EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Marcus Ryan

Tell us a bit about the two shows you're bringing to the festival.

'Love Me Tinder' is a show I created a few years ago. It was when Tinder and the online dating apps really hit their popularity. Critics and audiences loved it and it sold out at several festivals. It started as a show about my own dating life but quickly grew bigger after I realised audiences were coming with their own stories to share. Now it is a unique show every day with slides, stand-up and some cringeworthy hilarious stories.

'Hablas Inglés? is my latest show, which came about naturally after an epic voyage through Central and South America. I was performing stand-up comedy in English and Spanish (while trying to learn Spanish). I was involved in some close calls with the law, locals and nature! Arrests, earthquakes and robberies. Before I knew it, the amount of unfortunate and often awkward situations I got myself into were enough to make for a good story to tell. It was nominated and shortlisted for best comedy show in its debut season and has packed out audiences in Australia.

Why bring them to Edinburgh?

I am Australian but former resident of London and Edinburgh, however my last Fringe and run of shows in the UK was 2012. Having performed at the fringe 7 festivals, I have a UK following who have not seen my shows in several years due to my touring in North and Latin America, Asia and Australia. So I felt I owed it to them to return. I have 2 successful solo shows that I'd been asked to tour here and finally decided its time!

What sets them apart from other shows at the Fringe?

'Love Me Tinder' is arguably the first show with Tinder in the title. Since then the market has been a little flooded, but it is a strong show with a good message on how we use social media. It's also a show that caters for everyone, you don't have to be using online dating to enjoy it. Any singles and couples of all ages can relate. Shows about dating and love will always be popular and this one is tried and tested and I believe stands out. Without giving too much away, there's some surprise "special" guests in the show too.

'Hablas Inglés? I didn't do myself any favours with the Spanish title, which means (Do you speak English?) however I wanted to reach a new audience. I fell in love with the Latin culture and this show really is for them. I may have put off some people who think its a show in Spanish, but those who have travelled to Latin America specifically love it, and anyone who likes to travel in general and enjoy language and learning about different cultures really love it. The latinos who have come to the show rave about it and that's important. I want to help them reminisce and celebrate their culture and also educate more people about the latin culture too. The biggest problem with racism is ignorance. It really is a show that brings people together. It's a genuine storytelling show packed full of laughs and I've never been prouder of what I've achieved with a show than this.

Where have you performed so far?

I have taken 'Hablas Inglés? Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne festivals in 2017. 'Love Me Tinder' has been to Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne twice. As well as the Edmonton Fringe in Canada.

Personally, I have performed in 40 countries in 6 continents. I am the first person to perform English speaking stand-up comedy in several countries. I have toured through South East Asia and Latin America solo, creating gigs in places that have never had it before. I've worked in clubs, festivals corporate and solo shows all over Europe, Asia, Canada, US, OZ, NZ and South Africa. Have MC'd music festivals in front of 15,000 people and done plays in front of 1 person!

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

Reviewers and agents! As much as I am busy working all over, I am most certainly not a household name anywhere and I don't have management or a publicist to get me the press or attention from the industry. I am good at getting an audience and delivering a solid show. I think it's time I was seen by the right people. It'd be nice to start getting some positive attention from my peers and start booking some gigs that I don't have to produce myself!

Besides that, I think anyone who loves some lighthearted entertainment will enjoy 'Love Me Tinder' it's an interesting take on social media and the dating world, but mostly just some good silly fun and funny stand-up comedy. Anyone that wants to travel, has travelled or is Latino will love 'Hablas Inglés? This show is a move away from straight stand-up into storytelling, which I'm now finding is my preferred style. You don't have to have been to the places I've been to get it. In fact, after hearing some of my stories, you may well never want to travel again!

Timings and ticket information for Love Me Tinder and Hablas Ingles can be found on the edfringe website

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