‘We’re fortunate people have trusted us with their precious time’: Edinburgh Fringe Q&A – Flo & Joan

Comedy duo Flo & Joan are marking their return to the Edinburgh Fringe with their debut musical.

One-Man Musical sees them provide the tunes for a star cast of one man playing a ‘renowned gentleman who you will know and recognise’.

The sister duo – Rosie and Nicola Dempsey off stage – also play a selection of numbers from their previous sold-out runs in The Joan and Flo Show later in the month.

Here, F&J answer our Q&A…

How are you feeling ahead of returning to the Fringe?

Absolutely normal. Next question.

What can you tell us about your debut musical?

It’s our debut musical for Edinburgh Fringe, and it is a one man musical about the life of a famous man who we’re pretty sure everyone knows, but who we are refraining from naming publicly in advance of the festival in case the man in question’s fastidious legal team get wind of it and send a cease and desist. The ‘man’ is being played by a wonderful actor, George Fouracres, and we will be playing the music on the edge of the stage in case the real man turns up and we need to make a fast exit.

You’re also doing The Joan and Flo Show, what can we expect from that?

That’s going to be a lovely little collection of some of our crowd favourite songs, and some deep cuts that don’t often see the light of day. We could perhaps call it a ‘best of’ with some extra sides, but who are we to say if we have a ‘best’ of anything?

You’ve sold out runs at previous Fringes, how pleased are you with the reception your shows get at the Fringe?

We’re really fortunate that in a very busy festival people have chosen to come and see our shows and trusted us with their precious time. The responses are varied and telling and we appreciate audiences making sure we are never quite 100% comfortable.

What are the best and worst parts of being in a sister double-act?

Best: time apart

Worst: not getting enough time apart

If you were in charge of the Fringe, what changes would you make?

Scrap the whole thing and start again. Performers make money first. No awards. No free tickets to people ‘in the industry’. A ban on the words ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Baby Reindeer’. More clowns. More rain.

What’s your favourite spot to visit in Edinburgh?

There’s a lake behind Arthur’s Seat that has a lovely bench that’s perfect for sitting and having a think.

What essential item are you packing to survive a month at the Fringe?

Deodorant. The highs are high and the lows are low, but it’s all terrible if you stink.

Who’d be your dream:

Podcast guests / co-hosts

Statler and Waldorf

Wrestling tag team partners

Gonzo and Rizzo

Comedians to split a bill with

Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle

Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?

Abby Wambaugh, Emma Holland, James Rowland, Rob Auton, Natalie Palamides, Swamplesque, Silence the Musical, Patti Harrison, Trygvye Wakenshaw

What question would you ask other comedians in a Q&A – and why?

If you could swap shows with another comedian for a night, who would you trade with?

Flo & Joan’s One Man Musical is at the Pleasance Dome, Queen Dome at 7pm from 31st July – 25th August (except 14th). And Flo & Joan: The Joan & Flo Show is at Assembly George Square Studios, Studio Three at 2:55pm from 12th – 25th August