads and the way they bring them to life gives me life.  

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

I start off every morning with a mud bath and massage from my personal Swedish  masseuse. Then I wear my crown of jewels as I sip champagne and laugh at bad pictures  of my enemies. I like to take dalmatians and rub their skin on my face and ask them who  is the fairest fringe performer of them all. They always say me and we have a good laugh  together. Its so important to have close friends (who are dalmatians.) Then I do my show  and absolutely slay. The audience exits while getting tattoos of me on their faces! Just  kidding, usually I get a coffee, go over my set, see my friend’s shows, flyer and do the  dang thing! Then I drink.  

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

Covered in dalmatians.  

Best thing about performing at the fringe? 

The number of shows you get to see and art you get to experience. It is the most  creatively fulfilling place in the world and you feel so inspired there.  

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe? 

Flyering. It’s exhausting, it’s hard, it can be very soul crushing when people don’t take  your flyer. It’s a lot of rejection but you have to do it.  

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

The heart of the ocean from Titanic, Britney Spears Baby One More Time Album and a  leopard print robe for lounging. Or for a more practical list I’d say a rain jacket for sure, a  bag to carry things to your venue and chap stick just in case you need to make out with  someone or many people. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering?  

The secret is to be bold as hell. Just ignore any instinct you have to not embarrass  yourself and lean into running up to people and striking up a convo. Or be really really  really attractive.  

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member? 

This is easy: Idina Menzel. I am obsessed with her. I saw her in Wicked when I was 18  and I will never forget it. This show is very much a tribute to her and to the way Wicked  made me feel as a blossoming homosexual. She is also in my opinon one of the most  underrated comedic actresses we have. Everyone recognizes her for her voice, but if you  see her live she slays comedy lines every time. She has brought me so much joy and not  to sound cocky but I’d love to return the favor because I know this show is very special  and I’d love to make her feel how she has made me feel when I am in the audience.  

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

Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @TMurray06. I have a new twitter @TMurray2006 but I  don’t go on it often because Twitter banned my old account for posting a Sound of Music  meme. Lol.  

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

Uniqueness, Nerve, Talent.