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!

Dr Jo Prendergast: The Cool Mum

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

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-11th, 13th-25th

Time: 13:00

Price: £11 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/dr-jo-prendergast-the-cool-mum

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m a New Zealand based comedian, improviser, and actor.  By day I also work as a psychiatrist, author, and film producer. I am often tired.

I started standup comedy in 2017 at the age of 48.  It’s probably my version of a midlife crisis! I’ve been nominated and won several awards for my comedy in NZ and have toured around Australia in the last 2 years.

My teenage mental health book for parents ‘When Life Sucks’ is being released by Harper Collins in the UK June 2024.  

I married my husband last century and have two young adult kids (who feature in video clips in my show).  I live in beautiful Lyttelton Harbour in NZ and my ideal day is hiking, horse riding and swimming in the sea – followed by a comedy gig!

Tell us all about your show!

The Cool Mum is a clean, interactive, comedy show that contains relatable content for Gen Zers to Boomers. It’s a parody of a personal development seminar and is based on my own parenting experiences. I turn my parenting disasters into evidence that I am a truely cool mum!  It’s a show about family relationships and the quest for ‘coolness’! It includes hilarious video skits with my own teens and audience interaction such as a “Cool Dad make-over.” The Cool Mum won best solo show and audience favourite show at Nelson Fringe and has sold out at NZ and Australian festivals with 5 star reviews.

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

A friend suggested the title ‘The world’s coolest mum’ after seeing my first work in progress show.  I shortened the title to ‘The Cool Mum’.  I’ve been touring the show around NZ and Australia for a couple of years and many people refer to me as ‘The Cool Mum’ now – which is a perfectly accurate description of course!

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

I met several great UK comedians at Melbourne Comedy Festival.  I particularly loved Chloe Petts and Mark Simmons.  I’m keen to see Sarah Keyworth as I missed seeing their show and it won Most Outstanding Show at Melbourne.

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. 

It’s my debut in Edinburgh but I’ve done Adelaide Fringe plus Melbourne and New Zealand Comedy Festivals.  I’ve found the key things are self-care and focusing on having a fun time and connecting with audiences and fellow artists.  Measure success by the connections you make, rather than reviews and awards (they are just a bonus).

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

It’s the first time that I’ve done a daytime show so my routine will be a bit different – the afternoon nap will be after my show, rather than before! 

My day starts with 4 shots of coffee then a walk outside in nature (hopefully getting some morning sun!).  Then have some good brain fuel food before getting on with show promo on social media and any PR media requests.  Then it’s getting dressed and a bit of flyering if there’s time before the show (I’m lucky to have a flyering team for fringe)

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

Pace yourself!  You don’t need to do everything and see every show in the first few days.  It’s a marathon, not a sprint!  Get your 8 hours sleep, good nutrition and time moving outdoors.  See a wide range of shows- not just the ‘big names’.  As an artist, try and do line up shows – it’s a great way to meet other artists.

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

Probably my apartment as everything is twice as expensive as it is in New Zealand as our dollar is so weak against the pound!  Eating out will be an occasional treat so I’m keen for recommendations!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Definitely the people! I love connecting with new people, whether they are audience, fellow artists or others connected with the fringe.

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

Plan to see shows at the same venue if possible – saves a stressful rush around town. Presume everything will take longer than it does.  Punctuality is not my strength though – so I’m not the best person to ask!  I always think I can squeeze in more than I can!

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

Water bottle, comfortable shoes, fan (can you tell I’m menopausal?)

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Smiling, friendly energy – you want people to want to see more of you at your show! I like complimenting people as I hand out the flyer e.g. you look like a cool person – come to my show ‘The Cool Mum’ – or I just say ‘The Cool Mum’ and the title resonates with lots of people.

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

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjoprendergastcomedy/

Instagram – @drjoprendergastcomedy

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

Get ‘Lit AF’