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!

Chelsea Birkby: This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky

Location:   The Stand Comedy Club 2 – Stand 2 (Venue 5)

Dates: Aug 1st-5th, 7th-11th, 14th-19th, 21st-25th

Time: 16:10

Price: £10 Concessions £8

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/liam-farrelly-flipbook

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hello! I’m Chelsea Birkby! I’m tall, which always surprises people – what does that mean? I’m scared of cows but working on it. I have a playlist called ‘Perfect Songs’. It’s got 9 songs and one of them is Vengaboys. Okay two of them.

Tell us all about your show!

It’s about desire and the body and it’s my most vulnerable and silly show yet. Come if you like jokes, cheekiness and over-intellectualising things.

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

‘This is Life’ covers the philosophy, ‘Cheeky Cheeky’ covers the ass. What more could you want?

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

Sarah Roberts is doing her debut show, she makes me laugh so much.

I watched Joe Kent-Walters’ BBC new comedy award set about 20 times I love it, so I’d like to see Frankie Monroe IRL.

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, this is my second solo show, but, I think, sixth fringe?
Go and see shows/people you’ve never heard of, that’s what you’ll be talking about for years to come.
If you’re new to performing at the fringe, remember that things outside of ticket sales, bucket money and reviews exist. There’s also beer, haha. Also, you don’t need that many flyers I promise.

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

What year?
Pre COVID doing split bills it was gig, beer, gig, beer, sleeeeep. So fun!

Debut year was intense for me mentally. So that was more: wake up, cry, print reviews and stick them on my big face! Do a spot. Flyer. Do my show (best bit of the day!). Watch a show (also best bit). Come home and eat two portions of tortellini and watch Bojack Horseman on my blow up bed. It deflated overnight. And repeat.

This year, I want to get a good balance of performing, watching, seeing friends, sleeping and …sorry this is the most unlikeable thing I’ve ever said… maybe even working out??? Turns out it’s good for my mental health, boo!

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

Physiological needs: when was the last time you slept for 7 hours? When was your last vegetable?
Love and belonging: See friends, watch shows full of joy
Self-actualisation: Play! What a joy to perform and connect with people.

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

THE MOSQUE KITCHEN!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The fringe has its own distinctive energy which is sort of like monster energy. 

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

Add an extra 10mins to what Google Maps says (festival tax!), wear comfy shoes even it harms the fit (sad).

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

Portable charger, waterproof backpack, blu tac.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Playfulness.! For my first show ‘No More Mr Nice Chelsea’ I’d say ‘Want to see a really horrible show?’ but with a big friendly smile. People stopped! 

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

Instagram!!!! @chelseabirkby Stories for the fun stuff (cow updates) main for the “proper” stuff (photos in nice clothes)

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

Be cheeky too.