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!

A Small Town Northern Tale

Location:   Iron Belly – Underbelly, Cowgate (Venue 61)

Dates:  Jul 31st -10th, 12th-24th

Time: 12:40

Price: £11.50 Concessions £10.50

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/a-small-town-northern-tale

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hello Phoenix Remix! I’m Nathan Jonathan — a writer, actor and musician originally from a small town up North, now based in London. I’ve done telly bits, audio-drama bits, theatre bits, and now I’m bringing a bit of all of it to the Fringe. My writing often explores identity and belonging – usually with a lot of laughs thrown in.

Tell us all about your show!

“A Small Town Northern Tale” is a Y2K-drenched comedy-drama about growing up as the only person of colour in a working-class town in the early 2000s. It’s got the MSN Messenger, lads mags, emos, the normalised racism … All the good stuff. But as an autobiographical play it’s a deeply personal story about trying to find your place in a world that can’t quite place you. It’s funny, heartfelt, and if you grew up in the 2000s — it’ll hit you right in the dial-up modem.

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

I adore Orson Welle’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, and I’ve seen there’s a continuation of Julia’s story on at Summerhall called Julia 1984 that I can’t wait to see.

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?

This is my first full run so i’m the worst person to ask… But some good advice I’ve been given is: sleep when you can, don’t take reviews personally, and bring Berocca.

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

Meeting audiences. Our first run of this show went down so well, i’m really excited to bring it to a larger audience – that’s the magic.

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

Wake up. Panic cry. Coffee. Flyer. Do the show. Flyer. More coffee. Watch other shows. Eat something deep fried.

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

I’m a sucker for Mosque Kitchen: Big portions, decent price, spicey. Winner.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

For me Its going to be meeting new people, i’m one of those annoying extroverts.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

I’m really trying to mentally prepare for not burning out, mentally and physically. This show touches on some of the darker parts of my childhood, despite it’s comedy moments. I’m spending time trying to bulletproof my psyche at the moment. 

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

My birthday is in June and me mum has promised me a ‘fringe survival kit’ present… No idea what it is but whatever it is will be super special to me up there.

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

I will be waving my performer pass around like my life depends on it.

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

1. Portable phone charger
2. Berocca 
3. Pre show get hype playlist

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Be brief. Be bold. Don’t be desperate.

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

Come say hi on Instagram @nathanjonathannn or follow the show @asmalltownnortherntale

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

Y2K. Laughs. Trauma.

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