Friz Frizzle's latest health woe

Comedians face all sorts of challenges on their way to the Edinburgh Fringe – but few are as drastic as Friz Frizzle’s story… because the piano-playing comic lost a finger just two weeks before the festival.

A few weeks ago, a wound on their pinky finger became infected, and they became seriously unwell. A trip to their GP revealed that necrosis had set in, and at least some of the finger would have to be amputated.

Doctors feared that Frizzle might lose more than a finger as a dangerous blood infection led to a frightening two-week stay in hospital on intravenous antibiotics.

The amputation was a success. Thanks to talented surgeons at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, Frizzle was back on the comedy circuit before the stitches were out, headlining the comedy stage at Nottingham’s Splendour festival. 

The comic claims the pinky was the best finger to lose, admitting that they ‘are not a professional pianist by any means’ and they have not had to alter any of the songs in their show.

Frizzle is no stranger to health problems as a late diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy two years ago led to loss of mobility, bouts of fatigue, nerve pain and dexterity problems. 

‘I'm known for my parodies on a piano, and the piano has been getting harder for me to play,’ they said. ‘But I was determined not to quit.  Last year, my knee swelled up to three times its usual size. That’s ridiculous, so I decided to use my next show to tell stories about my hospital adventure in between my songs.’

And earlier this year, a three-day bout of intractable hiccups landed Frizzle back in A&E, almost delirious with pain.  All of which has provided new material for their comedy routines. And they have written a show about their missing digit for the finale of their show.

Fizzle will be bringing two shows to the PBH Free Fringe: Friz Frizzle’s Funny Turn at 4pm at Whistlebinkies, and cult panel show  What’s In The Box?  at 1pm at the Globe bar.

Published: 29 Jul 2025