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!

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Grand (Venue 33)

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-12th, 14th-25th

Time: 17:30

Price: £18 Concessions £15

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/showstopper-the-improvised-musical

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m the co-director/creator of Showstopper! I discovered improv almost 20 years ago while working with the great Ken Campbell. Since then, it’s been an adventure that’s taken me all over the world. I’ve written a book on improv (Improv Beyond Rules, published by Nick Hern books); set a world record for continuous longform improvisation (55 hours in Canada); written 15 plays and musicals; written songs for Ant and Dec; and have had four Olivier-nominated shows.

Tell us all about your show!

Showstopper has everything you could possibly want from any musical – great songs, sweeping storylines, bold characters, catchy tunes, and bags of joy – the only difference is we make absolutely everything up as we go along. Everything is completely improvised out of audience suggestions. To this day, it is still the only improvised show ever to win a major theatre award (Olivier). It has to be seen to be believed. It’s very, very funny, and often very moving.

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

Traditionally, a ‘showstopper’ is the big song towards the end of a musical that stops the show in its tracks and makes the audience go wild. Seemed appropriate.

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

Always love Nina Conti. She is on at the Pleasance Grand directly after we are.

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 a marathon, not a sprint; but see as much as you can over the time you have. Eat well. Hydrate. It’s okay to be emotional. It will be very tiring at times. Learn how to rest. See as many companies as you can from overseas. And do something different, like go to the cinema or go out of town for a break. 

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

I’m not a fan of routines and can feel very trapped in them, but… this year we are on at 5.30pm (not later as we often have been) which means I can get up earlier and do some writing. I’m working on a novel, a play, and a musical, so I am hoping to get lots written from a quiet apartment on the edge of town. Then I’ll set aside some days to check out the new UK improv groups and see some international work.

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

Take your time. See your friends. Don’t read reviews.

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

The Kitchin or Martin Wishart for fancy food. Pieminster for the passing pie.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Knowing that you are at the heart of the biggest arts festival in the world. The greatest acts are only a short walk away, and new discoveries are around every corner.

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

Try to do as much as possible on foot and leave yourself plenty of time.

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

A light but reliable waterproof, a phone charger, your inheritance.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Don’t take anything personally. Be respectful. You have enjoy meeting and talking to people to do that job – which is why I could never do it.

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

@ameggido @adammeggido adammeggido.com

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

An entertainment juggernaut.