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!

Michael Kunze: Infinity Mirror

Location:   The Three Sisters – The Wee Room (Venue 272)

Dates: Aug 3rd-13th, 15th – 22nd

Time: 11:00

Price: Pay What You Can

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/michael-kunze-infinity-mirror

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

My name is Michael Kunze, I’m an actor and writer and director and I’m taking my second solo show up to Edinburgh. 

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

Well this is a bit embarrassing, but I initially asked chat-gpt to suggest a title, and it gave me “Faking It”, which I used for half a day before realizing how shite it was. 

However, that set an awful baseline and got me thinking a bit more specifically about the show. 

The show is about identity and authenticity and how we present multiple selves to the world, so a mirror seemed an apt symbol. I added the Infinity because it makes the show sound smarter then it probably is, which is kind of my whole vibe.

Tell us all about your show!

My show is a character comedy solo piece about a washed up actor who, during an appearance on a podcast, revisits past characters he’s played in his career, all while grappling with his own irrelevance. It’s a fun show that makes fun of Hollywood insider culture featuring lots of silly characters and jokes about Tom Hanks.

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

Niamh Denyer is taking her first solo show, “Get Blessed”, up to Gilded Balloon. I’ve seen previews and it’s a hilarious show about a funeral celebrant, where the audience is a class she is teaching on how to make money from funerals, or how to put the “fun in funerals”  in her words.

I’m also super excited to see Michael Fleming’s “Best Man”, a play he wrote about a single bachelor who slowly loses it while giving a best man speech. It’s on at Underbelly.

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! This is my second solo show and the best advice I received is to think of Edinburgh as the start of your show’s journey rather than the end. Edinburgh is such a huge amount of work, and it costs so much money to participate, that you need to try and ensure it has a life beyond Edinburgh. It’s so easy to just be exhausted by fringe and put the show in a drawer, but you have to keep going. Keep going.

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

I have a line in my new show: “And that’s when the ninjas came.” I love it very much cuz it’s so stupid and so far it’s killed.

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

I saw Kim Noble at Soho Theatre earlier this year and … just wow. He’s always great and always disturbing and this was no exception. There were lots of maggots and roadkill and a taxidermied squirrel DJ.

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

Depends what time your show is, but mine’s early this year (11am), so hopefully something like this:

1. Wake up

2. Start flyering

3. Do solo show

4. Eat lunch

5. Do improv show

6. Chill

Last year my show was at 9pm and waiting around to perform all day was very challenging.

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

Be kind to yourself, and realistic in your expectations. Go see shows, make friends, and try not to spend all your money (even though you will). Try not to compare yourself to everyone else, and be flexible.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Getting the chance to perform a show you absolutely love for audiences every night (or day at 11am).

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

It’s so long. It’s too long, really. You get why so many people just do half runs. You really need to pace yourself.

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

A watch – really useful for obvious reasons

A bike – by far the easiest way to get around

A water bottle – hydrating is key

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

If someone figures this out please let me know. I just keep imagining them in my underwear and for some reason that doesn’t work.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

I’d love Mike Birbiglia to come see my show. He’s up at Fringe for the last week doing his excellent show and he’s a hero of mine and it would really be nice to have him in the crowd.

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

@mike.kunze510 on Instagram

@The_Kunze on Twitter

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

It’s Hella Fun!!!!