Today we let Dima Watermelon take the reigns and talk about following his dreams of being a comedian. Just what is it like trying to make it with British comedy fans when you are from overseas? Today we find out…

A few years ago, I had a day job, no actual purpose in life but, looking back, I was happy. Now I’m following my dream of being a comedian, doing my debut Edinburgh Fringe hour, and I’m miserable. OK, in reality, it’s not that black and white. But it has been stressful. 

In many ways, this month is a dream come true. But, to be honest, before moving to Berlin in 2015, I didn’t even have a dream. More like actionable goals: get into university, find a job, don’t become an alcoholic like half of your relatives.

“That’s the definition of “made it” for most Ukrainians and most of the world. But it wasn’t for me…” 

One year ago I was a high-paid software developer with a cool hobby, now I’m a broke artist who knows how to code. I had a very nice and privileged life as a tech bro. Regular vacations to exotic places, extreme sports as a hobby, spontaneous fine dining, investments, retirement plan. You know, adult stuff.

Did I often hate my job and experience the occasional existential crisis about selling my soul? Absolutely. But I definitely loved my life. Having a stable and promising career, above average income, being able to support my parents and relatives back in Ukraine, being able to sponsor my “hobby” – standup comedy. That’s the definition of “made it” for most Ukrainians and most of the world. But it wasn’t for me. 

At that point, I already lived for more than 8 years in the West and was completely sold on the idea: “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”. Sure! Because nobody is hiring. The actual quote should go something like this: “Find a job you love and you will work more than you ever imagined while sacrificing your friendships, family, and health”.

Pursuing your dreams is a privilege. And the world will crush your dreams and humble you very quickly. I’m learning this right now the hard way at the Fringe Festival. Bringing my debut solo hour “Ukrainian Dream” to Edinburgh was supposed to be my big career milestone. 

For the past two years, I’ve poured my heart into this show, blending my own comedic journey with the resilience of the Ukrainian people, showcasing our perspective with laughter as the weapon. I did over 50 self-produced shows in continental Europe and the response was overwhelmingly positive. I felt like the show was ready to be showcased at the biggest performance art festival in the world. To Fringe audiences and industry experts. Imagine my disappointment that so far the reaction is mild at best. 

“…Pursuing your dreams is a privilege. And the world will crush your dreams and humble you very quickly.…”

And the show is great, everyone who comes to see it loves it. It’s just not many do. And this one’s on me, for not understanding how Fringe works. So many details come into making a sell-out festival run. 

For up-and-coming comedians like myself, who are trying to break into the British comedy scene, I’ve learned the venue’s location can account for up to 70% of ticket sales. People are more likely to take a chance on an unknown comedian if the show is conveniently located. And in Edinburgh, just a 5-minute walk can be 4 minutes too much for people to take a chance on an unknown comedian. However, not many companies are willing to give central venues to newcomers. The chicken-and-egg dilemma is real: a prime location is essential for attracting a crowd, but without a proven track record, those prime locations are out of reach. 

Of course, a good show helps. Word of mouth, flyers, and marketing can eventually draw a crowd. I was lucky to sell out my first show this Saturday, but it took 10 days of effort. And a sold-out night doesn’t guarantee anything for the next one – every day is a new battle. 

Marketing and flyering are also tough. People are wary of an unknown comedian tackling a heavy subject like Ukraine. They want laughs, not a downer. And I don’t blame them, with 3500 shows at the Fringe every day, there is no lack of standup and entertainment to choose from.

I feel like industry experts and reviewers share a similar sentiment. So far, no one has come to see my show. And sure, reviews are subjective and the main reviewer is always the audience. But deep inside we all want to be critically acclaimed as well. 

So yeah, so far Fringe has been a good reality check and hasn’t lived up to my initial expectations. But my expectations are my own problem and if people know anything about Ukrainians at this point, it is that we are very stubborn and can endure hardships. And of course, this is nothing compared to what my commonfolk experience at home back in Ukraine. If anything, the Fringe so far just made me more motivated to continue the grind and make the show undeniably good, so it will be a hit by the end of the festival.

Come along to see ‘Ukrainian Dream’ at Laughing Horse @ The Raging Bull – Cellar at 5.15pm throughout this month