Interview: Dave Bibby, “Hasta La Vista... Bibby!”

26 May

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 comedian Dave Bibby who returns to the Fringe with a new show, Hasta La Vista.. Bibby! this summer.

1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

This is a follow up to my [ahem] smash hit, award-winning, multiple 5-star show ‘Baby Dinosaur’. While that was set in Jurassic Park and based around my experience of parenting, this show is inspired by another Hollywood classic: Hotel Rwanda. Haha! No joking – keep it light! This is a Dave Bibby remake of Back to the Future.

‘Hasta La Vista… Bibby!’ dives into the chaotic, creative mind of someone with inattentive ADHD. But that someone (this guy!) didn’t know they had it until their late 30s. The question at its heart: would you go back in time and tell your childhood self that you are different?

2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

Honestly, I just love it and am a glutton for punishment! We all have our strengths in this industry, and I actually wish mine was doing funny TikToks but it just isn’t. I thrive on a live audience and can’t wait to get back up there and play around every day. Bring on the old codgers on a Tuesday afternoon and the drunken stag dos at the weekend – keep me on my toes bay-bee!

3. How would you describe your show in three words?

Interactive Fun Spare.

4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

I hope they fall back in love with live performance. I still think we’re getting back to our feet after the pandemic. Put your phone away for one hour and disappear into the mind of this comedy madman. Honestly, in comparison to me your life will feel so well organised.

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Download the Gregg’s app and lean into your new diet!

I do think people lose sight of what ‘fringe’ means. It should be a celebration of new and underrepresented artistes working on their craft. I don’t want the finished product I want the excitement of seeing you work it all out – what makes YOU funny!?

The best advice I have been given is to set realistic goals before Fringe and refer back to them throughout. Don’t compare yourself to others with bigger PR budgets – check if you are hitting your own targets.

6. Where and when can people see your show?

I will be at the legendary Banshee Labyrinth with PBH Free Fringe from 2nd-17th (not 13th) August at 3:35pm. I will also be at Brighton Fringe, Camden Fringe and Buxton Fringe so keep an eye on my socials for more dates post-Edinburgh!

Get it in the diary: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/hasta-la-vista-bibby