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!

Nick Pupo: Addicted

Location:   Just The Tonic At The Mash House – Just The Bottle Room (Venue 288)

Dates: Aug 3rd-13th, 15th-27th

Time: 18:10

Price: £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nick-pupo-addicted

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! I’m a 33 year-old Italian-American comedian and actor and based out of New York City. I’m originally from Orlando, FL, where I started my career as a stand-up in 2010, performing in clubs and small theaters around the city. I began acting a few years later and was cast in a show on AMC called Halt and Catch Fire, which jumpstarted my acting career. I have since spent the years honing my stand-up around the United States, and acting in TV shows such as Daisy Jones & The Six, The Offer, and many others.

My favorite food is shrimp. Don’t @ me. 

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

My show centers around my past addiction to heroin and how it affected my 

personal life and friendships. I decided to go with Addicted to imply a past tense, somebody who I used to be, instead of Addict which might imply I’m still addicted. I also didn’t want a poster of my face all over Edinburgh with the word ADDICT on it.

Tell us all about your show!

Addicted focuses on the most meaningful friendship I ever had and how I destroyed it by breaking every promise and doing every drug I could get my hands on. Over the course of my 12 year friendship with Charlie, from a kindergarten burping contest to a confrontation with a volatile drug dealer, the show explores my turbulent relationship with drugs by weaving dark sincerity with hilarious commentary. Now 14 years clean of opiates, I reflect on my past, the choice I made and the promises I broke. Am I a bad person? A bad friend? Do I deserve forgiveness? Decide for yourself. 

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

I’m excited to see Avital Ash – Workshopping my Suicide Note 

Patrick Hastie – My Grandpa’s Grandpa’s Dad 

Maggie Crane – Side by Side

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 my first Fringe! I have been told to have a strong crew of other performers/friends for support. I’ve heard this place can run you down pretty good and it’s important to stay on top of you mental stamina and health. People have told me that many performers have a “mental break down.” Looking forward to that.

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

“I used to proclaim confidently ‘I am not an addict!’ and then another guy would be like, ‘Either way, man. Welcome to Narcotics Anonymous.’” 

I like this line for a couple reasons. One, it’s a misdirect, which I like. And two, it challenges the beliefs of my past self. Part of the show is grappling with the fact that I may actually be an addict.” 

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

Avital Ash’s – Workshopping My Suicide Note (I hope that’s still the name). She makes a deeply personal story hilarious and uniquely utilizes crowd participation in a masterful way. Super funny show, a must see at Fringe this year.

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

Good walking shoes, raincoat, adapter for electrical outlets 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Believe in yourself. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Paul McCartney. I’d be thrilled if he watched me do anything. Paul wants to watch me eat these shrimp? Send him in. 

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

Please follow me at @nickpupo on instagram, and more specifically @nickpupo_addicted if you’d like to follow the show.

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

For my love