Interview: Alex Prescot, “COSY”
Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives who are preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we dive into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect.
Today we’re joined by Alex Prescot about their COSY, which will play at the Underbelly Bristo Square.
1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?
Sure! The show is called ‘Alex Prescot: Cosy’ and it’s a warm and fuzzy blend of joyful musical comedy and quick-witted improvisation, tailor-made for each audience, with one notably absent double-act partner.
The show’s inspired by double-acts I’ve been in, but also all of the double acts and partnerships that are around us and how some of those relationships don’t get as much attention as they should (e.g. me and my long-term hairdresser!)
I’m also performing in ‘A Jaffa Cake Musical’ at 2pm at Pleasance, which is returning to Edinburgh after a sell-out run last year!
2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?
I did a 45-minute show last year in Edinburgh which went surprisingly well, which gave me the confidence to come back this year with a full hour. I’ve also been working with director Ben Target this year who is brilliant and has definitely taken the show up a notch, going from 'pretty lovely' to 'really lovely'!
Also, Edinburgh Fringe is just a one-of-a-kind festival to reach audiences from around the country and showcase something you’ve been working on all year!
3. How would you describe your show in three words?
Joyous musical pick-me-up!
4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?
I’m aiming to create the nicest hour show at the Fringe, so I hope audiences feel like they’ve had a bespoke gleeful experience, and if they laugh a lot that would be a bonus too.
5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?
It’s a marathon not a sprint (cliché but true) - support both friends and strangers, try and big up other artists you like and, most importantly, play nicely please.
6. Where and when can people see your show?
11:45am every morning at Underbelly Bristo Square - I’d love to see you!
