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!

NewsRevue

Location:   Underbelly, George Square – Udderbelly (Venue 300)

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

Time: 19:30

Price: £17.50 Concessions £16.50

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

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Micha: Hello! I’m Micha Mirto, I’m a director and I’m lucky enough to be working on NewsRevue (NR) at this year’s EdFringe along with Fergus Carver who will be Musical Directing. I work primarily in new writing/new musicals, so Newsrevue (which combines these) seemed like a perfect fit, which is what I repeatedly told Emma Taylor (Newsrevue producer/power-house) as I badgered her for the job.

Tell us all about your show!

Micha: Newsrevue is a long running reactive sketch show about current affairs. It’s rammed with parody songs, impersonations and satirical sketches – in short it makes a great time out of a pretty bleak time.

I think Newsrevue is more important than it’s ever been because we need satire; England is at the mercy of a PM no-one voted for, Trump may once again get his hands on some of the most powerful nuclear weapons in the world. Wars rage. Humans are terrible to each other. No wonder we’re all so f**king depressed. Newsrevue offers a hilarious musical lens through which we can begin to process the heinous nonsense of current affairs. This year’s show will be bitingly funny; a tonic for our times.

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

Micha: Well Newsrevue has been running for 45 years so I didn’t have to name it. Excellent. More time to be coming up with news based puns. If I had to guess (and the clues are there) I’d say the name came from the quick paced way that the show is built – you spend a day reviewing the news, a day making songs and sketches about it – and then you’re in. I guess Newsrevue does exactly what it says on the tin.

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

Micha: Ohhh so much! – Hannah Gadsby’s ‘Woof’ is on the list, as is Rob Madge’s ‘Your son’s a Queer (but what can you do?)’, Emma Taylors show ‘Man’ is right up there along with Lani Calverts piece ‘The Room Upstairs’.

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? 

Micha: I’ve done the fringe before – but a while ago so I’m excited to get amongst it. My job before we start rehearsals is to look at the year in review. In case you don’t know – Newsrevue runs constantly at it’s London home in Canal Cafe. Every 6 weeks a new director and cast take up the mantle so the run never stops – this is excellent news for me and Fergus Carver (MD and all round legend) because we get to choose from all of the content that has been created over the year – whilst adding our own. What an excellent position to be in.

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

Fergus – everyday will start with a coffee. Probably a chat in the kitchen with the rest of their team about shows we’ve seen and need to see. Ideally, I’m going for a walk or a run and getting outside. The reality is I’m probably nursing a hangover from having one too many whiskeys the night before. I’ll try and see at least one other show every day, factor in some flyering and take a trip to my favourite sandwich deli for lunch just off the mile. Then warm up and play the show. I’ll probably talk about needing a nap, probably talk about how I’ve spent so much money on cheesy chips and then have a drink with all my fans after the show.

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

Micha: Have a rough plan for your day – maybe with a couple of shows you definitely want to see (like Newsrevue – obviously) – and then throw caution to the wind. Take a chance and go and see something bonkers. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen was something I ended up at by accident; someone flyered me in a queue. I liked the look of the flyer so me and my exhausted friend trudged along – and were utterly blown away. So yeah. Take that chance.

Also schedule breaks! Take a few minutes a couple of times a day to sit still or drink/eat/consider your life choices. The fringe is incredible but it can be overwhelming – look after yourselves especially if you’re up for the whole month.

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

Micha: I don’t have a fave yet, it’s been a minute since I’ve been to the fringe – but I’m looking forward to trying so much of the food (big foodie over here) – things on my try list are Black Rabbit Vegan Deli and Paradise Palms.

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

Ferg: The best thing about performing at the fringe is the amazing energy of the audience. Everyone is so excited to be in Edinburgh. The show is different every day because of all the crazy different experiences we will have all had. The energy is electric and so exciting. The complete range of audiences and people and stories is so exciting to be part of and every show feels like such a unique moment. Also, the fact that every day is fulfilling my childhood dream is pretty cool y’know.

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

Micha: Run! I’m kidding but also not really. Some folks plan their days meticulously and I admire them casually strolling about with time to spare – but I’m much more likely to optimistically look at a start time and think – ‘Yeah! I can make that! Time/distance are no match for me!’. Which inevitably means I’m always a red out of breath sweaty mess – I do usually make it on time though. #result.

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

Micha: Suncream/Berrocca/A sense of whimsy OR a raincoat/berrocca/A sense of whimsy

What’s the secret to successful flyering?           

Micha: Energy, enthusiasm and a thick skin. Although actually flyering at the fringe isn’t as difficult as it might be because people expect it – most people are there because they want to watch great shows. We also have the added bonus that Newsrevue has been around for so long it’s become a fringe staple which means people are usually happy to hear about it. Finally, if you can flyer in costume. Do it in costume – silly wigs/bald caps/crowns really help.

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

Micha: twitter&Instagram: @michamirto

Fergus: @Fergus.carver on instagram

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

Micha: Hilarious Night Out.

Ferg: Geez. Behind. Keys. (Maybe don’t actually put that ahahagga)