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!

16 Postcodes

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker One (Venue 33)

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-11th, 13th-26th

Time: 15:30

Price: £12.50 Concessions £11.50

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/16-postcodes

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hi there…My name is Jessica Regan, I’m an actor, writer and podcaster. I moved to London from Ireland in 2004 to train and I’ve been here ever since. I’m 42 and I figure bringing a one-woman storytelling show to Edinburgh Fringe seems as good a mid-life crisis as any.

Tell us all about your show!

 Well the title does some of the heavy lifting… In twenty years I have lived at 16 postcodes. Each one was so distinct in character and memorable for different life events that occurred at each one I thought it would be a good basis for a show…like a mosaic of experiences or a monologues playlist… there’s an overall journey with the monologues but the stories work as standalone, like each postcode is microcosm of London. We won’t get through all 16 in an hour so we’ll be mixing it up, never the same show twice and the audience will be a part of that.

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

The title came before the show, it started the whole process… I simply totted up all the places I’d lived and thought 16 Postcodes sounded special and my amazing producer Tom Salinky agreed.

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

I’m a big Sean Burke fan, he’s a terrific Irish sketch artist and comedian and he’s making his Fringe debut. I missed Lorna Treen last year so I’m glad she’s back for some shows but really my favourite thing about the Fringe is just taking a punt…I love walking around the city of Edinburgh so I’ll be wandering about drifting in an out of venues seeing all kinds of art made by all kinds of people. I love it.

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. And if you haven’t, how are you gearing up for it? 

I have indeed done the Fringe and had a variety of experiences. My advice is: remember it’s only three and a half weeks of your life. It can feel like your whole world but you were a whole human being before the festival and you will be afterwards. You’ll come up from the depths, you’ll fall from the heights, it will level off eventually. We’ve all run away for month to join the circus, so let’s use the time to seek out inspiration and connection in a beautiful city teeming with creativity.

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

Knowing me I’ll lie in bed listening to podcasts for far too long, bail on the exercise I planned to do and healthy overnight oats I prepared the night before and get something tasty on a café in Leith. I’ll walk by the water for a bit then bus it to the venue. After the show I will take in some shows, see some folks who are visiting and generally follow my nose. Some nights I will be tucked in bed with Netflix by 9pm, some nights I’ll end up at some immersive political nude cabaret til 2 in the morning. Anything’s possible in Edinburgh!

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

Hydrate, pause to sit in the midst of the madness and watch the parade go by. Be flexible, go off on your own for a bit.  Get talking… love some one’s show? Tell them if you see them. Let people flyer you. If you’ve limited time, book in advance but do allow at least one wildcard wander into a basement venue for something you know nothing about.

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

Do crisps and the celery stick in a bloody Mary count as serving food? Because Kay’s bar is my favourite hidden gem! A wonder of a place.

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

The fact that you can. That you can go somewhere for a month and make your own art for art’s sake and encounter so many kinds of people and creative endeavour… it’s Disneyland for theatre kids who refuse to fully grow up. Thank goodness we have somewhere to go.

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

Don’t think you can rely on Uber to get around. There’s a great bus service but it’s really a walking town with steps and steep laneways. Plan your route, don’t overstuff your day and wear comfortable shoes.

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

I think it’s more about what you don’t take! Travel as light as you can! Leave room in your suitcase for playscripts and vintage finds to bring back. Do pack some waterproof shoes/boots and some rain gear…people got actual trench foot in 2008. Allegedly.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Look out for the folks who look aimless, who are pausing to read posters and billboards. Don’t be shy, be their solution!

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

I’m on X @j.reegs and on Instagram on @j.reegs

My website is http://www.jessicaregan.com

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

Three words? You monsters…okay. The show is: My Whole Heart