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!

NewsRevue

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – The Grand (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-15th, 17th-27th

Time: 17:30

Price: £19.50 Concessions £18

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

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m Richard, I’m a Musical Director, composer and improviser, and the Associate Musical Director for Canal Cafe Theatre.

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

NewsRevue has been called NewsRevue since 18th August 1979, and it’s a revue of the news!

Tell us all about your show!

We’re a fast-paced sketch show which takes aim at politics, current affairs, celebrities, sport and anything else from the recent news.

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

I’m looking forward to seeing Showstoppers, Myra DeBois, Benjamin Scheuer, Abandoman, Matt Forde, NewsRevue alumni Tamsyn Kelly, and many more!

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! My main advice is… pace yourself! In my first year up at the Fringe I was performing in 4 different shows daily, racing between venues to get to each one – a month is longer than you think! Get some sleep, drink plenty of water and don’t be afraid to sit down for an hour…

What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

One of the first shows I saw at the Fringe – over a decade ago – was Tom Thum, a beatboxer from Australia. He was astoundingly talented, and it was my introduction to that feeling in Edinburgh of just happening upon some amazing performers.

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

Well, I’m usually behind a piano so I don’t get much chance for one liners… I’ll offer a favourite chord instead, how about a Dbsus4add9?

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

I’m more excited to discover new comedians and comedy shows I haven’t seen! Rachel Parris, Janice Harouni, Ivo Graham, Mythos: Ragnarok… the list of shows and people I’ve not seen yet is much longer than those I have!!

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

See as much as can, talk to as many people as you can, sneak into every party and walk every street – it’s a beautiful city too.

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

The feeling of community and togetherness – especially since the last few years – and the warmth and joy emanating from every corner.

The most challenging thing about performing at the Fringe?

Stamina! Making sure you make it to the end of August with all of your wits, marbles and limbs…

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

The directions to and location of your nearest shop to your accommodation (to avoid eating out for every meal!), an umbrella (those sudden changes in weather) and some sturdy shoes (you’ll do more walking than you expect).

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Persistence and resilience. Just keep on trucking, it’ll work out. But don’t do performance art and lie down on the floor with a flyer in the air, no one asked for that and you WILL get trodden on by accident.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Anyone who laughs and claps in all the right places? But also, anyone who’s wants to give us all money to performing again somewhere else too!

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

They can find me on Twitter (@richardjonbaker) and Instagram (@richjbaker), and they can find the show on all platforms @NewsRevue

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

Intelligent… fast… hilarious!