Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#127): Scott Turnbull, SURREALLY GOOD

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 Scott Turnbull to find out more about Surreally Good.

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

The show is a weird and inventive mash-up of comedy sketches, performed on an old Overhead projector. Think Mighty Boosh meets League of Gentlemen, with a whiff of Vic and Bob.

Surreally Good is about a ‘famous’ overhead projectionist who has travelled to Edinburgh Fringe to present his final show. With the help of his trusted OHP and his estranged family, he will present a final performance in commemoration of his absent father. 

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

Ed Fringe is a great place to showcase your talents, network with industry professionals. Hang out with old pals, make new friends and have a good time making people laugh. Maybe I’ll even make a couple of quid and treat myself to a battered Mars Bar.

I love being in a creative environment, making people laugh and clowning around in front of an audience. What better place to do that than the Edinburgh Festival?  I’ve been to Edinburgh on a number of occasions as an actor, performer and punter. This year feels like a good time to show my skills as a writer and comedy performer. Being awarded Tees Valley Artist of the Year has really inspired me, encouraged me to take my work to the national and international stage 

3. How would you describe your show in three words?

Daft as a Brush. Wait, no. Brush daft as. No, wait…Surreally, really Good

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

I perform a lot of my sketches on the OHP. 

This antiquated device has a certain charm and amusing aesthetic. I use lo-fi animations to take audiences on a weird and wonderful journey through space and time. The show will be interactive and thought-provoking. There’s lots of nostalgic call backs to well loved pop culture and interesting satirical send ups of recognisable TV troupes. At the end of the day (or the start of the day in my case) I want audiences to have a good time. A surreally good time. I want them to smile and laugh and maybe shed a tear or two. Joy or despair is optional.

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Treat yourself. Take care of yourself. Expect the Unexpected. Stretch. Eat well. Drink plenty of water. Pace yourself. Pamper yourself. Enjoy the little moments. Climb a hill. Watch shows. Hang out with friends. Make friends. Make love. Make the best show you can and have fun whilst you’re doing it. 

6. Where and when can people see your show?

Summerhall, 11.20. Former Women’s Locker Room