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!

Liz Guterbock: Geriatric Millennial

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – The Cellar (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th-20th, 22nd – 27th

Time: 16:15

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/liz-guterbock-geriatric-millennial

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hi there! My name is Liz Guterbock. I’m a California native and London based stand-up comedian. 

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

I first came across the term Geriatric Millennial in a Medium article written by Erica Dhawan, and I felt so seen! I’m an old(er) Millennial, and have basically felt like an old man from about the age of 10 – so Geriatric Millennial felt right. Also, the internet outrage that term spawned when it first came out made me laugh a lot. I talk about age, ageing and ageism in the show, and so the dichotomy of old and young in the term Geriatric Millennial felt perfect!

Tell us all about your show! 

Geriatric Millennial tackles the big questions head on: Does not wanting kids make you a monster? Can a sandwich from Marks & Spencer really define your identity? I’m going to explore the pressures of living in a world that often values youth and conformity above all else. I’ll navigate the demands on women to never age and the never-ending insistence that we greet British magpies. I’ll shine a light on the absurdities of life as an American in Britain, while also celebrating the joys of being truly oneself. Ultimately, Geriatric Millennial is a show for anyone who is cool with women getting older, silly voices, reality TV and sincerity (but not too much – it’s for a British audience after all). 

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

I’m really looking forward to seeing Ania Magliano’s show, as well a Crizards second outing. I’ll absolutely be seeing Adam Riches’ show because his shows are always a thrill, and I’m also looking forward to stumbling into something totally new and different (interpretive dance?!) that I may have not even heard of yet. That’s the best part of the Fringe!

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. 

Some of the best advice I’ve been given: Make simple, achievable goals before the Fringe starts, and keep reminding yourself of them throughout it. That way, you’re focused on your own goals and you won’t be tempted to compare yourself to other people. Mine for this year, my first ever solo hour, is quite simple: Enjoy sharing my show with new people every day.

I’m lucky I even get to be at the Fringe. Also, if you’re feeling gloomy, go see a big, stupid musical or a circus show on your day off to remind yourself that you’re at the biggest arts festival in the world, and it’s an amazing place to be! One final, vital tip: never wear flip flops in Edinburgh. My split-bill comedy partner wore flip flops and broke her pinky toe a couple days into the Fringe. She had to limp her way through the rest of it – flyering and all. So – NO FLIP FLOPS! 

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

“The UK is so small, they have to keep all their lakes in one district.” It’s my favourite because it’s a real room splitter. Some people love it and think it’s clever, others roll their eyes, don’t get it, or wish I’d never said it.

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

One of the most unique shows I’ve seen in recent memory is Songs In The Key of Me with Yasmine Day (a.k.a The Gorgeous Diva a.k.a Jay Bennett). I watched it twice in Edinburgh in 2022, and I’d watch it again because she absolutely nails the washed up singer trope, the songs are clever and funny, her voice is stunning, and her pianist is sensational. You won’t be able to get the songs out of your head, I promise.

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

A little foot massage and a stretch first thing in the morning (11am – I’m a comedian after all) to loosen things up from all the walking the day before. I’ll throw a vocal warm up in there, too. I’ll shower and have some food and will definitely make snacks for the road. Flyering is hungry work! For at least an hour and a half before the show I’ll be flyering, so comfy shoes at the ready (NO FLIP FLOPS). Then it’ll be showtime. Most nights I’ll probably head home like a boring curmudgeon and chill out. But if I’ve got the energy, or if I feel like I’m in need of some good cheer, I’ll do a quick turnaround at my accommodation after my show and then go back out to see a show, meet some friends, or grab dinner at somewhere with gluten free options (City Restaurant, I’m looking at you).

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

Pick your shows to see for the day and pick your restaurants for the day as well. It’ll make for a much happier experience as a punter if you know where you’re going to eat – and there are so many great places to eat in Edinburgh!

Best thing about performing at the fringe? 

Meeting new audiences and making them laugh.
 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe? 

Trying to balance the desire to see everything and everyone at the biggest arts festival in the world and conserving energy so you can do your own show every day. It’s so tough!

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

Comfy shoes (NO FLIP FLOPS), one outfit that makes you feel like you own the room, and conspicuously large headphones to wear when walking through town so people know you’re “getting in the zone” on the way to do your show.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Above all, be kind.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member? 

Eddie Izzard!

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

Instagram and Twitter: @lizguterbock or my website http://www.lizguterbock.com

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

NO FLIP FLOPS! 

Just kidding. Three words: Geriatric Millennials rule!