The Herald is taking a look at some of the artists performing at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival - and getting to know the people behind the magic.

Sam Morrison

Tell us about your Fringe show

Hello, Daddy! is a sexy and uncomfortable queer coming of age story where autobiographical flashbacks and ridiculous explorations of alternate life paths blur the lines between fact and fiction. Stories of heartbreak and gaiety across decades capture my transformation from a shy cucumber shaped virgin boy into a daddy-fucking manifesto of a person. 

How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?

Triumphant. 

From an artistic perspective, it feels like a holistic victory of creative growth. Growing my voice as a stand-up comedian concurrently to building this show has made both aspects stronger. This is the culmination of years of writing and producing this show. 

From a personal perspective, I’ve gone from closeted standup wannabe to professional comedian screaming about having sex with dads in about 5 years. Sometimes I get so lost in writing about that I don’t take the time to reflect and celebrate that. 

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From a logistical perspective, I’ve been wanting to do this for about half a decade. Committing and planning to go halfway around the world purely on a belief in your own talent takes time, money, and lots of planning.

 I’m finally ready to invest in my art and story to participate in Fringe for the first time. 

 Why did you decide to perform at the Fringe?

There is nothing else like it. Not even close. Performing my show every night for a month is an opportunity to learn and grow that is not possible anywhere else in the world. One time I headlined 11 nights in a row. Despite complaining the whole time, I discovered more about myself as a person and performer than in a year’s worth of 10-minute spots. The challenge is terrifying and exhilarating. 

Additionally, in the American comedy circuit, my shows have rarely fit in. It’s not pure stand-up and it’s not drag, nor cabaret. People don’t know what to make of it. Venues don’t know where to put it. Producers don’t know how to market it. I believe the show that I’ve written fits into the Edinburgh model naturally. I’m often told, "It's too weird!”. and even “it's an Edinburgh show!” and I can’t wait to share this show with Fringe goers!! 

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Most importantly, I am excited to find commonality and share in this journey with others halfway around the world. When an audience member tells me how profoundly they related to the core journey of the story, nothing is more fulfilling or reminds me of why I do this. 

If you were not a performer what would you be doing?

International development. I studied government and more specifically international studies in college. When I lived in Uganda for six months (where I actually performed stand up), I almost committed myself to a fellowship that would have been a precursor to a career in economic development overseas. Ultimately, I decided to move back to NYC where I’m really fighting the good fight of telling dick jokes. 

How do you prepare for a performance?

Preparation for standup club sets and my full show are very different. 

For stand up, it is embarrassingly little habitual process mostly due to the sheer quantity of performances. I like to perform at least three times a night and since they are rarely in the same venue, I am often running off the train straight onto the stage. However, if possible, 2 performers before me, I will step outside and walk around the block reciting the newest material that I will try out in a moment. I often write out loud in this time as well. I like to watch as much as possible of the performer before me to get a good read of the room. If I’m very nervous I’ll go to the bathroom and do breathing exercises and verbal affirmations. 

I stole this mental trick from Rory Scovel, but always I remind myself that this is the most fun activity in the world and that I’m best when I’m just having fun with the audience. The minute before I don’t think about what I’m going to say but how much fun I am going to have. And then finally, I picture myself killing with this specific audience before I step on stage. 

Since I came from the theatre world, when performing Hello, Daddy!, I will do a full actor’s vocal and physical warm-up. It’s not as intense as it sounds. It’s about 20 minutes long and is mostly just about clearing so you can concentrate on the show.

Best/worst advice you’ve been given ahead of your debut show?

Sean Patton was very generous with his time and advice but I think the best advice he gave was seeking more advice. I called a lot more people after that to ask all kinds of questions. This whole process really is so alien to me. I’ve already made some mistakes but would have made even more if not for him.

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This isn’t necessarily bad advice, but one comedian told me the best way to make friends before getting to Edinburgh is to join all the Facebook groups related to the Fringe. Maybe I’m not doing it right, but I don’t know if too many friendships are blooming on those groups. 

Favourite thing about being in Edinburgh?

Whenever I travel my favourite part is the food. I can’t wait to dig into a massive Scottish breakfast my first morning. I have never had haggis yet have heard wonders. I truly can’t wait. 

What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?

Blackout and wake up in a different part of the country? 

Favourite Scottish food/drink?

We will find out! I’m betting on some fresh Scottish salmon. I’ve always been a fan because my mom cooked a mean salmon and even made smoked salmon sometimes. 

Sum up your show in three words

Bring Your Dad

Sam Morrison’s debut Edinburgh Festival show ‘Hello Daddy!’ will be at the Just The Tonic Marlin’s Wynd from 1st – 26th August at 5.15pm for tickets go to www.edfringe.com