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!

Beth Wants The D

Location:   Baby Grand at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

Dates:  Jul 30th -5th, 7th-12th, 14th-19th, 21-24th

Time: 13:45

Price: £13 Concessions £12

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/beth-wants-the-d

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

My name’s Beth May, and I’m a writer and actor based in Los Angeles. I’m probably best known for playing bumbling stepfather Ron Stampler on “Dungeons & Daddies,” an improv comedy podcast that tells the tale of four dads flung into the world of D&D on a quest to rescue their lost sons. I’ve also co-produced and co-starred in Rocketjump’s “We’re All Gonna Die,” which premiered at SXSW last year. I love poetry and I have a couple of published poetry works including my book “The Immortal Soul Salvage Yard” and spoken word album “Sunday Scaries.”

I also live with bipolar disorder and I’m working hard to mitigate the stigma associated with serious mental illness. I’m proud to say my advocacy work has raised about $44,000 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

I love my two cats dearly and when I’m not working you can find me playing pickleball, beach volleyball, or napping.

Tell us all about your show!

“Beth Wants the D is a comedy about all the times Beth May has thought about killing herself! This autobiographical one woman show puts you in the splash zone of death and delusion as Beth journeys through her struggle with bipolar disorder, but like, in a funny way. Through the bizarre highs and perilous lows, Beth knits comedy and drama together to find the scariest thing of all — a future full of hope.”

Content Warning: This production includes conversations about mental illness and suicidal ideation.

I think this show is for anyone who’s ever stood on the top floor of a parking garage or beside a scenic cliff and thought “what if I jumped?” And more specifically, it’s for anyone who really wanted to jump, anyone who has ever felt the hopeless and imperative need to stop living…whether or not they went through with it.

That said, the show is still a comedy, and while it normalizes and pokes fun at the very fine line between sanity and madness, it also speaks to the very serious consequences of mental illness, and how they affect a person, a family, a community, and society.

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

“Do You Accept These Charges” by Laurie Magers (Pleasance Courtyard, Below)

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 time, but my director and producer have both done Fringe before. Collaborating with people who have Fringe experience has been really helpful. My best advice is not to try to do everything by yourself.

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

Living in Edinburgh for a month, seeing lots of shows, and sharing Beth Wants the D with as many people as possible.

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

Performing my show at 13:45 in the Baby Grand. Other than that, not sure yet.

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

I’ve never been to Fringe before but I hear good things about Hot Donuts.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Ask me in September—but if I had to guess, meeting performers from all over the world and having the opportunity to share Beth Wants the D with an international audience.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

I think the biggest challenge will be the marathon of performing almost every day for the full run.

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

I’m gonna bring my juggling balls from home. I’m not like an amazing juggler but it’s kind of a nice meditative hobby and it takes my mind off things.

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

Spend it all on accommodation before you get there.

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

I’ve never been but my producer says: Reusable water bottle, external phone battery, a hat you like but won’t be sad if you lose.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Good question! Not sure but I’ll let you know if I figure it out.

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

@heybethmay on IG/Tiktok

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

Funny. Dark. Hopeful.

Thank you again for all your support in reading and engaging with the website.

If you want to help support the website then you can! You can buy Holly a cup of tea (and a biscuit!)