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!

A Singular Deception

Location:  The Royal Scots Club – The Hepburn Suite (Venue 241)

Dates: Aug 5th-10th

Time: 19:00

Price: £15

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/singular-deception

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Greetings. I’m a playwright and novelist of a certain age, and I’ve been involved with the theatre in one capacity or another since I was 11. I write predominantly about older women who rarely get the prominence they deserve.

Tell us all about your show!

This show was commissioned for the Fringe several years ago, was developed with ACE funding and then Covid struck. I’ve been desperate to tell Dr James Barry’s extraordinary story ever since it came to my attention. Now’s my chance!

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

This was the term used by the woman who uncovered the secret at the heart of the story. Verbatim theatre! 

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

Can’t wait to see the Dutch company who brought us WALK.MAN two years ago at the Zoo Southside. This year’s show is about tennis – my favourite sport! I’ve already booked The Outrun and Dear Billy and am about to book pretty much everything that’s on at the Traverse (might see Same Team again – it’s brilliant) and at Summerhall, especially the Paines Plough programme.

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 third Fringe (previously I directed Bloody Wimmin and Shakers, relocated to Edinburgh). Key advice: make your show stand out however you can and don’t get downhearted if you have a thin night or two audience-wise. There’s a lot of competition! Treasure the opportunity: it’s a privilege.

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

Wake after a night of dreams crowded with characters of shows I’ve seen. Review last night’s performance of our show – make cast notes. See a few shows during the day. Then off to The Royal Scots Club. Soak up the atmosphere. Set the stage. Talk to cast and crew. Fine tune. Physical/vocal warm-up. Hand over show to Stage Manager. Take a seat at the back of the auditorium and scan the audience. House lights down. And off we go …

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

Be ready to be surprised. Listen to recommendations and keep an eye on reviews. Make sure you know how to get to next venue (and how long it takes, given the crowds). Prepare for rain. Remember to eat! 

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

At home! I usually take a sandwich with me in case there’s no time to grab a bite or in case everywhere I like (like Seeds for the Soul, Bruntsfield or Tapas3 in Howden Street or The Three Birds) is heaving.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The excitement and sheer unpredictability of it.

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

Remember buses are usually brought to a crawl at best by the crowds. Walking is best – so learn your cut-throughs and alleys.

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

Passion, total command of the script, rainwear

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

Not personally. I have a website (very old school): www.hilaryspiers.co.uk. But you can follow EGTG on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X. 

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

To be astounded