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!

Matt Hutchinson: Hostile

Location:   Assembly George Square Studios – Studio Four (Venue 17)

Dates: Aug 2nd-14th, 16th – 27th

Time: 14:30

Price: £11 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/matt-hutchinson-hostile

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I am a comedian/writer, NHS doctor and currently virology/immunology researcher from South East London. I’m also a (relatively) new dad – my daughter was born in April 2022.

In the past I used to DJ – and several elements of this show are a thinly disguised attempt to get the chance to do that again. 

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

The title “Hostile” is a reference to the Hostile Environment policy that led to members of the Windursh generation facing deportation and being denied access to things like the NHS.

Tell us all about your show!

The show is an exploration of the Black British/mixed heritage experience in the UK (my father is from Jamaica, my mother is English/Scottish). While addressing some of the challenges and inequalities, I’m also aiming to celebrate lots of positives and the culture that has been contributed by those who migrated and their children – it will also be much funnier than some of this may sound…

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

Lots of great acts are doing their debut shows this year – fellow doctor comedian Benji Waterstones, Darran Griffiths, Josh Weller, Fatiha el Ghorri, Alex Haddow, – as well as Tarot, Darren Harriott, Ali Woods & too many more to list.

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. 

This is my first full solo hour – but I have done several split bill shows in the past. I’d say the key piece of advice is pace yourself – if you go too hard with the social side of the Fringe early on, trying to do your show with a month long hangover isn’t exactly fun. 

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

I’m very political, I’ve spent my life struggling against the White Devil – or as she insists on being called “Mum” I like it because I think the joke itself is funny – but also because it is such an inaccurate portrayal of my mum – both of my parents are ridiculously supportive.

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

Between gigging and the other things I have going on, other than acts I’m sharing a bill with, I see less full comedy shows than I’d like. Having said that, Rich Hardisty’s show from last year “Silly Boy” was great – and was something only he could have done – telling his life story and making the audience understand what it’s like to have a manic episode all at once. 

As a shameless plug, I also run the panel show night “Comedians Wine Tasting” – which as you can imagine is unique. 

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

In the idealised, well behaved vision I have of myself at this year’s Fringe, I’ll have gone to bed at a civilised time – so I’ll be up before 9. I’ll eat something healthy for breakfast, then do some exercise and then work on anything I want to change about the show – then I’ll head over and actually do it at 14.30. 

After the show, I’ll either head back home to work on another project I have in the works, or go and see a show. I’ll have dinner with my housemates, then head back out to see more and drink extremely responsibly. As I say, this is the idealised version – and I see this routine lasting all of 2 days.

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

Take a chance on seeing shows you wouldn’t normally see. That and stay in regular contact with your friends up there – so you can support each other and help one another stay sane. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The opportunity to do an hour of material every day, that you have (hopefully) worked up until it’s as good as possible – a show that’s exactly what you want it to be, rather than having to tailor it – e.g. to a club environment. That and getting to hang out with comedy friends. 

 The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

It can be gruelling – a show every day can be a lot if you’re not used to it. That and trying not to get swept up in the hype machine – worrying about who’s doing well (and better than you) – and what people are saying about your show, what opportunities might come from it. 

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

As many waterproof items as you own, headphones/earplugs and something lucky (heather, healing crystal – whatever your personal trinket of choice may be). 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Save your energy by trying to pick people who look at least half like they’ll give you the time of day. Make eye contact and be enthusiastic, have a spiel about the show ready to go. Having said all of this, I have retired from flyering, as several years of doing it have confirmed it is one of the most soul destroying things you can do with your time.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Trevor McDonald

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

@matthutchinsoncomedy on Instagram and Tik Tok

@Hutch_Up on twitter   

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

Funny, interesting, wise