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!

Macbeth by the Sea

Location:   theSpace on the Mile – Space 2 (Venue 39)

Dates: Aug 4th – 19th

Time: 16:05

Price: £10 Concessions £5

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/macbeth-by-the-sea

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

My name is Joe Janes. I am a Chicago playwright, actor, and teacher. I teach in the Comedy Writing and Performance major at Columbia College and I am a faculty member of The Second City Training Center. I primarily teach improvisation and comedy writing. I have three cats. They cool. 

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

The show is about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth getting away for a weekend at a seaside resort, so the title came along quite naturally. My company took a show to the Fringe in 2017 (Our Christian Nation) and in 2019 (The Greatest Theatrical Event…EVER!). Our director and production coordinator kept asking me, “We’re going back, right? We’re going back?” In order to end their harassment, I came up with an idea I wanted to write and take to Edinburgh. 

Tell us all about your show!

The Macbeths murder the king. Banquo’s spirit disrupts a celebration. Worried that hallucinations will thwart their reign, Lady Macbeth orders a relaxing weekend at a resort. While skewering the bard, the play explores the themes of nepotism versus raw ambition and the merits of couples massages, karaoke, and Bon Jovi. 

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

My best Fringe experiences tend to be the shows I hear about while there, people I meet while flyering, or last minute risks I take while exploring. I know for certain I will be seeing Sheila’s Sister and Batsui – they are two improv shows from Chicago – and The Handlebards. Love me some Handlebards.

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 will be my fourth Fringe. The best advice I can give is to see as much as you can and be supportive to others where you can. Take time for yourself, too, to recharge your batteries and enjoy Edinburgh. The advice I got going there the first time is that it’s a huge festival with thousands of shows. You might find yourself doing a show for three people. It’s okay. Give those three people the best show you can. 

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

Well, right now it’s in Macbeth By The Sea. I play an extremely Scottish masseur who complains that he hasn’t been able to keep up with the news because the old town crier died and was replaced by his son, the mime. “He’s only good at tellin’ us when it’s windy!” 

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

I haven’t seen much leading up to the Fringe other than some good local Chicago stand-ups and improv groups. If you ever get to Chicago, Improvised Shakespeare is one of the best in the city. I keep telling them they need to go to Edinburgh! 

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

I get up early and go to a nearby coffee or tea shop. There I get caught up on all the media stuff I might need to do – send out press releases, see if anyone is talking about our show, arrange media comps or ticket specials, etc. Then I’ll connect with my team and see if anyone is going to see any shows. Two hours before the show, we’ll flyer. After the show, we’ll eat, go out, see more shows. One place I will always try to go to for lunch or dinner is Genius of Soup. Wonderful, wonderful soup! You can get a flight of soup there! It is my happy place.

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

See as much as you can and take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, but also do some touristy things if you are new to Edinburgh. See the castle, climb Arthur’s Seat, eat a jacket, do The Scottish Whisky Experience, do a flight of soup at Union of Genius.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I have always enjoyed meeting the venue crew and other people from other shows at our venue. I always make good friends from that. Sharing a pint and talking about theater with new friends is just the best.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Sustaining one’s energy. The last time we were there, we were there for the full Fringe. Let me tell you, that last week we were running on fumes, or, more accurately, coffee and ice cream. 

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

An excellent pair of shoes that will support your feet well, a convertor for charging your phone and computer if you’re coming from the US, and an umbrella. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t want your flyer. Cherish chatting with people. It’s not the amount of flyers you hand out that makes the difference. It’s connecting with people and telling them what you love about your show that gets bottoms in seats.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Phoebe Waller-Bridge! 

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

I’m on Twitter and Instagram – @joejanes1065

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

Pool Noodle Battle!