My First Summer of Fringe Shows

This summer I jumped into something I’ve thought about doing for years - Fringe performing.

Tunbridge Wells – Comedy as a Conversation

Tunbridge Wells gave me the joy of intimacy. At one show, I had 7 in the audience, at another 5. To some performers, that might sound daunting, but honestly? It felt like sitting in on a really funny conversation between friends. Small houses give you depth, you can see every reaction, hear every chuckle, and have a conversation and take the comedy into unexpected places. Both venues were wonderful, but The Green Duck in particular is a real find for Kent. It’s a place with heart, art and a cave!

Durham – Friday at 5pm

Durham was a different flavour. A Friday night 5pm slot meant I had 20 people in, which felt perfect. There’s a certain camaraderie about choosing comedy over the pub at that time of day. And then came Sunday…

Durham – Sunday with Family

Sunday was the show that really hit home, 55 people in the audience, and among them, my family. I’m originally from the North, and some of them had never seen me perform before. To stand on stage, make a room of strangers and loved ones laugh together, and feel that connection ripple outwards, that’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

What I’ve Learned

If this first Fringe season has taught me anything, it’s that size doesn’t matter when it comes to audiences. Whether it’s 5 or 55, what matters is the connection, the shared moment, the alchemy of humour and honesty. I’ve loved both the challenge and the gift of small rooms, and I’ve loved the buzz of a bigger crowd.

This summer has been about saying “yes” to the stage, to the risks, to the joy of being seen by people who know you in one form of yourself, that’s the scariest audience!

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