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!

Marjolein Robertson: Lein

Location:   Queen Dome – Pleasance Dome (Venue 23)

Dates:  Jul 30th -11th, 13th-24th

Time: 20:20

Price: £15 Concessions £14

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/marjolein-robertson-lein

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hiyi, I’m Marjolein, a comedian from Shetland and I use a lot of folklore within my stand up. I enjoy normal human things like breathing and talking about forks.

Tell us all about your show!

This is a labour of love. The third part in a trilogy. And the best part is: you don’t need to have seen the first two for this to make sense. I’m looking at the soul and in doing so, the journey we make in our lives. Specifically my life and how a year of everything going wrong for me, being robbed, fired, kicked out of my flat, I ended up doing stand up comedy. Honestly no one gets into this career ‘cause they were “very happy and stable and fancied telling jokes but don’t need the acceptance of strangers”

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

Sikisa is back with her new show Serving Justice. I can’t wait to see this show. 

Sam Williams is doing his debut ‘Touch Me Not’ and having seen a WIP for it last year and it was already hilarious. 

Liam Withnail Big Strong Boy, I always go see Liam, and his show Chronic Boom blew me away.

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’ve been coming to the Fringe for years, both as a punter and performer. I would say: sleep when you can, where you can, how you can. But also: be prepared to have a month of no sleep. You can always carry around a square battery to lick for energy.

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

Sit straight up, grabbing my dagger from under my pillow to plunge into an attackers heart whilst screaming. Then I do some stretches. I usually like to eat food. But if there is none available I’ll take some polystyrene. For the squeaks. I usually like to wash before getting dressed. But it’s so rainy in Edinburgh no one really notices if you do it the wrong way around. Then I make a little sacrifice, whisper the words of the old ones and head out to do my show. I like to try and see another comic’s show everyday. Then do my show. Then afterwards climb Calton Hill for a night time blood ritual and some words with the moon. 

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

In public, whilst crying. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Getting the chance to do the same show every day and grow as a performer because of it. The fact so many pals and fellow comics are all in the same place at the same time. Seeing so many incredible shows. And making a pilgrimage to Arthur’s Seat to speak to the nameless ones.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

One a serious note: remembering to not compare every show to each other. Whilst it is your job as comedian to be good, be funny, be present and provide the best show for those who came to see you.

Also: walking down the Royal Mile and hearing a bunch of private school kids singing “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life” My dream is to make it through an August without hearing that without my consent. It’s never been done. 

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

As Shetlanders we say ‘Ders saat ida blöd’ as in the salt of the sea runs through my veins. We are islanders and the sea provides for us. So I always carry a tube of Saxa cooking salt. Also to throw into the eyes of my enemies.

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

A sword for fighting off goblins, a health revival potion for your hp and a portable battery for recharging your minidisc player. 

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

In my dream version of the Fringe there is no flyering. Or posters. Or maps. Or programmes. Every show is a lucky dip. But to even the odds we no longer allow magic shows. No offence, magicians. But it’s not fair you bring other worldly practices to the stage and bewitch audiences out of money. 

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

On the internet.

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

I’ll curse thee

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