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!

Big Smoke Comedy

Location:   Laughing Horse @ The Brass Monkey – Cinema Room (Venue 153)

Dates: Aug 15th – 27th

Time: 12:15

Price: Free

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/big-smoke-comedy

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

We are Big Smoke Comedy, a collective of artists who perform stand-up comedy individually then improvise together for our finale.  

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

We’ve kept the name under which we’ve produced over 160 live shows and another 60 online shows since January 2019.   

Tell us all about your show!

Big Smoke Comedy is stand-up comedy with a fully improvised finale.  Ferociously independent comedians perform individually then form a one-night-only ensemble to play off audience suggestions.  Meet the characters, watch them play, and help shape the acts with your warmth and laughter.   

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

Many who we have performed with or met along the way:  Sarah Albritton, Moni Zhang, Will Scambler, Sergi Polo, Ben Harrington, Adam Greene, Peter Bazely, Celya AB, Vix Leyton, Darius Davies, Don Biswas, Gabby Killick, Kate-Lois Elliott, Marc Jennings, Mary O’Connell, Matt Price, Max Norman, Myles Burgess, Daniel Webb, Nathan Cassidy, Patrick Monahan, Ross McGrane, Sid Singh, Sikisa, Spring Day, and Steph Aritone.   

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. 

Personally, I’ve been to the fringe for one week in 2018.  As Big Smoke Comedy, this is our debut.  Since August is the sunniest month in London, for health reasons, comics are advised to go to rainy Scotland and spend most of the time indoors.  And definitely attach your entire self-esteem to ticket sales.    

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

Sometimes a joke doesn’t work, so I go home and play with it.  I rewrite the joke, too.  I like this one because it follows a previous bomb.   

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

Sarah Albritton because she’s sleeping beauty, Moni Zhang because she’s from nowhere before 2020, Don Biswas because he takes the counter point, Gabby Killick because she is risky, Max Norman because he’s tall like it’s a bad thing, Myles (Burgess) & Dan (Webb) because they machine-gun blackout sketches, Nathan Cassidy because his whining is melodic, Patrick Monahan because he has ‘the gift’, Ross McGrane because he is charming squared.  

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

Our show is at noon, which is early for a comic.  We flyer before, and after look for other opportunities to perform and support our talented friends.  

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

Have a drink with fellow performers and snort haggis. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Performing every day.  

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Being away from my immediate family for two weeks.  

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

A Zettle card reader, some promotional material, a good attitude, and a fourth item.    

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Eye contact, a clear and concise pitch, then listening to form a connection.  

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

My absent Father, who has no idea I’m in Scotland.  Plus, he’s on the other side of the world.  Plus, I’m his least favourite of eight children.  You know what?  Nevermind.  Dave Chappelle.  

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

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BigSmokeComedy   

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

We are funny.