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!

Burning Down The Horse

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Beneath (Venue 33)

Dates: Aug 2nd-15th, 17th-27th

Time: 13:05

Price: £15 Concessions £13

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/burning-down-the-horse

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! We are Fishing4Chips – a theatre company that was made out of the University of Exeter. The four of us met whilst studying and, after doing countless productions together, we wanted to make our own!

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

We came up with the concept and, as we were writing, we initially entitled it “Mutiny on the Trojan Horse”. We were then trying to find something a little catchier and fell upon the iconic 1983 track “Burning Down the Horse” by Talking Heads which tackles a subject very similar to what the show is about. A simple letter change and we’d found our title!

Tell us all about your show!

Burning Down The Horse is a brand-new immersive comedy set onboard the most iconic wooden animal in history – the Trojan Horse. As you and your fellow soldiers get ready to fight, your plans are interrupted by a surprise stowaway – lowly carpenter Epeius. Stuck onboard a horse wheeling towards (almost) certain doom, can his presence spark revolution among the ranks? Or will the power hungry Odysseus lead you into another futile battle? 

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

We have a list of 50 shows already! We were finalists of the Charlie Hartill Reserve Maybe You Like It’s “Pleading Stupidity” – it looks like the perfect show for us. We also love to just find shows up there however – the ones without the big PR push that you only find out about on the day. We’ve seen some incredible shows just on a whim.

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. 

We did one week at Fringe last year with a show called “Tradition!” and had the best time. Our main tip would be – enjoy it! The months leading up to August are often very stressful and the fun of it can get lost in the mix. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on yourself – meet new people, rest and just remember how lucky you are to be here!

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

For this show, without giving too much away, I’d say keep an eye out for the minotaur.

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

We’re big fans of character comedy so we absolutely loved Colin Hoult’s “The Life and Death of Anna Man”. Alongside that, we were lucky enough to see Tim Minchin’s Unfunny Evening. Being such a natural performer, there were plenty of laughs along the way coupled with his incredible songwriting.

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

Our daily routine, at least at the beginning of Fringe, is very simple! Wake up, flyer, do the show, flyer, rest, repeat. Immersive shows rely so much on the audience and so we need our performances to be packed. Luckily, we’re all people-people so chatting with strangers is something we’re used to!

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

Lean into it! There’s so much on offer – find the most interesting shows, go to the most interesting places and use the time you have to do what you want. It seems simple but you will find your place at Fringe – you’ve just got to look for it.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The atmosphere. Never will there be such a collection of people so passionate about the same thing. You make new friends and see amazing work – what’s not to love?

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Having the stamina is always tough! It means you’ve got to sacrifice that extra drink or that slightly later bedtime just to make sure you can last the month. Choosing when to look after yourself is extremely difficult when Fringe is such a vibrant and inviting place.

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

Waterproofs. Sunglasses. Good shoes. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Persistence! You’ve got to be expecting the rejection and you can’t let it get you down. Another thing we’ve found is that having a quick hook is so helpful! One line you can repeat that gets people interested – you want people to turn back when they hear your quick sell!

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

If any big time West End producer is looking for a silly comedy about Ancient Greece, we’d love them to come! Other than that, we just want an audience who are ready to have some fun, immerse themselves in our world and forget the real one for an hour.

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

Instagram: @chipfishing

Twitter: @fishin4chips

Facebook: Fishing4Chips

TikTok: fishing4chips

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

Immersive. Comedy. Horse.