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!

Tickbox 2

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – The Green (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-15th, 17th-22nd, 24th-27th

Time: 17:00

Price: £12 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tickbox-2

Hello! Tell us about yourself?  

I am a Scottish Pakistani female actor, writer and comedian who lives in Edinburgh. Had a change in career, so late to the Arts and making up for it in time by working 35 hours a day! 

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

Having been subjected to being part of a “Tickbox” all of my life. There was no other title that could fit the topic of the show better. 

Tell us all about your show! 

It is a one woman semi-autobiographical play about racism and discrimination in 1960’s Scotland. The play is about my parents coming from a middle-class life in Pakistan to moving to Scotland when my father is offered a scholarship to do a PhD in chemistry from Strathclyde university. 

I play 8 different characters, some you might even recognize!  

It’s sad, funny and gives you hope. Touching stories about growing up in Glasgow. When no one has heard of a samosa, how can the barriers be broken? 

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

I always go to see Patrick Monaghan as he was the one that inspired me into performing comedy! I will also go and see other shows at Pleasance theatre as they have fantastic shows on there. And shows from across the globe. 

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.  

Yes, I have been coming to the Fringe since 2016. My advice would be to stay hydrated, eat and sleep well. Pace yourself and be realistic about show numbers. There are over 3000 shows on and we can’t all be sell outs. Reviews are only one person’s opinion.  Enjoy your time and make new friends. 

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

I married a Scotsman, well a man from Edinburgh. Us immigrants doing the jobs no one else will do. 

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

Have seen a lot of trans women doing comedy and it’s really fantastic to see them come into their own. 

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

Have a good breakfast! Check I have enough flyers as I do that myself. 

Take water and very comfortable shoes. Reach the area I am targeting to flyer. Pull up my big girl pants and start talking to random strangers!  

Always ask permission if you can tell them about your show. Only 10% will say no, the others will say yes. 

Head to venue about 75 mins before, get a rest and get changed into costume. Do warm up exercises. 30 mins before show, get set on stage.  Check technician all ready. And breathe.  

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

Be your authentic self. Expect the unexpected and do not worry about anything. It’s not worth it. Avoid toxic people. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe? 

I love talking to strangers when flyering. I love to share my story. Its unique and unheard and I love seeing the impact it has on people. 

Meeting and seeing shows from all over the world that I could not possibly see. 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe? 

Pacing yourself, physically. Not burning the candle at both ends.  

You will burn! out Finding comfortable shoes. 

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

Water, comfortable shoes and a smile. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering?  

Not telling you! Aways ask people if you can tell them about your show.  Find people who are stationary, like in a queue. Have other shows you can recommend if they can’t see your show. 

Be kind and generous with your time.  Don’t rush it, that one person you spend 10mins with might bring along 100 people. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member? 

Someone from a comedy management company. I need representation by someone who can cover my acting, writing and comedy… Know anyone?! 

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

I am on Twitter, Insta, TikTok and FB – @LubnaKerr! 

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

Topical, laughter and hope.