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!

Kate-Lois Elliott: How to Belong Without Joining a Cult

Location:   Gilded Balloon Patter House – Bothie (Venue 24)

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-18th, 20th-26th

Time: 16:00

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/kate-lois-elliott-how-to-belong-without-joining-a-cult

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hi, I’m Kate, I’m a comedian, writer and actor based in the south.

Tell us all about your show!

On the surface, the show is about cults and my family’s involvement in one. But really, it’s more about how humans are tribal and like to form groups and how those groups can sometimes get a bit culty – from lifestyle groups to friendship groups to Tescos Club Cards. It’s about how anyone can accidentally join a cult, because groups are safe and the world is a confusing place to live in. 

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

In this instance, I’d say this show does exactly what it says on the tin. 

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

There are so many excellent female comics this year so I’m going to mention a few – Kate Cheka, Katie Norris and Katie Green… actually anyone with my name… but genuinely, I think those women are going to be excellent and you should go see them.

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 have been before but this is my first year doing the entire month. My best advice for anyone going up for the first time is prepare for a rollercoaster and pace yourself. 

I’ve been given a bunch of advice from veterans over the years, in particular: drink loads of water, try to enjoy yourself, see as much as you can…and I’ve also been given the exact Google coordinates for a good alleyway to weep in.

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

It would be great to say I had a routine but it really depends on what I’ve committed to doing that day. So in terms of routine I’d say shower and coffee, and then do the gigs and take it as it comes, maybe a nice tinnie for the walk home at the end of the day. Also, if I’m at the Pleasance Courtyard, I will do everything in my power to get a Cronut from their coffee cart (trust me) and that’s about it!

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

I think audiences know what to do – just see as much as you can and lap it all up.

If you’re a performer, take every moment with a pinch of salt and always check in with the people you bump into. We’re all in it together. And go and see stuff that you’re genuinely curious to see regardless of how ‘useful’ it might be. 

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

The Cronut place in the Pleasance Courtyard. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

It’s just nice to be part of it and you’ll always leave a better performer than when you started. 

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

Get some good walking shoes.

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

I don’t know about everyone else but for me it’s a yoga mat, earplugs and an umbrella.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Really it’s about knowing the show and having that personal touch. There’s no point in saying, ‘It’s good’. All the shows at the Fringe are good and unique but people have their specific tastes and you want to catch the sorts of people who will hear about your show, get excited and book tickets.

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

I am @kateloiselliott on Instagram & Tiktok 

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

Free cake on the door. That’s 4 words and it’s also not true. But seriously, never trust anything that offers free cake if you join, you’ll understand when you see my show…