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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Josh Pickar: Getting Off

Location: Snug Bar at Assembly Roxy (Venue 139)

Dates:  Aug 5th-16th, 18th-30th

Time: 19:40

Price: £14 Concessions £13

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/josh-pickar-getting-off

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Hello! Tell us all about your show!

Hello!! “Getting Off” is a dark and absurd comedy about the death penalty. And before you can say anything—this clown show about the death penalty isn’t cliché and tired like all the others clown death penalty shows you’ve seen.

The show is inspired by the seven years I spent working as a capital defence lawyer in the US. It blends clown, standup, characters, and theatre. Without any spoilers, I’ll say this: lapdance, groundhog, DJ.

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

There are so many shows that I’m excited to see. I’ve spent most of the past year in clown school and am really excited to see solo shows of some friends that I met there, like Daniel Maseda and Marcel Cole. There are lots of other clowns that I’ve been wanting to see perform for a long time, like Garry Starr, Elf Lyons, and Viggo Venn. I also want to see Kate Butch’s standup! I loved her on drag race.

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.

No! I’m brand literal new! I desperately need advice—I have nothing to offer and no clue what to expect. But I will say this: I have a suspicion the Fringe will be more fun than the prisons I used to go for work. But I guess I can’t say for certain until I experience it myself.

What I’ve been told is that the festival can be really overwhelming. You need to pace yourself and find a way to have some sense of normalcy and routine amidst the crazy. I will try to follow that good advice.

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

I really can’t wait to be around so many people who are excited to perform. It’s an amazing opportunity to get to see shows and to meet other comedians. I am genuinely so excited and it’s making my palms itch.

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

My show isn’t until 7:40, so I have a lot of the day to enjoy the festival! I’m very grumpy in the morning so I like to have some alone time until my coffee and ADHD meds kick in. Then I’m hoping to go and see a couple shows, or hang out with other performers. I just want to see where each day takes me and to take advantage of having this time in Edinburgh without being too rigid about having a routine.

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

I spent a weekend in Edinburgh in 2018. I don’t remember a single place that I ate. BUT in general I love Thai and Indian food so I’m hoping to find some new favorite spots.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I’m really excited to make people laugh during a show that you wouldn’t expect to be so funny given its topic.

I’m also really excited to perform for people from all over the world. While my show is about the death penalty in America, capital punishment is a political issue that is not exclusive to the US and I’m excited to hear what others think.

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

Okay stay with me here. I have a special pillow that keeps your neck aligned when you sleep and then a special silk pillow case that does something for your skin. I really can’t be sure that either work, and it feels kinda crazy to BYOPillow, but I’m a gay guy of a certain age. Don’t judge.

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

I’m new to Fringe! I need everyone reading this to send their hacks to me!

But let me say this…Reader, do you know what Costco is? I’m obsessed with Costco. It’s amazing. You can buy everything in bulk. I have so many cans of chickpeas I can barely fit them into my apartment in New York. But the per unit price was amazing so I have no complaints. If there is a Costco equivalent in Edinburgh, PLEASE let me know.  

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

@joshpickar on Instagram and my podcast, We Needed This, is @weneededthispod! Please DM—would love to hear from you!

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

Death penalty clown. (What more could you want?!)

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