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!
Forgive Me
Location: TechCube 0 at Summerhall (Venue 26)
Dates: Aug 6th-17th, 19th-24th, 26th-31st
Time: 13:20
Price: £17 Concessions £14.50
Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/forgive-me
Hello! Tell us all about your show!
Combining pole performance, video projection and gameplay, Forgive Me is an innovative, authentic and dynamic solo show that explores the relationship between autism, gaming, and late diagnoses of ADHD. I (Tamsin Shasha) am a 59-year-old pole-dancing mother of an autistic son, with a recent ADHD diagnosis; my son is an avid gamer and often loves the virtual world more than the real one. In Forgive Me, I explore a mother’s journey of understanding her son’s ASC diagnosis and how gaming supports his sensory and emotional needs. The mother also navigates her own ADHD diagnosis and what it means to her personally. Mother and son discover that battling monsters (virtual or otherwise) is better done together than alone – the show culminates in an explosion of visual and digital stimulation as the mother dives into her son’s virtual world.
The show is also interactive, with audience members being encouraged to participate. It features an older woman on a pole, offering up an empowering and affirmative role model for other women. Its contemporary relevance is compelling – neurodiversity and gaming are two huge players in the 21st century, and many parents are constantly worried about screen time and its effects on young people’s development. Forgive Me has allowed us to explore all of these issues in an exciting and non-judgmental way.
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?
I haven’t had much time to look yet – as I’ve just finished performing previews of Forgive Me at the Brighton Fringe – but I really love seeing other solo shows! I’ll see as much as I can at Summerhall, because there’s usually so much good work there (plus I won’t have to go far! :-)) I’m already looking for inspiration for my next 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?
Yes, I have several times. Most recently in 2019, when I performed in the smash hit Everything I See I Swallow (also at Summerhall). My advice would be to get a good PR company behind you, ensure you have a great image/poster design, see as much theatre work as you can before you go, and see what works in Edinburgh and how it coincides with your individual voice. Pace yourself – it’s tiring, so eat and sleep well, but party too if you can!
Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe
My show’s at 1.20pm and I’m an early riser, so I’ll probably be up around 7am and after breakfast (and pots of coffee!) – and some social media promotion for the show – I’ll cycle from my digs in Stockbridge to Summerhall for a full physical and vocal warm up (there’s singing and pole dancing in the show!). Afterwards I’ll do some flyering, see a show or two at Summerhall (I get an artist pass so it really helps!), and then probably collapse around 4pm and either chill out or get out there and do some more flyering/show-seeing.
Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?
I love the Himalaya Tibetan Cafe on South Clark Street close to Summerhall, so I’ll definitely be eating there sometimes. I reckon I’ll be eating a fair few halloumi fries in the Summerhall courtyard too!
Best thing about performing at the fringe?
The buzz – just being surrounded by the frenetic creative energy that encapsulates the fringe. I love Summerhall too – it feels like a family.
Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?
I wish I could bring my Tabby cat Teddy, as I’ll really miss him. I will definitely bring my own pillow to help get a good night’s sleep. My family will be up at the beginning and end, so that will help too.
What are your best hacks to save money whilst at the Fringe?
Bring enough warm clothes and a waterproof so you don’t have to buy a coat during your run. It might be sunny in Brighton but it’s often rainy in Auld Reekie! I also try not to eat out so much and will take a good tupperware with me for takeaways!
If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?
My show is in association with Actors of Dionysus, so either @TamsinShasha on Insta, FB and X or @actorsofdionysus
And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?
Joyful. Funny. Relevant.
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