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!

Chris Tavener is Faking Cool

Location:   theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall – Theatre 3 (Venue 53)

Dates: Aug 2nd-10th, 12th-17th

Time: 18:10

Price: £8 Concessions £7

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/chris-tavener-is-faking-cool

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! I am a singer-songwriter from Manchester with a penchant for writing musical comedy. I’ve released a whole host of satirical, rock songs that tackle subjects like coffee-drinking, smartphone rivalry, life coaching and travel influencers; to name but a few. I’ve been pretty lucky in my career to work with all sorts of names from Peep Show’s Super Hans to BBC’s Mark Radcliffe and Sir Ian McKellen.

Tell us all about your show!

My debut fringe show is called ‘Chris Tavener is Faking Cool’ and as well as being a madcap journey through these collections of songs, there’s a linear thread about fakery. I decided my very first show had to have a theme that would interrogate performing live and what in the world drives us as writers to put on this performer ‘mask’ and get up in front of an audience.

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

I’ve had a song called ‘Faking Cool’ out for a while which was about the various rock ‘n’ roll posers I’d met on the music gigging scene. Many wannabe Bruce Springsteens or Bob Dylans…I got thinking about this theme and how I’d neglected to skewer my own ego as an artist. I thought I’d challenge myself to write a show that’s self-deprecating and really seeks to ridicule the act of being a performer on stage. Hopefully, I’ll still have some performer friends left after all this! 

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

There are other musical comedy acts I’m a fan of and I’m hoping to catch like: Mitch Benn, Huge Davies and Jazz Emu. But more than anything I’m looking forward to discovering new acts that I meet at the festival. Other artists who have a debut show like me. 

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. 

This will be my debut! The advice from fringe friends seems to be bring a thick skin and some very hardy shoes – and I’m sure they’re not just talking about the chilly Edinburgh weather. On a less practical level, the advice seems to be: remember to stop and enjoy the experience, take care of yourself and bring buckets of enthusiasm for what will be a crazy ride. 

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

Wake up with a sore head (probably) from late-night shows and grab some breakfast. I’m planning to make Fringe Central my home from home, so I will plan to head there and get excited for another day of unbridled success (if I don’t manifest it – who will?!) Then it’ll be out to flyer across the streets of Edinburgh. If I can, I would love to get inspired with an afternoon show before I need to prep for my show at 18:10 each evening.

I’ll be hoping to make the best use of variety shows and showcase events as well, before and after my show. My close family have visited the Edinburgh fringe before, so luckily I have a support network that understands the task; in the evening I’ll be hoping to check in with them, plus fringe friends.

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

I would say the best way to enjoy the fringe, is engrossing yourself in the unplanned and unexpected. Let yourself be dragged into a show you’ve never heard of, in a venue you’ve never been to and the chances are you’ll stumble across something that will really inspire you.

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

So many places! Auld Jock’s Kitchen in the Grassmarket was one of the first places that I tried a haggis pie with neeps & tatties – I used to go back every year. The fact that it’s now been replaced by a seafood restaurant, just further enshrines it in my memory as the stuff of legend! There’s still an Auld Jock’s Cafe on George IV Bridge if you’re a big fan of a pie shop, which as a Northerner, I certainly am.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Though I haven’t experienced it first-hand yet, I think it has to be the community. I know from my years visiting and doing showcase spots that there seems to be a really supportive feeling from the performers who have shows on at the fringe. I can’t wait to be an official part of that network this year.

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

I think the best advice I would give is to double and triple check you have the right venue for every show. Too many times, I’ve had to run across across town because I’m at Venue 11, instead of 111. It’s those sort of times that I wish there was a fireman’s pole from South Bridge to Cowgate; though I’m sure that’s not great town planning.

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

A raincoat (aforementioned Edinburgh weather)

A digital clock, stage side. Shows in Edinburgh fit into a very strict venue schedule. Personal preference maybe, but I think you’re going to need a way to check you’re running to time, without looking like you’re bored and checking your phone.  

A reusable coffee cup. Not only is it green, but it’ll serve as a welcome reminder to take breaks from the chaos now and then.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

I think originality is key – I still remember this guy who was dragging a coffin through the Royal Mile with all his flyers attached. He didn’t talk to anyone, he looked almost begrudgingly part of the flyering masses, and that sort of ironic humour really appeals to me.

Of course any gimmick has to be relevant to your show, but I think an original idea like that is the key to standing out and getting people to notice and remember you. 

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

You can find me on all the socials with the same tag @ChrisTavener

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

So f******* cool