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!

Ben Pope: The Cut

Location:   Assembly George Square – The Box (Venue 8)

Dates:  Jul 30th -12th August, 14th – 24th

Time: 17:05

Price: £11 Concessions £10

Ticket Link: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/929-ben-pope-the-cutBEN 

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello Phoenix Remix, I’m Ben Pope. I’m a comedian, bookseller and lapsed baby

Tell us all about your show!

Last year, I got circumcised. This year, I decided to write a stand-up storytelling show about that decision. There’s loads of wild stories and jokes, but also I’ve done a lot of thinking about manhood, bodies, fathers and sons, about confidence and responsibility and comfort, all of which has leaked into the show in its own way. And if none of that appeals to you, there’s also a big silly story about a pig.

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

I always like to go and see something that is not comedy, and that I could never do in a million years, just to get a bit of perspective: so hopefully some magic, or poetry, or gymnastic circus tricks where someone eats a bunch of cutlery.

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. 

I have! It’s been 6 years since I was last at the Fringe, but before that I did it 7 times in a row, if you can believe such a thing. The key, from what I remember, is to not spend every waking hour looking at your ticket sales. Staring at them will simply not make them go up. Either get out there and flyer, or ignore them and go to the movies. Just stop looking. The same goes for looking at your bank balance.

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

Not my first time. But I am looking forward to the wide availability of haggis. Haggis on tap. Put it in my veins.

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

I am not good at establishing routines. My diary looks like the sort of thing scrawled on a medieval prison wall. My show is at 5.05pm though, so you can be sure I will not be waking up pre-11am. 

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

It used to be Snax Cafe, for the aforementioned haggis roll. But my partner is a chef, so these days I have to aim higher. There’s a restaurant called The Cardinal that does some exceptional seafood that I’ll definitely be visiting over the course of the month. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Getting to do a theatrical run of a stand-up show. Nowhere else in the world you can do that.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

Doing a theatrical run of a stand-up show. The repetition. The fatigue. Measuring each show you do against the night before. The statistical likelihood of more hecklers. 

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

It may be August, but Scotland is Scotland. I always bring my best coat.

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

Cook at home. Those streetfood vans are tempting as hell, particularly on a post-show high. But you can’t eat a double-patty burger every lunch and dinner for a month. You can. But you mustn’t.

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

Three really good books.

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Having a genuinely good conversation. One good connection is better than handing a thousand flyers in 2 minutes and all of them ending up in a puddle. Be nice to people. You’re a stranger asking for a favour.

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

@popesbenedict on Instagram

@popesbenedict on TikTok

@benpope9789 on YouTube

benpopecomedy.com

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

I’m really good.

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