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!

1984

Location:   Above at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

Dates:  Jul 30th -12th, 14th-24th

Time: 11:25

Price: £15 Concessions £14

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/1984

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hi, I’m Noel, I’m a puppeteer, performer and Artistic Director of Box Tale Soup. We’re a touring theatre company specialising in new adaptations of classic literature, with a particular focus on puppetry and inventive design. Sustainability is an important part of what we do too, and we make as much as possible using recycled, reclaimed or sustainable methods and materials.

Tell us all about your show!

This year we’re bringing a brand new show to the Fringe, our take on George Orwell’s ‘1984’, an incredible story, and perhaps more relevant than ever. This is our own adaptation, of course, and as always, we bring our own twist to things. There’s a lot of puppetry in the show, which I think is a perfect fit for ‘1984’, some fantastic new music and a unique design that I’m very excited about. We also have some famous voices in the show, with performances from Sophie Aldred, Joanna Lumley and Simon Russell Beale as Big Brother!  

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

I’m usually really good about going through the programme and picking out my ‘must-sees’, but this year we’ve been ridiculously busy and I haven’t had a chance! I’ll get round to it soon though I hope… I always try to see as much puppetry as I can, but it’s also good to leave space for surprises – often the best thing I’ll see at the Festival is something I never planned or expected 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.

Yes, I’ve done the Fringe many, many times! As a company we’ve performed every year at the Festival since 2013, but I’ve performed at every one since I was 16…

The best advice I can give is remember to enjoy it. The Fringe can feel relentless and overwhelming, but there are a lot of friendly artists out there who know how that feels. So, don’t spend ALL your time worrying about ticket sales and flyering – get out and see shows, chat to people, make connections, and enjoy all the amazing things the Festival has to offer.

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

Our show is early in the day, 11:25am, which is actually quite nice as once we’ve performed it, we’ve got the rest of the day ahead of us!

I’ll usually get up at 8, do some exercise, have some breakfast and then go to the street performing draw at 10am – I’m also a street performer. Then I’ll get to the Pleasance Courtyard for about 10:40 and we’ll start getting ready for our show. When we’ve finished and packed up, we’ll have some lunch and then go out to promote the show for a bit. Maybe I’ll do a street show too if I was lucky in the draw! After that, it’s off to see shows, meet friends, and have a well earned drink!

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

I do love the City Restaurant, and I’m a fan of Pizza Posto too.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

 It’s an opportunity to do a longer run in one place, something we’re not always able to do as a touring company. Fringe audiences are usually really lovely too – they’re all there to see great shows, so they’re very up-for-it and enthusiastic!

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

It’s non-stop, there’s always something to do, and as I said earlier, the Fringe can be incredibly overwhelming. If things aren’t going perfectly with your show, it’s easy to feel lost in the maelstrom! If you remember to talk to other performers though, you’ll usually find you’re not the only one, and that can be a huge help.

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

Not really. I think I’ve been coming to the Fringe for so long that it feels like home anyway!

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

If you’re performing, make the most of the perks that gives you! You’ll usually be able to get in to other shows at your venue for free if there’s room, so that can be a fantastic way to see a great range of work and support your fellow artists. You might find there are discounts at your venue bars and food counters too. And don’t forget to check out what’s available at Fringe Central!

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

Sunglasses, a rain coat, and the most comfortable shoes you own.

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Quality not quantity. It’s not about getting rid of as many flyers as possible, it’s about making a genuine connection when someone is interested!

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

We’re in all the usual places – Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky. Just search for Box Tale Soup!

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

Inventive puppet dystopia!

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