Last year Dan Hazelwood bought his one-man show to the Edinburgh Fringe, following on from his hugely successful run in 2024 at the Fringe Dan has returned for a second year.
What’s your show called for Edinburgh Fringe 2025? 

My show is called Ascension, and it’s on at Bedlam Theatre every day (exc 11,18) at 2pm.

How long have you been doing the Edinburgh Fringe? 

I first attended in 2017 as an audience member, renting a beanbag on the living room floor of somebody else’s airbnb for £10 a night. I stayed for four days and saw at least eight shows a day. I’ve been hooked ever since.

How do you cope with the overwhelming chaos that the Fringe brings? 

I’m lucky enough to bring my dog with me to Edinburgh. He has no idea why we are here, but is happy to be along for the ride nonetheless. Taking him for an early morning walk and seeing him prancing through the grass (like a little pony) without a care in the world is a good reality check that while the fringe *is* important, it’s not the be-all and end-all, and it’s worth taking a step away from it every now and then to appreciate the simpler things in life 🙂

What sort of shows will you see if you have time? 

I try to see a lot of queer theatre, as that’s what really ticks with me. I love to make queer theatre and see what other queer theatremakers are creating. I’m also interested in seeing lots of new writing!

Have you performed at any other Fringes? If so, which has been your favourite so far? 

I have not, but I would love to.

Any advice to newbies about flyering? 

For years, my day job was promo and leafleting. I’ve learned some tips to keep things fun:

1. When somebody acts like you’re invisible, imagine that you are but in a cool, superheroey way. Imagine you’re only visible to the people that matter.
2. If somebody puts their hand up (in a rude way) to say no, say “hi-five!”. Don’t hi-five them.
3. Take other people’s advice with a pinch of salt, and do what works for you!

What are your plans for the show after the Edinburgh Fringe? 

October 14th is the 300th anniversary of Leendert’s last diary entry from his time on Ascension Island, and his presumed date of death. I’d like to put on an anniversary performance at our biggest venue yet. Any 200+ seaters interested?

https://bedlamfringe.co.uk/2025/07/10/ascension/

https://x.com/ascensionplay?lang=en-GB

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ascension

https://www.instagram.com/ascension_play/

Ascension by Dan Hazelwood.