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!

Ludomachy! The Summoning of Games

Location:  Brewdog Lothian Road (Venue 102)

Dates: Aug 3rd-10th

Time: 11:05

Price: Free

Ticket Link: https://freefringe.org.uk/shows/ludomachy-the-summoning-of-games/

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hi, I’m Dave.

I took up improv to get better at running Dungeons & Dragons, and it’s been a bit of a journey ever since.

I find intros hard because I don’t think I’m that interesting… but the show is!

Tell us all about your show!

Ludomachy is, as far as I know, the only live, audience participation game design show. Playing the Ludarch, a mysterious and eccentric game designer, I work with the audience to design, prototype, and test a game idea.

Most folks are surprised at how much we manage to get done in the hour! It’s at 11:05am at Brewdog Lothian Road. 3rd to the 10th.

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

I came up with the subtitle “The Summoning of Games” first, I wanted something that had more of a dramatic feel than “design” or “making”.

However I thought it needed a snappier title! Ludus is the Latin for games/play.

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

If I don’t just pick one I’ll be here all day, so I’m going to go for CJ Hooper’s: Impro Poet Presents: What if History It’s a lovely show, full of history facts and history fictions.

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.

This will be my third year, though I can’t afford to do a full run this year.

My main advice would be to budget as if you’re going to get a tiny audience, then everything else is a bonus!

For me, the experience is worth a huge amount, as is the opportunity to meet so many amazing people.

Finally, if you have a silly idea for a routine then there’s plenty of opportunities to give it a go. I did a musical cabaret routine last year!

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

This year I’ll be commuting in most days from Sterling, so an early start, an hour drive, then the bus. I’m absolutely not a morning person so it’s going to be tough.

After the show I’ll need some time to decompress, then hang out with some friends and maybe see a show.

Then the bus and a drive back. Pretty boring really.

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

Go with the flow, get chatting to people and find things you never thought you’d see. I saw an amazing clown show about a town meeting because I happened to be in the right place at the right time.

You won’t be able to do everything, or even one percent, which is kinda freeing if you think about it.

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

There’s a great Mexican place called The Basement. It’s in a basement. It has 3 for 2 tacos on Tuesdays.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Selfishly, it lets me hone my show and with it my game design skills. More importantly, there are so many amazing friends I’ve made through doing it!

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

Give yourself plenty of time. Having to rush means you aren’t going to be in a good mood to enjoy yourself!

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

Duct Tape

Emergency Snacks

Recognisible Hat

what’s the secret to successful flyering?

Have a good intro, highlight what’s different about your show. Flyering in costume helps, I’ve had people cross the street to see why there was a wizard outside the pub. I put little games on my flyers, which are played using other flyers, but that only makes sense because of my show.

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

Make Games Together!