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!

Nerine Skinner: The Exorcism of Liz Truss

Location:   Just The Tonic at The Caves – Just Out of The Box (Venue 88)

Dates: Aug 1st-11th, 13th-25th

Time: 14:40

Price: £8.50

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/nerine-skinner-the-exorcism-of-liz-truss

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I am a comedian, actor and deviser. I’ve been part of a comedy duo, “Franks and Skinner” and most recently a comedy cabaret trio, “The Dots” and together we reached the Semi-Finals of Britain’s Got Talent.  I’m off to Edinburgh this year with my debut solo show and I’m really excited!

Tell us all about your show!

Back in 2022 I started doing parodies of Liz Truss. It was going really well and then 49 days later everything stopped! I think I was the only one who was benefiting from Liz Truss’ premiership. Since then whatever I do, I’m compared to Liz Truss and everytime I think she has gone, she pops up with a new book, or a launch of a new party. My show explores my codependency with her, as well as concerning similarities as I try to move on with my career and life. The show feautres stand up and heartfelt stories, songs and silliness, as well as many characters, both political and non political, who help me throughout the show to exoricse her from my life.

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

I’m actually a very indecisive person, so this was a really hard choice. I was going to call the show “Nerine Skinner: In Two Minds” to play off of Liz being inside my head as well as this indecision, however I kept coming back to the idea that it’s about trying to escape her grasp and the word exorcism kept popping up. I think I asked about 50 people for their opinions! And I confused myself more! But in the end I felt that this was a really striking title and says exactly what the show is.

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

I’m looking forward to seeing Suchandrika Chakrabarti, Will Seabag-Montefiore, Ben Goldsmith, Chris East, Lil Wenker, Alex Kitson, A Stan is Born, Dear Annie I Hate You, Yes, We’re Related and so many others. I’m doing a Soho Edinburgh Labs course and it’s full of excellent comedians, so do check out my socials as I will mention and post about all of them as there are too many to write down and they all deserve to be on this list!

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 done it three times before, but as a group or duo. I think the best piece of advice I would give to anyone going up for the first time would be to enjoy it and take it in, as it is such a wild ride and to just go with it, whatever it brings. And most importantly, to laugh when you can. It can be so stressful and expensive, as well as hard to keep on top of everything. I also think that having a network of people to call upon makes such a big difference too, so find your group or meet lots of lovely new people and look after each other.

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

(I hope this will happen…) I hope to get up and have a nice healthy breakfast, do some admin and make sure I’ve done a bit of a warm up and then head into town, do some flyering before my show. Then afterwards come down from the adrenalin and go and see as many shows as I can to soak up the atmosphere. 

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

I think to go and be inspired by other people’s work and to support other comedians and creatives. It feels like a network up there that’s contained to one area and being amonsgt it and feeling supported makes everything feel more enjoyable. 

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

Oh wow, I haven’t been there for so long I can’t remember. I was last at the fringe in 2019 and I think my best friend just became any chippy open late at night to get on the bus back home with. I’m very easily pleased… just no ketchup! 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

To put your work out there at the worlds most famous festival and know that that in itself is a massive achievement. And to reach audiences you wouldn’t usually. It will be great to connect with all these wonderful people from all over the world.

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

Run… just wherever possible walk fast or run. Sorry I realise it’s impossible to run down the pavements as there are so many people. So just walk fast where possible and avoid getting run over in the road! But also, do your research. I’ve made the mistake of thinking there’s enough time to get somwhere and they I realise it’s a 45 minute walk. So I’d say make sure you do your route planning before buying tickets so that logistics all work out. That way you won’t have to run like me!

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

A raincoat, at all times. Water because it’s very easy to think that beer and wine will work as a substitute and some snacks of some kind. It’s always good to know you have something for an emergency!

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

I’m not sure I’ve worked that out yet, but I think it’s about being confident about what you’re promoting. Know your show and also be yourself and don’t worry too much if people aren’t accepting your flyer, just keep on going and doing your best. 

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

I’m across all socials @nerineskinner and @nerineskinnercomedy on YouTube and my website is www.nerinskinner.co.uk where you can find out more about me!

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

Silly, truthful and unique