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!

Wasteman

Location:   Assembly George Square Studios – Underground (Venue 17)

Dates: Aug 4th-16th, 18th-28th

Time: 18:00

Price: £12 Concessions £11

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

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

My name is Joe Leather, I’m a writer, performer, drag artist and former bin-man born in Bolton and raised in the East Midlands 

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

Wasteman is obviously a name for a refuse worker, but it’s also a slang term referring to a person who doesn’t do anything with their life. The show is about a person who is both of these things. 

Tell us all about your show!

Wasteman is the story of a bin-man who dreams of being a drag queen, inspired by my time working as a refuse loader over lockdown. It’s a one-person comedy drama with original songs, fabulous outfits and at least one wheelie bin. (There’s only one). 

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

Too many to count. I’m really looking forward to seeing Lachlan Werner’s solo show, as a fellow Keep It Fringe recipient and inspiring drag performer. I’m a big fan of original musicals, so have already booked to see the Alan Turing musical by Early Morning Prods. Also, I will absolutely be re-watching Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story by Awkward Productions. That level of zaniness epitomises what the Fringe is all about.

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! I took an original musical, ‘The Lost Musical Works of Willy Shakes’ back in 2019, while also performing in ‘Henry Box Brown’. My key pieces of advice would be to look after yourself, rest when you need it but also give yourself permission to enjoy the experience. It’s so easy to get caught up in the constant hustle of the Fringe, but the fact you’re showcasing your art is incredible in and of itself, so have fun with it!

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

There are loads of laugh-out-loud moments, but I think the key message of the show: “Life is all about taking garbage and making it gorgeous” is one that I’m particularly proud of.

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

Jordan Gray’s show ‘Is It A Bird?’ at the Soho Theatre was a revelation to me. It felt like I was watching history being made, seeing a proud (and hilarious) trans woman being so unapologetically themselves. Simon David’s ‘Dead Dad Show’ at the Vaults was also a masterclass in charisma and stage presence, and took something tragic and turned it into something both hilarious and deeply moving. 

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

I use the morning as a time for chill, so I might do a workout or go to yoga.  It then takes me about three hours to get into makeup and costume, so that’s a big part of my day. The hours before the show are spent flyering, and then after the show is a chance for skin-care/ watching other shows/drinking in Assembly bar/sleeping for a thousand years. 

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

By doing you! If you want to go out, go out. If you need to sit and meditate in your room, do that too. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I genuinely think meeting other artists, seeing their work and sharing in this incredible experience is the best part of the Fringe. The community is really like no other.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Coping with Fringe flu…which will inevitably happen.

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

Vick’s First Defence. Vocalzone. A cheap printer (So you can tag your reviews onto your flyers).

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Work out your elevator pitch, and then engage with people. A strong concept and great image will sell your show, but a personal connection will get you an audience who genuinely wants you to succeed. People are there to take a chance on new things, and some of the best audiences I’ve ever had have been drawn in from a chat on the Mile. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Phoebe Waller-Bridge would be pretty incredible, especially given that the show received funding from her ‘Keep It Fringe’ initiative. I’d also happily have Bob the Drag Queen, Dolly Parton or Britney Spears in so if you have any of their numbers please could you let them know they’re more than welcome? 

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

I’m on @leathermyjoe at all platforms, or you can find the show’s website at http://www.joeleather.co.uk. 

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

Trash is treasure!