EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - The Thinking Drinkers

BWW speaks to The Thinking Drinkers about their Edinburgh Fringe show Around The World In 80 Drinks.

So, who are the Thinking Drinkers?

Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, two professional drinks experts and award-winning writers who are up in Edinburgh for the sixth consecutive year with a brand-new comedy show, during which each audience member gets to sip and savour five free deluxe drinks.

What can you tell us about your new show Around The World in 80 Drinks?

It's an interactive imbibing experience unlike any other at Edinburgh. We embark on an elbow-bending adventure around the world exploring different drinking cultures from America to Zaire and the show features hooch-loving Hindus, Vietnam vets, Miss World, sexy sailors, hot air balloons, Al Capone, some singing and, of course, five free drinks.

Tell me more about these 'free drinks'...

Did we not mention the five free drinks? As we take you on a journey through time and space, visiting all these different places around the world, we give out discerning glasses of some very special spirits and beers. Over the hour you get to enjoy a single hop India Pale Ale that we actually brewed at the Meantime Brewery in London, Diplomatico Rum from Venezuela, the legendary Plymouth Gin, Jameson Irish Whiskey (none of that Scottish muck!) and some beautiful Bulleit bourbon.

Who would you recommend your show to?

If you want to learn a lot and laugh a lot and you enjoy a drink now and again then this is the perfect aperitif to any evening at the Edinburgh Fringe. Obviously people like the drinks aspect but it's a whole lot of fun even if you abstain - it's a really fun and fascinating show and you'll never look at a drinks cabinet in the same way again.

Do you think you can ever really prepare for the Edinburgh Fringe?

No, not really. We've been doing yoga, drinking kale smoothies and saying "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper", quite a lot but we know that as soon as we cross the border we won't be able to resist the relentless tomfoolery and excessive shortbread consumption.

Timings and ticket information for Around The World In 80 Drinks are available on the edfringe website.

Photo credit: Rob Lawson

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