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!

Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty

Location:   Monkey Barrell 1 @ Monkey Barrell Comedy (Venue 515)

Dates:  Jul 29th -12th Aug, 14th-24th

Time: 12:30

Price: £12

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ian-smith-foot-spa-half-empty

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello! My name is Ian Smith and due to some issues with my flat, at the time of writing, I live in Peckham Travelodge. I’m a stand-up comedian who’s appeared on Live at the Apollo, co-hosts the Northern News podcast and occasionally buys those chocolate protein yoghurts.

Tell us all about your show!

It’s an hour about stress, love and why I bought a magic spell off Amazon.

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

I’m going to be living with Jonny Pelham and he’s a very funny man and I’m excited to see what he’s cooking up. Also very excited to see new shows from Helen Bauer, Pierre Novellie and this Edinburgh Tattoo everyone keeps banging on about.

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. 

Yeah, this will be my 8th solo show! My main piece of advice is to download Football Manager and try immerse yourself in that so you don’t spend too much time thinking about your show.

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

My show is on pretty early – 12.30, so I imagine it will be breakfast, shower and then start walking over to Monkey Barrel. I always go over the show running order on the walk to the venue. I probably look very strange walking down the street shouting my material. Then, on a good day I go to a steam room, have some healthy food and get my team promoted on Football Manager. On a regular day, I’ll buy some fish and chips and get kicked out of the steam room for making it smell of fish and chips.

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

Oh! What a question. I’m going to go with Mother India. No joke here, I respect Mother India too much for that.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I genuinely think the crowds are the best you’ll perform to – people who love comedy in the most beautiful cities in the UK. These are good people who know what they’re doing. If you’re an audience member reading this, I’m complimenting YOU. YOU SPECIFICALLY.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

After day 20 of performing your show, you can develop a strange paranoia that you’ve already said the joke you’re mid-way through telling. It’s hard to tell whether the crowd are laughing at the joke or because they think you’re an idiot who has just told the same joke 4 times in a row.

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

Well I currently live in this bloody Travelodge, so I might bring the Do Not Disturb sign and I can hang it on my venue to avoid anyone walking in when they shouldn’t.

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

The last 3 Fringes I’ve done I’ve faked a workplace injury and received compensation.

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

Umbrella. Watch. Foot spa. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

The honest answer is to pay a more enthusiastic, younger person to do it. It’s a real skill and I’ve accepted that I can’t do it. My ego is too fragile, but I’ve been very lucky over the last few years to have some brilliant flyerers with self-esteem to burn and an endless supply of waterproof coats.

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

I’m mainly on Instagram – so that’s the best place. There are so many now and I feel like an old man who can’t keep up to date with it all.

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

Because. It. Good.

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