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!

Benji Waterstones: You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Below (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-11th, 13th-20th, 22nd-28th

Time: 16:30

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/benji-waterstones-you-don-t-have-to-be-mad-to-work-here

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

I’m Benji and I’m a junior doctor. Hence moving into comedy. After a few years off focusing on other things (mental break-down / writing a book) I’m now doing my debut hour in Edinburgh.

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

I’ve borrowed the title from the book I’ve written which is being published by Penguin in Spring 24.

Tell us all about your show!

It’s a fly-on-the-padded-wall account of NHS mental health services that also busts some myths (there are no padded-walls). It gives a voice to those with serious mental illness who are often left out of the mental health conversation.

It wonders why society still doesn’t value mental health as much as physical health, and the sometimes catastrophic consequences of this. It’s also a bit about me, and why anyone in their right mind would choose to be a psychiatrist.

But if that all sounds a bit depressing, at the end I’ll reveal the secret to happiness.

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

Fellow doctor-comedians like Matt Hutchinson, Ed Patrick and Adam Kay. I think writing jokes about the state of the NHS is one of the more healthy defence mechanisms.

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.

“See at least one show a day”.

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

“I’m a psychiatrist. Now, I know what you’re thinking” followed by a long pause then the audience (usually) laughs. It quickly establishes who I am and the misconception people have about psychiatrists and psychics.

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

Doing the Comedy Labs Plus course at Soho Theatre led by Elf Lyons opened my eyes to alternative comedy. Since then I’ve enjoyed seeing Elf herself, Julia Masai, Candy Gigi and Viggo Venn which was the most joy-filled hour of comedy I’ve ever seen.

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

Wake up and resist turning my phone on. Have a cup of tea and porridge with housemates. Go over my show and reply to work emails. Run off any stress jogging up Arthurs seat or having a kick-about with some comedians on the Meadows. Do my show at 4.30pm then have a drink afterwards with some nice people. See a show or two. Call my partner on the walk back to the flat and remember that outside of the Edinburgh bubble, comedy shows are pretty insignificant. Have a bath. Read in bed. Sleep for 8 hours. Do it all again.

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

Since comparison is a route to unhappiness, maybe avoid looking at fellow comedians’ social media / reviews etc, which can make you feel shit.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

It’s the biggest and most prestigious arts festival in the world to showcase your work.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Doing a solo show for an entire month can be lonely. I prefer working in teams, like in the NHS. But not so much that I’ll ever take up improv.

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

A thermos flask. Waterproof socks. Someone else’s credit card.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Not to look dead behind the eyes.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Brian Blessed purely for the decibels of his laugh.

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

On Twitter I’m doctor_benji, on Instagram I’m doctor_benjis, and for show tickets and book pre-orders go to www.benjiwaterstones.com

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

An audience member recently described one of my previews as “hilarious and harrowing”.