Sunday’s show was a special one. It was the first time I ever had a sign language interpreter at one of my gigs, let alone my own show. Since I started doing a podcast with Siobhan, it has really opened my eyes to the experiences of deaf people and how they are often excluded from basic things that hearing people take for granted. Comedy shows are one of these things.
I received the request via a deaf charity based in Edinburgh. I instantly accepted, but I wasn’t quite sure how it would all work. Me and some of the venue team figured out the best place for an interpreter to stand during the show would be and where we could reserve a table for the audience member who’s deaf to sit to so he could get the full benefits.
A reviewer then requested to come on the same day. I said it was fine, but was slightly concerned that the energy may be slightly different to usual. I needn’t have worried, because the show was right up there with the best of this run – and possibly one of the best performances of HTWAPQ ever.
The room was pretty much full, and the energy was different. In fact, it was better. I knew it was going to be a good show within seconds of it beginning from the early audience reactions – as is often the case.
People were supportive of the show being signed by a BSL interpreter, Pascale, who was amazing. There were a few occasions when our interactions and clarifying the signs for certain things got some really big laughs. I think everyone attending learned at least a few signs for things.
By some bizarre coincidence, Pascale was booked as an interpreter for the speeches at Siobhan’s wedding in 2015, which I also attended. I now want to do more shows with BSL interpreters and am already thinking ahead to next year’s run.
From the sublime to the ridiculous. After the show, I was booked for another gig. This one was outside in a busy square to raise money for a local charity. From looking at the images I was sent via email of the performance area, it appeared to be a challenging space. And so it proved right. I performed seven minutes of stand-up in the open air, with hundreds of people milling around, but only about two paying any attention. Fortunately, I get a weird enjoyment out of these sorts of circumstances. And I have definitely had worse gigs.
We are now in the final week of Edinburgh Fringe 2025. Today’s show was another good one, nine away from selling out, with a very lively bunch of troublemakers in the far corner. I also had it filmed and may get another couple filmed too. I wish I’d had Saturday and Sunday filmed, but alas. Monday’s show was still strong, and there are a few things I can cut into clips.
The Fringe year has gone by really quickly this year. In one week, I will have left Auld Reekie and will be back in the real world. Ticket sales are quieter this week. So, I am going to be putting in extra efforts to hopefully change that and end the Fringe strongly.