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!

Mark Bittlestone: I Need a Straight Guy*

Location:   Pleasance Dome – Jack Dome (Venue 23)

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-11th, 13th-26th

Time: 21:40

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mark-bittlestone-i-need-a-straight-guy

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

AGE: 30. HAIR COLOUR: Blond. EYE COLOUR: Blue. JOB: Stand-up comedian. SEXUALITY: Gay! POSITION: None of your business! 

Tell us all about your show!

Basically there’s a load of things I think you’re obliged to do as a gay man: come out, Grindr, try to become an influencer (more tenuous), etc. I take you through what I think the 5 rites of (back) passage are but (one hopes) in a comedic way that is accessible for STRAIGHT people, whom I have it on good authority apparently comprise the majority of the population??? Though you genuinely wouldn’t know if you hung out in some of the spaces I do (public toilets). But anyway, yeah, “gay jokes for straight people” is how I’d market myself. And I do very much need at least one straight man to come to the show for it to work so please cum.

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

For clarity the full show title is I Need a Straight Guy* and the asterisk below is *not in romantic way – you’re all mingers and perves. So yes the title is literally a marketing ploy to get at least one straight man in. Partly because there’s not much point in me educating gay men on what they already know, partly because (contrary to my title) I really do love turning straight guys, but almost entirely because for the central conceit of the show to work I need one heterosexual male audience member. In a fun way though, don’t be scared!

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

So many amazing acts and I know I will have forgotten about a billion of them but off the top of my head I’m really looking forward to seeing Alfie Packham, Adam Flood, Jamie D’Souza, Ruby Carr and Abi Clarke. 

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. 

For 99% of shows and acts, the Fringe is not a breakthrough moment. It’s a place to get better at whatever your craft is, perhaps get a decent review or two, or maybe, possibly, foster relationships with agents or promoters. I would set a list of achievable objectives and work towards them, such as “selling out Saturdays”, “getting one review”, “having a coffee with someone in the industry”.

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

I tutor online as a dayjob so normally do that for a couple of hours, try and get to the gym most days and/or go for a walk/run, then head into town. I will see a few shows and have some beers on some nights but my general approach to the fringe as a mental health bubble is to largely do my own thing, not worry about how other people’s shows are going or the reviews they’re getting etc.

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

As above, try and do things that you do the other 11 months of the year to stay well, like eating healthily, going to the gym etc. That being said, you are surrounded by brilliant and amazing people and I definitely have a few nights where I’ll let loose quite a bit…

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

Mosque Kitchen. I’ll be there 3-4 times a week.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Being surrounded by amazing performers, getting to know them and watching their shows.

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

Leave like 10 mins before you have to because this city is on about 10 levels.

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

Hardy, waterproof shoes. Waterproof jacket. Cyanide tablets. Jk jk jk jk jk

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

I think flyering works x10 better if the artist on the front is the one handing them out. If you’re able to, I would find somewhere people are sat outside (so they can’t walk away haha) and try and spark up a funny/interesting convo with them.

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

@markkbittlestone or on Grindr obvs

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

Je suis funny