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!

Get Blessed!

Location:   Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Coorie (Venue 24)

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th-27th

Time: 13:00

Price: £11.50 Concessions £10.50

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/get-blessed

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I am an actor, writer and comic from Ireland. I moved to London a few years ago to go to Drama School. My first play Exile I started writing for my dissertation; it eventually turned into an hour long show. I went on to perform it at the Kings Head Theatre, Lion & Unicorn Theatre and Southwark Playhouse as part of the SWK Festival. Over the pandemic I began doing sketches of this character called Áine on my Instagram, just to pass the time really. Now it’s evolved to becoming material for my debut hour at Edinburgh Fringe. I’ve never done a run there before so it’s nerve wracking but exciting. 

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

There were several iterations. It was originally called Buried by Áine, a reference to the fact she is teaching people how to deliver funerals. Then it changed to Blessed by Áine but ultimately, I thought people are going to struggle to pronounce her name and that’s going to annoy me if it’s in the title! So after getting some input from friends and family I changed it to Get Blessed! It also felt catchier and more memorable. 

Tell us all about your show!

It’s a character comedy solo show. I play funeral celebrant Áine Reilly. The audience are her students. She’s here to teach them the art of the perfect send off. As she would say ‘anyone can learn how to turn human ash into cash!’  It’s interactive, fun and there may or may not be a PowerPoint presentation. 

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

So many! I’m looking forward to seeing Patti Harrison’s new show & Alison Spittle as well. I’m lucky to be taking part in Soho Theatre’s Edinburgh Lab this year and very excited to see all my fellow peers’ shows too! 

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?

I have never done the Fringe before! Please give me all the advice!

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

I liked saying this line from my last show Exile “I’m not sure what you’re supposed to do when you discover your in the middle of a crisis pregnancy, but I decided to buy a McFlurry and sit by the river” It always got a laugh, I guess people find McFlurrys funny. 

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

I loved Kate Berlant’s show, which I saw at Soho Theatre earlier this week. She is a very clever comic writer and charismatic. I also saw Catherine Cohen at Hackney Empire and she had me in stitches, extremely relatable. 

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

Well, I’ve never been before, but I plan to be quite disciplined. Getting in daily exercise, prioritising decent sleep and at least trying to eat some vegetables every day… we shall see how it pans out! 

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

I have been as a punter a couple of times, packing in lots of shows is fun and is one way to make the most of your time there, but there’s a lot to be said for just hanging out at Bristo Square soaking up the atmosphere and watching the world go by. I think balance is probably key! 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I’ll have to tell you in September! I hope it will be all the lovely people I’ll get to meet and getting my work out to a wider audience. 

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

I’m going to make a guess here and say exhaustion, keeping going with a smile on your face will be challenging at times I’m sure. As they say, it’s a marathon not a sprint! 

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

Water bottle 

Tupperware 

Enthusiasm! 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Having your pitch down and succinct and just be open and friendly. Try not to take rejection to heart, your show won’t be for everyone but the next person along might be the one to bring 20 friends. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Sharon Horgan, I admire her work so much. 

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

@NiamhAgnesRose (Twitter)

@niamhdenyer (Insta)

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

Laugh and learn!