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!

Bilal Zafar: Imposter

Location:   Underbelly, Bristo Square – Friesian (Venue 302)

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th-28th

Time: 15:50

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bilal-zafar-imposter

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

My name is Bilal, this is my fifth solo show at the Fringe,I love doing stand up and also making fun stuff online. 

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

I needed a cool word and luckily ‘Imposter’ sounds great and fits the show perfectly.  

Tell us all about your show!

It is a true story about an old house mate of mine that began to believe he was a secret agent and called the police on me several times. 

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

Rosco Mclelland, Marjolein Robertson, Rob Auton, Paul Chowdhry, Sooz Kempner, Christopher McCartur Boyd, Liam Withnail. And many more! Hard to remember everyone, sorry!

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.

Not to get sucked into reviews and awards and focus on doing the best you can for your audience, you’ll be a better performer by the end of the month. Rest or you will get unwell, both mentally and physically. You don’t have to be at every party. 

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

In 2016, my debut show was about how my twitter handle was mistaken for a Muslim only cake shop. My favourite line was “British cake shop refuses to serve non Muslims, you couldn’t make it up…Apparently, you couldn’t make it up!” It was a line that was originally improvised and ended up being one of the best bits of the show. I’ve been performing for a while now, but when you’re new and something like that happens, it’s the best feeling ever. 

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

Limmy’s made up stories on Twitch are one of the best things I’ve ever seen on that site. Incredibly Creative and very funny. Tim Heidecker similarly continues to create amazing stuff in his ‘On Cinema’ series.   

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

Shower, going to the gym if I can be bothered is great for my mental health.  Get a nice coffee somewhere, go through my notes (even if I think I know the show perfectly). Nervously pace around before my show and once it’s done, get some food or go back to my flat and cook or see some shows. A bit of socialising is very important. I also stream on twitch in the evening which is great way to unwind. 

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

Try to see things you wouldn’t usually see. For me, seeing magic, theatre or even circus helps me to not obsess over the pressures of the Fringe too much. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Even when things feel like they haven’t gone perfectly, the feeling of your show improving everyday and feeling yourself getting better is a very rewarding feeling. 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Every comedian I know can struggle with jealousy. It’s especially difficult when comedians have giant billboards covered in 5 star reviews 2 days into the Fringe. 

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

A raincoat, a good battery pack (for your phone), 

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, and you can afford to, hire some flyerers. Makes my time at the Fringe much easier. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Tim Heidecker. He is one of my favourite comedians and has created incredible, innovative stuff online for ages. 

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

@Zafarcakes on twitter, instagram, tiktok and twitch

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

IT’S GREAT ACTUALLY!