t 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!

Le Wine Club

Location:   Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Nip (Venue 24)

Dates: Aug 2nd-15th, 17th-27th

Time: 15:00

Price: £10 Concessions £9

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/le-wine-club

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m a Scottish actor and musician, sometimes cabaret performer, and qualified wine nerd.

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

I wanted to give the feeling that the audience are part of something a little bit special and as my cabaret alter ego is French, it needed to have a little bit of Gallic charm too!

Tell us all about your show! 

A one-person cabaret show where our sommelier Anna Lou teaches us all about wine with music, comedy storytelling and a wee bit of mystery.

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

Drag Queen Wine Tasting,

Bowjangles: Dracula In Space, 

Griffin and Jones: A Life-changing Magic Show!

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’ve done a few now, my very first was in 2004! I think it’s important to find your people- friends or venue pals who you can have a big old whinge to when things feel hard. Because there will be days when they do! And try to do non-Fringey stuff too- Edinburgh is a pretty bonny city and very nearby is the BEACH. Maybe aim to eat a vegetable or two every day if you can 

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

Every day is unique but I think this year the days might begin by taking my one year old to a kids show. Then catching up with friends, doing the show and finding some fun on the Royal Mile. Then of course seeking out some excellent wine! In particular, looking forward to attending a sparkling wine tasting at Valvona and Crolla.

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

Make the most of venue passes/free shows and see as much as you can, but don’t put pressure on yourself to pack your days beyond capacity. Make time for breakfast. Walk up Calton Hill. Go to the beach(did I mention there’s a beach?) 

Best thing about performing at the fringe? 

Performing your show so much it starts to feel like home.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe? 

Performing your show so much it starts to feel like work again.

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

Comfy shoes, sparkly shoes, stock cubes. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Speaking to people you think might be interested and having a nice chat often gets better results than churning out flyers without much thought about who they’re going to.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member? 

Someone who knew they wanted to know a bit more about wine but didn’t realise how much they needed to hear some frankly indecorous musical storytelling.

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

@annaloularkin is my handle for Twitter and Insta

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

Hilarious, Vinous, Mysterious