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!

Abigail Paul: Involuntary Momslaughter

Location:   Greenside @ Riddles Court – Willow Studio (Venue 16)

Dates: Aug 4th-12th, 14th-19th, 21st-26th

Time: 18:35

Price: £10 Concessions £8

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/abigail-paul-involuntary-momslaughter

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

I am a US stand-up comedian, improviser and actor who has been living in Frankfurt, Germany for over 20 years. Making Germans laugh – it’s God’s work.

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

The name itself kind of says it all (Involuntary Momslaughter), but also refers to a dark secret that is revealed in the show.

Tell us all about your show!

I tell a story about a person who’s very bad in order to make you feel good! Involuntary Momslaughter is a feel-good show about child abuse. (Really.) It inverts social norms on how we discuss sacred family roles, especially mothers. Also America. I tell the true story of being raised by a ‘psychopath single mother and a feral pack of drag queens’ in mid-90s Miami, using slides, story, song and lots of punchlines.

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

I’m excited to discover other shows that use comedy as catharsis, that have a point-of-view I find unique. I like shows where performers can make me care about what is going on onstage, and don’t just assume I will care because they are up there. I want to be invested in what I am watching, even if it just a show about fart jokes.

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.

It is my first fringe so I don’t really know, but from what I have worked out – Stay hydrated, eat well and reach out if you struggle. There are many who’ve been through the fringe grind and can offer support. It feels like a warm and welcoming place so far.

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

I love a joke that takes the audience by surprise with an unexpected turn, much like my life story. One of my favourite one-liners is ‘worst dad joke ever.’ You have to see the show for the premise to reveal itself.

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

I saw Sumi’s Banana Beard and it was so fantastically weird! I love good weird. I am also excited that my venue Greenside is supporting so many solo women. We have teamed up to help each other out during the fringe and will be posting updates with #GreensideGals

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

Wake up late, do some vocal warm-ups like a proper theatre nerd (my shows ends in a song so I have to keep my singing voice healthy), go over my show, maybe tweak some things, post fresh reviews on social media, flyer a little bit, then dive into the show. Once I find my feet, I will also be adding seeing lots of other shows to my list.

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

Take your show seriously but not yourself. Stay realistic about outcomes.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Connecting with the audience. My material is really intimate, and so far audiences have been praising the piece because I say things other people don’t, about moms, about family. I break a million taboos, and it is really satisfying to have people look me in the eye and tell me, I get it. I am with you. I feel that way, too. I love that. Also, getting better with each show.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Like everyone the challenge of getting bums on seats, especially as an international newcomer who doesn’t have an established name at the festival.

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

I am taking my good French press (because UK ‘coffee’ is instant and undrinkable), comfortable shoes and a mindset that will allow me to stay flexible. My background in improvisation helps a lot with absorbing disaster well.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Being able to connect with people immediately. At the end of the day, you are inviting them to hang out with you for an hour of their time. It needs to be immediately clear to them why they will want to do that.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Fellow members of the secret society of conditionally loved children. Preferably with a taste for very dark comedy as a means to heal.

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

On Facebook.com/momslaughter, Instagram @abby4laughs and Twitter @mom_slaughter. Or my website, www.abigailpaul.com.

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

Jaw-dropping healing & hilarity.