Two years after winning the Broadway Baby Bobby Award for their debut show, Enter the Dragons, A&E Comedy are back at Brighton Fringe with their new show, Witch-Hunt. We caught up with them to find out whether lightning will strike twice, and pushed them for plenty of tips for new companies wanting to follow in their footsteps.
Since winning the Brighton Bobby Award, what happened to Enter the Dragons?
We immediately drank far too many cocktails. Then when we'd sobered up we decided to take it to Edinburgh where we also had far too much fun. Luckily we had a sell out run and was one of The Guardian's top picks. The Dragon's back in its lair for the time-being, but we'll be touring it UK again in November.
What are the pros and cons of returning to Brighton Fringe?
Pros - It's always great to have a wonderfully supportive home crowd at The Warren. There's also so many other brilliant shows to see. The big plus is sleeping in our own beds. The con is that we still have to be responsible parents and do laundry.
You’ve won a Bobby award, we’re publishing this interview. What advice do you give to companies wanting to get the press to take notice of them?
A good punchy press release that highlights the unique angle about your show - what makes it different to all the other shows on offer? Striking, eye catching photos/images.
Was Enter the Dragons a one-off? What reputation is A&E Comedy aiming to achieve?
Enter the Dragons was a return to performing, through it we rediscovered the joy of being a comedy duo and making the kind of work we would like to see. We hope to achieve a disgracefully outrageous, fuck it, kick-arse reputation for shows that make you laugh, but also pack an emotional punch.
What is your new show Witch-Hunt about?
Witch-Hunt is about power and fear. Who holds power and how fear is used to control us. With jokes. And wigs.
You’re now in Edinburgh for the second time. What have you learnt from your previous experience?
Take your time and know why you're going and what you hope to achieve. Edinburgh is a vast, expensive, amazing shop window, but military planning is needed to get the best experience from it. Research which venue best suits your show, and only take your very best work. Also eat some green things, go steady with the cocktails and sleep occasionally.
How can we get hold of tickets to Witch-Hunt?
They are on sale at Brighton Fringe box office or at The Warren box office.
Witch-Hunt is at Brighton Fringe, 21-23 May 20:00, The Warren
