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!

André de Freitas: What If

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th-27th

Time: 20:10

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/andre-de-freitas-what-if

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! My name is André De Freitas, I’m a 28 year old stand up comedian from Lisbon, Portugal. 

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

This was a long process! The show changed titles quite a few times but as the show matured this sentence became one of key moments in the show and it felt like it said a little bit about the show, without saying much. A little tease! The show title will make a lot more sense when you come to see the show. 

Tell us all about your show!

The show is the story of how I ended up in the brochure. Essentially, is my journey to getting to the festival. It’s always been a dream of mine to participate in the Fringe. Growing up in Portugal, there weren’t any Portuguese comedians doing it, so I’ve always wanted to be that guy. It has certainly been an intense road full of ups and downs to getting there. From sleeping in a car in America, to deciding to become an escort in London, all I’ve ever done is try to make comedy my job so being there and doing it is a huge achievement, so I couldn’t be more excited! 

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

There’s so many funny people, from so many different places but I will say George Zacharapoulous – In Wonderland and Amos Gill – The Pursuit of Happy-ish are two shows I’m really excited about. I hope Zach Zucker returns with Jack Tucker. I’ve laughed so much with him. 

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’ve been to the Fringe but never in this capacity of doing a full hour show, for the whole month. So I’m also asking for advice. So, if you have any, DM me!

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

It wasn’t necessarily part of the show but I have to say whenever there’s a heckler or someone disturbing the show I love saying – “ I’m sorry, am I bothering you? I’m just up here chasing my dreams.” There’s a great honesty and vulnerability in that moment that meets with the audience’s perception of how hard this pursuit is and I love that.

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

One of the funnest and most unique shows I’ve seen was STAMPTOWN. I absolutely love it. It was so wild and raw and there were all these different performers I probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise. I really like that show and try to see it every year at the festivals. Oh, yes, let me add that to the shows I’m looking forward to seeing this year. And I saw Reuben Kaye in Australia. He’s a force of nature. That was one of my favorite shows. I appreciated it both from a performer and audience point of view. 

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

Tough question. Because there’s two. Who I’d like to be and who I will most likely be. In theory, I’d like to wake up early, work out, have a healthy breakfast, go see a show, meet a friend for coffee and be well balanced and mentally healthy to put my best foot forward every day at my show. 

The reality? Will probably have a little bit too much fun at night with my friends, wake up, regret staying out until so late, have a mix between breakfast and lunch, see friends, tell them won’t be doing that anymore and most likely do it all again that same evening. 

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

For me, the Fringe is one month of the year where so many friends I’ve met on the road from so many different countries come together so the best way for me to enjoy myself is seeing all these people I’ve met in all these different places, meet new ones and just sit back and listen to funny people being funny and try to keep up. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

There’s so many different types of shows and performers that you will always leave inspired. There’s always someone, in some art form that’s doing something that you never even thought possible or that wouldn’t cross your mind so the opportunity to be open to be inspired by other artists is a big thing for me. Not only that, but to just be fully immersed in the spirit of it and the camaraderie of everybody else having a shared struggle is something that doesn’t happen year round because most times, you’re alone on the road. 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

The rhythm is pretty intense. Doing shows every day, sometimes multiple a day for a month straight will be a lot. I think you get to those points where you doubt yourself, doubt your show, doubt every choice you’ve made simply because the grueling rhythm of it all. 

Also, Scotland in August isn’t great. It rains, not much sun. As someone from South Europe, the weather has a big impact on my mental health. 

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

Energy vitamins, headphones and a foldable down jacket. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Being friendly, having a pretty smile and upbeat. Being attractive usually helps haha

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Netflix stand up special commissioner. Ideally, he’d like me and the show. 

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

Absolutely. I’m at @andrecomedy on Instagram and @theandredefreitas on Tiktok. 

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

The show is about chasing your dreams, perseverance and how to stay optimistic even when life gives you no reasons to. Unfortunately, for most of us, there’s been times in our lives we’ve had to dig deep and be optimistic even when it seems hard. So hopefully my show will leave you motivated to continue on your own journey, whatever that may be.