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!

The Alchemy of Sadness

Location:   theSpace @ Niddry St – Upper Theatre (Venue 9)

Dates:  Aug 11th -16th, 18th-23rd

Time: 11:10

Price: £13 Concessions £11

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-alchemy-of-sadness

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m a writer/producer based out of LA. For anyone who knows LA, you know, I’m sort of a masochist I guess. I’m obsessed with telling stories, and I suppose I’m hoping I can keep the lights on enough to keep telling the next story that’s on my mind and heart. Oh yeah, I love food, art, and community, and I try to figure out how to make events that include all of those things in one. 

Tell us all about your show!

The Alchemy of Sadness sprung out of years of working in restaurants as a server and falling in love with the culture, but I realized that the like many industries, restaurants were changing. After a drawn out experience with an emotionally unstable manager, I felt compelled to write this show in the hopes that it’ll resonate other people who’ve dealt with similar workplace conflicts.

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

I will try to watch anything by Xhloe and Natasha. I came last year and regretted not seeing their show A Letter to Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First. Now, they’re doing several of their successful Fringe shows, so I’ll try to see them all. Also Dylan Adler: Haus of Dy-Lan and Garry Starr: Classic Penguins.

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 doing the Fringe, so I don’t know if I have much advice to give; however, I do know that after working in Hollywood, I feel like the Fringe is still one of the places where stories still have integrity. My advice is that you approach the Fringe with honesty and integrity because there aren’t a lot of festivals out there that care about artists’ stories like Edinburgh Fringe.

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

I attended once as a viewer, and I thought to myself, “Damn, these artists are probably all hanging out with each other at the bars at night after the shows. I want to be one of them.”

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

Wake up – make sure the actors are ready to do a late morning show. Do the show, sell the merch. See another show I’d like to see. Meet as many artists as this American-in-Scotland can. 

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

It’s my first time, but I’ve put together a list as I’m writing this response. I’ve worked in restaurants for most of my 20s and 30s and I love connecting to culture through food. I’m a big breakfast fan, so I’m looking forward to Haggis in the AM.  

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

 Being around other artists who still believe there’s an audience who want to show up for people wanting to share their art. 

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

The hardest part about performing at the Fringe is being a foreigner. I normally like working with audiences I know on some fundamental level. Doing the Fringe is a leap of faith. 

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

I brought all my best friends because why would I want to do this crazy-beautiful, life-changing experience without them. 

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

Bring physical money and don’t treat everything as an invisible transaction with your card. Trust me, when money is invisible, I think I have unlimited of it. Don’t repeat my mistakes. 

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

Soap, your script (hopefully memorized), and passport. Everything else you can probably just make it up as you go, right?

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Giving people a reason to stop – whether that’s an intriguing flyer or just something to cut through the noise. Everyone’s on a mission, whether they’d like to admit it or not. People want to find good art, so you don’t need to be a used car salesman for your flyers. Find people with honest, good work and an intriguing flyer.  

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

@thealexgarcia. I’m doing my absolute darndest to keep up with my socials, but truthfully I’m hoping I’m just in the moment. I want to be inspired.  

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

Queer. Drama. Subversive. 

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