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!

Bill’s 44th

Location:   Underbelly, Cowgate – Belly Button (Venue 61)

Dates: Aug 1st-11th, 13th-25th

Time: 18:55

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bill-s-44th

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hello! We are Andy and Dorothy, puppeteers and makers from NYC! 

Tell us all about your show!

Bill’s 44th is about Bill, who is throwing himself a party for his 44th birthday…where nobody shows up.  It’s a comedy!  And a tragedy!  It’s a wordless puppet show for adults!

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

Andy originally wanted to call it The Birthday Party, but then Dorothy reminded him that name was already taken by Harold Pinter. We don’t quite remember when Bill was named “Bill,” and, honestly, how old he was turning wasn’t super integral to the story.  We knew we didn’t want a milestone birthday, like 30th or 50th—we wanted an age that just kind of felt like another year.  And “44th” sounded the best!

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

We are so excited to see our friends in TROLL and N.Ormes! 

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?

Last year was our first fringe, and wow was it a learning experience. I think the best advice we could give is to remember to connect with your community.  It is so easy to get obsessed with audience numbers and flyering and selling your show, and the best thing you can do for yourself is to seek out the artists and work that speak to you and connect with them! It is so rare to be immersed in such a massive sea of weird, talented, creative people — take advantage of it!

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

Wake up, coffee, flyer with and/or take Bill around town for, go check on your puppets and props to see if you broke anything last night and then fix it, see a show (maybe two?!), preset your preset so that you’re ready to load in, get into costume, blow up 15 balloons, load in, DO THE SHOW, have a beer & party party, rally to see a late night show! Sleep.

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

 See the shows!  Talk to the people!  Eat gelato!

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

 The Jingle Bus by Khushi’s

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

People are here to see theater.  They want to love your work.  They are ready to see something weird and new.

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

 Get ready to climb those stairs.

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

Your show.  Deodorant.  Energy?

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

 Always bring Bill.

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

 IG: @bills44th

TikTok: bills.44th

Twitter: @Bills44th

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

Boozy Puppet Birthday