Alex got sober in 2017 when she was 23. This is a show about what it’s like once you get sober, discovering who you really are without substances, and what if who you really are is actually also a dickhead? Come and spend a happy hour. The debut fringe hour from Chortle Hotshot 2025, Alex Stringer.
Ahead of their debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Aelx Stringer chats with Corr Blimey
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?
The show is about me getting sober when I was 23, 8 years ago, and my life since then and how I thought it would look versus how it actually looks. It’s dark, vulnerable, but most importantly, funny!
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
There’s lots more people I ever knew that could be involved in a one person stand up show to be honest. It’s a whole world of comedy that I didn’t know existed and it’s amazing. PR, producing, directing, it’s all go! I’m super grateful to have the people onboard I do, because they get it, they get what I’m trying to do and the passion I have in telling my story and that’s the most I could ask for!
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
It feels important, overwhelming but correct. I’ve seen shows for years and strived to return with my own hour and to finally be doing it feels like a dream but a good one!
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
I think my journey from 23 year old alcoholic me to now, sober 31 year old me, offers a different perspective, we perhaps haven’t seen in an Edinburgh show yet. Also, I’m really funny
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
That an alcoholic isn’t always a park bench drinker. Also, I’m hoping they take a look at their own drinking? In a non offensive way, I think that some people could do with that, I’ve only ever seen it be a good thing for people. Also, that I’m a hero for getting sober at such a young age.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
People who want to have a laugh, have possibly been through hardship and understand that laughter is a great healer. Audiences that are engaged in the world we live in too! I think my thoughts/opinions aren’t new but it’s nice when we’re all on the same page.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I’m going to see Molly McGuinness’ show ‘Slob’. She’s a good mate & she’s been through a lot. I know the show will be excellent and she’s a great comic. Speaking of Molly, our birthdays are a day apart so myself, Molly & some of the Best in Class lot, are gonna go & see Freaky Friday 2 in the cinema in Edinburgh to celebrate which should be relaxing & a fun tonic.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
I think that we need to strive for better in terms of diverse line ups. A woman on a line up shouldn’t be a minimum that even some promoters aren’t meeting – that’s crazy! Audiences are diverse and line ups should reflect that! Comedians are inspired to start to do stand up when they see someone like them doing it, so we still need better representation.
Alex Stringer: Happy Hour runs at Venue 33:Bunker Three Bar at Pleasance Courtyard
Photo credit: Rebecca Need-Menear
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