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!

Anna Hale: Control Freak

Location:   Cellar at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

Dates:  Jul 30th -11th, 13th-24th

Time: 17:30

Price: £13 Concessions £12

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/anna-hale-control-freak

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hello, I’m Anna! I’m a musical comedian and I used to be a musical theatre performer and I think you can really tell. I can usually be found carrying at least three instruments, or talking about The Masked Singer. Also as I write this I’m currently having a staring contest with a pigeon.

Tell us all about your show!

My show is a musical extravaganza that’s all about ME. I did it ALL myself* (*not actually true). I’m an extrovert (shock!) with anxiety, so the show is all about my experiences with anxiety, depression and emetophobia, and learning how to deal with it rather than just pretending it wasn’t real. If you don’t know what emetophobia is, don’t look it up! Just come and see the show! I’ll teach you through song!

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

I’m excited to see Katie Norris – I loved her show last year so I’m looking forward to more. And I’m a big Jazz Emu fan, so I’ll definitely be catching him. I also can’t wait to see the other BIGHEAD Comedy acts do their shows! And I’m excited to pick a show at random and see someone I’ve never heard of before.

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 Fringe debut so I’m hoping people will pass on their advice to me! Lots of people have told me I have to remember to eat a vegetable once in a while. To be honest, I went up to the Fringe for 5 days last year and by day 3 I was fully craving broccoli, so then we went to Nando’s but they’d run out and I had to get peas instead. I learnt a lot that day and I’m feeling vigilant. Plus I’m trying to make peace with the fact that there are loads of shows I just won’t be able to see, no matter how much I wish I could. There are only so many hours in the Fringe and I am but only one person.

If this is your first time – what are you looking forward to?

I’m really looking forward to being in the Fringe bubble and embracing the chaos of it all. It’ll be a load of new experiences and I can’t wait for it to simultaneously feel like the longest month of my life, and completely fly by.

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

In a sensible world, I’ll lie in until about 10am, have a vocal steam, make a healthy breakfast, maybe catch one show in the early afternoon, warm up, do my show at 5:30, see a couple more shows, maybe explore the city, then have an early night.

In reality I’ll probably sleep until 1pm, panic that I’ve overslept, have a meal deal on the way in, do my show, and then go straight to bed.

There are loads of days at the Fringe, I’m sure I’ll find time for both.

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

I have absolutely no idea but I love cheesy chips so I don’t think I’ll struggle.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I’m really excited to be part of such a varied festival, and knowing that most people who come to see my show will have just come from another show that was completely different to mine, and then will go and see another show that’ll also be completely different.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

I’ve been warned about burnout. It’s such a busy festival, so it won’t be hard to wear myself out. I’m not much of a party animal though, so hopefully I’ll survive!

Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?

I will be bringing my teddy bear and I don’t care who knows it.

What are your best hacks to save money whilst at the Fringe?

I do not know and I hope someone will give me some good advice on this front. But my parents are coming up to stay for a bit so I’m planning to bat my eyes at them in the hopes of a free meal. Love you Mum and Dad. please

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

I’ll be bringing a vocal steamer, a warm up straw and a recorder. The first two are because I need to be able to sing. The recorder is just for fun. And to annoy people.

what’s the secret to successful flyering?

Advertising it like it’s someone else’s show that I’ve just seen and LOVED, and they simply MUST go along, and really hoping they don’t recognise my face from the poster.

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

I’m on Instagram and TikTok @allhaleanna. Or if you somehow find me on Facebook you can send me a friend request which I will ignore forever.

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

Musical. Heartfelt. Showbiz. (Imagine I’m looking you in the eye and nodding profoundly whilst saying each word.)

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