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!

Lily Blumkin: Nice Try   

Location:   Blether – Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24)

Dates:  Jul 30th -13th, 15th-24th

Time: 17:40

Price: £12 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/lily-blumkin-nice-try

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hi! I’m Lily Blumkin, a New York City-based writer and comedian. My credits include: The Daily Show, Roy Wood Jr.’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner keynote speech, and most importantly, the 2009 Millburn Middle School Peer Leader of the Year Award. That’s right, I’m not just an entertainer, I’m a trailblazer. When I’m not performing or leading my peers, I’m reading, writing, watching TV, eating, sleeping, and watching more TV. I love TV! That stuff is great. I also do have a social life, but even when I’m out, I’d almost always rather be watching TV. Have you tried it? It’s awesome.

Tell us all about your show!

Nice Try is a hilarious solo show, featuring nine original characters who each set out to accomplish a small, reasonable goal, but end up failing miserably. Some of the characters we include: a dad who tries TOO hard to accept his gay daughter, a rabbi who tries stand-up, and a clump of hair who tries being a manic pixie dream girl.

It’s a laugh-a-minute show about growing up and getting worse. Not something that’s ever happened to me of course! I’m perfect. After sold out performances in New York, Nice Try comes to Gilded Balloon for the full run of Edinburgh Fringe!

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

I’m excited to see other comedians’ solo shows, like Dylan Adler, Catherine Cohen, and Ziwe – plus non-American comedians I haven’t been introduced to yet! I’m also a huge fan of clown and improv, so if you ever can’t find me, just know I’m seated at one of those shows. And I won’t limit myself to comedy only! I’m also excited to watch theater, dance, and storytelling. So… basically everything. My answer is everything.

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’m diving in headfirst to the full Fringe experience, and I can’t wait. The biggest pieces of advice I’ve been given are: buy orthotic shoes, and DRINK WATER.

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

Can I go with everything again? Kidding, I’ll be specific. I can’t wait to see a million shows a day, especially shows outside of the ones I normally see in NYC. Things like circus and clown. I’m excited to meet other artists and see all kinds of styles of comedy. And make some new friends and colleagues! I’m excited to grow as a performer and make my show the best possible version it can be. Basically… yeah, I’m excited for everything!

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

Since this is my first Fringe, I don’t have an established routine *yet.* But in my head, I’m picturing a typical day like this: I wake up, go on a morning walk, do some journaling and maybe even some yoga?! (If I’m feeling ambitious). Then I’ll hit the streets for flyering and catch as many shows as I can before I warm up around 17:00 for my show at Gilded Balloon Patter House! I’ll also do plenty of eating and drinking in between, as those are two of my favorite activities. Then after my show, I’ll see even more shows at night and head home at… a semi reasonable hour? We’ll see.

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

Never been so I have no faves yet! Got any recs for me?? I am not picky at all and will eat literally anything as long as it’s good. So DM me with food recs! *good* food only plz

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

It’s the absolute best place to grow as a performer and an artist. There are other Fringe festivals in the world, but none are as big or as special as Edinburgh Fringe. To be surrounded by art and artists 24/7 is an experience unlike anything else and I cannot wait to immerse myself in it! I’ve also never done a run like this before, so I’m really excited to push myself creatively and showcase a full hour of my writing. All of my friends who have done the Fringe say it totally changed their lives and I can’t wait.

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

All of my props and costumes are homemade (some I even made when I was a child!) so being on my set makes the whole show feel homey and special.

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

Good question. You got any advice???

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

Throat coat tea

Cough drops

CORRECT international chargers

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Don’t be afraid to be annoying

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

@lilyblumkin

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

It’s damn funny

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