Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#66): David Ian, AM I MEAN

12 Jul

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we delve into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect. Today, we’re joined by David Ian to chat more about his show, Am I Mean.

Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

So the show is me working out if I'm mean or not - basically exactly as the title says! Someone who was very important to me told me I was mean and that my nephew was going to grow up thinking I was a mean person. And that sent me on a spiral and the result is this absurd show! SO basically each night the audience gets to work out if I'm mean or not!

What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

Well I love the Fringe so performing at it is a no brainer. An opportunity to perform a piece of work that you've slaved over for ages and that you really care about to a bunch of people who love performance? Yes please! This show is ideal for Edinburgh because it's comedy but it has a bit of heart in there as well.

How would you describe your show in three words?

Absurd, vulnerable, obsessive

What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

I hope that they decide to use it as a mirror to look at themselves.

What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Don't take any of it too seriously. You're not curing cancer, you're meant to be having a good time - so say yes to the drink, the party, the random show, the kiss!

Where and when can people see your show?

Gilded Balloon Patter House Coorie at 4.20pm every day except 11th & 18th.