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!

Hold On To Your Butts / Fly You Fools!

Location:   Forth at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) / Beyond at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

Dates:  Jul 30th – 6th, 8th-17th, 19th-24th / Jul 30th – 6th, 8th-17th, 19th-24th

Time: 12:30 / 15:10

Price: £16 Concessions £14 / £16 Concessions £14

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/hold-on-to-your-butts / https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/fly-you-fools

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

I’m Kristin, the director/producer of Recent Cutbacks. We’re a creative ensemble based out of NYC whose critically acclaimed work sits at the intersection of comedy and theater. We’re best known for our live movie parodies that fuse humor, nostalgia, and lo-fi spectacle.

Tell us all about your show!

There are two! BUTTS is a two-person “shot-for-shot” parody of Jurassic Park with a live sound and Foley artist. FOOLS is the same idea but for Lord of the Rings. BUTTS had its UK premiere at the Fringe last year, then transferred to London where it will soon be running on the West End. FOOLS is having its UK premiere this summer. Both will be playing every day at Pleasance Courtyard — double feature!

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

We can’t wait to see our friends’ shows, including American Sing-Song’s HOLE!, David and Katie Get (Re)Married, and CADEL: Lungs on Legs.

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. 

My advice is to go in with a clear goal(s). What do you want to get out of it? Some people are more business-oriented, others are there for the overall experience. But knowing your priorities — whatever they are! — will help you enjoy your time and make the most of it. There’s so much to do and it can be easy to feel pulled in many directions.

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

It’s not my first time, but it is for many of the people on my team, so I can’t wait to share this experience with them! I want to offer great recommendations but also let people choose their own adventure.

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

In the morning, I knock out emails, obsessively check our ticket sales, and make sure everyone has the schedule for the day. Then I’m out flyering, since our shows are in the afternoon. Since I’m not in the show, I’ll flyer right up till showtime, then sit in to watch the show. With two shows this year, it’ll be one right after the other, which is going to be really fun. After, I usually head home to decompress, eat food, maybe take a nap, before heading back out in the evening to see shows or meet friends for a drink.

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

Soul Vegan was a clutch find last year — right around the corner from Pleasance Courtyard and delicious!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

The energy of the audience at Fringe is unbeatable. It’s such an open, responsive crowd. People are down for anything and ready to see something new. 

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

The schedule can get a little intense, particularly if you’re also trying to see a bunch of other shows. I love the community aspect of Fringe and doing as much as I can, but there are some days you just have to clock out for a bit.

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

Last year, my friend gave me a vintage Jurassic Park playing card he had from when he was younger. I brought it to Fringe as a good luck charm and will do so again this year.

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

See shows for free with your venue pass. And even though it’s early in the festival, a lot of shows hand out comps for previews. Make big dishes of food that you can pack up for lunch and eat throughout the week. 

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

A warm waterproof jacket, eye mask/ear plugs for afternoon naps, and a bumbag.

what’s the secret to successful flyering? 

Have a great, short hook. What’s unique about your show? It’s a balance between being excited and inviting, but not pushy. 

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

My company is @recentcutbacks, and I’m @kristinmcparker on Instagram.

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

Dinosaurs. Elves. Foley.

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