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!

Jessica Durand: Over The Top

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

Dates:  Jul 31st -10th, 12th-24th

Time: 18:55

Price: £12.50 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jessica-durand-over-the-top

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m Jessica- a comedian, writer and performer from London. I used to be academically gifted, now I’m a bankrupt burnout. I also unironically love The Smiths. 

Tell us all about your show! 

I spend my life reading fanfiction, specifically Downton Abbey WW1 fanfiction- this show is my love letter to the highs and lows of fan written work and how it can bring us together. I am passionate about historical accuracy in some parts, and absolutely abandon it in others. It’s extremely silly and extremely fun and I’m very proud of it. (And you don’t need to know anything about Downton Abbey, fanfiction or WW1 to enjoy it). 

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

My favourite Fringe experience was jumping off the train and running straight to Josh Glanc’s show in 2023. It was a riot, I can’t wait to see his new show this year. I have a long list of people I want to see, Miriam Margolyes is also here which is incredibly important and I will be dropping everything to go see her on my day off. 

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

I’m looking forward to doing the show every night and seeing how it changes with each audience. I have some audience participation so each night will feel different depending on what they bring to the table! I’m excited to have some fun with them. 

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

I really cannot predict how my routine will go. I have a job that I will be doing during the day, then performing the show at 6:55pm, and hopefully taking it easy afterwards. 

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

I love a fry-up. Anywhere that has all day breakfast, I’m there. I’ll try them all and report back.

Best thing about performing at the fringe? 

I haven’t performed there yet, but it’s such a privilege to be able to in the first place. I am very lucky to be there and don’t want to take that for granted. 

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe? 

I am going to have to pace myself to avoid exhaustion. One day off in 25 days is a tough one! But I’m sure it will fly by. 

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

My Fringe team is made up of my closest friends as they also happened to be incredibly talented creatives so I am bringing friends from home! I couldn’t do it without them. 

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

My favourite money saving ‘hack’ is being sober. Drinks are so expensive. My water bottle is my ride or die. 

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

A portable phone charger, a burner phone, phone insurance… I lose my phone a lot. Not fringe specific but I’m anticipating it. 

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

I’ve heard it’s best to be weird, be real, and let your outfit do some of the work.

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

You can find me on Instagram at @lejessdurand. Come say hi! 

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

Silly fandom fun.

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