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!

Caroline McEvoy: Street Smart

Location:   Just The Tonic at The Caves – Just The SpareRoom (Venue 88)

Dates: Aug 3rd-13th

Time: 17:00

Price: £5 Concessions £2.50

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/caroline-mcevoy-street-smart

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m a standup and producer from Northern Ireland, currently living in London. I’m a storyteller at heart, but I also love being silly on-stage and having fun with the audience. I’m gigging tons in London right now to warm up and hoping to do a trip back to perform in Ireland before August as well. Also, I’m the founder and resident host at Comedy Bandits (@comedybandits on Instagram), running weekly and monthly events in Clapham. Loads of our events are free, so if you’re reading this and you live in London, you should come…

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

It’s ironic: I’m the least street smart person you’ve ever met.

Tell us all about your show!

Street Smart is a 45-minute solo show by me, all about how (not) to survive on the streets. I’m talking about growing up in Northern Ireland, drug deals gone wrong, Disney princesses, and more. It will be funny, silly, and uplifting, and I can’t wait to bring it to the stage.

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

Is it okay to say all my friends? Don’t get me wrong – there are some big name comedians I’m excited to see – but I’m really looking forward to seeing shows from the people I know, as well. Adam Flood and Paddy Young are both debuting this year and they’re great. I’m expecting fabulous things from Sarah Roberts and Kiran Saggu. My partner Alfie Packham is a comedian, and while I’ve seen a lot of his show already, I’m excited for everyone else to see what he’s been working on – it’s something special.

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. 

Last summer in 2022 I did a split bill show with my very funny friend Farah Sharp. We had a lot of fun and I’m grateful to have shared my first Fringe experience with her. The Fringe can be an emotional roller coaster at times, so it was nice to have someone to share the highs and lows with. This year I’m doing a solo show, but I would say to anyone doing it for the first time, it’s great starting out with a friend.

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

There’s a joke which is by now an old joke (I wrote it in late 2019), but it’s stayed in my set for a long time. It’s a line where I make reference to The Troubles in Northern Ireland (“Don’t you think that’s a weird name for a sectarian conflict…?”). I thought I was bored of saying it, posted it on Instagram, and then it went viral. It totally reinvigorated my appreciation for the joke. You say your material so often that sometimes it stops feeling fresh, but I still feel like that joke is one of my all-time favourites.

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

Literally too many to name, BUT I really liked Amy Gledhill’s show ‘The Girl Before The Girl You Marry’ which I saw at Soho Theatre after it was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Fringe last year. She’s so much fun to watch and I’m a sucker for a good story. That’s probably why I’m also such a big Mike Birbiglia fan; he’s a master storyteller. I got to see him in London performing his latest show ‘The Old Man & The Pool’ which was cool because I listen to his podcast and it was really interesting seeing bits I’ve heard him talk about come to life on stage.

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

Last year I was doing a very late show (10.10pm!)  so my routine was I’d wake up at midday, get a bus into town, watch a bunch of shows, then start flyering at 9pm. It was intense! This year, I’ve deliberately gone for an earlier show time (5pm, phew) so I can go to bed at a reasonable time. Maybe it’s because I’m in my late twenties now… but the plan this year is to get up early, exercise and have a good breakfast, and not be so exhausted all the time!

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

Have as much fun as possible. It’s tiring – you’re out all day on your feet and sometimes when you have a quieter show it can be disheartening – but then the next day you’ll have a packed out room and think “what was I worried about?” This year I want to embrace the whole experience and enjoy every part of it. Even if a show doesn’t go quite as planned, I want to be able to laugh about it, not feel sorry for myself.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Performing your show every day and all the incredible shows you see and all the people you meet. That’s three things, isn’t it? Whoops.

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The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Going flyering while hungover when you’ve only had 3 hours sleep!

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

Soothers (so you don’t lose your voice), a water bottle (it gets hot in August), and a portable charger (very important).

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

I try and actually chat to people and don’t just give them a flyer without saying anything. If you make them laugh when you’re talking to them, that’s the best way to convince someone to come to your show.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

I already mentioned I host a show called Comedy Bandits. Last week when I was MCing I met my dream audience member. His name was Ryan, he was from Texas, he sat in the front row, he laughed at everything, he loved it when the acts spoke to him, and by the end of the night we were chanting his name. I loved him. I want him to come to all of my shows!

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

Instagram is the place you’re most likely to find me and @misscarolinemcevoy is my handle

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

I’m in it! (I bet loads of people gave that answer…)