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!

Little Squirt

Location: Summerhall – Anatomy Lecture Theatre (Venue 26)

Dates: Aug 1st-11th, 13th-18th, 20th-26th

Time: 19:40

Price: £17.00 Concessions £14.50

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/little-squirt

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

G’day! I’m Darby, an Aussie musical comedian and theatre writer making my international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. I like sticky notes, cream-of-mushroom-soup-scented candles, and keeping all of my teeth in my mouth at the same time. Whimsy is my favourite hobby, alongside eating at buffets with large serving ladles for gravy. Ideally I’m spending my days meeting new people, or writing queer little songs in isolation. I’m very professional in a zoo setting, but don’t appreciate being upstaged by the fluffy monkeys and screaming toddlers.

Tell us all about your show!

Little Squirt is the multi-award winning one man musical comedy cabaret about my experience of the sperm donation process as a gay man. It’s a heartfelt vulnerable deep-dive into reproductive existentialism, as I wiggle through the counselling appointments, clinic visits and questionnaires, dressed as a camp seaman.

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

The title Little Squirt is a triple entendre that refers to the act of donating sperm, to potential offspring, and to myself.

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

I’m buzzing to explore new queer voices in theatre, quirky musicals, and anything with compelling storytelling. The entire Summerhall program is on my radar, plus I’ll be hopping all over the city to soak up the unique delights from as many venues as possible.

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 first time performing at the Ed Fringe. I’ve been before as an enthusiastic punter, but this year I’ll be focussing on doing the job, jumping in with wide eyes and a bushy tail. I’ve been warned it’s a wild ride, but I’m ready to soak it all up, make connections, and embrace the energy. Excited and terrified in equal measure.

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

I imagine my days will start a bit late to catch up on sleep, except when PR calls. Then it’s off to flyer the streets and charm strangers. After lunch, I’ll do my warm-ups and head to Summerhall for our 7:40pm show. Post-show, I’ll mingle in foyers, and maybe squeeze in some set performances, then rinse and repeat the next day.

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

For me, keeping on top of my rest for the fest will be best. I’m bracing for how tough it’s going to be. Everyone’s been telling me it’s a marathon, but I’m excited to discover what that’ll feel like. I think knowing that I’m there to work and to learn and to embrace whatever the fringe will throw at me will keep me in the right mindset.

Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?

Our accommodation has a buffet breakfast, and I’m a sucker for buffets. Hoping to discover some amazing vegan haggis and sample various pub roasts with our director, who’s a Sunday roast enthusiast.

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

Finding hidden reserves of energy and stamina. The thrill of connecting with a new audience every night. Getting to sing my heart out, sing my guts out, and sit in a room full of strangers, laugh and cry. The stories I’ll have if anything goes pear-shaped.

Top tips for travelling around the Fringe and getting to shows on time?

Last time I was at Edinburgh Fringe I was in the city for three days and wanted to see as much as possible, so I spent a lot of time sprinting around the city to make shows on time. I think that’s honestly a great way to do it. Turn up to shows drenched in sweat so they know you really wanted to be there; the stinkier an audience, the more love is felt by the performers I reckon. Trust the times on your tickets, use Google Maps, and avoid the treacherous scooters on cobblestones. If you’re feeling flush, maybe an Uber or a private chauffeur.

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

A portable blender for fruit smoothies. A trusty fannypack filled with essentials: umbrella, mandarins, flyers, sunnies, and first aid supplies. And for Aussies, apparently your Medicare card will save you on a bunch of upfront hospital costs in the UK.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

We’ll be sporting sailor hats and outfits to keep our nautical theme afloat. I think it’s important to embrace your niche and gimmick, as well as deliver a memorable and snappy pitch. We’ll do our best to make an impression and get to the point.

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

Follow me on @darbyalexanderjames, or check out my website at www.darbyjames.com!

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

Hilarious. Heartfelt. Musical.