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!

English Ako

Location:   theSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall – Theatre 2 (Venue 53)

Dates:  Aug 1st -2nd, 5th-9th, 12th-16th, 19th-23rd

Time: 21:00

Price: £10

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/english-ako

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hi! My name is Jules Chan, I am an actor, writer and director from the Midlands and originally from the Philippines.

Tell us all about your show!

So…the show is a coming of age story about a Filipino immigrant growing up in working-class England, whose big brother has run away due to circumstances at home. We see our protagonist ‘Boy’ grow up in England and experience the challenges of assimilation to a country that adopted him.

Then, after ten years, we see Boy transform into an articulate, well spoken and sarcastic young man…But really, he starts to feel the consequences of sacrificing his own identity to be ‘English’, so he searches for the Asian community, only to find that he doesn’t belong. He isn’t ‘Asian enough’.

In the end, he explores how to celebrate being both, without defining one specific category. “Born in Asia, made in England”. This is a story about embracing who we are, regardless of where we are from.

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

I have a few friends who will be performing so I’m looking forward to catching their shows!

‘Bairns’ by Annie Davis & ‘Dyke Systems LTD’ directed by Lucy Allan both at the Pleasance Or shows that I’ve seen advertised such as ‘Dots’ by Annie Chung

Otherwise, I’ll see what the ol’ bank balance is saying after week one shenanigans.

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.

Never. I have always read, heard and dreamed about it. I didn’t realise how much history it has! To take part in that is exciting. The best advice has been to know what you’re going for and simply to enjoy it. To meet people, go for drinks, walk around, enjoy the culture of the fringe!

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

I am looking forward to experiencing the energy and buzz of all the creativity going on. I am hoping that the people reflect that spirit and it makes it exciting to meet people.

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

I will let you know post-fringe! As far as I’m aware, people have told me to rest as much as I can.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I think the fringe embodies that spirit of theatre where people really want to connect and share their art. So seeing all kinds of shows will be fun and being quite spontaneous with planning will be an experience! As I’m sure that there will be a show in every corner you turn!

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

I think what I will anticipate is that moment when you start to realise that you no longer have the energy to even speak, so one of the hardest parts from the excitement is knowing when to recharge from the buzz of being there!

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

My brother lives near Edinburgh so in fact, it will feel like I am going to somewhere that feels a bit like home. We have spent some time in Scotland and it is beautiful, so parts of it will feel familiar.

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

I am planning to do a lot of cooking at the place I’m staying. I’ll have to travel to the fringe every day so packed lunches will be so helpful. Either that or coffee will save the day until I get home. In all honesty, getting creative with buying food that can come in packs and that you can make more throughout the day can really help save money.

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

Right now, I am planning to make sure I have my toothbrush and face wash on check, some wardrobe essentials and my prayers because the rest is up to God.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Bundles of energy. I think it is about accepting that it is quite difficult sometimes and embracing the awkwardness of approaching people to talk about your show. Once that fear is out of the way, you can actually enjoy engaging with people and if you’re lucky, have conversations with them about the project and perhaps introduce some of the themes which might resonate with them.

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

Please find me on my IG: @julesdpchan

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

It’s “funny, raw & heartfelt”. It’ll make you laugh, think and potentially want to hug someone.

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