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!

Julie Flower: Grandma’s Shop

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

Dates: Jul 31st Aug 1st-11th, 13th -26th

Time: 12:20

Price: £12.00 Concessions £11.00

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/julie-flower-grandma-s-shop

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m Julie Flower, and I’m an improviser, actor and writer based in Kent.  I’ve performed a number of times in Edinburgh over the last few years, including as part of improv group Improbotics and new-writing group Orange Works…but this is my first solo show!  When I’m not on stage, I run a leadership development company and I teach executive coaching at Henley Business School.  Basically, I’m very interested in humans and how we interact with each other.

Tell us all about your show!

Grandma’s Shop is a multi-character solo comedy-drama, based on the life of my own grandma, Hilda Flower, who ran a second-hand clothes shop in the centre of Sheffield for well over 30 years, from the early 60s to the mid-90s.  It’s on at Gilded Balloon.  It’s a show about family history, the power of memory and, ultimately, love.  And it is also about a wonderful self-styled eccentric, cat-loving pensioner who ran a treasure trove of a shop, and defied norms and expectations. 

I hope that it will encourage people to think about who we remember, how and why.  So, it has everything from women’s and class history, to the Sheffield music scene, to vintage clothes!  Grandma also courted media attention during her lifetime, including having an article written about her in The Guardian. Using that as a starting point, I’ve used the development of the show as a living history project, discovering new articles and hearing from former customers who remember her and the shop.  Who knows what else I might discover during the course of the run?! 

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

I helped out in the shop every weekend when I was a child, and it was always known in our family, and amongst my friends, as ‘Grandma’s shop’.  So it seemed like the obvious title.  

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

I loved Fred Deakin’s life-affirming, inventive and moving Club Life show last year.  It’s great to see it back, this time at TheSpace, so I’ll definitely be going (probably more than once!).  It’s like the best combination of immersive theatre, storytelling and clubbing!  I have fond memories of dancing whilst waving a feather duster last time…but I won’t say any more as I don’t want to spoil the fun!

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. 

Yes, several times with new scripted work (as part of ensemble Orange Works) and as an improviser (including with Improbotics).  My advice would be to soak it all up, see as much as you can…but pace yourself!  And try not to negotiate on a good sleep!

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

I wake up around 8am and, as a mark of true decadence, try and get a bit of reading time in bed with a coffee.  Then I’ll try and do some sport (a swim of a jog or go for a nice long walk) before making breakfast or, my favourite, sometimes heading out to have breakfast and read a newspaper in a café. 

Usually, I fit in a few shows each day but, depending on the timing of my own show, try not to over-pack the day…although it’s tempting.  I also often meet up with friends who are in town for coffee, to see a show or to take advantage of the wider and wonderful cultural delights of Edinburgh.  If I’m not catching a night bus back from an evening show (sometimes with a Scotch pie in my pocket!), then I’m tucked-up in bed as I do like my sleep and I need to pace myself!

I also love to take notes on everything I’ve seen.  It’s fantastic for inspiration and just to act as a reminder as it can all be a bit of a blur!

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

Be open-minded, curious, and supportive.  And factor in plenty of refreshment and rest breaks!

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

I love Café Marlayne on Thistle Street for a special treat French lunch or evening meal.  Remember to book as it’s tiny and very popular!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The sheer variety of shows on offer and the warmth of the audiences.  As both a performer and an audience member there is an atmosphere like nowhere else!

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

If you can, I think nothing beats walking.  Try and look ahead and find the shortcuts and roads less-travelled, as there are some real bottlenecks.  Be patient, kind and aware of those around you…and the traffic.  Last year I had 30 minutes between finishing in Improbotics at the Gilded Balloon Teviot to being on stage with Orange Works at TheSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.  I needed to get changed in that time.  I found calm but purposeful and pacey walking was the only way.  And it worked!

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

A good refillable water bottle

Comfortable pyjamas

A daily planner with different coloured pens

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Be jolly and not too pushy. And really think widely about why different people might be interested in seeing your show.  

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

Instagram: @grandmas_shop_play

X: @GrandmaShopPlay

Facebook: facebook.com/grandmasshopshow

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

Clothes.  Cats.  Counter-culture.