Ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe starting in have caught up with Ismael Loutfi to talk about his debut performance at the festival.

Is this your first time at Edinburgh Fringe?

Yes! This is my first time in Scotland, which is exciting. There’s an instagram page of this Scottish food truck that serves the most disgusting looking baked potatoes smeared in like, mayonnaise and beans, and I can’t wait to try it.

How long have you been preparing your show for Edinburgh?

I started writing the show in December 2022, but only began planning on taking it to Edinburgh last summer.

What is your motivation to perform there?

It seems like the natural next step in the life cycle of any one man show: write it, perform it, tweak it, bring it to Edinburgh.

What have you done to prepare for the Edinburgh Fringe, emotionally and

physically?

I’m taking zinc tablets and magnesium every night because I’ve heard it’s the most physically taxing thing you can do as a performer. I’m also working out like crazy. And praying to God Trainspotting doesn’t happen to me.

 

Have you had any advice from other’s who have performed at the Fringe?

Everyone tells me not to drink too much, which is easy since I don’t drink at all. The other pieces of advice I’ve received are: stay hydrated, spend some of your days flyering, see other shows, sleep…pretty basic stuff to be frank.

Have you visited Scotland or Edinburgh before?

Never. I’ve been to London twice, but I know they’re not the same (though, to most Americans, they are…).

How have you found booking accommodation?

It’s been easy! Well, I didn’t book anything. I’m staying at the Fringe with a coworker, Laurie Magers, who’s doing an excellent solo show called “Do You Accept These Charges.” She booked the apartment we’ll be staying in. I did zero legwork on that front.

What plans do you have for your show after the Edinburgh Fringe is over?

I want to tour it around the U.S. for as long as I can, bring it to off-broadway, and eventually tape it.

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My show, “Heavenly Baba” is the first thing I’ve done in 15 years of stand up that I’m actually proud of. I’d love for you to come out and laugh your Scottish/English faces off.

Photo credit Mandee Johnson.

Ismael Loutfi’s debut stand up hour ‘Heavenly Baba’ will be at the Assembly George Square Studio 5 @ 6pm for the entire fringe for tickets go to http://www.edfringe.com

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ismael-loutfi-heavenly-baba

https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/1075-ismael-loutfi-heavenly-baba