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!

It’s the Economy, Stupid!

Location:  Pleasance Dome – Jack Dome (Venue 33)

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-6th, 8th-13th, 15th-20th, 22nd-26th

Time: 13:10

Price: £12.00 Concessions £10.00

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/it-s-the-economy-stupid

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hello there! I’m Joe, and I run Worklight Theatre – a collective of artists who make devised, ensemble and solo shows where the personal meets the political, and heads and hearts collide. We work a lot with memory and autobiography, and our process is grounded in devised theatre, so is incredibly collaborative.

Tell us all about your show!

It’s the Economy, Stupid! is a two-hander about the way economics shapes elections, and the cost of low-financial literacy in wealthy – but unequal – countries, like the UK. If that sounds a bit dry, don’t worry: it’s very funny! It’s also highly visual – courtesy of designer and co-performer Dylan Howells (Linbury Prize finalist 2017). Using a pinch of theatrical magic, it tells the true story of how my family lost our home and livelihood in the 90s recession, to examine the way economy shapes life for all of us, and to ask why so few of us understand really understand how.

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

‘It’s the economy, stupid’ was a phrase coined by James Carville, who ran Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. It wasn’t so much a public-facing message, as an internal one: i.e. elections are fought and won on economics – specifically, how voters feel the economy is or isn’t working for them. This message-discipline worked: that campaign was framed around the 90s recession, successfully painting Clinton has the candidate who cared more about its impact on ordinary people, and who had the answers to deal with it.

When researching this show, we found a documentary on New Labour’s 1997 election campaign; ‘it’s the economy, stupid’ was the screensaver in the computers in then-Shadow Chancellor’s Gordon Brown’s office! We also found many economists, such as Kate Raworth, who point out the things that aren’t measured in things like GDP – such as environmental damage, unpaid labour such as childcare, and the value of communities; and we’ve looked at inequality economists such as Thomas Piketty and Gary Stevenson.

It seems that elections are framed around quite a narrow view of economics, and that this can be quite far removed from things about the real economy that are vital for all of us, including secure housing, decent living standards, and a healthy, thriving planet.

That’s all very dense of course, so the real task is distilling our research, questions and development into a compelling 60-minute story!

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

James Rowland, Jonny and the Baptists, Remythed, Every Brilliant Thing, John Luke Roberts, I Really Think This Will Change Your Life, After the Levoyah, Piskie.

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? 

This is my/Worklight’s sixth Fringe – our first was 2012. The biggest piece of advice is pace yourself – it’s a marathon, so rest when you can and look after yourself and look out for your mates. When you do have the energy, soak up the atmosphere, see shows, climb Arthur’s Seat and get some fresh air (and perspective!). Oh, and make friends with your venue team – in fact, make friends, full stop.

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

Well, in previous years it’s been: drag myself out of bed, flyer for a bit, drink coffee, get ready for the show, do the show, have a pint, see a show, meet some friends, go to bed later than is wise, then wonder why I’m so tired!

This year I’m planning to do something more like: wake up, eat something healthy, warm up properly, take it easy after the show and get a decent night’s sleep. That’s the intention anyway…

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

If you’re visiting, look through the programme/website before you arrive and prebook shows you like the sound of. But also leave some space in your schedule so you have time to see a show that someone tells you about on the day, or gives you a flyer for – there are so many, and part of the joy is the spontaneity.

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

Maki and Ramen! But there are so many great ones: Piemaker, Mosque Kitchen, Kismot, to name a few.

Best thing about performing at the Fringe?

Doing 20-odd consecutive performances will make your show better, and you a better performer, so it’s amazing for your craft (and stamina!). And, of course, the people you meet: some amazing friendships and collaborations have started at Fringe.

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

I love walking, personally, but whichever mode of transport, give yourself 5-10 more minutes than you think you’ll need, so you’re not rushing/stressing, as it all gets very busy and crowded!

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

A waterproof coat; decent footwear; and sunscreen.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Chat to people. Not everyone will want to of course, but some will. If you can have a conversation about what they’ve seen, what they’re interested in, then you can chat about your show and whether it’s something they might like to take a chance on.

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

We’re on X (worklight_uk) and Instagram (worklighttheatre), and we’ll be posting production photos and updates leading up to Fringe and throughout!

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

Funny, moving, galvanising!