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!

Rachel Fairburn: Side Eye

Location:   Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive) – Hive 2 (Venue 313)

Dates: Aug 1st-11th, 13th-25th

Time: 12:30

Price: £8 Concessions £6

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rachel-fairburn-side-eye

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

I’m a stand-up comedian from Manchester. Alongside live performance, I also co-host the true crime comedy podcast All Killa No Filla, alongside comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean. I’m a big fan of anything supernatural and a huge fan of the band Oasis.

Tell us all about your show!

I’m doing two shows this year, I’ll be doing my 2023 tour show Showgirl that explores the shyness I experience and my brand new show Side Eye. I’m super excited about my new show as it’s a character show which is something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s seven characters based loosely on the seven deadly sins. 

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

Side Eye came about naturally as all the characters in the show are people you’d definitely give the side eye too in some way.

It explores and celebrates the attributes in people that we dislike but also can’t get enough of

Showgirl…I’ll be honest I just wanted to wear a showgirl costume on the poster

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

Tom Lawrinson, Justin Moorhouse and Nina Gilligan. All brilliant acts from the North. 

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.

Be prepared to lose money and go up with a show you really love. Never take a show you are a bit ambivalent about and never go just for the sake of it. You will hate it.

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

I’m very insular when I’m at the fringe, I can’t do anything before my shows as that’s my focus. I can’t relax until after all the gigs are done and then I’ll probably go back to my flat and watch a dreadful made for TV movie on YouTube while eating noodles.

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

Don’t put pressure on yourself. It’s meant to be fun.

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

I don’t have a particular fave but anything that’s got noodles is a win

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Being able to take something you’ve created to a huge audience

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

If you can, walk everywhere

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

Waterproof coat
A kindle
A mug from home as it makes you feel settled

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Genuinely no idea. Hate flyering. Never did it even for my own show. I’m just very much of the opinion of people want to come they will. Not in the business of convincing people they’ll enjoy me. I’d rather perform to 10 people who wanted to be there than a full room of people who I’ve had to beg to come in

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

I’m on all the usual platforms @rachelfairburn

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

You will laugh