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!

The Black Blues Brothers

Location:   Assembly Rooms – Music Hall (Venue 20)

Dates: Aug 1st-25th

Time: 15:10

Price: £17.50 Concessions £16.50

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/black-blues-brothers

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hi! We are a group of five acrobats from Kenya. We starting doing acrobatics in Sarakasi, the main African social circus school and now for several years we have been working for an Italian company, with which we have travelled all over the world including Australia, Austria, Bahrein, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Hungary.

This year we’re bringing The Black Blues Brothers’ show to the Fringe for the last time, so we’re very excited. Although we can tell you that next year we will be back with a new show!

Tell us all about your show!

The Black Blues Brothers is an acrobatica celebration to the rhythm of music. A blend of contemporary circus and musical comedy, it is a dynamic show, suitable for audiences of all ages and nationalities, which enhances the physical virtuosity typical of Kenyan performers by combining it in a novel way with an appealing repertoire of American music and eternal cinematic imagery.

In an elegant Cotton Club-style lounge bar, a cleaner is chasing his dream of becoming one of the Blues Brothers, when two characters, dressed in the iconic suits of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, show up offering him a chance to make his dreams come true, helped by them and his two colleagues. Following the whims of an extravagant vintage radio, playing rhythm’n’blues music, the barman and the whole staff transform into performers doing balancing acts, waving flags, jumping and acrobatics with fire.

Everything around us (chairs, tables, hangers, vases and even mirrors) becomes a tool for breath-taking acrobatics and the constant involvement of the audience. If the Blues Brothers were a band trying to put itself back together again, the Black Blues Brothers are an acrobatic group that reforms every night on stage, giving life to a party full of dazzling moments set to the sweeping sounds of the cult movie’s soundtrack, one of the greatest pop legends of our times: human pyramids, limbo with fire, jumping with the rope and in the hoops, hilarious gags, funny stripteases, amusing dance challenges and much more.

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

When we met Alexander Sunny, the producer of our shows, we started thinking with him about how to present the classic Kenyan acrobatic repertoire in a new and brilliant way. We also wanted to go beyond the usual soundtrack made of ethnic music, to introduce new songs. At that point the idea of ​​the Blues Brothers came to mind. Not only is it an iconic film, with those amazing dresses, but it also has one of the best soundtracks in the history of cinema. The result was truly fun, energetic, breathtaking. The audience dances with us from start to finish!

Thinking deeper, we then realized that in some way the blues referred to our roots, because it is a music born from American Afro-descendants. Perhaps this is why it was so natural for us to prepare our acrobatics on those rhythms. And that’s why audiences love us, because they see the joy and connection with this type of music.

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

Fringe is too big to see all the shows we want to see. There are numerous companies from all over the world that offer the best of contemporary circus. We are very curious about the new production of Recirquel, and we will certainly return to see 360 ​​All Stars.

But the beauty of this festival is being amazed by shows you don’t know. So, we’ll tour Edinburgh and be enchanted by the posters, and then discover new shows!

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. And if you haven’t, how are you gearing up for it? 

This is our fourth participation to the Fringe. We advise new groups… to keep calm! The Fringe is a huge circus and it’s very easy to get lost, mentally and physically. But it’s also a great opportunity, so as stressful as it is, try to tackle one thing at a time, aware of your value.

It is useful to try to arrive prepared. The Fringe doesn’t start in August, but many months before! And once in Edinburgh, stay in constant touch with the staff of your venue, push with flyering… and obviously give your best!

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

Our show is every day at 3.10pm in the Music Hall at the Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street. So, the whole day is based on this. In the morning, we rest, having breakfast or brunch. Then we usually go along the Royal mile to flyer. It’s an important moment to promote the show and socialize with the public.

In the very early afternoon, we go to the theatre to warm up and check the sets and props. When it’s time, we set up the scene (very quickly, because the change between one show and the other is really short), we concentrate and do the show.

Back in our apartment, we rest and have a hearty dinner. In the evening, we go to see some shows, or we walk around Edinburgh, which is a beautiful city.

But every day is different, because something new always happens, there is always an unexpected event, or a gala to attend. In short, no day is the same as another, and this is also the beauty of the Fringe!

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

Be aware of the great opportunity to be there. Of course, there is a lot of stress and it is very important that the show works and that the public likes it. But if you come prepared, you must also be able to seize the opportunities offered by a festival of this type. There are so many shows to see, artists to get to know, stakeholders from all over the world to interact with. Edinburgh is stunning and worth exploring from top to bottom. Allowing yourself moments of relaxation and fun is essential, and makes it easier to offer the public the best possible show.

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

We love Five Guys! We know there are fancier places, but after intense physical activity nothing beats burgers and chips!

Among other things, our group is made up of five guys, and in fact the theme song of our show is called… Five guys in a club!

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

You are at the centre of the world! What happens at the Fringe has enormous repercussions on the whole of live entertainment worldwide. This means that it is the greatest opportunity to introduce your show to international agents and producers, but also to discover contemporary trends and be inspired by what is happening in this industry.

And the Edinburgh crowd is very hot! In past years we have received a standing ovation practically every time. Amazing!

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

Train to walk!

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

The Fringe programme, to try not to miss the most interesting shows.

A portable charger, because at the Fringe you know when you leave the house but not when you come back!

A book, to try to disconnect from the frenzy of the festival every now and then.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Empathize with people. Don’t just leave the flyers, but stop to talk, joke, explain what the show is about. Add to that a little performance on the streets of Edinburgh and people will definitely notice you!

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

@blackbluesbrothers

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

Fun, music, acrobatics!