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!

Anna Akana: It Gets Darker

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Upstairs (Venue 33)

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-4th, 6th-11th, 13th-18th, 20th-24th

Time: 17:30

Price: £11 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/anna-akana-it-gets-darker

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m an actress & writer that focuses on mental health advocacy in my work. 

Tell us all about your show!

It Gets Darker, true to its name, is a show that dissects death in all its forms in 3 stories: a stalker who threatened to end my life, my father volunteering for the Ukrainian war, and the suicide of my sister. 

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

I wanted to give people a clear idea of what to expect. 

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

I’m looking forward to parading through the town and choosing a show at whim, as well as seeing many of my friends perform their 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. 

I have not done the Fringe before, but I’ve been warned I will cry from the exhaustion at some point during the run. The advice I’ve heard is “don’t do it” and “why are you doing it” and “okay well good luck”. 

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

My hope is that I’ll be able to work out in the morning, work on my writing during the day, perform, then pass out immediately to get 8-10 hours of sleep. That said, I may just blob about until performance time each day depending on how arduous the process is. 

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

I’m a sober vegan who aggressively defends her bedtime, so my guess is most people would think my idea of enjoyment is quite boring. 

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

I love a kitschy vegan joint, so open to any recommendations!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I’m excited to hone my hour and go through a boot camp of performing. To play around on stage and discover new things while crafting it to be the tightest possible set it can be. 

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

Tie your identity to your punctuality and arrive accordingly. 

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

Comfortable shoes, LED light mask, your ego (to be torn to shreds).

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

I didn’t even realize people still used physical media. 

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

@AnnaAkana

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

If you have a dark sense of humor, have been touched by death, or just want to get away from the numerous clown shows that exist – come hang.