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!

Sikisa: Serving Justice

Location:  The Tron at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Venue 51a)

Dates:  Jul 30th -11th, 13th – 24th

Time: 17:50

Price: £10

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sikisa-serving-justice

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m Sikisa (yes just one name) — a South Londoner, lawyer-turned- award winning comedian, international cabaret performer, professional wrestling nerd, and part-time escape artist (mainly from bad dates and awkward life choices). I’ve been called an “irresistible force of nature,” which I assume means I’m chaotic but in a charming way. 

Tell us all about your show!

It’s called “Serving Justice” — because someone needs to, and clearly it’s not the government. I’m coming for bad policies, bad Tinder dates, and bad vibes. If you’ve ever felt like life’s been illegally rough, don’t worry I talk about everything from immigration to dating disasters to still living with my parents — basically, my life’s a mess. We’ve all got problems, and I’m here to make you feel better about those problems whilst trying to educate you about people’s other problems. But not to worry it’s still funny.

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

So many acts quite a few of my comic friends are going up – Alison Splitte; Stuart Laws; Helen Bauer, Tamsyn Kelly; Marjolein Robertson – just to name a few. But I am also exciting to see international acts like Zainab Johnson and Lou Wall.

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 – this would be third full run show at the Fringe. When I debuted in 2022, Stuart Laws did a documentary about debut comedians at the Fringe and watching it 18 months later was quite hard. One key advice, I was given was to try give yourself goals for the Fringe and try not to have too many expectations because it is a rollercoaster. And I definitely would agree.

The top three advice I would give people is 

1. Pace yourself. The Fringe is a marathon. You will be tired, emotional, and questioning all your life choices by Week 2 — that’s normal.
2. Look after your mental health. Eat something green. Sleep occasionally. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else — half of them are lying about how “great” their sales are anyway.
3. Remember why you’re there. It’s not just about five-star reviews and getting scouted for Netflix (although, yes please). It’s about connecting with audiences, growing as a performer, and surviving the wildest arts festival on earth without losing your mind — or your voice (if you don’t lose your voice at least once that month in my mind you’ve won).

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

My routine involves waking up when my body gives up pretending it’s asleep — usually to the sound of a bird judging me through the window. I make breakfast or have an early lunch depending on what time I wake up and whether I am hungry. 

I will end up spending half the day doing immigration legal work because there is no rest for the wicked.

Showtime hits. I hype myself up like I’m walking into a wrestling main event, do my show (hopefully with an audience bigger than just three confused tourists), perform in a late night show and then spend the night either celebrating or spiralling — no in-between.
Finish the night at the nearest bar, swearing I’ll “only have one drink,” then get home at 3am after five… and repeat for 27 days straight!

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

Noodles and Dumplings – I love it – even when I’m in Edinburgh throughout the year I always have to go. It’s fresh, feels healthy and a great place to distract from the fringe madness

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Performing! I don’t think people understand how lucky we are to be able to do something so joyous in front of such a diverse audience. 

Also fringe is where I’ve bonded with some of my now closet comedy friends – funny friendships for life.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

Trying to stand out when literally everyone is here — including a guy juggling chainsaws, a woman doing Shakespeare on a unicycle, and a dog that plays the ukulele.

You’re just out here like, “Hey, come watch my deeply personal comedy show about immigration, wrestling and heartbreak!” while someone dressed as Harry Potter backflips past you with a five-star review. It’s humbling. And hilarious. Mostly humbling.

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

This sounds weird but I bring over cans of Ackee – whilst I’m sure I can find some in Edinburgh – Ackee is one of my favourite dishes to cook with and I love being in a flat where I can cook daily. It brings me joy and weirdly peace. 

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

Get to know the bartenders – know their names and don’t be a dick! You will be rewarded.

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

• Key chain – you will have passes and your Fringe accommodation keys which you cannot lose.
• Comfy shoes — you think you’ll look cute. You won’t. Save the ankles.
• Flyers – carry them everywhere because you will always need to try and sell your show

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Energy – positive energy. You have to smile like you haven’t just been ignored by 42 people in a row, sell your show like it’s the best thing they are ever gonna see, and target the people who make eye contact — they’re either interested or too polite to say no. Either way, that’s a win.

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

Yes on social media platforms including Instagram and Tik Tok @sikisacomedy

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

Funny, fearless, heart

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