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!

 Good Boy

Location:  theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Theatre 2 (Venue 53)

Dates: Aug 12th-17th, 19th-24th

Time: 20:55

Price: £12.00 Concessions £10.00

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

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Sophia: I’m a British Cypriot Transgender Woman who has been in the theatre industry for 15 years. The first time I came to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival was 2011 and in 2024 Good Boy will be my Directorial debut at the fringe. 

James: I’m a queer and neurodivergent actor originally from Staffordshire. GOOD BOY is a double debut for me: It’s the first play I’ve written and my first time performing at the Fringe. I first wrote GOOD BOY 8 years ago for my dissertation at drama school and thanks to Mrs C’s Collective’s writers’ programme, The Writers’ Collective, I finally feel ready to tell my story. 

Tell us all about your show!

Sophia: Boy has moved from the seclusion of the countryside to Manchester and is in love with his first boyfriend. But, after a devastating secret comes to light, his world falls apart. This is a comedy of trauma, the social politics of Grindr, and suicidal rabbits. Good Boy is a comment on relationship and power dynamics within the Gay Male community focusing on the unspoken world of ‘Twink Culture’. But Good Boy extends further to an observation of partnerships, power dynamics and abuses that are so prevalent in many varied relationship structures. 

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

James: Ultimately, the play is exploring how Boy is viewed by the men in his life, how they see him, and if he will allow it to define who he is. I wanted something short and snappy that perfectly captured that while being a little bit cheeky and sexy… but watching the show, and realising why it is called GOOD BOY, the title becomes something twisted and uncomfortable. 

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

Sophia: Timeless starring John Rayment.
Knives and Forks by Danielle James
Bi-Curious George: Queer Planet 

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.

Sophia: My first time at the Fringe was in 2011 and all I will say is enjoy it! Putting on a show is only one aspect of the Fringe. It’s a time to meet other performers, directors and creatives. A time to watch as much theatre as you can and get inspired. There are so few occasions or events where a celebration of live performance is placed at the forefront…ENJOY IT! 

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

James: Mornings will begin with reflecting the previous night’s show with Sophia (Director) and troubleshooting anything needed. Digital Marketing/Social Media comes next with making sure our running props are all brought and supplied.

Then it’s hit The Mile and promote the show in town. Hopefully catch a show before I get ready to perform GOOD BOY – which starts at 8:55pm. If you want to stay and chat about the show to continue the conversation you can find me in the bar afterwards (I’ll take a cider or lager, thanks in advance). If I’m not completely dead on my feet I’ll try and catch another show, then off to bed to do it all again. 

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

James: I’ve attended the Fringe only once before and if I’ve learned anything, it’s to just say Yes. Be willing to try something completely new. Even better, say yes to something you’d think you’ll probably hate! You never know, you might end up falling in love with a new art form. 

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

Sophia: There are a few, but for my coffee and a snack I always head to Kafe Kweer – An award winning sober queer space full of food, local art and most importantly good coffee! 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

James: Well, since it’s my Fringe debut, I’ll let you know once I find out! But I’m most excited about meeting incredible new artists and hopefully forming connections for life. 

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

Sophia: Make sure you know your route and if taking public transport think about delays…it’s often better to get the steps in. 

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

James: Umbrella, coat (it may be summer, but it’s still Scotland), and multivitamins. 

what’s the secret to successful flyering?

Sophia: Work sharp not hard, know your one line you will say to grab someone’s attention. Exit flyering on shows that are of similar theme or genre and work with other shows – if your show isn’t their cup of tea another might be and vice versa. 

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

Instagram: @goodboy_theplay
Twitter: @GoodBoytheplay 

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

James: Traumatic, (hopefully) funny, (hopefully not) relatable.