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!

Cartoonopolis

Location:   Jack Dome – Pleasance Dome (Venue 23)

Dates:  Jul 30th -5th, 7th-10th, 12th-17th, 19th-24th

Time: 13:10

Price: £14 Concessions £12

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

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Lewis Ian Bray, a neurodivergent, working-class actor and writer from Merseyside. In my work for both stage and screen I like to tell authentic stories, holding space for the messy, complicated stuff that makes us human. Most recently I’ve done mostly telly and film, including starring in the Oscar qualifying short film Ryan Can’t Read, which I also co-wrote. Theatre is where it all started for me, and this is my first time performing at the fringe, so I can’t wait to get back on stage for Cartoonopolis!

Tell us about your show!

Cartoonopolis is the true story of my younger brother Jack’s transition into adulthood as an autistic person. A whirlwind one-man deep-dive into Jack’s incredible imagination, and his imaginary world, Cartoonopolis. Expect heroes, villains (some you might recognise…), car chases, ham sandwiches, and a taxi driver called Gethin. It’s fast-paced, funny, and a little bit furious; a show about my family and what we do to protect the ones we love.

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

Really looking forward to catching a first look at Hannah Maxwell’s new show BABYFLEAREINDEERBAG (what a title!). I love anything that feels like it was made from scratch – personal, scrappy, inventive. I love physical theatre, devised work, storytelling, and stuff that clearly came from a rehearsal room full of instinct and guts. I’ll be keeping an eye out for solo work and especially shows by neurodivergent artists doing things on their own terms.

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

Being on stage every day! I’m ADHD and acting is my special interest – it’s the thing that lights my brain up – so the idea of doing the show for a whole month, and being immersed in all that Edinburgh has to offer in August, is awesome. Really looking forward to bouncing off new audiences every day, and discovering new stuff within the show as the month goes on.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I don’t know yet but, having come a few times as a punter, I think it’s just the fact that there are amazing stories being told everywhere. All day. All month. The buzz of it all.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

As a neurodivergent person, the idea of non-stop people, noise, and small talk can be overwhelming at the best of times. BUT I love performing, so just got to be brave, look after myself and give it a go!

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

Will definitely be bringing one of my old cameras. I like documenting stuff, not for the content, just for memory’s sake. I like remembering things how they actually were and nothing beats a grainy film photograph for that. 

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

Look, that late night overpriced crêpe is going to happen, and probably that 3pm tub of mac n cheese too, but just chuck in for a big batch cook with other peeps when you can! The ALDI round the corner from my digs is going to be my best mate.

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

Instagram: @__lewyy @_cartoonopolis

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

My brother Jack

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