When you have performed at Fringe’s such as Tallinn or New Zealand does it prepare you for the bright lights of Edinburgh Fringe? Well comedian Heli Pärna takes us behind the scenes of what is like to debut at Edinburgh this year and what she has learnt along the way…

As I am writing this, it has been a few hours since I received my first ever review and it was 5 stars! (An hour later, I also got a 3.5 stars, but we will focus on the five, of course we will). As a disclaimer, I have to say that 2.5 years ago when I first started comedy in the small scene in Brussels I was very lucky to find success almost immediately. I never bombed, I always got a laugh and after years of acting and improv with less success, I really felt like I had found my niche. 

“…If Tallinn Fringe was kindergarten for me as a comedian, then Edinburgh has been high school …”

I gave myself two goals – write a solo show and go to Edinburgh Fringe. My show the Adventures of the White Unicorn premiered at Tallinn Fringe in August 2023 and I was lucky enough to perform it in other cities in Europe as well as in New Zealand. So I was ready for Fringe Vol.2! I participated in all the Edinburgh Fringe information sessions, a couple of them at 4 AM because I was in New Zealand at the time. I planned, I perfected, I had everything figured out! Or so I thought. Nothing really prepares you for being at the Fringe for the first time and all alone. 

For the first time I experienced the pains of a struggling artist with an audience of 4 people the first night who were there because I gave them free tickets and that included my amazing landlady and her two friends. I did not expect to be fighting with another performer about flyering because my unicorn costume was too distracting and I did not expect to feel like a nobody. But I am grateful for the experience because it feels ever so rewarding to get the recognition.

“I planned, I perfected, I had everything figured out! Or so I thought. Nothing really prepares you for being at the Fringe for the first time and all alone…” 

I have always felt a little out of place, something I touch upon in my show too, and being here you realize that you have to be your own biggest cheerleader, your shoulder to cry on and the one who kicks you out of the bed in the morning to go to the Meet the Media event. If Tallinn Fringe was kindergarten for me as a comedian, then Edinburgh has been high school – full of insecurities, comparing yourself to others and just waiting to get fucked (though not in the same context, obviously), but it’s where I’ve grown up. 

Tomorrow there will be a new challenge, but today I will kick back and celebrate!

Come along to see ‘The Adventures of the White Unicorn’ at theSpaceTriplex – Studio at 9.35pm until the 17th August