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!

Ollie Horn: Not Much

Location:   Just The Tonic at The Mash House – Just the Cask Room (Venue 288)

Dates: Aug 3rd-13th, 15th-27th

Time: 18:25

Price: £12 Concessions £5

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/ollie-horn-not-much

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

So I’m looking for somebody who loves long walks on the beach, sunday roasts, and cuddles after! But I also have a fun side, I love a good G&T (who doesn’t?!), and I can be a little crazy sometimes! No ONS. 

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

You’ll find out why the show is called what it is after hearing the first routine of the show. Those two words managed to be one of the most devastating insults I’ve ever heard. 

Tell us all about your show!

It’s a storytelling show (but a good one) about some of the worst and most impossibly bad gigs I’ve ever done in nearly ten years of touring stand-up comedy. I also talk about why I’m so ludicrously in love with stand-up, and how it’s got me through some pretty tough times. 

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

My good friend Rizal Van Geyzel got arrested last year because of some jokes he told about his Islamic heritage that offended the authorities in his home country of Malaysia. It’s a fascinating story, and he’s an incredibly skilled comedian so I’m sure he’ll tell it beautifully. He’s on every day at 9pm at Bar 50. 

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. 

My actual advice is know exactly what you want from it. Have a clear goal, and make it realistic. If you try and get everything from the festival, you’ll get nothing. Whether it’s to get your first review, improve as a performer, or snog a member of your production team, all are valid, but all need a realistic plan. Then, don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Unless they’re dating the member of the production team you fancy, in which case assess how serious it is and make a judgment call. 

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

In my first show I said, “the problem is, when you look like me… which I do” which I found really funny to say each day, but it isn’t really a joke. 

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

I saw Michelle Brasier’s show Leagcy at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and it was all the proof I needed that she’s going to be a megastar. She sings, tells touching and incredibly honest stories, and is playful and silly on stage. 

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

I’ll walk up with minutes to spare before my first show of the day, which is usually hosting PG Hits!, a  midday family friendly comedy club I MC. I’ll then do around a dozen spots on various shows, stopping for chips when I get a chance. I’ll then drink more than necessary in an artist bar until late, get chips again, and do it all again with no regard for the short or long-term consequences for my health. 

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

I genuinely love performing and there is no better time of the day than when you’ve got an audience of people having a genuinely wonderful time at your show. It’s such a privilege. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

All the money you make (lol). 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

It’s hard to forget that it doesn’t need to be a marketplace where you’re competing against your colleagues. If we all adopted an abundance mentality, and remembered that we aren’t playing a zero sum game, we’d all be happier. 

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

1) Bluetooth audio receiver so you can control your venue music from your phone.
2) Portable battery so you can charge your phone during the day.
3) Valid photo ID because if you look under 25 (as I do) you may get stopped from entering your own venue (this has happened to me once). 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Be authentic and don’t see your job as handing out bits of paper, but giving genuine recommendations to people who are in the market to see your show. If it goes to plan, they’ll be just as happy that they attended the show as you are that you sold two more tickets. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Joe Pasquale. 

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

My handle is olliehorncomedy. I’ve got a fair number of videos on my Instagram if you want to get a feel for the sort of stuff I do. 

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

You’ll feel happier.