Nice Q&A catch-up with comedian Alison Spittle as she prepares to return to the Edinburgh Fringe 2025.

When were last performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?

I did a few wips last year and did numetal karaoke. Also climbed Calton hill from the first time. 

What was the name of your previous show?

So the last two shows I did were wet and soup. 

I love one word names, I was going to call this show fat bitch. But Edinburgh council were like “ not putting that on a poster,” so now it’s called big. 

I should call my three shows the big wet soup trilogy. 

How long has your current show been running for?

It will be proper ready in August this year. I’ve been doing Wips ever since I was put in to hospital because I’ve a lot to say. 

Do you have any “good luck” rituals you undertake before performing?

No, not really, I try to not be flustered, that always messes me up. But I’m medically flustered so I suppose just make sure I’m not hungry or too full. 

I used to take a berocca but Aisling bea told me it messes with your insides, so now I just have water. 

How have you found booking accommodation this year?

Great big shout out to Matt my landlord, who is a king and texted me when I was on house of games. Love the flat. I’ve been with him the past five years. I’m living with Helen Baur and Heidi Regan, I’m going to watch so many highbrow/Disney films. 

What three pieces of advice would you give to first-timers going to the Fringe?

Doing their first hour? Don’t do what I did and do it the first year you start comedy. The industry are obsessed with virgins and some people do foreplay for ten years and their careers are going great.

Also don’t get down about rejection. There are about 14 people who make decisions and they’re not evil, they’re humans who might be a bit nonplussed or suffering from an ailment when they see you. 

 

Also go to the national gallery, I love that place. I’ve never been to a museum in Edinburgh or climbed Arthur’s seat so I’m gonna give that a go. 

 

Be nice to your landlord, if they’re decent. Go to other people’s house parties, don’t host your own. 

What are you plans after the Edinburgh Fringe is over?

I’m going to do the Dublin fringe, it’s an amazing festival run by a bunch of lovely people. 

More comedy acts should apply for it in February next year. It’s responsible for so much of my choices and wins in life. 

Alison Spittle’s new comedy hour ‘Big’ will be at the Monkey Barrel 1 @ 4.45pm for the entire fringe for tickets go to www.edfringe.com

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/alison-spittle-big