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!

Character Flaw

Location:  Underbelly, Bristo Square – Clover (Venue 302)

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-111th, 13th-26th

Time: 14:25

Price: £11.00 Concessions £10.00

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/character-flaw

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello!  I’m Philippa Dawson, but you can call me Pip!  I’m a Queer and Neurodiverse writer and actor, living in London but dreaming of living in the wild hills!   

Tell us all about your show! 

Character Flaw is a solo comedy, filled with Neurodiverse and Queer joy, that is returning to the Fringe for a second run!!  The show is a really fast paced and colourful exploration into a life with ADHD and queer identity.  A review once described it as “Endearingly Chaotic”, and I loved that!  It’s a really fun show that bounces between laughter and tears.

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

I was diagnosed with ADHD 7 years ago, and until then I just thought I was a massively flawed person.  I’d heard so many negative comments throughout my life, forgetful, lazy, too much, overly emotional, ditzy, away with the fairies … the list goes on. But when I learnt that these so-called flaws, were actually symptoms of ADHD I couldn’t believe it!!  A diagnosis changed my life and when it came to naming the show the title ‘Character Flaw’ felt perfect.

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

There are a lot of Neurodiverse shows I’m really interested in seeing.  Especially Neurochatter at the Space, eBae at Underbelly, and That’s Not My Name at Zoo!

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 took this show to Edinburgh last year and that was my first time performing up there… to say it was a learning experience is a massive understatement.  I told myself I’d write down everything I learnt …. But of course, I didn’t.
But some big advice I’d say is to find a support network.  I was hugely lucky to be staying with a best friend, and without her support I would have seriously struggled.  But even with her there, the days were long, and I was out all hours so having people I could connect with was invaluable. I’d recommend anyone to make connections with other shows before you go to Fringe, and once you’re up there, to prioritize events at the beginning where you can meet people.  This is where you meet so many people, and you can all support each other!  Fringe connections I made helped me everyday and I’m so grateful!

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

People with ADHD tend to thrive in a routine/schedule. So, I’ve based this on my days from last year, (changing parts based on what did and didn’t work) and hopefully by writing this down I’ll actually stick to it!

 So, I start every day with a quiet cup of tea outside (my New Year’s resolution this year and it’s been so helpful!) After that I’ll make a fried egg and avocado breakfast and a giant smoothie to last the day. I find fuelling myself difficult over the fringe as I’m always on the go. So, if I at least start well, and have a packed smoothie (think bananas, oats, almond butter, protein powder) I’ll at least have some good stuff! 

The friend I’m staying with is a yoga teacher, so we might do some morning sessions. Then I’m out usually for the whole day, flyering as I go.  I might catch a morning show if I have time before I need to warm up and prep for my 2.25 show. After a show it’s always so varied. I try not to drink much but will always socialize with friends and family who have come up. Then I might see a show or 2, depending on how much admin work I need to do that evening. I try… but don’t usually make it bed before midnight. 

(Sometimes last year I’d go to Portobello Beach in the morning for a sea swim!  With an earlier show time this year however … I’m not sure how realistic an early start would be.  But I’ll do my best!)

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the fringe?  Carry a jar of honey and a spoon everywhere you go …

Who am I becoming?? I sound like a mum, but honestly one of the best ways you can keep enjoying the Fringe, is to stay looking after your well-being. Last year I said yes to everything… until I got sick, lost my voice and had to say no to things. This year I will still try to say yes to everything I want to, but also really focus on conserving my energy and respecting my time. 

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

Mosque Kitchen!! And a few doors down the best Dahl is at 10 to 10!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The constant refreshing of energy!! The city floods with new people every day, who want to explore, watch shows and have fun. It’s a great environment to be in and share your work to.

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

If someone has the answer, I’d love to know it. I can regularly be seen sprinting down the cobbles, dodging flyerers and arrive at shows covered in sweat and gasping for water…  

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

Whatever you need for a good night’s sleep! I lugged a weighted blanket and mattress topper and up to Edinburgh and don’t regret it for a moment!

 What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Look happy, cool, fun, colourful, interesting ….  People get so much information handed to them, so many pitches, and half the time they aren’t taking it in. I’d find that a great outfit, lots of energy and a big smile draws someone in from the get-go.

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

@characterflawtheplay for Instagram and @probablypip for any of my other performing bits

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

DISCOVER NEURODIVERSE JOY