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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Jonathan Rudge: Stay at Home Son

Location:  Just The Snifter Room at Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Venue 288)

Dates:  Aug 6th-17th, 19th-30th

Time: 20:35

Price: £8

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jonathan-rudge-stay-at-home-son

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PRONOUNS: he / him

TWITTER / X ACCOUNT: none

INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @JonathanGramin

NAME OF SHOW: Jonathan Rudge: Stay at home Son

SHOW LINK: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jonathan-rudge-stay-at-home-son

Hello! Tell us all about your show!

Hello! My show is semi autobiographical observational gay-lateable stand-up! That’s a thing right? I’m a born millennial, which means I’ve had to move back to my childhood home after a divorce and leaving my TV producer job to pursue stand-up – hence the show title ‘stay at home son’. I’m on at Mash House with Just the Tonic in Cowgate, I love that area. It’s got a grubby city feel to it, like me.

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

I know Michael McPeat from the London queer stand-up scene – he is proper laugh out loud and is destined for massive things.  Also Julian Clary for nostalgia.. I remember watching him when I was younger on the telly (remember one of those?!) thinking he was one of the funniest stand-ups. It’s his first Edinburgh Fringe in 17 years, probably taken him that long to save up to return. Keil Smith-Bynoe is doing his ‘Kool Story Bro’ for three nights, I will be sure to dash to make it there after my show.

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.

The first time I ever went to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe was in 2024, I was performing my show ‘Jonathan: By order of the Peaky Grindrs’. Gosh it was overwhelming, nothing could prepare me for it.  I did a two week run at midnight. One thing I took away from that, and advice to share, is to be prepared that the show before is likely to over run. I would semi-panic each night that I was starting late which would throw me, that and keeping the audience waiting (even if it was 3 people). 

Before going up that year I met Suzi (Eddie) Izzard in London who told me if you have no audience, treat it like a dress rehearsal it’s the perfect space to practice that isn’t your bathroom mirror. I had 3 dress rehearsals that year. When I was up there pacing on Queen Street I bumped into Suzi randomly, I felt like she was my spirit guide during my time there.

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

Get up. Banana and coffee. Get outside, whatever the weather. Try and think of anything but the show, it’s like being in an airport waiting for your flight to be called, you try on all the sunglasses, look at everything in Boots, and pick up every book in Waterstones while constantly checking the time convinced I’ve forgotten something. 5 minutes before showtime – Mr Blacks cold-brew coffee on ice, a ritual must.

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

Edinburgh has so many amazing places to eat, I’m looking forward to returning to ‘The Palmerston’ – Jay Rayner recommended that to me (they had me at Negroni’s on tap). ‘Leftfield’ was some of the best fish I’ve eaten, with peaceful views over Bruntfield Links park. Leith has lots going on too so will make time to visit.. I’m yet to join the queue for ‘Lannan’ sweet treats in Stockbridge. I like reservations – call me old school!

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Surrounded by around up-for-it punters and excited performers who all just want to have a bloody good time. There’s such a nice energy as you walk around the city.. That and the gratification of strangers laughing and clapping at my jokes.

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

My mothers ashes for luck. Also I have a therapy support dog who I won’t be able to take, but will make sure I voice note regularly, she’s called Jenny.

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

I’m yet to find them! Please tell me.. Seriously, please. Can a 41 year old have a Sugar Daddy?

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

I was very late to the social media party – ‘Jonathan Rudge’ was already taken… so on instagram I’m JonathanGramin and TikTok I’m JonathanTikTokin

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

Cos I’m funny

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