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!

Bangtail

Location:   Pleasance Courtyard – Cellar (Venue 33)

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

Time: 16:15

Price: £11 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bangtail

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

I’m Lil Wenker (real name), and I’m a clown from Minnesota. I graduated uni last year and moved to London this past September. I am extremely stubborn, I love treats, and my accent is really how I speak.

Tell us all about your show!

BANGTAIL is a clown western about a cowboy-turned-accountant searching for his purpose. I have many fond memories of staying up late to watch old spaghetti westerns with my dad. I’ve always found aspiration a source of humor. To me, there is something so funny about my dad, an accountant for an animal feed company and the most sentimental man in the world, aspiring towards the gruff masculinity of Clint Eastwood.

It’s truly a clown’s dream, for my dad, try as he might, will always fail to be anything other than himself. It’s funny and it’s sad and it’s curious all at the same time. But nonetheless, we’ve tried to make sure that more than anything, BANGTAIL is stupid and Silly.

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

Bangtail means a wild, unbridled stallion in cowboy slang.

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

I saw Nina Conti at my very first fringe in 2019 and always look forward to seeing such an incredible improviser (and one who includes the audience in such a kind manner). Piotr’s FURIOZO is also a masterclass in consensual audience interaction amidst wild chaos. Madeleine Rowe’s Knight, Knight is hitting the fringe circuit for the first time, and they are one of the most skillful and joyful clowns I know. And lastly, TROLL, the Norwegian clown duo, are returning with their wildly absurd and silly show. I’ve seen it twice, and I’m going 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?

My first time performing was in a two-hander last year. We did a clown ballet about corporate America for a 12 day run which was a blast and let me dip my toe into the madness before taking the plunge. I recommend eating lots of food to fuel the chaos, surrounding yourself with a great team, and staying away from The Hive.

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

I want to get to town early so that I don’t miss anything. When I arrive, everyone is still sleeping. I eat a vegetarian sausage roll and plan what to see that day. I walk around hoping to see my new crush—someone I met on the Royal Mile and will likely never see again. I go to Bobby’s, buy a cup of soup, and chat with my guys behind the counter.

I sit at Black Medicine, scorning the lack of wifi, and run into every person I’ve ever known. I’ve been in town since 10, and I’m exhausted. Why must I let FOMO dictate my life like this? Tomorrow, I’ll sleep in. I perform, run around to see some shows, eat something curry-adjacent, and finish the night with a beer at the Blundabus.

I never see my crush again. I walk home, feet tired and heart happy. The next day, I wake up and get to town at 10 AM. I don’t want to miss anything.

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

Seeing lots of things you’d never see outside of your city! I see lots of music and circus since I mostly spend time outside of fringe seeing comedy and theatre. I’m such a chatter, so I also love meeting new folks. I pass by the House of Fudge every day to get a sample (sometimes multiple times a day). Last year, they took down the free sample sign.

I’m trying not to take it personally.

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

BOBBY’S! Lentil soup and buttered ciabatta. I am a regular, and the men at the counter and I love to exchange music recs.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Getting to do the show every day for eager audiences. This sort of ideal environment doesn’t exist in the real world, and it’s so crucial for the work’s development!

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

Good shoes and being raised in a household where “on time” means 15 minutes early.

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

A cigar, leather chaps, a cowboy hat. I will not rest until everyone at fringe is showing Cowboy-solidarity.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Looking like an absolute idiot.

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

@not.little.wenker on Instagram!

You can also sign up to the newsletter of the theatre company I co-founded, which is producing BANGTAIL

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

Baddest. Man. Texas.