Flow is the third Fringe show for Edinburgh local Connor Burns. He tells Entertainment Now how to get the most out of the Fringe and why there’s nothing better than playing for sell out crowds in your home town.
You’re an Edinburgh native – how does it feel to be making such a big splash at the Fringe.
It’s a very surreal honour to be honest, To be backed by your hometown on such a massive scale feels great, and the chance to play a venue like the Playhouse is one I’m not taking lightly.
How did you feel about the Fringe growing up and has that changed.
Unfortunately when you grow up in Edinburgh the Fringe can sometimes be seen as the irritating month when the traffic is mental. Now I’m older and can appreciate it, what a treat it is to have the world’s biggest circus roll into your home town every year. And to be a part of that is really special.
What are your favourite things about the city?
The people. Edinburgh often plays second fiddle to Glasgow when it comes to the humour of its residents but I grew up in a street full of very genuine and funny people and they all had some way in shaping my sense of humour.
Favourite places to eat and drink/ get away from it all?
Edinburgh is a great foodie city, I love Captain Darling for great pub food and a chill atmosphere and Lucky Yu for amazing asian fusion food.
Do you have any tips for visitors coming to the Fringe for the first time?
Absolutely, the city is more than the castle. Beautiful as it may be make sure you get off the beaten track a bit, go in a local pub and strike up a conversation and have a pint with some locals you’ll have a right laugh.
Any tips for performers who have not been here before.
It’s a long month and you have to enjoy yourself when you can but don’t go out every night. It can feel like three months if you’re starting everyday hungover.
Tell us a little bit about your show this year.
I try every year to write a fast-paced hour of really packed laughs. I just want my audience to feel like they got more laughs than they paid for. So I’m aiming for that.
How do you plan to spend your time when you’re not performing?
I live here so I’ll be chilling at home with my Fiancee and little dog, and golf, lots of golf. I have a YouTube channel with Scottish professionals Lloyd & Zack Saltman so it’s still technically work but I find it a great way to not think about comedy for a few hours.
How do you think the Fringe is changing – and what would you like it to be in the future.
I would like it to be a wee bit more accessible for working class performers. The fringe itself isn’t to blame for the soaring costs of accommodation etc but I really don’t want to miss out on the next great working class talent because they couldn’t afford to stay in the city for the month.
Connor Burns: Flow, 18.00, Just the Tonic, August 6-30
https://edinburgh.justthetonic.com/event/88:5407
https://edinburgh.justthetonic.com/event/88:5407
Connor Burns, Flow, Edinburgh Playhouse, 16.30, 20,00, August 22 and 23
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/connor-burns-flow/edinburgh-playhouse
