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!

Dear Annie, I Hate You

Location:   Pleasance Two at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

Dates:  Jul 30th, Aug 4th -11th, 13th-25th

Time: 12:00

Price: £15 Concessions £14

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dear-annie-i-hate-you

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hi! I’m Sam Ipema, I’m the writer, performer, and one of the producers of Dear Annie I Hate You. I started my production company Wild Geese Productions in 2023 and after a few shorts and web series, decided to make Dear Annie the company’s first theatrical production! I originally am from Michigan but after training in New York, decided to move to London to begin creating work here.

Tell us all about your show!

The show is a magnificently chaotic and wild retelling about my life when I was 20 years old and diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.

My first question, upon finding out about the diagnosis at the time was: ‘Can I still go on Spring Break?’ So, the piece is really a dark comedy about a 20 year old having an identity crisis amongst other 20 year olds just trying to live and enjoy their lives. But nonetheless, it retells the events from my life leading up to it and during that time – for better and for worse – and what I’ve discovered in the process of being diagnosed and having my life turned upside down!

Despite the heavy topic though, I would definitely call the show a comedy.

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

Oh, great question! I haven’t done my proper research on the shows coming yet but I am really looking forward to being inspired by the new writing and new artists and pieces coming up this year for the first time. It was a place that changed my life, and I’m looking forward to see what new pieces take over this year and transform another new artist’s life. We’re performing at Pleasance Courtyard and there’s already loads of shows there that will be high on my list.

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.

Yes – only last year when we brought the first iteration of Dear Annie.

It’s a very different show now, but it was a wonderful time. It truly transformed my career and allowed me to get a foot in the door in a way that I had never had the chance to before. I would tell people, as I always would regardless of the place, to trust their intuition and don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do something.

Our show is quite ambitious in its set and design which can be quite difficult for the Fringe. I’m not saying that’s a reason to spend loads of money on set or anything like that– but I am saying that the best is to trust your instinct and follow your gut– even if its a weird idea about putting up a piece about your brain aneurysm called ‘Annie’.

Fringe is a real trial by fire, which I think is great for any artist at any point in their careers. But also would say to take the lessons it has to offer you and let it grow you as an artist because that’s what it can really do to transform you artistically.

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

This year our show is on quite early in the day so it will be a bit different and we’ll most likely be waking up and heading straight to the theatre! But then my castmate and I plan to just follow our noses, eat good food and drink good beer, and watch a lot of shows!

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

The place you’ll always find me hiding out is Black Sheep coffee, but the place with the best breakfast pastries is Milkman. Ice cream for breakfast is acceptable for Fringe, okay?

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Honestly, its just the environment. Deep down I’m a theatre nerd through and through, and it just feels like a massive, international theatre summer camp while you’re there. It’s rare theatre goers can be so surrounded by like–minded individuals, but from every type of theatre. I love it. It’s very special.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

The stamina. To be honest, it can be quite a grueling month. You’re running around, networking and navigating things in the morning and then turning around and performing, only to finish the night off with shows and drinks with newfound friends at 1am. It’s wild, but it’s very very fun. However, don’t plan anything for the month of September I’d say.

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

Buy groceries! Its so easy to eat out every day because it’s convenient, but it’s also difficult on the body after a bit and also quite difficult on the wallet.

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

Number one is your own coffee maker. That is very important. Second would be water and paracetamol. Third would be an umbrella, because it gets rainy sometimes!

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Hand out tinneys with your flyers! We did a few creative things related to the show like have ping pong balls with QR cods, tshirts with QR codes, and tinnies with some little pool floaties and I think everyone really responded to all of those. The more unique you can make it, the more fun.

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

Follow us at @annieihateyou on Insta or Twitter, and our website: annieihateyou.com

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

Poignant. Funny. Absurd.

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