Image: Rebecca Need-Menear

Following a run of acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe shows and award nominations, Milo Edwards returns to the Fringe with Catamaran. The comedian, writer and podcaster’s latest hour is inspired by an unexpected discovery: a box of letters exchanged by his parents in the 1980s, found in his late mother’s wardrobe. A show about love, death and what a human life leaves behind, Catamaran explores the memories, stories and secrets that remain after someone is gone. We caught up with Milo ahead of this year’s Fringe to find out more.

Every show begins with an initial spark. What was the original idea, moment or experience that made you create this piece?
I found a box of my late parents’ letters from the 1980s and I knew at that moment that whatever was in there was going to be a show. Unfortunately what was in there was very horny.

What can audiences expect when they step into this world?
The show is about family history and coming to terms with your parents as people. It’s mostly a parallel exploration of my life and my dad’s life and the fact that you never truly feel grown up.

The Edinburgh Fringe is a place where artists and audiences come together from across the world. Why is this the right place for this show?
It’s the right place for any show. If someone can get away with playing the accordion naked for an hour I’m sure I can get away with this.

What is something about the show that the audience might not immediately notice, but you hope they discover?
That they recognise me from Instagram reels.

What has surprised you most about creating this piece?
I went into reading the letters expecting narrative and meaning to tumble out of them but in the end the show has been much more like reading tarot cards – it’s less about what they say and more about where they’ve led me.

When your audience walks home, what would you love them to still be talking about?
My joke about the Tory Party conference bombing of 1984. Lovely bit of business. The joke, not the bombing.

Milo Edwards: Catamaran
Cabaret Voltaire 1 at Monkey Barrel
17:15
5th – 30th (not 21st/22nd/23rd)