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!

Bella Humphries: Square Peg

Location:  Just the Tonic at The Mash House – Just the Bottle Room (Venue 288)

Dates: Aug 1st-11th, 13th-25th

Time: 18:10

Price: £8

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bella-humphries-square-peg

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hey, I’m Bella and I’m an actor turned stand up comic originally from Swindon. 

Tell us all about your show!

This is my debut hour and my show delves into my PMDD diagnosis and how that changed my perception of myself. It explores the general theme of identity and how much of us is made up of our environment and experiences. Along the way you’ll also hear all about my not so normal family, my experience of moving from the city to rural North Wales and my obsession with Instagram. 

How did you come up with the name for the show you’re taking to the fringe?

I was doing a writing session with Heidi Regan and whilst discussing themes of the show she mentioned about the feeling of being a square peg in a round hole. That encapsulated exactly how I felt and so, Square Peg was born. 

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

I have lots of friends debuting their shows this year so I’m really looking forward to seeing all of them. I’m also a huge musicals fan and am obsessed with Showstopper! The Improvised Musical so I can’t wait to watch that (again!)

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 done the Fringe before as an actor and I also did a two hander stand up show back in 2018. My main piece of advice is pace yourself. You aren’t going to be able to do everything so try not to burn yourself out in the first week over doing it. Oh, and try to have fun. 

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

I find having a routine quite difficult at the Fringe, purely because every day I’ll be doing different spots so my schedule will be all over the place. However, my one non negotiable is going to the gym. I have always found this such a saviour for my mental health during the Fringe and it gives me time each day to check in with myself, reflect and do something non comedy related!

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

As a performer, I’d say the best way to enjoy it is to run your own race. There is so much noise and it’s so easy to get caught up in how everyone else is fairing and how you should be doing more/better than you are. Celebrate your own wins – they will look different to other people’s. As hard as it is (I’m so guilty of this!) try not to compare how you are doing to other people. Comparison really is the thief of joy!

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

Probably the most basic bitch answer, but it has to be The Mosque Kitchen. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Getting the opportunity to perform my own show every single day for a whole month. It feels like such a privilege and I’m just really excited to be able to share my story with everyone. 

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

Everything takes longer than you think. Whether it’s because you bump into a friend and get chatting or you get caught up in a silent disco all journeys take longer than expected. Give yourself extra time so you don’t have to rush. 

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

Headphones (for pre show focus playlist/listening to something to get out of your own head), a reusable water bottle (always want to be hydrated) and comfy shoes/trainers (you’re going to be doing a lot of walking). 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

That’s a very good question – I am a terrible flyerer! However, I’d say try and find a USP or something interesting to say that’ll cut through the noise and get people’s attention. Also, be nice! 

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

I’m on both Tiktok and Instagram under the handle @hella.bumphries – that’s where you can see me most and find out more about me and my work. 

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

It’s really fun