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!

Casting the Runes

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Above (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-15th, 17th-27th

Time: 11:45

Price: £13.50 Concessions £12

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/casting-the-runes

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hi, I’m Noel, I’m a puppeteer, performer and Artistic Director of Box Tale Soup. We’re a touring theatre company specialising in new adaptations of classic literature, using a lot of puppetry, original music, and inventive design.

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

It’s named after a particular M.R.James story that provides the bulk of the inspiration for the show, although elements of his other stories are also woven in.

Tell us all about your show!

It’s essentially a classic ghost story. Expert on the so-called supernatural, Edward Dunning is a scholar and a sceptic. But when he crosses paths with the mysterious Mr. Karswell, Dunning’s life becomes a waking nightmare. The show features unique puppetry, original music and a few good scares!

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

The Fringe is such an amazing chance to see acts from all over, especially since we often don’t get a chance when we’re touring. We’ll probably be seeing Police Cops, Stuart Goldsmith, Mark Watson, Garry Starr. I like the sound of ‘Séance: Live’ – a Victorian style séance, with all the traditional tricks and techniques – fits in well with our own show! Otherwise, we keep our ears to the ground for interesting theatre, and we always try to catch some circus too.

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. 

As a company, we’ve been performing at the Fringe since 2013. I first came to the Festival when I was 16 though, and I’ve been back every year since… so, a long time! If it’s your first time, I’d say keep your expectations very realistic and don’t be too hard on yourself – there’s an immense amount of competition for audience time and attention, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lost. Don’t compare yourself to others or wonder why they had 10 more in the audience than you, just concentrate on doing your own show and making it as good as you possibly can. And don’t forget, even if there are only one or two people in the audience, you never know who they might be. One of our early shows to an audience of twelve people led to a long-term collaboration with a major theatre!

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

I mentioned him earlier, but Stuart Goldsmith is a favourite. He’s well-known as the host of the Comedian’s Comedian Podcast, but if you haven’t seen his stand-up, you should. It’s charming, really well-written and genuinely has something to say.

I’m also looking forward to seeing ‘Anything That We Wanted To Be’ by Adam Lenson. It’s not exactly comedy, but a very funny and at times very serious one-man show about possibilities in life, with a musical theatre twist! I saw an earlier iteration of the show, so I’m excited to see how it’s developed.

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

I’m also a street performer, so usually I’ll get up around 8am, do a little exercise and have breakfast, then head to the street performers draw, which is held near the High Street at 10. When that’s finished, I’ll go straight to the venue and start preparing for today’s show. Our show will finish around 12.45, and we’ll be out by 1ish, so then we’ll get some lunch. If I was lucky in the draw, I’ll go off to do a street show at some point in the afternoon, then we’ll fit promoting our site and going to see other shows in around that. Then, in the evening, probably watch another show or two, and head out for a few drinks!

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

Make the most of what’s on offer, don’t plan too heavily, and see things you wouldn’t ordinarily see. A lot of people make a list of stuff they know or recognise, but some of the best things I’ve ever seen have been recommendations from a random stranger in a queue or bar!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

For us, getting to do a three-week run in one place is brilliant. When we’re touring it’s usually one or two nights in one place, so being able to come to the Fringe and have a longer run is great. It helps to build an audience and to develop the show. It’s also amazing to spend time with so many other artists, to share ideas and feedback in a way that you rarely get the chance to anywhere else.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

It’s pretty relentless, and if you’re having a tough time it can feel surprisingly lonely, especially when you’re surrounded by people trumpeting great reviews and sell out shows. The competition and noise can feel pretty intense, and you can quickly feel overwhelmed. But don’t suffer in silence, people will surprise you – ask for a bit of help or just a chat from friends or other artists, and usually you’ll find they can completely relate!

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

A really lightweight little raincoat that you can just stick into a pocket, because you’ll definitely need it.

Some super comfortable boots or trainers, because you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet.

A good, light little bag that’s easy and comfortable to carry.

Boring answers perhaps, but you’ll thank me…

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Quality, not quantity. It’s about making a connection and getting someone interested in your work, not about getting rid of as many flyers as possible. We don’t use physical flyers anymore, partly for sustainability reasons and partly because of the huge amount of litter it generates, but even when we did, we never gave a flyer to someone who didn’t ask for one. Get a good pitch line that sums up what’s interesting about your show in a few words, and if someone looks intrigued, you can tell them more and offer a flyer. If you just try to shove it in my pocket as I walk past, I’m likely to avoid your show altogether! 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Jim Henson – it’ll never happen now of course, but he provided so much inspiration to do many, and changed the perception of modern puppetry. I feel like he’d enjoy what we do.

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

You can find us in all the usual places – Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok. Just search for Box Tale Soup!

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

Scary puppet thriller!