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!

Apocalypse Cabaret: Songs for the End of the World

Location:   Dairy Room – Underbelly, Bristo Square (Venue 302)

Dates:  Jul 30th -11th, 13th-18th, 20th – 24th

Time: 21:20

Price: £14 Concessions £13

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/apocalypse-cabaret-songs-for-the-end-of-the-world

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Why hello there. I am an American writer/singer/comedian–though to simplify, I generally say that my job is anything involving “words.” I started my career in queer nightlife and cabaret in NYC before spending about a decade working in filma nd TV in LA. In LA, I starred in the scripted television series MARY + JANE executive produced by Snoop Dogg. I then wrote and directed a twenty-two episode digital series based on my original comedy music called TAKE ONE THING OFF, followed by a feature-length narrative visual album called YOUTOPIA that was runner up for Best North American Feature at its premeire at Outfest in 2022. 

Sometimes I live in a van, but for the last two years I lived in Atlantic City where I hosted THE HOOK, a musical cirque show by Spiegelworld. I also have a dramedy series inspired by my former career in burlesque in development with Spiegelworld and Entertainment 360. 

Tell us all about your show!

The show is directed and developed by Drama League Award winner, Ellie Heyman who is a gift to humanity. The idea for the show started when I re-located to Atlantic City and was really struggling with the lack of queer community.

I tend to write in “rabbit holes,” and this one started as a rabbit hole about suicidal ideations, which is also the basis for a short film we are shooting the first week in June. What I came to realize was no matter how sad I got, I was still here… I started wondering about the apparent effortlessness of staying alive, and the story developed from there. The final script borrows from a real childhood experience I had of falling in love with a giant stuffed animal dog named Arnold, and stars a lonely karaoke jokey as its protagonist who has committed to finishing the night’s karaoke sign up list despite the aparent end of the world. 

How did you come up with the name of your show that your taking to the fringe?

It started as Apocalypse Karaoke, but we changed it to Apocalypse Cabaret because we dinn’t want folks to confuse the show with actual karaoke, though there is some of that included in the show as well. Part of my attraction to karaoke is willing a vessel it is to hold all kinds of emotional juxtapositions. On any given karaoke night, we’re going from WANNABE to CREEP with zero transition. I find that humor on the edge of sadness and sadness on the edge of a laugh is where I find myself living these days most of the time. The world is non-stop terrifying, but when Smashmouth comes on, you better believe I’m going to throw down and dance. 

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

I’m looking forward to soaking it all in! I’m particularly interested in other cabaret shows because it’s such a unique genre that combines so many of my favorite things, not the least of which is direct conversation with the audience. I used to say in cabaret we don’t have the budget for a forth wall; it’s just one, two, three and a show! 

I’m also excited to see La Clique, because I’ve never seen them live and am positively enamored of anything cirque. Plus anything queer. If it’s gay, I’m in. 

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. 

Holy s***, I am fully terrified. I feel like I need a personal trainer for my voice, my body, and also my drinking. Just kidding, I’m sure I’ll be fine. I tend to make a serious schedule every morning and then ignore it entirely throghout the day. 

I did work with Phil Nichol as a co-host on the Spiegelworld show I just wrapped, and his biggest piece of advice was to actually go to the festival. So far, that advice is turning out to be pretty darn good. 

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

Oh, I have literally zero idea. My show is a bit later in the evening, so I’m hoping to get a little morning time to stretch my body and warm my voice up really slowly. That many solo shows in a row is a lot on the vocal chords, so keeping those puppies healthy is my number one priority. 

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the fringe?

One of my friends told me of the weather in Scotland that the best strategy is to expect that every day is going to be shit, and then if the sun ever does come out, you get to enjoy it as a special treat! I’m hoping to find some times to be quiet in between the insanity.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

It’s so rare to get to be surrounded by so many incredible shows in so many different varieties. It’s exciting that all of us get to have our little babies and share them with each other and the world. I don’t spend a lot of time around non writer/performers, so this is like, I don’t know, like some sort of global convention for weird kids like me. 

Top tips for travelling around the Fringe and getting to shows on time?

One of my friends told me to invest in a collapsable bike, but we’ll see. 

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

As many pairs of underwear as possible, and at least two show shirts. Sweating is real, and laundry is no fun. 

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

Of course. I’m most active on instagram at @scoutdurwood

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

Sad Karaoke Fun-Times! 

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