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!

John Tothill: The Last Living Libertine

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Below (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-134th, 16th – 27th

Time: 20:30

Price: £10 Concessions £9

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/john-tothill-the-last-living-libertine

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hi! I’m John. I’m a writer, comedian and, I like to think, a visiting Professor of Pleasure.

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

Because I’m essentially a child, all my titles have to include some kind of alliteration. So it was between The Last Living Libertine and The Scary Slithery Snake. Since the show is about pleasure, I went with the first one (but not without some deliberation).

Tell us all about your show!

My show is a manifesto (Yes! Manifesto! No! I don’t know what that word means!) in favour of pleasure, which I think is in major crisis in this country. I guess what you can expect is a historical-political lecture that, within about five minutes, descends into a gossipy sleepover which I am choosing to use as a vehicle for some serious oversharing. If you like any or all of the following, I promise you’ll like the show: pretentious theorising on dating, the joy of getting wine drunk, my childhood obsession with the Catholic Church and my deep (inexplicable) love of the clarinet.

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

Lorna Rose Treen: Skin Pigeon is another gorgeous debut hour at the Pleasance. Also Adam Flood: Remoulded and Amy Matthew’s: I Feel Like I’m Made of Spiders. The first is a mad hour of character comedy; the other two are the most fabulous stand-up shows money can buy (rent? Do you ‘buy’ a 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.

Apparently you should buy your train ticket to Edinburgh welllll in advance to avoid crazy costs. I haven’t bought mine yet.

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

I used to be a narcissist, but look at me now.

This for me is stand-up comedy summed up in a sentence, if I do say so myself.

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

Patti Harrison’s work-in-progress hour at the Soho Theatre is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. I love how she just sits in the awkwardness. I can’t tell if she’s a genius or a psychopath or both. Either way, I want to be her friend.

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

I intend to be awake for one hour of the day. If it’s the hour of the show, then great.

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

Not to pressure yourself into seeing everything. And to have lunch at the Outsider restaurant.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The Outsider restaurant. If I end up watching some comedy in Edinburgh then great. But really I’m here for the focaccia and herby oil they bring to the table.

 The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

The price of the Outsider restaurant.

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

I just feel strongly that a person should always have chocolate and chewing gum in their bag. No need for a third item.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

To be flirty, flirty, flirty. Especially with the old people. That’s why I’m going.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

My brother – very funny, loud laugher, ultimately quite brutal if I want feedback.

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

Instagram and Tiktok – @johntothill

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

My leopard print.