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!

Showgirls and Spies

Location:   Pleasance Dome – KingDome (Venue 23)

Dates: Aug 3rd-13th

Time: 15:00

Price: £14 Concessions £13

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/showgirls-and-spies

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hi! My name is Rebecca Wilson and I am the writer and co-director of the Young Pleasance show.

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

The team and I collaborated on ideas because I’m terrible at coming up with titles and Showgirls and Spies was everyone’s favourite!

Tell us all about your show!

It’s based on a true story about my cousin Florence Waren who was a Jewish dancer and French resistance fighter during WW2. The story will weave its way through the past and present bringing this inspiring story to life for today’s audience. The young people in the company have had a big influence over the work created, so alongside their creativity we’ll also be including dance, physical theatre and a lot of feathers. It’ll be a great afternoon out for everyone!

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

Public – the Musical at Pleasance Courtyard looks like a great rock/pop new musical, lots of fun! Pitch by November Theatre looks really joyful, all about football and the queer community. Also very intrigued by Santi and Naz by The Thelmas and Unforgettable Girl by Created a Monster. Also we cannot wait to go and support fellow ex-Young Pleasance member Frankie Thomson with Body 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. 

This is Young Pleasance’s 26th year at the Edinburgh Fringe, but my first fringe was in 2015 when I was only 18. I performed in the Young Pleasance’s The Hampstead Murder Mystery.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I was given when I first came to the festival was to try and see as much theatre as possible! To really make the most of your time there.

What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

Spies Like Us are a great Young Pleasance Graduate company who always perform inspiring work every year. My favourite show of theirs has to be Our Man in Havana – it was inventive and very fun! 

Wildcard’s Electrolyte in 2018 was one of the most beautiful shows I have ever seen. I could barely leave my seat after it’d finished! 

Strictly Arts’ show Freeman was also a stunning and inspiring production. They both remain with me to this day. 

And I personally love Luisa Omielan’s stand up shows as well as random nuggets of brilliance like Game of Thrones the Musical. Oh, I miss the fringe, get me back there now!

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

‘That’s not how we do it in the valleys’ – I’ve played a lot of Welsh characters, what can I say.

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

The Mother Sh*t at Pleasance London was a brilliant collaboration between beat boxing and clowning! My friend and I had so much fun watching it.

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

Enjoy other people’s shows! And of course, eat and sleep well!

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

The audiences are always so supportive, and you’re constantly being inspired and learning from other productions. 

The most challenging thing about performing at the Fringe?

Sometimes the houses aren’t the fullest… and there’s so much choice!

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

A water bottle, a notebook, and an open mind.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Patience! And creativity.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Florence Waren and Josephine Baker if they were still alive. Maybe their ghosts will attend!

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

Instagram: youngpleasance 

Twitter: YoungPleasance 

Tiktok: youngpleasance

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

Fresh – new – exciting!