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!

Bronwyn Sweeney: Off-Brand

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th-28th

Time: 15:20

Price: £11 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bronwyn-sweeney-off-brand

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! I’m 37, my happy place is foreign supermarkets and I have an American accent but am not American. I was born in Blackpool but grew up in a few different countries which I’m very grateful for but makes explaining where I’m from a little tricky. 

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

Before comedy I worked in advertising for 14 years as a Creative and it’s been a big inspiration for my show. I’m really fascinated by branding and how in 2023 people see themselves as brands. 

Tell us all about your show!

When I first started doing comedy, I mostly made fun of my life in advertising because one, it deserves it and two, I hate talking about myself. Then I realised I could use comedy to make fun of my international upbringing and confused identity. The show teaches people how to build their own brands through stories from my life. It’s part TED talk, part therapy for me (not the audience). 

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

Oh gosh, everyone. I just love seeing how people are able to construct entirely unique shows out of an hour. I’m excited to see all the debuts of people I gig with on the London circuit like Adam Flood, Paddy Young, Alex Haddow, Dan Tiernan, Ola Labib, Darran Griffiths…I could go on forever.  

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.

Last year I did a split hour for a week with a comedy buddy from the Funny Women Finals, Abby Wambaugh which was a great way to get a taste for it. I think the best advice I can give, and I  know this sounds a bit lame, but just enjoy it. It’ll be a real rollercoaster of emotions and a lot of it is out of your control so just do your best every day and learn from every experience. 

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

I have this line where I say, “I like being mixed race, or as Americans say, biracial, like I’m just going through a phase…” When I lived in the US it always frustrated me that there wasn’t a box to tick for people of mixed heritage, just “other.”  Then if there was a box, it said biracial which struck me as odd that you could only have two races not more. The line is my way of poking fun at that. 

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

I saw Sam Morrison’s Sugar Daddy this year and it really stuck with me. I was in awe at how he turned his grief into something so funny. I also love Julia Masli’s show at Soho Theatre, she’s a master of physical comedy and just getting her audiences to trust her. 

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

My dream day at the Fringe would probably be this: wake up at 11, drink three coffees in bed, do pilates, eat a healthy breakfast. Then I’d catch an early show. Do my own show and NAIL it. Then I’d take a nap and eat at home before going back out to watch more shows before ending up in a bar where I will abstain from alcohol and meet loads of interesting people before going home for a solid eight hours’ sleep. What will probably happen is I’ll wake up too late to exercise. Stress over my show. Live on Tesco meal deals then say I’m only staying out for one drink but then end up having five. I’ll spend the next morning drowning in existential dread and over-caffeinating to deal with my hangxiety which will only make it worse. Then I’ll go on TikTok for too long to distract my brain and get jealous of all the young, talented people on there. I can’t wait! 

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

Sounds cheesy but just go with it. I’m someone who loves structure, routine and going to bed early. But at Fringe, there are no rules baby! So just say yes to everything, see as much as you can, talk to everyone. Oh but also find a quiet place to recentre. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

For me it’s such a thrill being in this city that is so energised with creativity. I love knowing that even if I’m just one person of thousands of performers, we’re all part of this special month. 

 The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

For me it was learning to not let the lows take away the joy from the highs. You won’t win every room and that’s OK. A comedy idol of mine came to one of my shows last year where I hadn’t sold many tickets and the vibe was off and I just felt like it was the longest half hour of my life. I had to shake off that feeling that I wasn’t good enough to make sure it didn’t affect the next show. Did I cry to my mum after? Absolutely. Did I then go do a late night open mic spot and crush, yes. Fringe is wild.

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

Physical items: a journal, a phone, a refillable water bottle. Figuratively speaking I’d say: a strong sense of self, humility and an open mind.  

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Talk to everyone. You never know what someone’s story is or what kind of comedy they’re into. Don’t judge a book by its cover. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Ali Wong. I absolutely love her comedy. Or my sister. She’s the best audience member anyone could ask for. 

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

I’m on Instagram and TikTok @Bron_com. My Twitter got hacked a couple months ago deleting all my tweets and followers so my Twitter is a bit of a bummer. Please follow me. We can’t let the hackers win @TheBronCom. 

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

Please just come