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!
¡Ay! Papi: Jilberto Soto
Location: Just Up The Stairs at Just The Tonic at The Caves (Venue 88)
Dates: Aug 20th-30th
Time: 14:25
Price: £12 Concessions £8
Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ay-papi-jilberto-soto
Hello! Tell us all about your show!
¡Ay! Papi is a stand-up comedy show about fathers, the one you grow up chasing, the one you accidentally marry, and the one you’ll never get to be.
My dad skipped my wedding, my brother just had a baby, and everyone keeps asking when I’m having kids. I’m not. But apparently I am processing all of that publicly onstage instead.
The show is part stand-up, part memoir, part telenovela. As a gay, first-generation Mexican-American, I explore masculinity, family expectations, daddy issues, marriage, and the strange pressure men feel to eventually “become fathers,” even when that path doesn’t fit their lives.
“¡Ay! Papi” is what you say when someone’s hot. It’s what you say when you need comfort. It’s what you say when your heart is full and broken at the same time and you don’t quite have the words for it.
So naturally… I turned it into a comedy show.
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?
I have a lot of friends from NYC performing this year, so I’m really excited to support their shows and watch them thrive. But honestly, one of my favorite parts of the Fringe is discovering completely new acts, both within comedy and outside of it. I love interactive shows, weird concepts, high-energy performances, and anything that makes me say, “What did I just watch?” The crazier, the better.
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 did the Edinburgh Fringe a couple years ago, and the biggest advice I’d give is: treat yourself. The Fringe can be magical, but it can also be exhausting. If you need a massage, a fancy coffee, a nice dinner, or just one hour where nobody asks you to flyer, do it. Life is short and burnout is real.
Also: be kind. Everyone is there because they have a dream. A little kindness, encouragement, or support can go a very long way during the festival.
Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe
I’ll probably wake up and check my ticket sales. Then I’ll spend part of the day working remotely because, unfortunately, the Fringe does not pay for itself. My show is fairly early, so I’ll spend a lot of time flyering and trying to get people into seats. If you buy tickets in advance, I will consider naming my firstborn after you. (Important note: I do not currently plan on having children.)
After my show, I’ll probably go back to working, try to catch a few shows, and then head into late-night mode because I’m also producing a comedy compilation show with my friend Meka Mo. That means more flyering, convincing drunk audiences to come inside, and embracing the beautiful chaos of Edinburgh in August. Somewhere in there, hopefully, I sleep.
Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?
I honestly don’t know yet, but I’m very excited to discover new coffee shops, so recommendations are welcome. I’m also determined to do at least one fancy dinner during the Fringe because if I’m emotionally spiraling in Edinburgh, I’d at least like good pasta or steak while doing it.
Best thing about performing at the fringe?
I’ve never experienced another city that feels quite like Edinburgh during the Fringe. The entire city buzzes with creativity and possibility. The grind somehow feels communal, and meeting new people feels like the first week of college again, everyone is excited, curious, and open to discovering something new.
I love being surrounded by creative people who are taking artistic risks. There’s something really inspiring about being in a place where weird ideas are celebrated and everyone is chasing something they care deeply about.
Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?
My prep.
I bring photos of my husband, which always helps make things feel a little more grounded while I’m away. This year I’m also bringing my Celine Dion shirt because after the Fringe I’m going to Paris, to see her perform at her residency at La Defense Arena (My heart does go on).
What are your best hacks to save money whilst at the Fringe?
Steal. Just kidding.
Honestly, one of the best hacks is making friends with other performers at your venue and seeing each other’s shows. It’s a great way to save money while also discovering really cool performances you might not have otherwise seen. Also: meal deals, shared housing, and accepting that coffee may become your primary personality trait for the month.
If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?
First of all, thank you. Second of all, please like and comment, its free.
The best places to follow me are Instagram and TikTok, both @jilbertos. I also go live on TikTok every Friday at 4pm EST where I test new jokes, spiral publicly, and interact with whoever decides to spend their Friday afternoon with me.
And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?
GAY. LATINO. DRAMA.
Welcome to The Phoenix Remix 
Leave a comment