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!

CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation

Location:   Ermintrude – Underbelly, Bristo Square (Venue 302)

Dates:  Aug 1st -17th

Time: 15:10

Price: £12.50 Concessions £11.50

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/csi-crime-scene-improvisation

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

I was a filmmaker living in Shibuya when I branched out into live comedy to stay sane. I teamed up with some people I thought were funnier than I am and over a decade of sold out shows later I think I took it too far.

Tell us all about your show!

‘CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation’ is the multiple-award-winning murder mystery in which no one knows who the killer is: not even the cast! Every show is unique and the audience decide during the final climactic scene who is, and retroactively always has been, the murderer. Then it’s on us to tie that all together. It’s like a combination comedy show, tight rope act, and magic trick.

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

The real joy of the Fringe is taking a chance on wierd and wonderful acts you might otherwise never see. That being said I will also make time for Alice Fraser, John Robertson, and at least two risqué  circus acts.

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.

Know where your show fits into the Ed Fringe ecosystem. Who are your audience and what will their day look like? Footfall is everything and never underestimate the audience that see shows because they “may as well” and not because they believe in your dream without having met you. That and always definitely do a show because you want to do that show. You can work and hope for external outcomes but it’s a hard way to live if you aren’t satisfied making the great thing you’re already making. Get on that autotelism train. Win by doing what you love.

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

I’m blessed with a 15.10 show so I will wake up at 11am and then faff about, go for a walk and do some promo, eat a sandwich and consume a pint of coffee and meet the cast around 2pm to warm up and set up. By 4.30pm the show is done and then we’re going wherever a show or food that sounds interesting is. Every second day I’ll take a few hours to exercise in a park or walk up a hill.

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

The absolute institution that is the Mosque Kitchen.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Living in a pocket universe where 90% of my time is making and seeing random art. There’s an incredible multiplying meta effect of seeing so much variety, so casually, and so close together. The other 10% is spent sleeping.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

Overstimulation and burnout. I’m a hermit and the overload creeps up on me so quiet places are important, as is accepting you can’t see and do everything.

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

A portable projector.

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

There’ll always be shows with vastly bigger marketing budgets so think about how you can market smarter and more specifically to your own work.

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

A lightweight and waterproof top layer. Gaffer tape. Someone you trust.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Actually caring about the show more than getting rid of paper.

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

You can find me personally @leeapsey and most of what that’ll do is point you on to my various projects, including for Edinburgh @crimesceneimpro

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

They come back.

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