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!

Steve N Allen: Alzheimer’s? I Can’t Even Remember How to Spell It

Location:   Gilded Balloon Teviot -Billiard Room (Venue 14)

Dates: Aug 2nd-13th, 15th-28th

Time: 21:00

Price: £13 Concessions £12

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-n-allen-alzheimer-s-i-can-t-even-remember-how-to-spell-it

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Why hello there. I’m Steve. I’m 6’2”. My hobbies including doing comedy. I know that’s also my job but you know what it’s like, it takes up all your time. In the past I have worked on shows like The Mash Report and I’ve done topical comedy shows in festivals but I thought this time I’d do a more personal one so the reviews can really upset me more.

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

It’s based on a true story. I have to Google the word Alzheimer’s every time I type it. It’s a hard word to remember. Of all the cruel ironies for those who have it. It even has a possessive apostrophe, and no one knows how to use those, especially not grocer’s.

Tell us all about your show!

For a few generations in my family the older folk got Alzheimer’s, but it was having a son that made me think about what I might be passing on, other than the good looks. They never got to meet as my parents didn’t make it through the pandemic. There’s actually a lot of light moments in this story. No really, there are. Honestly. There are moments of humour. I know it doesn’t sound like it now but just you see.

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

I know Rosie Holt is doing a show this year. Her online stuff is some of the finest satire you can fine so I can’t wait to see the live show. And my former career in science means I’m drawn to see our hero, Robin Ince. His show isn’t about science this year but he’s still our icon.

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.

The positive thinking part of me would say the best advice I’ve got from previous years is to enjoy it. To get to perform anyway is a treat, to do it at the Edinburgh Fringe is a blessing. But actually, the best advice is to have water-proof shoes. All it takes is a downpour in week one and if you can’t dry off properly you’re doing stand-up with trench foot by the end of it.

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

“I’ll never forget the time I learned that a bottomless brunch isn’t called that because of a dress code.” As a comedy purist I like the fact that it really is one line, not a set-up and punchline.

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

This year I have a one-year-old son with me so hopefully it will be different to previous years. I don’t think he’d get into the media parties that go on till 5am.

So I’ll be up early, pop the TV on and watch some Postman Pat and Bluey. Then, when my son wakes up, he can join me.

I’ll be off out buying newspapers and working on my radio show, which I’ll be doing from the Fringe this year. When that’s done I’ll be seeing some shows and getting anxious about how well other people are doing before putting my lad to bed and heading out to do the show.

This year any stains down my T-shirt will look like I’ve been partying hard but they’ll all be thanks to my kid.

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

It’s hard not to. You have all of that creativity to dip into. All of those shows a short walk up a hill from wherever you are. I’d recommend seeing the shows of the people you like but on one day take a random chance on a show you have no clue about and therefore no expectations. It could be great and that’s good. It could be the worst thing you’ve ever seen and then you’ve got a story to tell.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The intensity. You can be fully immersed in the world of comedy, which for most of us was a dream from when we were a child. If you can’t enjoy that you’re in the wrong job.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

The intensity. It’s easily to get sucked into the bubble and you can become lost. Having one show that doesn’t go the way you want can seem like a big deal, but the great thing about Edinburgh is that there’s always less than 24 hours before you get to do another show.

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

Blu Tak. Even if you’re not putting up your own posters there’s always a shortage so you can sell on your Blu Tak at a profit.

A phone charger. I think the thick walls and differing heights of the city means phones have to work harder to stay on the network. Either than or I spend way too long Googling myself.

A phone or that charger will seem pretty pointless.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Don’t do it anywhere near a group of students acting out some strange scene they’ve written. And they move so you have to stay alert. You’ll be handing out a flyer, having a little chat about the show, when suddenly someone dressed as a monk will start overacting loudly.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Dad. It would be really nice to see him again and he’d not know the jokes.

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

I’m @mrstevenallen on most platforms. Certainly on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

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

It’s touching (legally)