by US comic Seaton Smith

One day I was doing a show in New York City and an agent from the UK emails me and asks if I want to do the Edinburgh Fringe.

I think about it. I have built up a decent reputation in the US  through TV, film, and live work, but should I come to Edinburgh to prove myself all over again? Yes.

Edinburgh takes all-comers equally and if your show is good, Edinburgh loves you for that month.Its famous for its gruelling schedule and that’s okay because as a hungry comic I love working every day.

I had the honour of opening and watching John Mulaney do 31 shows in preparation for a tour of 200 shows around the world, leading to his hit special Baby J. And I am thrilled to try the things I learned. 

Doing 26 shows in a row excites me and scares me. It makes me ponder all types of questions like. Will my US humour translate? Will they understand me?  What is Scotland’s position on immigrant labor anyway? What was Brexit about? Where is the Prime Minister that looked like Trump? What’s he doing? Actually what was Braveheart about? Why did they cut off his balls? 

An unpopular truth about the comedy business is that business costs money. All dreams cost money. And not having money kills dreams.

Sometimes the solution having a dream but no means is massive prayer.Or drinking. Forgetting all your problems. Ignore the sinking ship. Blind positivity. Everything is a win. Even if it’s a loss, it’s a double win. 

Sometimes fear comes in different forms. Sometimes it’s the cynic saying the future of Edinburgh may be online and fame is different now. 

Maybe there will be an Edinburgh TikTok challenge that dictates who’s the best. You WANT to do something special but you NEED to be dancing on TikTok. And you need to make it more interesting. And trending. And unique. And in a niche. With your personality. But for kids. 

The wrong mindset can create failure. When really the only failure is not trying. The cost of not doing it is never knowing how good you are. Not expanding your brand to the rest of the world. Not taking the time figure out what branding even means is failure! And I won’t fail cause I have Google and Google will explain!  

When do you need to take a chance? When you believe that deep inside you do great work and deserve it. I’ve learned that when I try, I succeed. That things come together even when it doesn’t make sense. There is always a chance if you try. Even if you have to live with someone for a month. 

That is why I’m coming to Edinburgh.

• Seaton Smith: Trauma Bonding is on at Pleasance Courtyard at 8.30pm during the Edinburgh Fringe

Published: 25 Jul 2025