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!

Tom Greaves: FUDGEY

Location:   Assembly Roxy – Downstairs (Venue 139)

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-13th, 15th-18th, 20th-26th

Time: 17:55

Price: £11 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-greaves-fudgey

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

I’m a comedian/actor/writer taking my debut solo show FUDGEY to the Fringe.  I’ve been straight acting for a long time and this is my first comedy show.  I trained at LAMDA and Ecole Philippe Gaulier.  Acting helps me be funny.  I’m also an idiot.  

Tell us all about your show! 

It’s a brutally funny dark comedy about boarding school.  An anarchic, emotional, madcap adventure into Fudgey’s psyche and the world of privilege he’s/I’m from.  

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

Fudgey is the name of the main character.  It also could be a noun. 

n. fudgey 1.  A person lost in who they should be  2. (derogatory) A fuck-up who went to boarding school.  If the show’s a success I’m hoping it’ll be officially added to the Oxford dictionary.  

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

My director Lara Ciulli with her character comedy show The Sister’s Fig – two stupidly funny & talented Gaulier clowns.  Genius Trygve Wakenshaw who’s back with a new show (he’s helping us a bit with Fudgey too) and my brilliant friend Lucy Pearman’s new show where she plays the moon.  

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.

Yes I’ve done a fair few fringes.  I haven’t ever been given any valuable advice myself but I have learned that it’s ok to fall apart when it gets too much.  The fringe will take it’s toll and the best thing you can do is let it out.  A good cry, ideally with someone who you trust, is sometimes the best thing you can do.  

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

I live in Edinburgh so a cold swim in the sea and porridge for breakfast are what I do year round anyway, which I try to maintain.  Then having a big healthy lunch, before getting ready to head into town to flyer.  If I can at least ground myself for the first half of the day then I can afford to eat a bit of shit in the evening and have a pint.  And I always have a cuppa and a Tunnocks wafer before I go on stage.    

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

Apart from enjoying performing, the people you meet is always the best part.  Enjoy and savour every interaction, they could be your audience, or a friend, but try and be present with them.  After it’s all over it’s back to reality and I always miss seeing people. 

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

I love those venison burgers you get near Assembly.  

Best thing about performing at the fringe? 

Being seen by an audience doing stupid shit that I love doing, which, because I love doing it so much, has been honed to the nth degree.  Performing honed stupid s*** is the best.

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

I have ADHD so I’m always late.  I guess just try and get there early!  But the voice in my head says this and I let him down ALL THE TIME

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

Water bottle, a flask of tea, and a strapped-to-your-back corex sign with your show on. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Keep moving.  I chat for way too long and I think it’s best to keep it fairly brief (especially when you’re about to speak on for an hour solid!) Don’t just hand the flyers out willy nilly but don’t exhaust yourself in conversation either.  

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

@tdrgreaves

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

Same three as in my review: Funny.  Clever.  Disturbing.