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!

Schalk Bezuidenhout: Keeping Up

Location:   Gilded Teviot Balloon – Sportsmans (Venue 14)

Dates: Aug 2nd-14th, 16th-28th

Time: 17:00

Price: £14 Concessions £13

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/schalk-bezuidenhout-keeping-up

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! I am comedian from South Africa. I have 2 dogs and a wife. I play lawn bowls. I don’t like aubergine. I would say that sums me up.

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

Well, part of your job as a comedian is to stay relevant. But I feel like I’m just getting older and older and the youth is getting youthier and youthier and all I’m really trying to do is just to keep up!

Tell us all about your show!

My style of stand-up is more storytelling. So it is filled with lots of true stories from my life and I also talk a bit about South Africa, because there is SO much to talk about. But look, at the end of the day my goal is to provide a hilarious hour of stand-up comedy that will have people laughing from start to finish. 

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

I (only last year) discovered the Edinburgh Tattoo! It’s one of those things that many people who have been doing Edinburgh for 20 years have never been to because it’s not really part of the festival. It’s sort of like people who live in Cape Town, but have never been up Table Mountain. Well, it blew me away! So this year I am definitely going there again and taking everyone I can! Maybe if you are Scottish you won’t be as impressed by a bunch of people playing bagpipes, but for me it was amazing!

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. 

Yes, I have. Pace yourself! It can be one of the most amazing experiences or you could have a nervous breakdown! I would say at least every third show or so just go home and have an early one. Escape the festival madness for a night here and there and just watch a movie on your laptop. It’s the biggest arts festival in the world and you need to show it who’s boss, or else it will eat you alive!

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

I did this joke about King Charles who has been waiting forever to become king, but his mother is living to 96! So at some point I do King Charles sarcastically singing happy birthday to the Queen… Sometimes the best joke in the show is the silliest one. 

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

Well, I am sure by now everyone knows that Viggo Ven has won Britain’s Got Talent! I have seen him perform at Fringe and he is just amazing! He is “unique and different” personified! And I am so pleased that a comedy act that is so left field was able to grab a nation like that!

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

I sleep late because it’s not often I don’t have my 2 dogs waking me up before 7am. I then go for a run, because Fringe for me is carbs and alcohol so I have to work it off a little bit. And then I pretty much venture out to go see shows! This year I want to do the touristy things that I’ve never done, like the red bus tour and the dungeons! It’s just something you don’t think of while you’re there for the festival. 

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

Depends what you’re into I guess. But going to the Fringe and not watching shows is like going to the zoo and not looking at the animals.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

People at Fringe are more likely to go watch someone they have never heard of! If you just tour to a city outside of a festival it will be people who are fans of yours coming to the show! But the Fringe gives you such a great opportunity to make new fans, because every show you’ll have people in the audience who have no clue who you are and have no idea what to expect! It’s always a nice challenge to win them over and convert them to a fan!

 The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Sooner or later you forget what day it is, because every day just becomes a dry, rinse, repeat of the previous day. That’s why I think it’s so important to “escape” the festival every few days just to remind yourself that there is a world outside of Fringe.

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

Your own Bialetti or whatever you make coffee with. You’ll be surprised how quickly your bank account drains if you’re just buying take away coffees all the time. Then something that reminds you of home. Even if it’s just a picture that you stick on the wall. Being away from home for a month is a long time! And then I would say a toothbrush is probably a good idea.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

You can’t let every rude person affect you. You need to laugh it off and remember that they would have never come to your show anyway! Also, do you want that asshole in your show? Probably not! I like to think I deliver good comedy for good people. If you’re a grumpy old bastard, maybe go for a whiskey tasting instead or something like that. But stand-up comedy is probably not for you.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Someone who laughs really loud, without it being irritating or distracting. It’s a fine balance and they are rare like unicorns. But they do exist and they are out there.

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

schalkiebez on Instagram and Schalk Bezuidenhout on Facebook! 

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

You will laugh!