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!

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John Achkar: His country is collapsing. He’s having a baby. So obviously, this is the right year for a Lebanese…

Location:  Just The Spare Room at Just The Tonic at The Caves (Venue 88)

Dates:  Aug 6th-17th, 19th – 30th

Time: 15:40

Price: £10 Concessions £5

Ticket Link:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/john-achkar-his-country-is-collapsing-he-s-having-a-baby-so-obviously-this-is-the-right-year-for-a-lebanese-comedian-you-ve-never-heard-of-to-try-english-stand-up-for-the-first-time

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Hello! Tell us all about your show! 

I avoided doing stand-up in English for years because of my accent. English is my third language, and I thought that was the problem.

Turns out, it wasn’t the accent. It was the fear.

So now I’m doing it anyway.

This show is about a Lebanese comedian who only performs in arabic, whose country is collapsing… who just became a dad… and who thought, “Perfect time to try a new language.”

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

Gianmarco Soresi (if I finally book the tickets), Alaa Shehadeh, and I hope Janine Harouni and Daniel Sloss will also be there this year

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.

I came last year as an audience member.

The best advice I heard: “It’s about the story, not just the laughs.”

Which is great, because I tested some parts in Canada and Canadians laughed at everything. I have no idea if the jokes are actually good

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

Failing in a new market.

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

Watch shows. Study comedians. Question my life choices.

Repeat.

Also trying to record podcasts so I can look productive while panicking.

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

Anywhere that serves food I can finish in under 5 minutes before the next show.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

You finally get to say, “I did the Fringe”.. And I decided to stop my career as a comedian !

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

My 4-month-old daughter.

Nothing adds stakes to comedy like knowing someone depends on you for survival.

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

One meal a day.

Two if I have a good show.

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

Instagram: @johnachr / Tiktok : johnachkar / Youtube : thejohnachkar 

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

Raising funds for diapers

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