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!
The Bob Ross Effect
Location: Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens (Venue 3)
Dates: Aug 5th-17th, 19th-31st
Time: 16:05
Price: £16 Concessions £15
Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-bob-ross-effect
Hello! Tell us all about your show!
The Bob Ross Effect is a joyful, interactive celebration of one of the most loved TV art teachers in the world. Bob Ross may not be with us anymore, but his legacy that ‘we don’t make mistakes in life, we just have happy accidents’ lives on. Through personal stories, original songs and live drawing, we explore how art can help us through the toughest times and build community.
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?
I’m very excited to see ‘Elf Lyon Is the Woman On The Edge’ and after my show I may just drop anchor for the night at Piccolo to catch the wonderful ‘The Mr Thing Show’ followed by Jess Robinson who is returning with ‘Jess Robinson: Elton Reimagined’. Perfect bubbles of joy where people can leave their cares at the door and be part of something magic. No Fringe visit is complete without a visit to ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’. Having performed with them for ten years myself, I can promise you every show is unique. I love them so much I have four Stoppers on ‘The Bob Ross Effect’ team (director Ali James, composer Jordan Paul Clarke, animator Andrew Pugsley, plus Dylan Emery on guitar).
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 first came to the Fringe 30 years ago! This is my 19th year of attendance and I always advise newcomers to pace themselves – it’s a marathon not a sprint. It’s important to take care of your body and your mind so as well as performing, so try to get some fresh air, eat some vegetables, sleep when you can and see some other shows to keep inspired. Every day is a new day. Also, be kind to the Edinburgh residents: they open their beautiful city to us every year, so pick up your litter and say thank you.
Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe
I am a morning person who has found themselves in a night time profession, so with an afternoon show thankfully I can be in bed before midnight and up early to start work. After coffee and a facetime with my husband and the cats, there is usually a couple of hours of admin to do (replying to media requests, updating socials and checking in with my solo theatre maker support group which I co-facilitate all year round.
During August it’s especially busy as we have a special Fringe specific whatsapp to be there for each other if things get tough). Then I will try to get out and see a show and catch up with a friend at the same time. Then it’s back home for show prep. The Bob Ross Show is my most ambitious undertaking, not just on stage (where I have had to learn both to paint and fan dance) but off stage: I have 200 A4 clipboards to prep for my audience to draw on, crayons to sharpen, paints to re-stock and costumes to wash.
Although the show starts at 4.05pm I’ll need to start getting ready around 1.30pm. After the show I’ll have another hour and half to wash brushes and paint over that day’s picture so I can re-use the canvas in another show! By then it’s dinner time and if I have enough energy left in the tank I might try to catch a 9pm show or dash off to do a guest spot. The days race by and are usually very full so I try to finish with enough time to stretch, check the support group one last time and fall into bed with a good book. I’m terribly vanilla really – my party days are behind me!
Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?
I am often on the hoof but if I have a meeting I will try to steer it in the direction of Black Medicine who do the best coffee and have plenty of tables downstairs to cosy into. They also serve great bagels and if you ask nicely, they might let you put up a poster in the stairwell. Just get in early!
Best thing about performing at the fringe?
Being part of such a huge celebration of creativity. I am there as much to see other shows as I am to share and develop new work. I want to leave full to the brim with inspiration and catch up with my community, many of whom I only get to see at festivals as we are so often on tour.
Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?
My folding yoga mat and my cafetiere are always with me, so I can be both caffeinated and create a little island of calm no matter where I am. This year my show is very personal as I am sharing the stories of two very important people in my life, so I will definitely be bringing some photos of them (along with photos of the cats of course), to have by my bed.
What are your best hacks to save money whilst at the Fringe?
I never drink alcohol when I work, partly to look after my voice and partly to keep my mind sharp, so that must save me a few bob. I also make a packed lunch when I can.
If people want to find out more about you, where can they follow you on social media?
The show is on insta and tiktok @TheBobRossEffect and I am on insta @SlyTheatreMaker
And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?
To feel better.
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